W.W.I - Volunteer Training Corps

Deal, Walmer and Sandwich Mercury 8th March 1919

Northbourne Volunteers at Supper

PRESENTATION TO LORD NORTHBOURNE

The members of the Northbourne Platoon of "A" Company, 1st Vol. Batt. The Buffs, spent a most enjoyable evening at the schools on Friday evening, 28th February, when they were generously entertained to supper by Lord Northbourne, the platoon's O.C. His lordship was in the chair in uniform as hon. colonel of the Cinque Ports R.F.A. (T.), supported by Capt. R. M. Bourne, Rev. W. Ceidrych Thomas, Rector of Northbourne (who was in uniform as chaplain to the platoon), Rev. W. M. Shepherd, Rector of Little Mongeham (formerly acting Platoon Commander of the Northbourne Platoon), in chaplain's uniform, Lieut. Smythe, R. A. F., Lieut. A. G. Cook (Ash) Lieut. E. Lawrence (Sandwich).

Expressions of regret for absence were received from the Rector of Betteshanger (Rev. B. B. Smythe), Capt. Gilbert Elliot, Mr. Burgess and Mr. T. R. Mills.
The room was brightly decorated with flags, and the tables were invitingly arranged. The company numbered about 60, including several representatives of the Royal Marines, and Sergt. Deverson, of the Eastry Platoon.

Lord Northbourne, welcoming the company to this "little family gathering" as he termed it, proposed the royal toast, which was honoured with becoming loyalty. Then came an interesting little ceremony, when Sergt. E. M. Fuller, on behalf of the platoon, presented to Lord Northbourne a case of pipes as a small token of their regard and esteem for him, Lord Northbourne genially expressing his appreciation of the gift.

Lord Northbourne, proposing the toast of "Our Country," paid eloquent tribute to the spirit of patriotism and unity which had enabled the British Empire to emerge victorious from the war. He never looked on the beautiful view from Betteshanger over the "silver streak" without saying "Thank God for the Channel," and that we had we had been preserved from invasion. All had made sacrifices in the war, and of those who had passed through Northbourne School no fewer than 21 had made the supreme sacrifice, and five former members of their platoon had laid down their lives for their country. (At his lordship's suggestion the company rose and paid silent tribute to their memory). Speaking of the comradeship among all classes which the Volunteer movement had fostered, Lord Northbourne hoped the organisation would not all through...

Proposing the health the Chairman, Capt. Bourne recalled the starting of the platoon early in 1915, when Lord Northbourne was the first recruit to come forward. One occasion he knew Lord Northbourne was very sorry to miss - the night of mobilization, on Thursday, 24th February, 1916. His lordship was then entertaining the King at the Agricultural Show. Yet he believed Lord Northbourne would rather have been commanding his platoon in the trenches on that bitterly cold night. He had always taken a tremendous amount of interest in the Volunteers. He was glad to see the movement was not to be allowed to fall through. The platoon had done most excellent work. Capt. Bourne, as O.C. the Company, commended the way in which the Northbourne men, after a long and hard day's work, had turned up to drill, and whenever they had been required for special duties, including guard duties for the 221st Brigade, whose Brigade-Major had spoken in high terms of their efficient work. They had to thank in the first place a Royal Marine, Q. M. S. Hollamby - (applause) - for bringing the platoon "up to scratch," and also Capt. Bastin, of the same corps, who unfortunately was killed in action.

The toast was received with Kentish enthusiasm and musical honours, and in replying Lord Northbourne gave some interesting reminiscences of the Artillery Volunteers, established in 1863. He believed Sergt. Fagg, of Sandwich, Mr. Franklin Belsey, and himself were the only survivors of the original members of the battery. Adverting to experiences at Shoeburyness, he spoke of the spirit of devotion to duty exemplified in the late Mr. Emmerson, then Mayor of Sandwich, in carrying out orders to perform a by no means inviting task. He spoke of the keenness of the late Mr. Morrice in establishing the present Northbourne Platoon, and testified to his indebtedness to its N.C.O.'s, and in particular to Sergts. Fuller and Green. It would be a lifelong disappointment to him, Lord Northbourne said, that he was not with the platoon in the trenches on the memorable night referred to.

Sergt. Fuller, called on for a speech said the movement started in 1914 by a few of them going to drill at Eastry and Sandwich. On the 28th January, 1915, at a meeting in that room the platoon was formed. Among the difficulties they had had to contend with had been the discouragement shown by Government towards the movement, though to General White and the Royal Marines they owed a great debt of gratitude. Personally he didn't like parting with his rifle or appearing there with an empty "frog." But for the loyalty of the men and Lord Northbourne throwing the weight of his influence on their side they would never have pulled through. Over 100 men had been on the books of the platoon, 41 of whom had joined the regular forces; two at least had won the Military Medal. In 1915 they twice went to Knockholt to work on the London defences and from February to June or July, 1916, they regularly did work at Stonar, and helped to lay the foundation of that great camp. Three years ago that night and the previous night they were called out for duty with the Marines, as already mentioned. Seventeen N.C.O.'s and men had volunteered for anti-aircraft work - they were the first platoon in the country, he believed, to be so employed - and became very efficient. He thought the Northbourne Volunteers had justified their existence, and it was with a feeling personally of very great regret that he feared lest that might be their last expiring flutter...

An entertaining programme was gone through, among those contributing being Capt. Bourne, Rev. W. M. Shepherd, Lieut. Cook (whose famous "laughing song" quite "brought the house down") Q.M.S. Millar, R.M.L.I. (who gave a couple of dramatic recitations in excellent style), Sergt. Burnell, R.M.L.I., L/Cpl. Douglas, R.M.L.I. (banjo solos, and Ptes. Bedwell and Pilcher. Mr. Prior ably presided at the piano.

A most enjoyable evening concluding with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne" with linked hands, and "God Save the King." The arrangements for the supper were admirably carried out, and efficient way in which everything was managed reflected the greatest credit in all concerned, not least the ladies, and Sergts. Fuller and Green, Corpl. Moat, and L/Cpls. Fentiman and Scott.