Chapter Three
In the morning we bade our farewells to the rest of the lodgers in the boarding house receiving hand shakes from the men and kisses from the women Mr Domby was not present though and I thought this strange but he had wished us good luck last night. We had packed our shaving gear and some spare shirts and underwear in our small cases and we would send for anything else we may need when we found more out. Then the time came to go and Mrs Moffat and both Beth and Rosie kissed us on the cheeks and stepped back. Mrs Moffat said. “Now don't you be doing anything daft, and look out for each other and don't forget there will always be a place here for you.” She shoved parcels with sandwiches in them into our hands. The tears were streaming down her face and she was dabbing at them with the corner of her apron. And both George and I both had tears in our eyes as well as I said. “It’s alright Ma well be careful and well write to you and let you know how were getting on.” I kissed her on the cheek as she told me. “Make sure you do and don't go forgetting your friends here or your family.” She smothered me in her large bosom and then kissed me on the forehead as I then said. “How could we forget you and the rest of the people here as you are just like family?” She then kissed George on the cheek saying. “Go on be off with you or you'll be late on your first day and the army would probably blame me for that as well still there could be a surprise there that you don't yet know of. We looked at her surprised at what she had said but she said nothing else so we forgot about it as we turned for the door and both said. “Goodbye Ma.” We walked down the hall and then just as we neared the front door I heard footsteps behind us so I turned and Rosie rushed up to me and kissed me on the lips and said. “You be careful Billy Boy don't you let anything bad happen.” I teased her by asking. “Why would you be bothered if it did?” She replied “Oh yes I don't think I could bear it if anything happened to you.” I smiled at her and I was touched by the concern in her eyes which were wet with tears so I told her. “I'll write to you Rosie to let you know I’m still alright.” I looked into her eyes and saw something in them Id never seen before. Shed always been cheeky happy go lucky Rosie but now in her eyes I saw the vulnerable side to her and the child that was hiding inside she clung to me for a moment saying. “I'll reply to every letter and I'll look forward to getting them.” She let go of me and I turned and caught up to George who was waiting at the front door.
We arrived at the Drill Hall on Peel Street to find it packed with men and as we moved through them a voice shouted. “Over here lads be quick.” We looked over and saw that it was Bert, Charlie and the Lord Brothers over on one side of the Hall we went over and to them and shook hands. Frank Lord said. “This looks a rum do and no mistake if they pack anymore in hear well be like bloody sardines.” I looked round the Hall and saw a few familiar faces I was just about to turn back to the lads when I noticed a couple of the toughs who were arrested outside the park a few weeks ago. I was puzzled as to why they would have enlisted but I got no further in my thoughts because just then someone blew a whistle which shrilled round the Drill Hall and got everyone’s attention. Then I heard George Drew exclaim. “Bloody hell it’s Mr D of all people!” I looked and saw he was right Mr Domby in full uniform with sergeant’s stripes on the sleeves and two rows of bright coloured ribbons on his chest. You could have knocked me down with a feather, and I stood there with my moth opening and closing like a demented cod fish. George continued saying. “No wonder he wasn't there this morning to say good bye and no wonder Mrs M made that remark about surprises there both a set of dark horses and no mistake.” George looked across at me but I was still in shock. It was Frank Lord who said. “He might be a dark horse but he’s also brave with it see that red white and blue ribbon in the middle that’s the Military Medal and it’s only awarded for bravery in the field so we know now that he’s no pen pusher or other such type who never sees action.” I now looked at Mr Domby with an even greater respect as I thought to myself not once had he ever mentioned being in the army let alone being decorated for bravery although it was obvious that Mrs Moffat knew. Then I thought what he must have thought about us lot jumping up and down at the prospect of war and suddenly what he'd said and pointed out to us started to make sense. But there was not time for any more thinking as Sgt Domby barked out. “Right you lot come on get into line your soldiers now so stop acting like bloody civilians and get your finger out.” A couple of corporals were shoving people into line further down as the Sergeant said. “Now then listen up the Commanding Officer wants a word with you so stop shuffling your feet up and down and keep your traps shut and your ears open. I want to see you stood at ease with your feet apart and your hands clasped behind your back. And do try to look like soldiers even if some of you will never be military as long as you've a hole in your arse.”
Up onto the stage stepped Major Jack Harrmon who was now a Colonel and who said. “It’s good to see you all here and it makes me extremely proud that so many of you have volunteered and that we have raised a battalion so quickly.” He coughed and cleared his throat before he continued. “However at the moment we have no equipment and it may be a while before we get any.” A moan went up from the crowd. Sgt Domby growled. “Quite in the ranks.” Colonel Jack responded by saying. “I know how disappointed you must all feel but at the moment the War Office are using all the equipment they have to fetch the Regular Battalions up to scratch. But we will receive equipment as soon as it becomes available. And make no mistake we are needed and wanted so don't let this little set back sap you’re moral.” He paused and ran his eyes over everyone in the Hall and we seemed to grow taller as his gaze swept over us. He went on to tell us. “Now until the War Office manages to take over we will be responsible for your training organization and administration until everything is up and running. Just remember that you are the finest volunteers from the town and surrounding areas be proud of your self’s and of your Battalion. You can believe me when I say that I am prouder of you than any body of men I have ever commanded.” We gave him a rousing cheer and felt immensely proud ourselves as the Colonel continued. “So what we have to do is to shape you from a crowd of civilians into a fighting Battalion and that is the job we have set ourselves all you need to do is give us a chance and with your help we will succeed. I will now hand you over to the Adjutant to carry on with your induction. So good luck and I hope to get to know each and every one of you in the days to come.” Captain Melstone who had been in the Territorial’s for a while and was now Adjutant stepped up he was good looking like most of his family for he was the eldest son of Jeremiah Melstone who owned Melstone’s brewery. He was tall and slim and fair of hair and complexion and he now said. “Can I have your attention please would you listen to these names?” And he proceeded to read out a list of officers who had just been gazetted then he went on to read out a list of men who had been given N.C.O. rank. Most of these men had no chevrons or other badges of rank and only a few were dressed in uniform the rest were in civilian clothes so for the moment it was necessary to learn their names.
When he had finished reading all the names tables were set up in front of the stage and officers and NCO started crowding round them. They started making lists of companies, of platoons and sections, lists of stores and equipment indeed lists for everything. Whilst we stood around in groups itching to find out what was happening and feeling a little disenchanted by the situation until we were finally told that they were ready to form Companies. Sgt Domby came up to us and said. “Alright lads I’ve got you all in to B Company that way you'll all be able to stay together and not be split up all over the place. This was great and I smiled at him saying. “Thank you Sgt Domby we all really appreciate you doing that for us.” He stared back at us and then told us. “Alright get over to the B Company table over there on the right hand side” At first it was Pandemonium with people milling about searching for their Companies and looking a bit disoriented. We managed to make our way through the crowd over to the B Company table. There we saw Gerald Thornley who was an under manager at Grundy’s Quarry and was now our Company Commander we found out that Sgt Domby was Company Sergeant. Then there was Walter Cole the son of Mr Cole who owned Coles drapery shop where George and Bert worked and he was now a newly commissioned lieutenant and he looked more like a school boy than ever with his downy cheeks and a lost look on his face. There was John Pearson who worked at the foundry who was dark skinned dark haired and as strong as an Ox. Also there was Fred Hesketh who was tall with blonde hair and who worked down the Main Post Office. And on the edge of the Company stood two toughs who nobody amongst our lot seemed to recognise although I thought I had seen them before. Captain Thornely said. “Right lads as things stand at the moment and while things are sorted out those of you who live at home will have to carry on living there. Those who come from outlying areas will be found billets in the town. You will receive 21 shillings per week pay but part of this will be made up of a billeting allowance.” He paused for a moment whilst we took this news in before continuing. “We will train every day, and until we receive uniforms I’m afraid we will have to train in civilian clothing. Now I will turn you over to Sergeant Domby he will give you the information you need on the training to be carried out in future. But first I wish to thank you for volunteering and to ask you to be patient and lets all pull together and make B Company the best in the Battalion right then I will see you in the morning.” And with this he turned and walked away leaving us pondering what he had just said.
Sergeant Domby took over and said to us. “I want to see you tomorrow morning at 8 o clock here at the Drill Hall we will then march to the large yard at the rear of Melstones Brewery where we will practice drill and manoeuvres right then you shower dismissed.” We broke up and made our way towards the exit where the men from the other Companies were already streaming through. We said good bye to the rest of the gang and told them we would meet them here in the morning. Then George and I went home to General Gordon Street. We went in through the front door as we got in we could see Beth and Rosie doing the dusting in the hall way Rosie saw us and asked. “Have you come back to pick up some clothes then?” Beth joined in whilst she flicked her duster over the hall stand saying. “What's it like being in the army?” I had just finished saying. “Where’s Ma Rosie.” Then before I could say another word a voice shouted. “Rosie who are you nattering with I want that dusting finished today my girl there’s lots more work to be done around here and gossiping wont get it finished any quicker.” Rosie was quick to defend herself and said. “But Ma Billy Boy and George are here and they want to see you.” Mrs Moffat came out of the kitchen wiping her hands on her piny and saying. “Whatever is the matter there’s nothing happened has there?” I reassured her as I told her. “No everything is fine Ma but is it alright if we stay here until everything is sorted out.” We went on to explain what had been said to us down at the Drill Hall and then Ma smiled saying to us. “Don't you worry boys the rooms yours for as long as you need it.” I replied. “Thanks Ma you don't know what that means to us and what a weight it is off our shoulders. George added his own comment saying. “You’re a trooper Mrs M I can’t thank you enough both for me and Billy Boy.” Mrs Moffat looked at us with matronly kindness then said. “Better go up and put your things away then come back down and we'll have tea in the parlour you can tell us about everything that has happened today.”
The next morning we arrived at the Drill Hall at 8 o clock and we had just said our good mornings when we were chased into line by the sergeants and corporals then we were marched in a shambling gait down to the yard at Melstone’s brewery. Where we were introduced to the complications and niceties of close order drill and what a pleasure that was. There were just B and D Companies using the Peel Street Drill Hall and the Brewery yard the rest of the battalion had been distributed about amongst other Drill Halls and other practice grounds for their drill and instruction.
Over the next few weeks the training went on a pace there were lectures in the Drill Hall given by Officers and NCOs. These covered many different subjects from the digging of trenches to Advanced and Flank Guards and the Adjutant Capt Melstone gave a talk on the History of the British Army which went down very well with the lads. In early October Charlie came rushing into the Drill Hall bursting with news and shouting. “I’ve just watched these boxes arrive and be off loaded I asked Cpl Harding if they were uniforms. He said no but they are rifles so I scooted back here to let you know.” We all gave a cheer and a general hubbub began with people chatting and speculating about this event. George said. “Now we can get on with things no more messing around with broom handles. We will be able to get some firing practice in and show how good we can be with the right equipment.” Frank Lord joined in saying. “Not to mention we can get in some bayonet practice”, and he mimed stabbing with a rifle and bayonet.
The Sergeants and Corporals came in and started shouting. “Get on parade, come on get in line you lot bloody hell a load of kiddies could do better.” We arranged ourselves into parade order as Sgt Domby shouted. “Attention Officer on parade.” Captain Thornley stepped in front of the parade and said. “Stand at ease! Stand Easy! Right I thought Id impart to you the news although no doubt you already know that we have received a consignment of rifles.” A cheer went up from the formation. Once more Sgt Domby shouted. “Quite in the ranks.” The Captain smiled before informing us. “Before you get too exited these rifles we have received are out dated Lee Metfords and they will be used for drill only.” A sound like a balloon deflating came from all the assembled men as the Captain continued. “I know you’re disappointed but we must make the best job we can with the tools we are given until the proper ones come along.” And with this last comment on the subject Capt Thornley dismissed us to our duties. You could find us most days practising our drill on the Brewery Yard although the drill at this time was not always as smooth as it might be. With the arrival of the rifles a new element to our drill had been added there was also the fact that we were raw recruits who knew nothing about the mysteries of the Army Drill Manual this meant that we had to take things slow at first and of course there were some mistakes. But I am convinced that no one else would have been able to match the enthusiasm or learned the movements better or quicker than us. Still at first we were plagued by women and young girls laughing and giggling at every little mistake and the sneers and jeers of idle men who had been rejected by the Battalion, and who turned up to watch us drill. At other times we would be asked to march through the town and districts to show off the skills we had learned. And there were always the route marches out into the country side that would go on for miles these were used to get us fit and to toughen us up from the soft civilians that we had been.
Towards the end of October we were issued uniforms, however they were not the khaki uniforms of the territorial and regulars. But were cheap cotton affairs that were made out of a blue sort of material and that made us look like something out of the Fire Brigade. And believe you me there were a few choice words going round about what fool thought about giving us these bits of rag and turning us into a laughing stock. Because along with the uniforms came a tam o shanter type of hat that when worn looked like a saucepan lid stuck on top of our heads it was also made of wool so that when it rained it soaked up water like a sponge and hung down one side with the weight of about half a stone. Also about this time Lt. Cole gathered the Company together one morning he stood on the stage and related a piece of news to us that we had all been waiting for as he said. “Well men the time has come at last for us to bring the Battalion together. Because although training as it has been as gone as well as could be expected under the circumstances we need at this stage to be training as a full Battalion. So to this end we are moving to the North of the County to a camp at Weatherington where our training will become more intense and more specialized.” An excited buzz of conversation started up in the ranks. Then Sgt Wallace barked at us. “Quite in the ranks, stop your lips flapping and listen to what Mr Cole has to say”, he glared at us and his face was bright red. Lt Cole coughed and then continued saying. “I know you’re all excited about the news but a lot of work needs to be done before we move at the end of the week. The Advance Party is already there making things ready for us to move up there and from what I hear things are going splendidly. But now it’s our turn to get things ready from this end so let’s get on with what we have to do and let’s do it well.” He looked over all of us his young face wet with perspiration and still he seemed more than a tad nervous as he told us. “The Sergeants will read out the lists of the fatigues and duties that have been assigned to you. I know you will carry out the tasks given to you with a stout heart and to the best of your abilities.” He left the stage and the Sergeants and Corporals started reading the names they wanted from their lists.
On Saturday we once more bade farewell to Mrs Moffat, Rosie and Beth and the lodgers of 123 General Gordon Street. We had only just found out that Sgt Domby had gone with the Advance Party and we now found out he had already made his farewells to Ma and the rest. Knowing that he'd be seeing us he hadn't bothered taking our leave. As we prepared to leave there were more tears from the women and we felt them in our heart even more because this time we knew we would not be back to live at home which was what had happened before. But eventually we managed to get away but only after promising that we would spend any leave we got in Britain with them. This would be an easy promise to keep as after all they were the only family we really knew. At the Drill Hall we were formed up into our two Companies and we set off for the Brewery Yard. There we met up with the other Companies and now with the full Battalion on parade we stepped off with the Brewery Band leading us in front. As we marched through the town to the railway station we were cheered all the way by the crowds that lined the route. Presents of cigarettes and food were pressed on us as we marched along and all the way as the band wheezed out some of the old favourites the cheering and the singing never stopped. We arrived at the railway station were speeches were given by the new Mayor because Col Jack had to stand down and give up his office when he joined the colours again. And other Dignitaries gave speeches as well there were prayers from some dilapidated Bishop and then we and the crowd sang the National Anthem. The first of the Battalion started to move into the station and then when our turn came we got on the platform and it was chaos the train was ready for boarding and friends and relatives of our men where there. Mr Melstone the Brewery owner was seeing off his son the Adjutant who was travelling on our train. Mr and Mrs Cole were also there to see off their son Walter and at the moment he was crushed to his mother’s bosom and in danger of suffocating while the tears streamed down her face. Rosie and Beth had come down along with Helen and they were all crying and dabbing their eyes with their hankies. Capt Thornley was saying good bye to his wife and young children. And the Lord Brothers family were there as well as Bert and Charlie’s. And then it was time to board and after the final hugs and kisses we were eventually all in and to the band playing and the crowd singing "We don't want to loose you but we think you should go" we pulled out of the station. We crowded the windows of the carriages to catch a final glimpse of something familiar and more than a few people had tears in their eyes and the thought when will we be back.
The train journey was quite pleasant apart from being a bit squashed the country side looked beautiful and I had only been on a train once before. The smell of the steam and smoke from the engine brought back the memory of when I left Heskett village to come to Blackthorn. And I wondered how my uncle and his family were getting on there. George ever the comic said. “What's up Billy Boy are you missing Helen or maybe it’s Rosie I can never tell with you?” I shot him a black look and replied. “Where not all like you George Drew some of us think about other things we don’t have one track minds.” He looked at me crestfallen and said. “Well pardon me for breathing I’m sure.” Frank Lord joined in saying to George. “Leave the lad alone we are nearly at the place now and I’m sure we will have other things to think of quite soon.” We pulled into Wetherington railway station and the autumn afternoon was quite mild with a watery sun shining. Outside the railway station there were carts drawn up and some motor transport. We were instructed to put our kit on to the carts and then form up again. Captain Thornley addressed us. “Right lads listen up it’s a brisk five mile march to the camp, and the sooner we get started the sooner we get there and as an added bonus our little stroll will give you an appetite for the meal that's been prepared for you, take over Sergeant Wallace and get them moving.” We moved off in column of fours and as we marched out of Wetherington the orders were barked out. “Pick up the step. Come on you lazy buggers cant you place one foot in front of the other. Let’s have some pride in your marching, do you think your on holiday ambling along like you are. Well I can tell you your not, so get your finger out. Left right, left right, left right, left.” Somebody started a song at the back of the ranks and soon everybody was joining in even the officers and it sped us on our way with a good heart.
As we approached the camp we saw the moor land it was built on was completely open to the elements there was not a tree to be seen just a few scruffy gorse bushes every now and again, and already a bit of a breeze had got up and was blowing across with nothing to stop it. This did not bode well for winter if we were here that long marching up we could now see the wire fence surrounding the camp and the wooden huts on the inside. We could see some of the Advance Party working on a few of the huts and although we had been told that the territorials had used it for their summer camps it seemed that not all of it had been kept in good repair. Frank Lord said from the side of his mouth. “Well this looks bleak my lads I don't see much chance of a good night out round here do you?” We nodded our heads in silent agreement because I don't think any of us were prepared for a camp in the middle of nowhere. I think we had all dreamed of it being in a town with pubs and girls and other distractions for when we got time off. This place had really rammed it home that we were in the army proper now and God help us. The trouble was that whilst we had been living at home people had regarded us as heroes for having volunteered, and had treated us very well as defenders of the Country. We were used to people buying us drinks, the likes of George and Bert had girls hanging on their every word. We were the ‘Cock of the Walk’ and we didn't mind milking it to the full. But now all that was gone and it was ‘Time to Pay the Piper’ and for the majority of us this was like being kicked up the ass with a pit boot. We marched through the camp gates and down the road were we were halted in front of the Battalion Headquarters and told to stand easy. We looked around us at the rows of huts radiating off from the Headquarters building. Behind us was a large expanse of land on which stood the wagons with our kit on them they had passed us on the road and this spare land was obviously the parade ground. Off on one side stood a flag pole and the Union Flag flew jauntily from the top of it. George pretty much summed it up as he said. “Is this it, is this everything, my god it’s the back of beyond”, he looked crest-fallen no doubt he had been dreaming about what a big hit he would be with the girls up here and this place had taken the wind right out of his sails.
A Corporal came out of the guardroom and told all the NCOs to come inside for instruction then about quarter of an hour later they came back out and we were marched off in different directions. We turned left and marched down a side road to the bottom end of the camp. Here we were assigned to huts our hut was no 43 and we were fell out with instructions to find a bed inside and stow our kit. The Sgt in charge turned to us and said. “You’re lucky the other huts have 30 men to a hut yours is the smallest and only has twenty.” As we entered we saw he was right there were 10 beds to each side with tables running down the middle of the hut a large cast iron stove stood in the centre. The wooden floor boards squeaked like a startled mouse when you stood on them at the bottom end was a room by itself this was for the hut corporal to sleep in. There were a lot of buckets in the hut buckets for coal, for ash and for food slops we needed the slop bucket because in bad weather we had to eat our meals in the hut. Otherwise tables were set up in the open air outside the cook-house. Charlie patted the big black stove saying. “This is alright I can go and beg some bread from the cook-house for us Frank you get a fire started in the stove there’s some coal in the bucket, and we'll have some toast.” A voice came from the door shouted. “Don't you dare light a fire in that stove until you are given permission there’s set times for lighting them as per regulations? So just you hang fast until you’re instructed otherwise don't you know there’s a war on and we can’t have you being too warm it might turn you soft and then where would we be.” It was Cpl Kenny standing in the doorway who said this and he continued. “I’ve been assigned as hut Cpl so any problems you get come and see me and ill try to sort them out.” Kenny was another one we used to laugh at when he was in the territorial’s but they had come into their own now and we weren’t laughing anymore at them. He looked us over and then took a tour of the hut before he said. “Right get off down the cook-house for your evening meal and don't dawdle about if you miss this meal that's it till breakfast tomorrow and you’ll go hungry till then.” We made off down to the cook-house carrying our mess tins and utensils with us. We looked around on the way there and saw some more huts like Battalion HQ with the verandas on the front and we noticed that one of these was our company office. There were quite a few other men walking down and Bert said. “Look at this lot if the whole battalions here we'll never get fed.” But when we arrived we found out that we would be fed in shifts from now on and we were in the last shift. So we went up with our mess tins and got boiled mutton potatoes and peas, and a mug of strong tea which went down well. Gorge poked about in his mess tin as in a dismayed voice he said. “The muttons not right well cooked, and the peas are as hard as bullets'. Frank had just finished his final potato and replied. “That's the way it goes in the army I suppose.” I joined in saying. “At least it’s a meal, and the teas pretty good”, and I took a slurp just to confirm this. We finished up washed our things and sauntered back to the hut were we sat out side talking and smoking until it was turning dark. We went into the hut and I think nearly everyone got into bed straight away and was asleep almost immediately so we didn't hear Cpl Kenny calling lights out and then having to come round himself and turn the storm lanterns off.
The next morning reveille sounded at five thirty and we struggled out of bed and then Frank and I made our way to the ablution huts. And even though we had got up and out straight away there was still a queue for both the latrines and the washing hut. The cold water certainly blew any cobwebs that were left from us but shaving in cold water wasn't as bad for me as my whiskers weren't so tough but poor Frank had nicked his face all over. We got back to the hut were Frank proceeded to tear paper into tiny bits and stick them on the nicks on his face to stop the bleeding having done this he looked like some kind of new music hall act. The hut was stirring to life now and Bert asked. “What happened to you?” Frank replied. “There’s only cold water to wash and shave in and if I was you lot Id get a move on because the que’s are growing by the minute.” Charlie came over to us saying. “Cold water and queues what kind of a set up are they running in this place?” Frank looked at Charlie as though he was soft in the head before saying to him. “You'd best get used to it because you’re in the army now not at home there’s no mummy to help you here I can tell you.” Then he turned to his two brothers Jimmy and Mickey and said. “You two had better get a move on as well or you'll miss your breakfast.” And at this point there was a mad scramble to the door by the ones who hadn't done there ablutions yet which was the biggest part of the hut. Me and Frank sauntered down the cook-house were we breakfasted on porridge, bread and jam and hot tea, which we both agreed would get us off to a fine start this morning. The rest got there late and all they got was the burned porridge out of the bottom of the Dixie’s, stewed tea and no bread or jam. And despite all efforts to the contrary this happened every morning for as long as we were at the camp, it was a case of the ones who would get up and the ones who would try to get five minutes more kip. In the time we were there you would have thought these people may have learned from their mistakes but they never did. Our company was mustered on parade and the duties and fatigues for the day were dished out between us and this became the routine for the rest of our stay. Suddenly we were thrust into things like cook-house fatigues, this amounted to peeling, cleaning and chopping a mountain of potatoes, pan-bash the cleaning and scrubbing of the pots, pans, Dixie’s and utensils used by the cooks. Cleaning out the latrines (the least said about this fatigue the better). There were mountains of supplies to load and unload, and then carried to were they were wanted or to be stored. On top of all this there were the inspections, hut inspections, kit inspections, inspections of the cook-house, all kinds of inspections. And as well as all this training still had to be got on with so there was never a spare minute hardly to yourselves. All this was a revelation and a huge shock to the pe