Boys Brigade (1893)

Post date: Mar 17, 2021 5:51:10 PM

Extract from Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser - Saturday 06 May 1893

THE WATERINGBURY COMPANY

BOYS BRIGADE

ANNUAL INSPECTION

There was large and fashionable company present on the terrace of Wateringbury Place. the picturesque residence of Lieut-Colonel H. D. Davies, J.P. (Capt.), Saturday afternoon last, when the third annual inspection of the Ist Wateringbury Company of the Boys’ Brigade took place before Colonel Safford (Commandant of the 50th Regimental District, Maidstone). Amongst those present were Lieut-Colonel and Mrs Davies, the Misses Davies (3), Lady Login, Miss Login, Miss Edith Login (hon. sec.). Lady Currie, Miss Currie, Hon. Miss Mary Boscawen, General and Mrs Schneider, Mrs Revington Jones, Rev. T. W. and Mrs Carr (Barming), General and Mrs Dawson Scott, Revs. C. Cobb (Teston), W. Cobb (Nettlestead), Spencer Phillips (Vicar of Wateringbury), Paxton Thorpe (Chaplain to the Company), ti. P. Howes (Halling), C. K. W. Dalison (St. Michael's, Maidstone), H. R. Merewether (East Peckham), Dr. H. Monckton and Miss Sylvester (Maidstone), Dr. E. W. Fry, Mr H. White, C.C., and Mrs White, Mr M. White, Mr and Mrs Copley, Mr and Mrs W. Blest, Mr and Misses (2) Goodwin, Mrs and Miss Reeves, Mrs A. Leney. Mrs Jude, Misses Timins (2), Miss Whitehead, Mr Hamilton White, Mr W. Galpin(Capt. the Yalding Company, Boys’ Brigade), and others.

The boys, after singing the hymn “Onward, Christian Soldiers,” were put through a series of company drills, with and without arms, &c., under the command of Col.-Sergeant Leury, R.W.K. Regiment. In all the various movements, considering their age, the company acquitted themselves with commendable precision, and their instructor is to be congratulated on the smart appearance of his pupils. There was very keen competition for the challenge medal for the best squad, which was awarded by the inspecting officer to Sergeant Heath’s squad.

Subsequently the company were drawn up in front of the terrace, when Colonel SAFFORD addressed the members. He congratulated them on their smart appearance, and impressed upon them always to do their best in whatever they did. For he assured them if they did not others would, and consequently they would be beaten. A great deal depended upon themselves, and he hoped none them were of that class of boys who did nothing. He knew from experience that those boys who were lazy at school never turned out well. There was old saying in the army, the Colonel continued. "What a nice looking fellow he is, and he has been through so many campaigns, yet he is looking as fresh possible.” Well, the answer to that was, “Oh, sir, looks all right, because he has always saved himself by always getting in a safe billet.” This kind of thing he urged them to avoid, and the contrary do their duty thoroughly well. Colonel Safford, then addressing Sergt. Leury, said was sure he had done his best. He had got a lot of recruits and turned them out with great credit to himself. In conclusion, the gallant Colonel said the boys ought to be extremely thankful for the great kindness of their host and hostess that day. They also were deeply indebted Miss Login, who took the greatest interest in the company (applause).

The Rev, Paxton Thorpe next read the annual reiiort, which was as follows “The drill season this year has been very short, as, owing to the lateness of the hop-picking last autumn and the difficulty of finding suitable place for drill, the company did not start before December; and the Militia being ordered out for May, deprived them of the drill instructor, and of the services of their drum major (Sergeant Drummer Hunt), during the next month, so that it has been found advisable to have the inspection nearly five weeks earlier than usual. The company has been fortunate in obtaining the services of Colour-Sergeant James Leury, R.W.K. Regiment, as drill instructor. He has brought forward their drill and discipline in a very marked degree. Thirty-seven regular drills have been held since December, and 20 Bible classes. The company commenced the season with 23 old members, and 25 recruits came in afterwards at intervals. Five members have left since for various reasons, in two cases because they had removed to Yalding parish and hope to join the company there. The present strength of the company is 10 non-commissioned officers and 33 privates, total 43. Last season it was 33 all told. The average attendance at drill has this year been 40 against 26 last year. At Bible-class and Sunday school the average attendance is this year over 33. The post of assistant drill instructor is filled by the boy Sergeant W. Curd, who drills the recruits until ready to pass on to the drill instructor. Through the kindness of Dr. Howard, acting for Dr. Fry. of Wateringbury, a course of six ambulance lectures was given gratuitously to the members of the company in tne boys’ schoolroom; 18 boys attended these classes, and 15 went up for examination by Surgeon Lieut-Col. D. Henry Monckton on April 4th, all of whom have gained certificates, which will be presented as soon as received from S.J.A.A., in London. Thanks are also due to the local secretary of the Association in Maidstone (Mr C. Hamilton White) for his kindness and trouble in connection with these classes, classes for carving have also been held during the last few weeks, and the company now possess an excellent library of over 80 volumes, which is much appreciated, and is under the charge of Colour-Sergeant Latter.

On Easter Monday a grand parade and demonstration of five companies in the district numbering about 180 boys was held on the lawn at Wateringbury Place, when the Yalding and Wateringbury Companies were for the first time put through battalion drill by Colonel-Sergeant Leury, after which Mrs Davies most kindly entertained all the companies to tea. It is hoped that representatives of the company may again attend the grand demonstration of the brigade in Exeter Hall on June 2nd, when the Ist Yalding Company’s band are to supply the music. In addition to the company silver medals for attendance, good conduct, and squad drill, Lady Login has this year intimated that she will award smaller decorations for good manners and military bearing. The first year of the company only two boys qualified for the attendance medal—never having once missed either drill or Bible class—last year four received this medal, and this year it has been gained by seven boys. The silver medal for good conduct (which includes good manners, etc.), the highest distinction given by the company, has this year been decided by the vote of the whole company and awarded to the boy) who in their opinion has done most for the good of the company during the past year by example and readiness for duty—of course excepting those members who have already won the distinction. Their choice has fallen on Sergeant Richard Heath.

The Rev. Mr Thorpe also added his testimony to the progress made by the company during the past year. The company then adjourned to tea, which was kindly provided Mrs Davies. Subsequently the bugle was sounded to “fall in” again, and then Mrs Davies distributed the prizes as follows

Attendance. Ist, silver medal in case, maximum marks, 57: Sergt. R. Heath (3rd consecutive year), Corpl. C. Ashby. Corpl. R. Hook, Lance-CorpL T. E. Pennell, Pvt. W. H. Humphrey (Nettlestead), LanceCorpL J. Smith, ami Pvt. C. Smith : 2nd, 56 marks, Pvts. F. Chapman Hestonl, J. M. Hutson (Nettlesteml), ami William Wells (Nettlestea<l); 3rd, 55 marks. Pvt. Charles Field (Teston); 4th, 54 marks, Sergt. R. Huggett and Pvt. R. King.

Squad Attendance. No.3 Squad, Sergt. Heath.

Band Attendance.—lst, value 2s 6d, presented by Mrs John Harris, Lance-Corpl. Newman; 2nd, book, Corpl. Bowles.

Bible class marks.—Highest number, 83. CoL-Sergt. Latter (consolation prize, he having won Ist prize twice before): Ist, Corpl. Ashby, presented by Rev. S. W. Phillips; 2nd, Sergt. Huggett ; 3rd. Sergt. Curd.

Silver Challenge Medal for Drill. —(Awarded by inspecting officer) Sergt. Heath’s squad.

Certificates of Attendance at Bible Class.— Besides winners of silver medals, Sergt. Huggett. and Pvts. W. Wells, R. King, C. Hook, E. H. Tyler, and Sydney Smith.

Good Conduct Medal, with clasp in case, with 5s, Sergt. Richard Heath.

Other Good Conduct Prize. --Ist,2s 6d,presented by Mr Baker, Sergt. Huggett; 2nd, book, Corpl. F. Bowles; 3rd, 2s 6d. presented by Messrs Taylor, Lance-Corpl. Newman ; 4th,book, Lance- CorpL J. Smith, 5th, book, Corpl. R. Hook ; 6th, Pvts. H. Lawrence and H. Moore.

Good Cowlact Stripes. Pvts. Thomas Humphrey, Charles Smith, Edward Curd, Charles Field, W. H. Humphrey, K. H. Tyler, Lance-Corpl. T. K. Pennell.

Silver Medal for Good Manners presented by Lady Login, CorpL C. Ashby, 2nd, Sergt. Huggett.

Col.-Sergt. Latter, who, owing to his position, was prevented from taking prizes, was presented with a Bible, and promoted to the rank of Sergt.- Major. The following promotions were also made Sergt. Kerr to the rank of Col.-Sergt, Corpl. Ashby, Sergt., and CorpL Bowles, Lance- Sergt. A numberof prizes for good conduct, presented by Mr Pearson, were also distributed.

Colonel Davies then addressed the boys. He said he had watched with great interest that day the drill that had taken place, and he must say he had noticed a marked improvement. Their drill had been steady, but they must not forget it had not been perfect. Boys were apt to think that all they did was very perfect, and his experience led him to know what their feelings were. He knew when he was boy he thought everything he did was perfect, and it was not till he had grown to be a man that found out what mistakes he had made. Now they as they grew older would find they gain experience, and he could not help thinking that the drills, exercises, and discipline they were undergoing in that brigade, would be most valuable to them in after life. There was no doubt that boys had great deal to put up with, but the discipline which they were taught at the hands of their instructors would be of great advantage to them in the future. They (the officers of the brigade) wished they could show much larger force to Col Safford, who had kindly inspected them that day, but wanted Col Safford to know that the boys had inspected were essentially boys of the immediate neighbourhood. It was satisfactory to know that they could draw 44 boys from the district (applause). He only hoped they would still continue to increase in numbers and efficiency, and that each year when Colonel Salford came round inspect them he would not only see increase in numbers but an improvement in their drills (applause). In conclusion. Colonel Davies referred to the great interest Miss Edith Login, the hon, sec., took in the company. They ought to thank that lady for the work she undertook and also their drill instructor for the trouble took he took drilling the boys. He then dismissed them. A very pleasant afternoon then terminated.

On the following day (Sunday), at Wateringbury church, there was a combined church parade of the Yalding, Wateringbury, Ditton, and East Peckham Companies the brigade. The Rev. J. Oakley Coles (Vicar of Holy Trinity, East Peckham) was the preacher. After the service all the companies proceeded Watermgbury Place, where refreshments were kindly provided by Mrs Davies.