W.W.I - Volunteer Training Corps
Deal Walmer and Sandwich Mercury 28th August 1915
FENCIBLE COMPANY DRILL AT EASTRY
A combined drill of platoons forming the "A" Company, Cinque Ports Battalion E.K.V.F., took place in Cooper's Meadow, Eastry, on Sunday afternoon last when there was a good muster. About 150 rank and file attended parade, which was fixed for 3 o'clock, nearly the whole of the corps being in uniform.
The platoons comprised: No. 1 Eastry and Ash; No. 2, Northbourne; No. 3, Sandwich; and No. 4, Sandwich. The fife and drum band of No. 2 Platoon, under Bandmaster F. E. Green, also attended parade, and the officers present included Major Sangster; Company - Commander, R. M. Bourne; Mr. A. E. Kennedy (Eastry and Ash Platoon Commander); Rev. W. M. Shepherd (commanding the Northbourne Platoon); Mr. H. Stuart Watts (No. 3 Sandwich Platoon Commander); Mr. Chas. Wareham (No. 4 Sandwich Platoon Commander).
The company was taken in instruction drill by Sergt.-Instructor Jones (Deal), the drilling proceeding with the utmost keenness, and the intricate formations being taken with commendable precision by the different platoons. Their evolutions, which reflected great credit on their instructors, greatly interested the large concourse of spectators.
Major Sangster delivered an inspiring address to the officers and men; complimenting them on the high state of efficiency which has been reached since first he commenced his visits of inspection some five months ago, and expressing his gratification at the patriotic enthusiasm of the men in doing their part to maintain in their district that great movement which might be fraught with so much importance for their country.
Commanding-Officer R. M. Bourne also addressed his company, congratulating the officers and men on the patriotic spirit displayed by them, which was evidence that they were heart and soul in the movement, and that there was a very earnest desire on the part of everyone to do their best.
The platoons then marched through the village to their respective headquarters. It is hoped that the interest aroused by the afternoon's proceedings will give a strong impetus to the Fencibles movement in this corner of Kent, and lead to the formation of additional troops in the neighbourhood.