This article appeared in the Eastbourne Gazette on 19th August 1914.
I wonder what the famous Belgian airs were that the audience stood and sang ‘heartily’ with?
Miss Buckman was indeed a very famous opera singer and would have been a treat for any audience.
“Patriotic Music and Pictures
At Devonshire Park
Shown in the afternoon in conjunction with the vaudeville entertainment in the Pavilion and in the evening in the second part of the programme in the Floral Hall, the pictures of the French Fleet are arousing considerable interest this week. This film is a remarkably fine one and the evening is exhibited with full orchestral accompaniment.
Last Saturday evening there was a crowded audience in the Floral Hall when the great British Army and Navy film “For The King” was shown. During the evening the orchestra played the national airs of Belgium, Russia, France and England. The audience standing and singing heartily. The “Franco-British” march and the fantasias “Life on board the Dreadnought” were included in the programme. Miss Rosina Buckman (the New Zealand soprano) concluded a very successful week’s engagement, receiving double encores after each of her songs.”
Rosina Buckman (March 16, 1881-December 30, 1948) was a New Zealand soprano, and a professor of singing at the Royal Academy of Music. She was born in Blenheim, and studied in England at the Birmingham School of Music. She then returned to New Zealand, toured Australia and debut in London with La boheme at Covent Garden. She continued performing into the 1920s, and recorded prolifically.
For more info on miss Buckman:
http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-Whi021Kota-t1-g1-t3.html
http://www.ourregion.co.nz/theregion.php?category=history&subcategory=Our+People&articleID=189
Showing posts with label Recruitment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Recruitment. Show all posts
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Kisses for Recruits
This amusing letter was published in the Eastbourne Gazette in September 1914.
Kisses for Recruits
To the Editor
Sir,
What woman in this hour of her country’s need has not asked herself, “What can I do?”
Why not recruit – get men and lads to go and fight?
Associations for the purpose might be formed. Each member would have a personal interest in her own recruits, and might save some of the Army and Navy charities by making herself responsible for some, at least, of the cost of clothing at the front and later,. Etc.
I do not profess to offer anything but a mere outline to be filled in by the ladies themselves. Emulation between the girls could be based on the number of recruits each obtained.
The organisation need not worry any Government Department, but end with the recruiting sergeant.
How many volunteer soldiers would there be if each unmarried girl enlisted one? I daresay the methods of the famous Duchess of Gordon in raising the present Gordan Highlanders are not out of date even now – a kiss to every man that joined. There are, of course, hundreds of women who are, and will be, usefully employed; but there are thouands who are not; and surely, no more practical method of usefulness could be desired than for some at least to canvass for men to fight for their country.
I am, yours faithfully,
T. Grant Duff Ainslie.
The Old Mill House
Hellingly,
Sussex.
Kisses for Recruits
To the Editor
Sir,
What woman in this hour of her country’s need has not asked herself, “What can I do?”
Why not recruit – get men and lads to go and fight?
Associations for the purpose might be formed. Each member would have a personal interest in her own recruits, and might save some of the Army and Navy charities by making herself responsible for some, at least, of the cost of clothing at the front and later,. Etc.
I do not profess to offer anything but a mere outline to be filled in by the ladies themselves. Emulation between the girls could be based on the number of recruits each obtained.
The organisation need not worry any Government Department, but end with the recruiting sergeant.
How many volunteer soldiers would there be if each unmarried girl enlisted one? I daresay the methods of the famous Duchess of Gordon in raising the present Gordan Highlanders are not out of date even now – a kiss to every man that joined. There are, of course, hundreds of women who are, and will be, usefully employed; but there are thouands who are not; and surely, no more practical method of usefulness could be desired than for some at least to canvass for men to fight for their country.
I am, yours faithfully,
T. Grant Duff Ainslie.
The Old Mill House
Hellingly,
Sussex.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Music of War by Rudyard Kipling
This interesting little article comes from the New York Times Current History: The European War, Vol 2, No. 1, April, 1915.
When you normally think of recruiting, infantry comes to mind. But here, Rudyard Kipling makes an appeal for Bandsmen and musicians. As he so eloquently puts it “The army needs music, its own music, for, more than in any other calling, soldiers do not live by bread alone”.
Music of War by Rudyard Kipling
The following speech was delivered by Mr. Kipling on Jan. 27, 1915, at a meeting in London promoted by the Recruiting Bands Committee, and held with the object of raising bands in the London district as an aid to recruiting.
The most useful thing that a civilian can do in these busy days is to speak as little as possible, and if he feels moved to write, to confine his efforts to his check book. [Laughter.] But this is an exception to that very sound rule. We do not know the present strength of the new armies. Even if we did it would not be necessary to make it public. But we may assume that there are several battalions in Great Britain which were not in existence at the end of last July, and some of them are in London. Nor is it any part of our national policy to explain how far these battalions are prepared for the work which is ahead of them. They were born quite rightly in silence. But that is no reason why they should continue to walk in silence for the rest of their lives. [Cheers.]
Unfortunately up to the present most of them have been obliged to walk in silence or to no better accompaniment than whistles and concertinas and other meritorious but inadequate instruments of music with which they have provided themselves. In the beginning this did not matter so much. More urgent needs had to be met; but now that the new armies are what they are, we who cannot assist them by joining their ranks owe it to them to provide them with more worthy music for their help, their gratification, and their honor. [Cheers.]
I am not a musician, so if I speak as a barbarian I must ask you and several gentlemen on the platform here to forgive me. From the lowest point of view a few drums and fifes in the battalion mean at least five extra miles in a route march, quite apart from the fact that they can swing a battalion back to quarters happy and composed in its mind, no matter how wet or tired its body may be. Even when there is no route marching, the mere come and go, the roll and flourishing of drums and fifes around the barracks is as warming and cheering as the sight of a fire in a room. A band, not necessarily a full band, but a band of a dozen brasses and wood-winds, is immensely valuable in the district where men are billeted. It revives memories, it quickens association, it opens and unites the hearts of men more surely than any other appeal can, and in this respect it aids recruiting perhaps more than any other agency. I wonder whether I should say this—the tune that it employs and the words that go with that tune are sometimes very remote from heroism or devotion, but the magic and the compelling power is in them, and it makes men's souls realize certain truths that their minds might doubt.
Further, no one, not even the Adjutant, can say for certain where the soul of the battalion lives, but the expression of that soul is most often found in the band. [Cheers.] It stands to reason that 1,200 men whose lives are pledged to each other must have some common means of expression, some common means of conveying their moods and their thoughts to themselves and their world. The band feels the moods and interprets the thoughts. A wise and sympathetic bandmaster—and the masters that I have met have been that—can lift a battalion out of depression, cheer it in sickness, and steady and recall it to itself in times of almost unendurable stress. [Cheers.] You may remember a beautiful poem by Sir Henry Newbolt, in which he describes how a squadron of weary big dragoons were led to renewed effort by the strains of a penny whistle and a child's drum taken from a toyshop in a wrecked French town. I remember in India, in a cholera camp, where the men were suffering very badly, the band of the Tenth Lincolns started a regimental sing-song and went on with that queer, defiant tune, "The Lincolnshire Poacher." It was their regimental march that the men had heard a thousand times. There was nothing in it—nothing except all England, all the East Coast, all the fun and daring and horse play of young men bucketing about big pastures in the moonlight. But as it was given, very softly at that bad time in that terrible camp of death, it was the one thing in the world that could have restored, as it did restore, shaken men back to their pride, humor, and self-control. [Cheers.] This may be an extreme instance, but it is not an exceptional one. Any man who has had anything to do with the service will tell you that the battalion is better for music at every turn, happier, more easily handled, with greater zest in its daily routine, if that routine is sweetened with melody and rhythm—melody for the mind and rhythm for the body.
Our new armies have been badly served in this essential. Of all the admirable qualities which they have shown none is more wonderful than the spirit which has carried them through the laborious and distasteful groundwork of their calling without one note of music, except that which the same indomitable spirit provided out of their own heads. We have all seen them marching through the country, through the streets of London, in absolute silence and the crowds through which they passed as silent as themselves for the lack of the one medium that could convey and glorify the thoughts that are in us all today.
We are a tongue-tied brood at the best. The bands can declare on our behalf without shame and without shyness something of what we all feel and help us to reach a hand toward the men who have risen up to save us. In the beginning the more urgent requirements of the new armies overrode all other considerations. Now we can get to work on some other essentials. The War Office has authorized the formation of bands for some of the London battalions, and we may hope presently to see the permission extended throughout Great Britain. We must not, however, cherish unbridled musical ambitions, because a full band means more than forty pieces, and on that establishment we should even now require a rather large number of men; but I think it might be possible to provide drums and fifes for every battalion, full bands at the depots, and a proportion of battalion bands on half, or even one-third, establishments.
But this is not a matter to be settled by laymen; it must be discussed seriously between bandmasters and musicians—present, past, and dug up. [Laughter.] They may be trusted to give their services with enthusiasm. We have had many proofs in the last six months that people only want to know what the new army needs, and it will be gladly and cheerfully given. The army needs music, its own music, for, more than in any other calling, soldiers do not live by bread alone. From time immemorial the man who offers his life for his land has been compassed at every turn of his service with elaborate ceremonial and observance, of which music is no small part, all carefully designed to support and uphold him. It is not seemly and it is not expedient that any portion of that ritual should be slurred or omitted now. [Cheers.]
When you normally think of recruiting, infantry comes to mind. But here, Rudyard Kipling makes an appeal for Bandsmen and musicians. As he so eloquently puts it “The army needs music, its own music, for, more than in any other calling, soldiers do not live by bread alone”.
Music of War by Rudyard Kipling
The following speech was delivered by Mr. Kipling on Jan. 27, 1915, at a meeting in London promoted by the Recruiting Bands Committee, and held with the object of raising bands in the London district as an aid to recruiting.
The most useful thing that a civilian can do in these busy days is to speak as little as possible, and if he feels moved to write, to confine his efforts to his check book. [Laughter.] But this is an exception to that very sound rule. We do not know the present strength of the new armies. Even if we did it would not be necessary to make it public. But we may assume that there are several battalions in Great Britain which were not in existence at the end of last July, and some of them are in London. Nor is it any part of our national policy to explain how far these battalions are prepared for the work which is ahead of them. They were born quite rightly in silence. But that is no reason why they should continue to walk in silence for the rest of their lives. [Cheers.]
Unfortunately up to the present most of them have been obliged to walk in silence or to no better accompaniment than whistles and concertinas and other meritorious but inadequate instruments of music with which they have provided themselves. In the beginning this did not matter so much. More urgent needs had to be met; but now that the new armies are what they are, we who cannot assist them by joining their ranks owe it to them to provide them with more worthy music for their help, their gratification, and their honor. [Cheers.]
I am not a musician, so if I speak as a barbarian I must ask you and several gentlemen on the platform here to forgive me. From the lowest point of view a few drums and fifes in the battalion mean at least five extra miles in a route march, quite apart from the fact that they can swing a battalion back to quarters happy and composed in its mind, no matter how wet or tired its body may be. Even when there is no route marching, the mere come and go, the roll and flourishing of drums and fifes around the barracks is as warming and cheering as the sight of a fire in a room. A band, not necessarily a full band, but a band of a dozen brasses and wood-winds, is immensely valuable in the district where men are billeted. It revives memories, it quickens association, it opens and unites the hearts of men more surely than any other appeal can, and in this respect it aids recruiting perhaps more than any other agency. I wonder whether I should say this—the tune that it employs and the words that go with that tune are sometimes very remote from heroism or devotion, but the magic and the compelling power is in them, and it makes men's souls realize certain truths that their minds might doubt.
Further, no one, not even the Adjutant, can say for certain where the soul of the battalion lives, but the expression of that soul is most often found in the band. [Cheers.] It stands to reason that 1,200 men whose lives are pledged to each other must have some common means of expression, some common means of conveying their moods and their thoughts to themselves and their world. The band feels the moods and interprets the thoughts. A wise and sympathetic bandmaster—and the masters that I have met have been that—can lift a battalion out of depression, cheer it in sickness, and steady and recall it to itself in times of almost unendurable stress. [Cheers.] You may remember a beautiful poem by Sir Henry Newbolt, in which he describes how a squadron of weary big dragoons were led to renewed effort by the strains of a penny whistle and a child's drum taken from a toyshop in a wrecked French town. I remember in India, in a cholera camp, where the men were suffering very badly, the band of the Tenth Lincolns started a regimental sing-song and went on with that queer, defiant tune, "The Lincolnshire Poacher." It was their regimental march that the men had heard a thousand times. There was nothing in it—nothing except all England, all the East Coast, all the fun and daring and horse play of young men bucketing about big pastures in the moonlight. But as it was given, very softly at that bad time in that terrible camp of death, it was the one thing in the world that could have restored, as it did restore, shaken men back to their pride, humor, and self-control. [Cheers.] This may be an extreme instance, but it is not an exceptional one. Any man who has had anything to do with the service will tell you that the battalion is better for music at every turn, happier, more easily handled, with greater zest in its daily routine, if that routine is sweetened with melody and rhythm—melody for the mind and rhythm for the body.
Our new armies have been badly served in this essential. Of all the admirable qualities which they have shown none is more wonderful than the spirit which has carried them through the laborious and distasteful groundwork of their calling without one note of music, except that which the same indomitable spirit provided out of their own heads. We have all seen them marching through the country, through the streets of London, in absolute silence and the crowds through which they passed as silent as themselves for the lack of the one medium that could convey and glorify the thoughts that are in us all today.
We are a tongue-tied brood at the best. The bands can declare on our behalf without shame and without shyness something of what we all feel and help us to reach a hand toward the men who have risen up to save us. In the beginning the more urgent requirements of the new armies overrode all other considerations. Now we can get to work on some other essentials. The War Office has authorized the formation of bands for some of the London battalions, and we may hope presently to see the permission extended throughout Great Britain. We must not, however, cherish unbridled musical ambitions, because a full band means more than forty pieces, and on that establishment we should even now require a rather large number of men; but I think it might be possible to provide drums and fifes for every battalion, full bands at the depots, and a proportion of battalion bands on half, or even one-third, establishments.
But this is not a matter to be settled by laymen; it must be discussed seriously between bandmasters and musicians—present, past, and dug up. [Laughter.] They may be trusted to give their services with enthusiasm. We have had many proofs in the last six months that people only want to know what the new army needs, and it will be gladly and cheerfully given. The army needs music, its own music, for, more than in any other calling, soldiers do not live by bread alone. From time immemorial the man who offers his life for his land has been compassed at every turn of his service with elaborate ceremonial and observance, of which music is no small part, all carefully designed to support and uphold him. It is not seemly and it is not expedient that any portion of that ritual should be slurred or omitted now. [Cheers.]
Monday, January 11, 2010
South Downs Battalion - Claude Lowther's Appeal.
The Southdown’s Battalion were formed from the men of the Home Defence Force and those that volunteered after this notice was published in the Eastbourne Gazette on 9th September 1914.
Lord Kitchener had authorised the raising of a new Sussex battalion. Mr. Lowther’s appeal letter is fascinating; encouraging friends and relatives to sign up together and the special appeal to all ‘who have distinguished themselves upon the field of sport to decorate this town with laurels from the battlefield.’
GREAT RECRUITING EFFORTS
ANOTHER BATTALION OF SUSSEX INFANTRY
TO BE RAISED BY MR. CLAUDE LOWTHER, M.P.
With the sanction of Lord Kitchenner. Mr. Claude Lowther, M.P. (Hertmonceux Castle) is raising another Sussex battalion of infantry which he will command and will accompany wherever it goes. Already the services of a number of local gentlemen have been secured as officers and Sussex men are wanted as rank and file. Mr. Lowther will do his best to make the best commissariat arrangements, but all who join must understand that they will be soldiers under the orders of the Government. The age of enlistment ranges from 19 to 36, a concession which men who have completed their 35th year will appreciate. Mr. Lowther’s great object is to assist the work or recruiting by looking after it himself. Mr. A. Millward (the well known county cricketer and umpire) is the local secretary in Eastbourne; and the appeal for men is being made in the surrounding districts so to form a purely Sussex battalion with separate companies for Eastbourne men, Hailsham men and Hertmonceux men. In some parts of the country men who have gone to enlist have been asked to come in later in the day and this delay has caused some waverers to decide not to join the Army.
About 150 men join the Home Defence Force at Herstmonceux, Mr. Lowther being the commandant and Mr. J.H.C. Norton the hon. Lieutenant. Last Thursday, Mr. Lowther assembled the men and asked how many would join the regulars. Thirty men stepped forward at once and on Monday morning the number had increased to Fifty-five; and it was hoped that by last (Tuesday) evening the full strength required for the Herstmonceux Company would be available.
AN APPEAL FOR AN EASTBOURNE CONTINGENT.
Lord Kitchener, in spite of his strenuous work, has spared time to think of your wants.
He recognises that men often prefer to serve side by side with friends and relatives than to be drafted into different regiments to serve with strangers. He has given me permission to raise another Sussex battalion of infantry which I am to have the honour to command – assisted by other officers who live in the county.
I look confidently to the men of Eastbourne to send a contingent –m to be known as the Eastbourne Company. This contingent will train together, will fight together and will, pray God, return together.
Eastbourne has already responded loyally to the Nation’s call. She has sent men – she will send more.
I make this special appeal a to cricketers, footballers and others who have distinguished themselves upon the field of sport to decorate this town with laurels from the battlefield. But all men between the ages of 19 and 36 will be welcomed.
Claude Lowther.
Herstmonceux Castle.
For particulars apply to Wm. A. Millward, 46, Cavendish Place or to me direct.
Lord Kitchener had authorised the raising of a new Sussex battalion. Mr. Lowther’s appeal letter is fascinating; encouraging friends and relatives to sign up together and the special appeal to all ‘who have distinguished themselves upon the field of sport to decorate this town with laurels from the battlefield.’
GREAT RECRUITING EFFORTS
ANOTHER BATTALION OF SUSSEX INFANTRY
TO BE RAISED BY MR. CLAUDE LOWTHER, M.P.
With the sanction of Lord Kitchenner. Mr. Claude Lowther, M.P. (Hertmonceux Castle) is raising another Sussex battalion of infantry which he will command and will accompany wherever it goes. Already the services of a number of local gentlemen have been secured as officers and Sussex men are wanted as rank and file. Mr. Lowther will do his best to make the best commissariat arrangements, but all who join must understand that they will be soldiers under the orders of the Government. The age of enlistment ranges from 19 to 36, a concession which men who have completed their 35th year will appreciate. Mr. Lowther’s great object is to assist the work or recruiting by looking after it himself. Mr. A. Millward (the well known county cricketer and umpire) is the local secretary in Eastbourne; and the appeal for men is being made in the surrounding districts so to form a purely Sussex battalion with separate companies for Eastbourne men, Hailsham men and Hertmonceux men. In some parts of the country men who have gone to enlist have been asked to come in later in the day and this delay has caused some waverers to decide not to join the Army.
About 150 men join the Home Defence Force at Herstmonceux, Mr. Lowther being the commandant and Mr. J.H.C. Norton the hon. Lieutenant. Last Thursday, Mr. Lowther assembled the men and asked how many would join the regulars. Thirty men stepped forward at once and on Monday morning the number had increased to Fifty-five; and it was hoped that by last (Tuesday) evening the full strength required for the Herstmonceux Company would be available.
AN APPEAL FOR AN EASTBOURNE CONTINGENT.
Lord Kitchener, in spite of his strenuous work, has spared time to think of your wants.
He recognises that men often prefer to serve side by side with friends and relatives than to be drafted into different regiments to serve with strangers. He has given me permission to raise another Sussex battalion of infantry which I am to have the honour to command – assisted by other officers who live in the county.
I look confidently to the men of Eastbourne to send a contingent –m to be known as the Eastbourne Company. This contingent will train together, will fight together and will, pray God, return together.
Eastbourne has already responded loyally to the Nation’s call. She has sent men – she will send more.
I make this special appeal a to cricketers, footballers and others who have distinguished themselves upon the field of sport to decorate this town with laurels from the battlefield. But all men between the ages of 19 and 36 will be welcomed.
Claude Lowther.
Herstmonceux Castle.
For particulars apply to Wm. A. Millward, 46, Cavendish Place or to me direct.
Friday, January 08, 2010
540 Recruits from the Eastbourne District
The following 3 notices were published in the Eastbourne Gazette on 9th September 1914, just a month after war was declared.
540 men had signed up from the district and two firms had promised to pay enlisted soldiers from their employment full pay to wives.
540 Recruits from the Eastbourne District
The recruits enlisted at Eastbourne consist of men who have been residing in the borough and the surrounding district.
Enrolled pior to August 28 – 12
Enrolled between Augst 28 – Sept 5. – 370
Enrolled on Monday last – 158
Total 540.
Twenty Three from One firm
No fewer than 23 of the employees of Caffyn’s Garage Ltd (Eastbourne and Heathfield) are serving with the colours. Three other volunteered, but were rejected, 2 on account of defective eyesight and one because he was under age. The married men’s wives will receive allowances from the firm during their husband’s absence. In all cases the positions of the employees are being kept open.
The Grand Hotel Employees With the Colours.
The directors of the Grand Hotel Company Eastbourne, have arranged to pay all married men in their employ (or single men with dependants) who have enlisted for foreign or home service during the war the difference between the Army allowance and full wages in addition to keeping their posts open.
540 men had signed up from the district and two firms had promised to pay enlisted soldiers from their employment full pay to wives.
540 Recruits from the Eastbourne District
The recruits enlisted at Eastbourne consist of men who have been residing in the borough and the surrounding district.
Enrolled pior to August 28 – 12
Enrolled between Augst 28 – Sept 5. – 370
Enrolled on Monday last – 158
Total 540.
Twenty Three from One firm
No fewer than 23 of the employees of Caffyn’s Garage Ltd (Eastbourne and Heathfield) are serving with the colours. Three other volunteered, but were rejected, 2 on account of defective eyesight and one because he was under age. The married men’s wives will receive allowances from the firm during their husband’s absence. In all cases the positions of the employees are being kept open.
The Grand Hotel Employees With the Colours.
The directors of the Grand Hotel Company Eastbourne, have arranged to pay all married men in their employ (or single men with dependants) who have enlisted for foreign or home service during the war the difference between the Army allowance and full wages in addition to keeping their posts open.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Posters on Taxicabs
This article appeared in “The Times” on 27th August 1914.
As recruiting fever was at its peak, the public were asked to support the war effort and only ride in Taxicabs with the appropriate patriotic message.
Good business for those taxicabs with the right sign!
“Posters on Taxicabs
We are asked to state that with a view of assisting the recruiting authorities to secure men for Lord Kitchener’s new Army, taxicabs throughout London are carrying placards containing the appeal to arms.
Several instances have come to the notice of the authorities of the unpatriotic action of certain people in refusing to engage a taxicab on which the appeal is posted. The public, therefore, are asked to render service to the country in the direction of advertising “the call to arms” by giving preference to those taxicabs which display the following notice in red type:- “A call to arms. Enlistment for the war only.””
As recruiting fever was at its peak, the public were asked to support the war effort and only ride in Taxicabs with the appropriate patriotic message.
Good business for those taxicabs with the right sign!
“Posters on Taxicabs
We are asked to state that with a view of assisting the recruiting authorities to secure men for Lord Kitchener’s new Army, taxicabs throughout London are carrying placards containing the appeal to arms.
Several instances have come to the notice of the authorities of the unpatriotic action of certain people in refusing to engage a taxicab on which the appeal is posted. The public, therefore, are asked to render service to the country in the direction of advertising “the call to arms” by giving preference to those taxicabs which display the following notice in red type:- “A call to arms. Enlistment for the war only.””
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