ASHTON NOTES

Saturday July 3, 1915:

The Ashton Territorials, who are now being trained at the Armoury are to be billeted at Southport. Major Garside, his staff, and the men will leave Ashton for Southport on Wednesday. The total number is about 650, but 820 men are required before the 3/9^th is up to the strength at present required, so that another 170 men have yet to be recruited. Captain R. Lees, with two N.C.O.s and six men, will remain behind temporarily at the Armoury to enlist and equip recruits, who will then be sent to Southport in drafts. The whole of the men who are now at the Armoury have been fully equipped, and their training is well advanced. They look quite as capable as the men who went away with the first and second battalions, and are quite eager at the chance of a change of training quarters. The ozone of Southport will give their faces the requisite tanning, and the pure air bring them to that pitch of physical health which the Army demands, and which has surprised our adversaries as well as our Allies. On Monday, Acting-Adjutant Birchenall leaves for Southport with six N.C.O.s to get the Billets ready for the Territorials.

3^rd Ashton Territorial Battalion goes to Southport

TERRITORIALS AT SOUTHPORT

The Departure from Ashton

Saturday, July 10, 1915:

There were scenes of great enthusiasm in Ashton on Wednesday morning when the 3/9^th Manchester Regiment Territorials left the town for Southport. Despite the rain, large crowds of people had assembled in the vicinity of the Armoury, in Old Street, to get a glimpse and a last word of good-bye to the men. It was a very cheerful crowd, which talked and joked and laughed, and consisted for a great part of mothers, wives and sweethearts, who plainly showed they were proud of their sons, or husbands, or “boys”, who were willingly doing their “bit” for the country.  As the men swung out of the Armoury into the street they were heartily greeted, and hands and handkerchiefs were waved, the men returning the greetings and good-byes with cheerful words and smiles.

There were in all 666 men on parade. Every man was fully equipped to the last detail. The battalion are not quite up to full strength, and another couple of hundred men are required. The requisite number it is anticipated will be soon forthcoming. As the recruits come in they will be sent on to Southport immediately to join the battalion and undergo their training by the sea-side.

The battalion presented a smart, well set-up, soldierly appearance, and looked absolutely fit. They have had a very smart training during the few weeks the battalion has been in course of formation, and were in the pink”. The average height of the battalion is 5ft 3in, and the men average 33 1/2in. round the chest. They have gone to an ideal spot to continue their training, and, while not far from home, will be by the seaside, in one of the loveliest towns of the country, in the height of the summer season. What more do they desire. It should add a great stimulus to recruiting for this favourite battalion. Letters already received speak of the delight with which the men have got to their new quarters.

The prospect of the change afforded great pleasure and satisfaction to the men. They were early astir on Wednesday, putting the finishing touches to their accoutrements, and came to the Armoury spick and span. They were drawn up in open order, inspection made by the officers of each man, and when all were ready Major Garside, the officer commanding the battalion, addressed a few words to the men.

Major Garside said that probably when they got to Southport they would be subject to some amount of criticism, but they should bear themselves like soldiers. He asked them to be careful about the manner in which they gave the salute. The salute was not given to the man, but was a recognition of the commission of the officer. The salute should be done in a smart, soldierly manner, and it would then do credit to those who had been trying to teach them to do the right thing. The men would be billeted close to the station, and each man would have a bed to himself, and not be overcrowded, as on former occasions. Lights would be at 10 o’ clock and every man would be expected in his billet at 9:45pm. If any man did not observe this rule he would be dealt with. If the men conducted themselves as they ought to do as soldiers, and as he believed they would, they would be a credit to themselves, to their officers, and to the town from which they came.

The word was then given, “slope arms”, “forward march”, and the men swung out of the Armoury, led by major Garside, and proceeded along Old Street and Warrington Street to Charlestown Station, between lines of cheering spectators, and departed by special train at 10-15. At the station there was an enormous crowd of people to give them a hearty send-off.

At the Armoury there were present Mr. Garside, Miss Garside, Master Roy Garside, Mrs. Scholes, Mrs. Robinson, Miss Robinson and Dr. Corns.

NAMES OF THE OFFICERS

ENTHUSIASTIC SEND-OFF FROM ASHTON

The officers are as follows: –

Major EDWARD GARSIDE              (Commanding Officer)
Captains A. G. BIRCHENALL, G. MAKIN and THORNE
Lieutenants J. P. GROVES, N. WILKINSON, and R. H. JACKSON. Second-Lieutenants AINSWORTH and HAYWARD.
Captain R. LEES is the officer commanding the Administrative Centre (Ashton Armoury).

THE TERRITORIALS

Popularity of the Ashton Battalions

There are still at least 200 recruits wanted for the 3/9^th Battalion Ashton Territorials to complete the establishment. Recruits have been coming in at a steady pace up to this week, and it should not be long before the battalion is at full strength. Recruits who now join will be sent on immediately to Southport to undergo their training with the battalion. The Armoury in Old Street, Ashton, is an administrative centre, with Captain Ralph Lees in charge, and it will act as a sort of feeder for the battalion. Recruits could not join in more favourable circumstances than at present. The battalion is billeted at the seaside, on the Lancashire coast, in the best part of the summer season. The conditions are in fact ideal. The men will undergo their training amid the most lovely and healthful surroundings.

Ashton has done wonderfully well in supplying men for the forces at this time of national crisis, and it is a tribute to the great popularity of the Territorials that no less than three battalions are now in being, that is to say, nearly 3,000 men. Even more men have offered themselves than these figures indicate, as there has been a large percentage of rejections. The men of Ashton and district are eager to serve their country in helping to defeat the country’s enemies and crush the unspeakable Huns.

Many of the brave boys who were Territorials when war was undreamed of willingly offered themselves for war service when hostilities broke out, and have nobly sacrificed their lives on behalf of the loved ones at home. Their places need filling, the gaps in the ranks require to be closed. There are not wanting those who are ready to take their places. Some of the 2/9^th Battalion, which was formed as soon as the first battalion had left for Egypt, and have been in training in Southport, and more recently in Sussex, have left this country for the front, fully trained, and anxious to strike a blow for the dear old country. Now the third battalion will soon be completed, and in the course of time will themselves be ready.

There is yet time to join this gallant body of citizen soldiers, the brave Territorials who have received such high praise from General Sir Ian Hamilton, the commander-in-chief of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, for their gallant conduct. Those who are desirous of “doing their bit” should apply at the Armoury, Old Street, at once.

ASHTON RECRUITS

3/9^th Territorial Battalion Filling Up

Saturday, July 24, 1915:

Recruiting for the 3/9^th Battalion, Manchester Regiment, Ashton Territorials, has been fairly good during the week. The men are no longer kept waiting for clothing and equipment, but are fully clothed and equipped immediately on joining. They are then sent off to Southport, where the 3/9^th are in training under ideal conditions. More recruits are still wanted. Men are accepted who are between 19 and 40 years of age, and 5ft 2in. and upwards. There are now less than 200 required to complete the battalion. Recruits should apply at once to the Armoury, Old Street. Captain Ralph Lees is the officer in command of the administrative centre, and the office is open all day and at night, and on Sundays.

3/9 Ashton Battalion

Saturday, July 31, 1915:

Another batch of recruits for the 3/9^th Battalion Manchester Regiment, Ashton Territorials, is to be sent to Southport to-day (Saturday) to join the battalion for training. Recruiting still keeps fairly steady, but there are still more men wanted to complete the battalion. Recruits may join at the Armoury at any time.

TERRITORIALS AT SOUTHPORT

Rapidly Becoming Fit

More Recruits Wanted

“When the war is nearly over,
When the war is nearly over,
When the war is nearly over,
We’ll be there!”

Saturday, August 28, 1915:

So sang a number of Territorials as they marched in the sunshine along the spacious promenade at Southport. Every man looked fit and healthy, and as they tramped along the hearts of the beholders were stirred with pride. The song, which was sung to the tune of “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder”, showed the eagerness of the men. “By gum but Southport’s a rare place” said a Territorial to a “Reporter” representative who met him in Lord Street, Southport. “It will take a lot to get me back to the spinning room again when the war’s over. The open-air life and training is doing me a world of good.”

“We have got a champion billet”, he continued; “Our landlady, or ‘Ma’ as we call her, feeds us like fighting cocks. Of course, all the chaps are not so well looked after as we are, but on the whole there is not much complaint.”

It is delightful to watch the thousands of Territorials stationed in Southport training on the spacious sands. Here and there can be seen groups of them, with their tanned throats bare, clad but in shirt, trousers and boots, going through Swedish drills like packs of schoolboys. Others are busy “flag-wagging”, or learning the intricacies of the Morse code. Others are having patiently explained to them the mysteries of a rifle, and being taught how to take aim correctly.

It is remarkable how soon a pale-faced youth from the town, who has just managed to pass the required standard, soon develops under the careful training at Southport into a ruddy well-set-up soldier. He walks with his head erect, and feels the exhilaration which accompanies perfect health.

Many a young man who has joined the Territorials will be thankful in after years for the training and physical development he received just at the right time in his youth.

There are still about a hundred more recruits wanted for the 3/9^th Battalion. All men who enlist at the Armoury, Old Street, are immediately equipped and drafted off to join their comrades at Southport.

Saturday, September 25, 1915:

Lieutenant Arthur Connery, who has come home wounded from the Dardanelles, has rejoined the 3/9^th Battalion Manchester Regiment at Southport.

Saturday, October 16, 1915:

Major E. Garside, officer commanding the 3/9^th Battalion, Manchester Regiment, now at Southport, was in Ashton last week on leave.

3/9^th Ashton Battalion

A DETATCHMENT RETURNS HOME ON SHORT LEAVE

Saturday, September 11, 1915:

A detachment of about 150 N.C.O.s and men of the 3/9^th Battalion Manchester Regiment, Ashton Territorials, returned on Wednesday from Southport, where they have been  in training, to Ashton on a short leave. The detachment was in command of Captain Thorne. The men had a hearty reception, and thoroughly enjoyed their stay.

They returned to Southport on Thursday night, departing from Charlestown station by the 7-9pm train. They marched from the Armoury to the station between lines of hundreds of spectators, and had an enthusiastic send-off from an enormous crowd which had gathered at the station.

It was stated that the detachment is shortly to leave Southport for foreign service.

ASHTON TERRITORIALS

Saturday, November 20, 1915:

It is pleasing also to record a distinct improvement in the recruiting of men for the famous 9^th Manchester Regiment, the Ashton Territorials, whose men have gained military glory in Gallipoli. The number of men enrolled during the past week has been larger than for several weeks past, and the men are of a good and military? Type. Intending recruits should note that after the men are attested they are clothed and equipped within a few minutes.

The men are being drilled at the Armoury by Quartermaster Sergeant Burgess and are making good progress. Today, Saturday, a draft of about 70 men, consisting of recruits and Territorials who have returned from overseas, are being sent on to Southport to join the 3/9^th Manchester Regiment.

On Monday, a number of men from the Manchester Regiment came over from Southport to Ashton on a short furlough prior to being sent abroad.

Saturday, November 27, 1915:

Lieutenant Colonel D. H. Wade, is at present at Southport on light duty attached to the 3/9^th Manchester Regiment.

Saturday, December 11, 1915:

Captain G. H. Okell is now at Southport with the 3/9^th Manchester Regiment, who are on the point of removing to huts at Codford, Salisbury Plain.

Lieutenant A. Connery, of the 3/9^th Battalion Manchester Regiment, visited Ashton on Wednesday, prior to proceeding from Southport to Aldershot with the Battalion.

Saturday, January 1, 1916:

The Ashton Territorial Overseas Men.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE “REPORTER”

Sir,-Being a reader of the “Reporter,” I have this week come across a statement in regard to the overseas men which I would like very much to correct. The first batch left here for leave last Tuesday, the 21st inst., and there were only 22 of the overseas amongst them who would be able to spend Christmas at home. A further batch of 88 men left on Sunday, the 26th inst., and only another 22 overseas men amongst them.

I can safely say that instead of the majority of the overseas men being home for Christmas and the New Year the majority of them are here. As there are about 280 men from the Dardanelles attached to the 3/9th Manchester Regiment, and we are only allowed 22 men every week for leave, it looks like being a great way on in the next year before we have all been home on leave.

ONE OF THE OVERSEAS.
Codford St. Mary’s, Wiltshire.
Sunday, Dec. 26, 1915.

Some Members of the Overseas Company at Codford

Copyright Manchester Regiment Image Archive. Ref No: MR00559

Saturday, January 29, 1916:

ASHTON TERRITORIALS.

Sergeants’ Farewell Concert at Codford,

On Monday evening a farewell concert was given by the Manchester Regiment (Ashton Territorials) Overseas Company to Sergts, T. Tym and Cropper, who have now left Codford to take up other military duties at Heaton Park. The chair was taken by Sergt. Grantham, D.C.M. The following took part in the programme:- Sergt. W. Mason, song, “Vanity Fair;” Sergt. T Cropper, recitation, Kissing Cup;” Sergt. S. Wood, songs, “Aberfoyle” and “Sailor’s Grave;” Sergt. D. Lees, ballad, “Fisherman and His Child;” C.S.M. J. Sayers, song, “Silver Bells;” Q.M.S. G. Boocook; ditty, “Clancy’s Wedding;” C.Q.M.S. R. Jackson, cornet solo; C.S.M. Finch, recitations, “Young Williams” and “The Manchesters;” Sergt. Spencer, comic song, “Now I Have to Call Him Father;” Sergt. Harrison, song, “Barley Mow;” Sergt. Knight, comic song, “Billy Devine;” C.S.M. J. Chadderton, song, “One Touch of Nature.” Sergt. Fearns and C.S.M. Whittaker officiated at the piano. The Tissa Apollo Glee Party delighted the company with selections from the “Merry Widow” and the “Chocolate Soldier.” A few appropriate words were spoken by Sergt. Inhgam, who afterwards proposed the toast of the evening, which was seconded by Sergt. W. H. Martin. A very enjoyable evening was brought to a close by the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” and “God Save the King.”

Saturday, February 19, 1916:

3/9 MANCHESTER REGIMENT.

Farewell Concert at Codford.

A farewell gathering was held at the sergeant’s mess, on Monday evening, to bid farewell to four of the overseas sergeants who were leaving for Heaton Park, C.S.M. Chadderton, Sergeant Ingham, Sergeant Turner, and Sergeant Hodgson. The gathering was well attended, and during the evening a good number of officers were present. The Tissa Apollo Glee Party ably assisted by members of the 3/9th provided a first-class concert. Sergeant Major Balance occupied the chair, and in the course of his opening remarks spoke very highly of the departing friends. The following highly pleased the large company present with the following items:- Glee, “Let the Hills Resound,” The Tissa Apollo Glee Party; song, “Nirvana.” Sergeant Wood; song, Vanity Fair,” Sergeant Mason; recitation, Young Williams, C.S.M. Finch; song, “The Ghost of the Violin,” Sergeant Beal; song, “Little Grey Home in the West,” Sergeant Grantham; song, “The Jew,” Sergeant Beresford; song, “The Silvery Moon,” Sergeant Hollinshead; song, “When You Come Home,” Sergeant Wood: glee, “Pratty Flowers,” Tissa Apollo Glee Party; song, “Aberfoyle,” Sergeant Wood; recitation, “The Landing at Sedd-el-Bhar,” C.S.M. Finch; song, “Ride On, Old Deegan,” Sergeant Moores; song, “Wakes Time,” Sergeant Grantham; song, “If I Were King,” Sergeant Mason; song, “ ’Some’ Hymns,” Sergeant Moores: song, “How Laddy Stole the Rope,” Q.M.S. Boocock; song, “Skenning Twins,” Sergeant Moores; song, “Long Live the King,” C.S.M. Seyers. C.S.M. Chadderton, in the course of a few interesting remarks, thanked all sergeants on behalf of himself and his departing comrades for the good wishes which had been extended to them. A vote of thanks to the chairman, ably moved by Sergeant Spencer, and seconded by Sergeant Knight, brought a very pleasant evening to a close.

Sammy Bonsall Convalescent.

Private Samuel Edward Bonsall, 1179, C Company, 1/9 Manchester Regiment, writes from General Hospital, San Stefano, Alexandria, Egypt, to the Editor of the “Reporter” :-

“Just a few lines to let you and my friends know that I am quite well again, and I hope to go into a convalescent home for a week or so. Then I shall be returned back to duty with my regiment. I may say that I am going to have a return match with Sergeant Leeves in about a month’s time. Well, I hope to come home with the 1/9 Manchesters, and my time expires in May, but I shan’t sign on again in the infantry; I will have a go at the artillery. Best luck to all.”

Saturday, March 18, 1916:

Farewell Concert at Codford.

A grand concert was held in the sergeants’ mess on Tuesday, 14th inst., to bid farewell to C.S.M. Buckley, Sergeant Grantham, D.C.M., Sergeant Ferns, Sergeant Bashforth, Sergeant Knight, and Sergeant Spencer, all 1/9th, who are again going out to join the battalion. The gathering was attended by practically every officer, including Lieut. Colonel Nowell and Major Broadbent and Lieut. Abblitt, who are the officers going out with the draft.

Captain Platt, in proposing the toast of the evening, spoke of the fine comradeship which existed between the officers and sergeants of the 3/9th Manchesters. Sergeant Knight ably replied on behalf of the sergeants going out.

S.M. Balance occupied the chair, and the following highly pleased the large gathering with their vocal efforts:- Sergeant Mason, Quarter Master-Sergeant Taylor, Sergeant Spencer, Sergeant Beal, Sergeant Grantham, Quarter-Master- Sergeart Boocock, Sergeant Moores, Sergeant Knight, Dransfield, Lieut. Waring, Lieut. Shannon. Staff-Sergeant Easthy gave an exhibition of slack wire walking, for which he was loudly applauded.

During the evening refreshments were provided. A vote of thanks to the chairman and the singing of “The King,” brought a very pleasant evening to a close.

Saturday, April 1, 1916:

Farewell Concert at Codford

A concert was held in the corporals’ mess to the comrades of the 9th Manchesters who were going out to the front, some of them for the second time. Corporal Shawcross presided, and Corporal Rimmington opened the concert by rendering a song entitled “Proud You Are Fighting for England.” Then Corporals Hobson and Gossford gained much appreciation by giving a duet, “Life’s Dream Is O’er.” Sergeant Freeth sang “Give Me a Cottage Door by the Sea” with much effect. Corporal Gossford sang “A Soldier’s Song”; Corporal Hadfield “You Are Going to Leave the Old Home, Jim,” which was very appropriate, and gained much applause. Then came Corporal Jackeman with a fine recitation, “Gunner Deane.” Corporal Hobson again obliged with a good old song, “My Old Shako.”

An interesting incident happened at this point of the programme. Four of the corporals of the East Lancashire Regiment walked in, and joined the merry throng, amongst them Corporal Cooke, their D.C.M. Following them a few minutes later came the sergeants of the 1/9th and 3/9th Manchesters who were to go out with this draft, and amongst them were Sergeant Grantham, D.C.M. The two D.C.M.’s shook hands, and had a rousing cheer. Company Sergeant-Major Finch gave a great recitation, “The Manchester Regiment,” which was received with great applause. Sergeant Grantham, D.C.M., sang “When Wakes Time Comes Round Again.” Corporal Moon sang “Till the Sands of the Desert Grow Cold” in grand style. C.S.M. Finch recited “The Feather Bed Soldier.” Corporal Hobson and Corporal Goss ford gave another duet, “Comrades in Arms,” which went very well indeed. The party finished well with an imitation of John of John Lawson’s Humanity,” which every man seemed to enjoy to the full extent. The boys left Codford about 1-15 a.m. with a rousing cheer and many farewell greetings.

Acknowledgements

The Manchester Regiment Image Archive photo above is reproduced here with kind permission of the Tameside Local Studies and Archive Centre and the Trustees of the Manchester Regiment Archive and remains under their copyright.