Luton Volunteer Training Corps

Volunteer Training Corps Proficiency Badge [Wikipedia]

Friday 4th December 1914: A meeting was held yesterday evening at the Luton Corn Exchange to discuss the formation of a local detachment of the Volunteer Training Corps. Now the government has officially recognised the Central Association Volunteer Training Corps it will ensure that members are recognised as combatants under the Geneva Convention and protect them from some of the horrors that befell those Belgians who tried to defend home and hearth after the German invasion. The meeting was warned that if the Germans took Luton and people tried to defend themselves without being members of a properly constituted force the consequences would be dire – they could expect the Mayor and the members of the Corporation to be lined up on the Town Hall steps and shot (this drew the comment “good job!” from a member of the audience).

The proposition to form a Luton detachment was passed unanimously. The expectation is that the volunteers will come from those men of military age who are not able to join the forces because they are kept at home by the demands of their employment, with many already working for the War Office. There will be no enlistment or attestation for volunteers joining the Training Corps. Members will be required to wear an armband with the letters “G.R.”, in order to meet the requirements of the International Convention.

No equipment will be provided by the government and volunteers will need their own rifles and ammunition; once the cost of uniform is added it is expected that the initial expense will not be less than £5. Rifles must take service cartridges; a supply of Martini-Enfields is available which would cost £2 10s each. To be classed as “efficient” a member will have to complete forty one-hour drills. The plan is to set up a general fund from which expenses, including the purchase of equipment, can be met. Those who can afford to pay the full cost of their equipment are to contribute that amount to the fund. Anyone who can pay more will be helping other less affluent members.  Volunteers will also have to pay a weekly subscription of 6d to cover the cost of ammunition and running expenses.

Source: Luton News 10th December 1914