Volunteers recruitment meeting (1917)

Post date: May 15, 2014 7:46:34 PM

Extract from Kent Messenger of 10th November 1917.

THE 5th KENT VOLUNTEERS

SUCCESSFUL MEETING AT WATERINGBURY

NEW PLATOON FORMED

In order to bring the strength of the 5th Battalion Kent Volunteer Regiment up to its war establishment, viz. 1,000 all ranks, big recruiting efforts are now being made in the different parts of the county covered by the Battalion. On Wednesday evening a most successful recruiting meeting and smoking concert were held at the King’s Head Hotel, Wateringbury, at which Lieut. Colonel A. C. Borton, J.P., commanding the Battalion, pre­sided, and there were also present Colonel C. E. Warde, M.P. (Commandant Mid-Kent Group), Captain F. H. Stevens (Group Adju­tant), Captain C. B. Mercer (Second in Com­mand of the Battalion), Captain W. C. Price (Battalion Adjutant), Captain A. T. Lewis, Captain F. J. Bryan, Second Lieuts. W. Craw­ford, J. G. Clarke, and Lieut. and Q.M. H. E. Epps.

The musical programme was provided by a number of wounded soldiers from the hospi­tal at Barham Court, and a more entertain­ing programme has rarely been listened to. The contributors were Sergt. Fuller, Lance- Corpl. Pridham, Ptes Webb, Wren and McKendrick. It would be invidious to single out any particular performer, they all did remarkably well, and the appreciation of the large audience must have shown these gal­lant men that their efforts to help were met in the spirit so richly deserved. The meeting was open to all residents of Wateringbury and the immediate neighbour­hood, and they turned up in force and dis­played a keen interest.

Captain C. B. Mer­cer, explaining the object of the meeting, stated that they were assembled there to assist in the formation of another platoon for the 5th Battalion Kent Volunteer Regiment, to he known as the Wateringbury platoon. Mr. Walter Phillips, who was known to most of those present, had been granted a commis­sion in the Battalion and would take com­mand of the new formation it was hoped to raise that evening. He thought they were fortunate in securing the services of Mr. Phillips, who was full of enthusiasm and energy in the new work he had undertaken. Those who had already made up their minds to join the Wateringbury platoon could be assured that they would be well looked after, and no stone would be left unturned to make this latest platoon one of the most, efficient in the Battalion. It would form part of “B” Company, which was commanded by Captain Bryan, and already consisted of platoons at Yalding, Borough Green and Malling.

Lieut.Col. Borton, addressing, the audience, paid a handsome tribute to the work of the gallant wounded soldiers who had contri­buted so largely to the success of the evening, and whom he desired to thank in the name of those present for providing so excellent

all entertainment (cheers). With regard to the Volunteers, they were called into exist­ence for Home Defence, and every man who was physically fit to serve in the Volunteers should without hesitation range himself un­der the flag of the new Force and prove that he had the Welfare of his country at heart. If every civilian in the country was trained in the use of arms there would be no possi­bility of an invasion — the Germans would never attempt it (hear, hear). But we had not the requisite number of civilians under

arms. At present the Volunteers did not represent more than a quarter of a million men.If there were a million Volunteers— as there ought to be then he would be one of those who did not view the possibility of invasion with any great alarm (hear, hear). Everything that the Army Authorities could do was being done to equip the Volunteers in thorough fashion, and every assistance was afforded to a man on joining the Volunteers, to make himself as efficient as possible in those subjects which the Army Council required. Volunteers were not expected to undertake any form of strenuous military training, but in case of mobilisation they would be transported to their war position and there expected to put up a fight for the protection of their kith and kin (cheers). He appealed to those present to play the game, to come forward and make the sacrifice, and do something to help their country in its

hour of need in the manner that was open to them.

Captain Price, the battalion adjutant, explained the role of the Force and its obligations. He appealed for Volunteers for Sec­tions A, B and C, and pointed out that all that a man undertook to do, on signing theform of Agreement was to put in 14 drills of one hour each monthly until he was passed efficient, (which usually happened with­in three or four months after enrolment), then only 10 drills per month would he re­quisite. For the agriculturist, further con­cessions were, made during the summer months and only, half the requisite number of drills would be expected. There was no desire to inflict any hardship upon anyone; all that it was sought was to render every assistance to the man to make himself an efficient Volun­teer so that he could give a good account of himself if he were mobilised and sent in to the fighting line on this side of the water. The Adjutant made especial mention of the fact that every effort was made to arrange drills so as to fit in with the Volunteer’s civil occupation and his private circumstances. Moreover, special arrangements designed to facilitate, the performance of the programme had been, sanctioned. For example, a Volun­teer was allowed to count as many as three drills in one day or five drills in two consecu­tive days towards the minimum number which he had to attend in one month. In such a case he might count any extra drills he performed in one month, up to a maximum of five, towards the ten he had to perform in the following month.

Captain Price explained the advantages of membership of sections A, B and C,the free issue of equipment, uniform clothing, great coats and army boots, the boots being issued to volunteers at half cost. In conclusion, he explained that Special Constables could, also join the Volunteers, and such men were placed in Section “P ,” which in effect was to ear-mark them for duty with the Police in case of invasion, but after their police duty was finished, then to rejoin their Volunteer unit.

Colonel Warde, M.P., expressed his great pleasure at being present and being able to support Colonel Borton in his efforts to fur­ther the Volunteer movement in his recruit­ing area. Colonel Borton had thrown him­self into the work with a zest and a keenness which he thought was second to none in the county, and, ably supported by his officers and Adjutant, had every reason to be complimented on the efficiency of his Battalion. In the present Volunteer movement, he went on to say, we had returned to the spirit of by-gone days, and we who had been prevented from going to the trenches were asked to place ourselves in the ranks and to revive the Volunteer spirit of an earlier day. What more glorious duty could be conceived? We had heard of the possibility of invasion, might not the rumours be true, of the Scheldt being full of German shipping and Antwerp crowded with German soldiers for the attempt? The world was full of surprises in this awful world war; we had seen it in the last few days, we should see it again, he had no doubt. If we believed in the possi­bility of invasion, he asked those who were outside the Volunteers at present, to come forward and show that they were ready and willing to prepare themselves for such an eventuality, (cheers).

At the conclusion of the speeches a number of men immediately handed in their names and were sworn in as members of the new Wateringbury platoon, of B Company, 5th Battalion K.V.R. Captain Lewis with Lieut. Epps and Lieut. Crawford, undertook the en­rolment of the recruits, and later Second Lieut. W. Phillips announced, amid great enthusiasm that 24 Volunteers had signed on, and that with the promises he had received he had no doubt that by the first parade (to he held on Sunday, the 11th instant, at 3 p.m. at the King’s Head) he would have secured 50 men (loud cheers). Further information required by intending recruits may be had on application to Second Lieut. Walter Phillips, at the Hermitage, Wateringbury, who asks, us to state that for the convenience of men living at Mereworth a section will be formed there provided ten men are willing to join.