Mobilisation

'We're Doing Our Duty' postcard [Z1306/75/16/42]

Wednesday 5th August 1914 (Luton): The South Bedfordshire detachment of the Bedfordshire Regiment Territorials mobilised this morning and has left town to much excitement. B and C companies assembled at the Plait Hall, F company were sent to the Assembly Hall, and G company to the Corn Exchange. The Territorials paraded through town with flags flying, and F Company left the Town Hall to be greeted by a cheering crowd waving hats and umbrellas. Once they had been joined by the other companies there were nearly five hundred men. Some were former soldiers who had only joined up this morning and did not yet have their uniforms. One was even wearing a bowler hat! 

The soldiers marched down George Street, then along Manchester Street and Bridge Street to the Midland Station where they left for Bedford on a special train. The 5th Bedfordshires’ own band has been disbanded but the Red Cross band stepped in to the breach and marched in front of the men. There was some angry muttering in the crowd about the town authorities and their failure to provide an official send off. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor are both away, and it seems nobody could be found to step into the breach.

News has spread that the Government has taken over the railways. Although trains are still running from Luton it is expected that the service will have to be cut as so many railway employees are reservists and are leaving to join their regiments.
Source: Luton News 6/8/14