Recruitment (1914)

Post date: Apr 25, 2014 7:42:0 PM

Extract from South Eastern Gazette of 15th September, 1914:

A well-attended meeting, being another of the series arranged by the two political parties in Mid Kent in aid of recruiting, was held at the Parish Room, Wateringbury, on Wednesday evening. Mr. A. Leney presided in the absence, through indisposition, of the Vicar, the Rev. Canon Livett, and there were also present Colonel Warde, M.P., Mr. A. P. Hedges, General Sir George Wolseley, Mr. T.Brocklebank, Major Laurie, and the two party agents, Major O. J. Daniell and Mr. E. A. Haswell.

The Chairman, in opening, remarked that Wateringbury was well represented both in the Regular and Territorial forces, and went on to explain that, so far as his firm were concerned, any young men who enlisted would be gladly received into their old places on their return.

Colonel Warde, who was cordially received, said he was sure if Kent was backward in supplying men for the new Army it was because as yet she hardly realised the meaning of the country’s call. He emphasised that this was not a war for greed or gain, but that they were fighting for the honour of their country, and in fulfilment of their pledged word.

Mr. Hedges also spoke, remarking that a significant feature in connection with the war was the tremendous amount of public spirit it had evoked. All sections of the community, no matter of what persuasion, had agreed to sink their differences, and were standing shoulder to shoulder in the prosecution of a great and holy cause. He had no doubt this country and its allies would win. They had got to win, otherwise they would be wiped out. They were not fighting to secure any territorial advantage; they were fighting against a man and a people who had set out to domineer the world.

Other speakers included General Sir George Wolseley and Major Laurie, the latter stating that only 90 men were now required to bring the Territorial battalion, of the West Kent Regiment up to sufficient strength to enable it to go on foreign service. After the meeting eight or nine young men came forward and joined.

Similar meetings have been held at East Malling, Halling, and other places, the speakers announced including the Rev. W.E. Buckland, Mr. Wigan, Mr. C. Baxendale, etc.