4th Territorial Battalion

Thu 8th Apr 1915

The troops reached Prudhoe on Thursday and the directors of the Electric Palace at that village kindly invited the territorials to attend the picture hall on Thursday and Friday evenings, the invitation being accepted. During the evening songs were sung by Drum Major J W Robson and Sgt Tully. At Prudhoe 22 recruits joined (HC page 2, column 1- 17 Apr 1915)

Sat 10th April 1915

On Saturday morning the troops left Prudhoe. They made two short halts at Stocksfield and Riding Mill, and then came on to Corbridge, where refreshments were provided in the Town Hall by the Parish Council. The troops had a great reception and the village was gay with bunting.

Hexham the HQ were reached shortly before five, and here the troops were welcomed by a big concourse of people. They marched by way of Priestpopple, Fore Street, the Market place, and Beaumont Street, to their HQ at battle Hill House, and their smart appearance was generally remarked upon. The presence of the band, a remarkably efficient one too, greatly helped the men on the march, while it was undoubtedly a potent attraction to the spectator. After tea, the men had the evening to themselves. (HC page 2, column 1- 17 Apr 1915)

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Sun 11th Apr 1915

On Sunday morning the men attended divine service in Hexham Abbey Church, and their arrival was witnessed by a large crowd, that, however, which witnessed their departure from the mother church of Tynedale being one of the biggest seen in Hexham for a long time. The church itself was crowded, and it is estimated that fully 1000 people took part in the service, which was conducted by the Rector, the Rev Canon Savage, who read both the lessons and prayers. (HC page 2, column 1- 17 Apr 1915)

(Sermon follows)

In the afternoon the full band of the regiment gave a concert in the Abbey Grounds, by kind permission of Major Dixon and officers of the regiment. This being the first performance of the year in Hexham's popular park, there was a large attendance, the weather, though threatening, keeping fair. Under the conductorship of Bandmaster Appleby the band gave a fine rendering of some choice selections which were greatly appreciated.

Mon 12th Apr

On Monday morning the men were paraded early and left Hexham at 10.30, in charge of Captain Hankin, for Acomb and Wall. The detachment, headed by the band, which played through the streets of Hexham, looked very smart. They went to Acomb by way of the Riding, and the band played down through the village. Wall was afterwards visited. (HC page 2, column 1- 17 Apr 1915)

Tue 13th Apr 1915

Tuesday was a quiet day, the men undergoing morning drill, and afterwards, headed by the band, parading the principal streets of the town. The band played in the Abbey grounds both morning and afternoon, a short programme, which attracted many of the country people, being given on each occasion.

In the evening the men and the full band, under the command of Captain Hankin, left by train for Bellingham, the transport going by road.

The men on reaching Bellingham, were billeted at the Town Hall, and during Wednesday paraded in the town. The outlying places such as Woodburn, Falstone and Wark, were covered by recruiting parties in motor cars, and this method has been largely followed during the week, a number of cars having been kindly lent ofr this purpose. The men returned by train to Hexham on Wednesday evening, and were invited to the second house at the Gem. (HC page 2, column 1- 17 Apr 1915)

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Fri 16th April 1915

Leaving Hexham last Friday morning, accompanied by the band of the regiment, the detachment of the Second Line of the 4th Northumberland Fusiliers which is undertaking an extensive route march in the recruiting area of the regiment, went westward. The men passed through Warden, and on to Newbrough, where they were entertained by Mr WJ Benson of Newbrough Hall.

The recruiting detachment of the 2nd line 4th Bn under the command of Captain Hankin, reached Haydon Bridge at 4pm on Friday last by way of Fourstones, and headed by he regimental band playing “Tipperary” marched along Church street, Ratcliffe Road, The Bridge and Shaftoe Street to the Town Hall. Crowds lined the streets and follow the party. Reached the hall they lined up on the roadway, where Mr Richard Davison, chairman of the Parish Council, welcomed them to Haydon Bridge in the name of the parish. He said they were pleased to see them there that day and were glad to have the privilege of offering them hospitality. He hoped they would enjoy their visit. Captain Hankin replied, thanking Mr Davison for his kind words, and the people of Haydon Bridge for their hospitality. The men then marched into the hall where tea was ready for them, the tables being laden with good things, and tastefully decorated with masses of daffodils. At 7.30 the hall again presented an animated scene, when the soldiers were entertained to a smoking concert. A varied programme was presented, which continued until 9.30pm. The program included songs by Miss Lily Kirton, “Little Grey House in the West” and “Coming through the Rye;” miss Jeanie Swallow, “ Dear Little Jammy Face;” Mr George Nattrass……………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………The soldiers were well supplied during the evening with tobacco, cigars cigarettes and aerated waters, and at the close of the concert with supper. The back of the hall was crowded with civilians and ladies and during the evening Captain Hankin appealed for recruits. He said they had enrolled 70 good men in the course of the route march, and he hoped they would add to that number at Haydon Bridge. Haydon Bridge had so far done well, and had sent them a good many splendid men, but he saw many young men present whom he hoped would join them; their country needed them all. Company Sgt Major Wray called upon the men to give the people of Haydon Bridge and especially the ladies, three cheers for their splendid hospitality. The response was unmistakable. The men occupied the hall for the night, and at 10.30 on Saturday morning paraded for inspection and drill in Church Street and the band again delighted the onlookers with their fine music. At 1.30pm the detachment left the village to the strains of the band en route for Bardon Mill, happy in the knowledge that Haydon Bridge had added nine to the number of recruits gained owing to their march………continues (HC 24 Apr 1915).

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The 2/4th Bn in Ipswich on St George's Day - 23rd April 1917

Photo courtesy of Mr A McCaffrey

The 2/4th Bn at this time was on Home Defence duties as part of the 217th Brigade, 72nd Division

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© Copyright NStorey 2004