Memorial to Highlanders, Bedford Cemetery

Monday 9^th April 1917: On Easter Monday a memorial cross in Bedford Cemetery was dedicated by the Reverend Canon Speck (Vicar of St Paul’s). The Cross was erected in the memory of the Highlanders and Welsh Divisions who died while in training at Bedford. During the service, heavy snow fell and was accompanied by peals of thunder. The memorial cross bears the following inscription:

‘To the Glory of God. These memorial crosses were erected by many Bedford and other friends, and are dedicated to perpetuate the memory of those men of the Highland Division and Welsh Divisions who died at Bedford while in training for active service, 1914-1915.’

Source: Bedfordshire Standard 13/4/1917

Luton Town Footballer Missing Believed Killed

John ("Jack") Jarvie

Sunday 23rd January 1916: Supporters of Luton Town Football Club will be sad to hear that former Hatters full back Jack Jarvie of the 2nd Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders has been posted as missing. Lieutenant A. Sinclair Thomson writes that Jarvie was one of fourteen men blown up by a mine explosion on January 2nd, but as his body was not found he could only be reported missing. Jarvie joined Luton from Tottenham in 1912 following the tragic death of Sammy Wightman from injuries received during a match against Brighton and Hove Albion; he helped the team gain promotion back to the First Division of the Southern League in 1913-14. At the end of that season he went home to Scotland where he enlisted soon after the beginning of the war.

Source: Luton Times, 14th January 1916

A Biggleswade Footballer Writes Home

Biggleswade Football Club, 1909-10 [X758/2/1/23]

Wednesday 5th January 1916: Private Frank Garner, a former vice-captain of the Biggleswade Football Club now serving with the 9th Seaforths, has written to a friend in the town. He counts himself fortunate to have been out of the firing line over Christmas and hopes that this year will see the end of the war.

“The last day we were [in our billet] we got another taste of the Huns gas. We were in bed when one of our early rising cooks came rushing in the hut and shouted “Gas”. You ought to have seen the scramble for gas helmets, etc. Scrambling for sweets at school treats isn’t in it. Not long after this we had to get extra ammunition and prepare to go into the firing line, but we were not called on, as the Huns attack was checked. On the same night we started back for our rest and had a night at --- and arrived here on Tuesday. We still get our supply of rain, although we do not feel the effect of it so much, we have got used to it, and we only do about one hour’s drill each day. Luck is with us to be resting at Christmas time although the food is only the same as usual. We have a decent barn for a billet and plenty of straw to lie on, and also clothes for covering. We expect to be here for a month to get fit for the coming year, which possibly will be for the finish of the war. I hope so, although I take things calmly and feel content to be alive and in the best of health.”

Source: Biggleswade Chronicle, 7th January 1916

Landlord’s Son Wounded for a Second Time

Corporal Jim Quenby

Monday 13th December 1915: The son of the landlord of the Swan at Bromham has been wounded for a second time. Corporal Jim Quenby was in a communication trench waste deep in mud so had to get on top to reach the firing line; while doing so he was shot through both thighs. Corporal Quenby was one of eight Bedford lands who joined the 6th Gordon Highlanders while they were billeted in Bedford. Within a couple of weeks of arriving in France they took part in the Battle of Neuve Chapelle where one of the Bedford lads was killed and four others wounded including Quenby. After eight weeks recuperating in hospital at Rouen he returned to the Front where he was the only Bedford boy left in the firing line. As an expert bomb thrower he has on occasion been in trenches only 15 yards from the enemy. Before he enlisted in October last year Corporal Quenby was a clerk in the finance department of Bedford Corporation. He is now being treated at the Lahore British General Hospital. His father has received a letter from the Chaplain stating that there has been a slight improvement in his condition.

Source: Bedfordshire Standard 10th December 1915

Army Cooks

Highland Engineers preparing dinner [X414/162]

Sunday 14th November 1915: By a soldier of the Black Watch previously billeted in Bedford:

One day some plucky survivor will write a book on ‘Army cooks’, and a wonderful book it should be. No man is ever appointed cook in the Army on account of any knowledge or previous experience of cooking. Often the dirtiest-looking man in the company is appointed, because the authorities feel that at any rate he can’t spoil a good tunic at his work. Sometimes a man is put on because he is a ‘hard case’, merely because he doesn’t fall in very well with company work, but never because he can cook. Our first cook was a painter by trade, and when he considered the stew had been mixed to a good colour, it was served up, regardless of taste. The M.G.S. cook’s genius lies in being a sort of Mr. Malaprop. Only a few days ago he told someone hotly that he wouldn’t ‘lower his dignity to do it’. Another tiem he assured someone that he couldn’t ‘dissolve that mystery’, and we all agreed that he was unconsciously comparing his problem with some of the soup compounds he is supplied with. But in times of great mental strain like those referred to, he is always consoled by being told, ‘Cheer up, Sandy: if you were shot tomorrow for being a cook you would die innocent’.

Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 16th November 1915

Soldier Convicted of False Pretences at Bedford

Wednesday 30th June 1915: A soldier of the Leicester Regiment has appeared at the Bedford Borough Sessions charged with obtaining food valued at 1s 6d from Emma Amos by false pretences. Jack Smith, alias John Miles, alias David Ross had previously been convicted on a similar charge here at Bedford in October. At that time he was serving as a private in a Scottish Regiment, from which he was discharged as a result of the conviction.

It was stated that Smith had called at houses in Bedford, Wilstead and Goldington claiming that he needed to billet a large number of soldiers. He arranged for the residents to get food in, which most did, putting them to a great deal of inconvenience. He got nothing from them for himself beyond a drink or two. He obtained food and lodgings for a night from Emma Amos on the same pretence. Captain Porter of the Leicester Regiment, which is stationed at Luton, told the court that Smith had been in his Battalion since January 3rd, since when there had been only one small complaint against him. Smith himself gave a written statement, which merely repeated promises of reform he had made last October. The Recorder was unmoved and Smith was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment with hard labour.

Source: Bedfordshire Times 2nd July 1915

A Sunday Afternoon on the River Goes Terribly Wrong

Shire Hall, Bedford from the river [Z1306/10/58/7]

Wednesday 28th April 1915: A pleasant Sunday afternoon boating expedition ended in tragedy today when a Canadian canoe carrying two young soldiers of the Highland Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps capsized near Shire Hall. One of the men, Private Macleod, could swim a little and was able to keep hold of the canoe until he was rescued by a man who rowed down the river from the boatyard at Batt’s Ford. His comrade Private Cooper, however, was drowned.

At the inquest held at the Bedford police station yesterday evening Private Macleod said he had known Private Cooper since September and was in the same corps. They had been on the river together before but in a rowing boat, not a canoe. They had hired the canoe for an hour and were returning to the boatyard when the accident happened. He believed Private Cooper had put his paddle too far into the water as the canoe went over on his side. There were at least two boats close to them and Private Macleod shouted at them as he clung to the canoe, asking them to help his comrade who was then above water. He himself tried to help but Private Cooper caught hold of him and pulled him under. After he freed himself he did not see Private Cooper again. None of the boats around gave them any help and he was rescued by a man from the boatyard.

Mr. John Preston, an Old Bedfordian who has just been admitted to Sandhurst gave evidence that he had been in a boat on the opposite side to where the accident happened. His friend drew his attention to what was happening and he saw two men in the water. They rowed to the spot but other boats were there before them and by that time the second man had disappeared. No help was given by the two boats nearer to the accident. Police Sergeant Halestrap recovered the body at five o’clock, from fourteen feet of water. The man’s watch had stopped at 4.15. The policeman thought that if anyone had dived in Private Cooper could have been rescued.

The Coroner expressed surprise that nobody could swim sufficiently to save the young man. He recommended that greater care should be taken in canoes and small boats which were easily upset. The jury passed a verdict of “accidentally drowned”.

Source: Bedfordshire Standard, 30th April 1915

Respirators for the Highlanders

Gas masks at the Imperial War Museum, July 2014

Monday 26th April 1915: Now that the British troops are under attack from asphyxiating gases the Bedford Recreation Committee has offered to take on the task of supplying the Highland Division with 20,000 respirators. The respirators will consist of a pad of cotton wool covered with gauze and attached to an elastic headband. The pads are to be dyed brown, as white would make the wearer an easy target for German sharpshooters. Absorbent wool and gauze is required as non-absorbent material would be useless. The total cost of the materials is expected to amount to £150. The work of making these has now been put in hand. Girls from the elementary schools and their teachers, students of the Bedford Kindergarten and of the Physical Training College, and ladies from across the county are taking part in order to produce the respirators as quickly as possible.[1] 

Source: Luton News 29th April 1915; Bedfordshire Standard, 7th May 1915

---

[1] A letter of thanks appeared in the Bedfordshire Standard on 7th May suggesting that the entire 20,000 were produced in a single week.

A Stolen Bicycle

Bedford Picture Palace, early 1920s [BP65/52/53]

Saturday 24th April 1915: While the relationship between the people of Bedford and the Highland troops billeted in the town has generally been exceptionally good, difficulties do occasionally arise. When this happens they are often triggered by drink, as in the case of soldier Private Adam Brown who has just appeared at Bedford Police Court charged with the theft of a bicycle. Twelve year old Archibald Clark of 122, Howbury Street left his bicycle at the back of the Picture Palace last Saturday evening. The bike went missing and he next saw it in the back yard of 15 year old William Jones at Pembroke Street.

William Jones knew Private Brown, who had previously been billeted at his house although he left about two months ago and was now living in St. Cuthbert’s. The boy had met Private Brown on Monday afternoon. The soldier told him he had left a bicycle at his house because it had a puncture; he said he would call for it later that evening but did not do so. On the Tuesday morning Jones saw Private Brown again and commented that it was a good bicycle. The soldier said his younger brother had sent it from Paisley and he would sell it to Jones for five shillings. Jones suggested the bicycle was stolen, but Private Brown denied this.

Private Brown said that on Saturday night he had been in Mill Street when a man on came along with the bicycle and told him he could have a ride as he had to do some business. He waited, but the man did not return. He took the bicycle to his billet, and then later to Pembroke Street. He had intended to take it to the police but could not do so as he had to go on parade. Private Proban appeared as a witness. He said he had been out with Private Brown on Saturday 17th and they had both had a drink. He backed up his comrade’s story that a man had left the bicycle with them. A Lance-Corporal said that Private Brown was a good soldier and would soon be going abroad if he was discharged. The Chairman of the Bench considered there was no doubt that Private Brown took the bicycle due to having too much to drink. As he had a letter of good character he was discharged, but warned about his future behaviour.

Source: Bedfordshire Standard, 30th April 1915

Highland Games at Bedford

Tossing the caber, from Souvenir of the Highland Division at Bedford [X414/162]

Easter Monday, 5th April 1915: Another great Highland tradition has made its way to Bedford today, where a full programme of Highland Games has been in progress in the grounds of Bedford Grammar School. Competitions have included piping, dancing of sword dances, Highland flings and reels, tossing the caber and the hammer, long and high jumping, bayonet fighting, tug-o-war and various running races.

The 8th Argylls proved the champions of the games, with their star performers including winning piper Pipe-Major W. Laurie, famous throughout Scotland as one of the best pipers in the world, dancer Sergeant Logan, who won the sword dance and the Highland fling, and an invincible heavyweight tug-o-war team. The programme was arranged by the Bedford Borough Recreation Committee for the Troops, who also provided stewards, time-keepers and other officials. Prizes were presented by His Grace the Duke of Bedford.

Source: Bedfordshire Standard, 9th April 1915; 

The Mysterious Death of a Seaforth Highlander

5th Seaforth Highlanders marching along Bedford High Street, 1915 [Z1306/12/5/71]

Thursday 11th March 1915: An open verdict was recorded at the inquest held this morning into the death of twenty-two year old Private Reginald Herbert Warren of the 5th Seaforth Highlanders. Private Warren had appeared to be perfectly healthy on Tuesday evening but was found dead in bed at his billet in Park Road North, Bedford, on Wednesday morning. Although a post-mortem examination was carried out, no cause of death could be identified. There were no marks of violence on the body, and nothing appeared wrong with the internal organs; everything seemed normal. Mr Carl Hansel, with whom Private Warren was billeted, said that he had seemed perfectly well when he last saw him on Sunday, although he had noticed that the young man showed signs of fatigue when he had been on a long march. When he was called to the bedroom yesterday morning there was nothing about either the deceased or the room to arouse suspicion.

Colonel Charles Edward Douglas, the medical officer of the 5th Seaforths, said that Private Warren had never been on sick parade. He saw the deceased at about 6.50a.m., lying in his bad in a perfectly natural position. Death had taken place about two hours earlier. Private Warren’s father, Mr D. James Warren of East Finchley, said he last saw his son alive on New Year’s Day and he was in perfect health. He had received a letter from him on 8th March in which he complained of fatigue from trench digging, but which was otherwise full of hope and cheerfulness. Summing up, the Coroner said that the deceased had “surrendered his life for his country in a splendid way”, and it was a “mournful pleasure to his family that he had died in the service of his country”. The cause of death was simply a mystery which could not be solved despite the best efforts of the medical men.

Source: Bedfordshire Standard 12th March 1914

New Swimming Baths for Bedford

Friday 26th February 1915: A new swimming baths built for soldiers billeted in Bedford was opened yesterday afternoon. The baths have been built on land next to the Bedford Electric Light Station and will be filled using water taken from the river and warmed by passing through the condensers at the Electric Light Works. This will be pumped into the baths at a temperature of 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29ºC) where it will be allowed to cool to 75 degrees (24ºC). The building is made of corrugated iron and is lit by large electric lamps; the pool is 100 feet long, 35 feet wide, from 3 feet to 6 feet in depth, and holds about 98,270 gallons. It will take three hours for the electrically powered pump to fill the baths, at a cost of 1s 3d, and the water will flow continuously at a cost of 5d per hour. The water will be exactly as it comes from the river, except that it will be heated.

The baths were declared open by Major-General Bannatine-Allason, who expressed the hope that when the troops left the town the pool would remain in use as an amenity for the people of Bedford. The first to enter the pool was Miss Ada Stimson, the young daughter of the Town Clerk, who swam two length. This was followed by a series of races which were won by a team from the 6th Argylls who beat the 8th Argylls by a yard. A water polo match between the Highland Division and Bedford ended in a four-four draw after Bedford game back from two goals down. The brass band of the 6th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders entertained the spectators at intervals and prizes were presented to the winners by the Mayoress of Bedford.

Source: Bedfordshire Standard, 26th February 1915

Deserter Convicted of False Pretences

Seaforth Highlanders pipe band in St. Mary's Street, Bedford, November 1914 [Z1306/12/6/32]

Tuesday 23rd February 1915: Private Joseph Scott has been sentenced to three months’ hard labour by Dunstable magistrates for obtaining food and lodgings from Mrs Laura Bandy by false pretences between January 8th and 16th. Scott claimed to have been wounded at Mons and that he was receiving medical treatment at Wardown Park. He wore his uniform, his head was bandaged and his left hand was in a sling. Sympathetic to this wounded soldier, Mrs Bandy agreed to let him rooms in her house at 30 Princess Street, Dunstable, for 18 shillings a week which he said he could easily afford out of his army pay. In fact Scott, a Seaforth Highlander, had never been at the Front and had deserted from the Salamanca Barracks at Aldershot.

Mrs Bandy said Scott had told her he had been bayoneted in the arm at Mons and that he would receive his money by the Thursday. He claimed that two of his brothers had been killed at the Front, and that he had two sisters acting as Red Cross nurses. Police Sergeant Tingey gave evidence that he had seen the prisoner in High Street North in the afternoon of February 15th. Scott said that two fingers of his left hand had been blown off, but when accused of being a deserter from the Seaforth Highlanders he admitted this was the case. When he was later charged with false pretences he said “very well”. Scott pleaded guilty to the magistrates and said he had nothing to say. It was disclosed that he had four previous convictions in Scotland for fraud and theft between 1911 and 1913. He had enlisted with the Seaforths late in 1914 and deserted on December 27th. The Mayor told Scott he had disgraced the King’s uniform and anticipated he would be dealt with by the military authorities at the end of his three month sentence.

Source: Luton News 25th February 1915; Leighton Buzzard Observer and Linslade Gazette 2rd March 1915

Princess Louise Visits the Troops

Soldiers and Colonel of Argyll and Sutherland Brigade pushing Princess Louise's Car [Z1306/12/6/6]

Wednesday 3rd February 1915:  The Argyll and Sutherland Brigade was inspected this afternoon by H.R.H. Princess Louise, the second royal visitor to Bedford in three months.[1] The battalions marched up Kimbolton Road soon after noon and took up their positions in a field near Putnoe Farm. The Princess arrived by motor car at 1.35 and was driven into the field. She was welcomed by the Brigadier; the troops presented the “general salute” and the band played the National Anthem. After walking along in front of the battalions and acknowledging their salutes, the Princess took up a position near the Park Hotel for the troops to march past. The secret of the visit was well kept, and very few civilians were present.

Source: Bedfordshire Times 5th February 1915

---

[1] King George V visited Bedford on 22  October 1914 to review the Highland troops. 

Absent Friends

Seaforth Highlanders in Bedford Park, 1914

Sunday 17th January 1915: Although some of Bedford’s Scottish visitors have now gone to the Front they have not forgotten their former hosts, nor been forgotten by them, with letters and gifts passing in both directions. Mrs B. M. Blanchard of 47, Foster Hill Road, Bedford has received letters from two of the Seaforth Highlanders who until recently were billeted with her. Private J. M. McLeman writes:

“I thank you very much for sending the Christmas pudding and parcel. I am writing this in a building that has been shelled by the Germans, and the roar of the guns, day and night, is awful. We are spending our Christmas far away from home, but are happy in looking forward to a more peaceful one next year, if we are spared. We are making good progress as far as we know. I was glad of your long letter, with all the news of Bedford; you have no idea how pleased we are to get a word from home. We got Princess Mary’s Christmas gift, and one from the King and Queen, with a nice inscription on it. We are well looked after and are supplied with everything needful. Really, the transport of the British Army is a wonderful thing. You should have seen us a week ago, all wearing beards, but now e are all nice and trim and the mud cleaned off our clothes. You will be pleased to hear we are all well, and as lively as ever. We had a concert in a barn on New Year’s Eve, and MacKenzie sang three songs. Please remember me to Mr. Blanchard and family, and I hope you will have the best of health and happiness in the New Year.”

Private C. Mackenzie says: “We enjoyed your welcome gifts very much. We are having very bad weather here. Our guns are fairly going at them now, and just shaking the ground under us. All the boys are in good health; excuse bad writing, as writing desks are scarce here – not like good old Bedford, where one could have all comforts, but we came here to rough it, and rough it we must. I received a parcel from your sister, Miss May, for which I do not know how to express my thanks”.

Source: Bedfordshire Standard, 15th January 1915

A Highland New Year in Bedford

Seaforth Highlanders at Bedford 1914 [Z1306/12/6/28]

Friday 1st January 1915: Last night’s Hogmanay celebrations passed off in great style. At every venue the soldiers were served with a cold meal of joints of meat, mostly ham and beef, followed by hot plum pudding and sauce, tea and cakes. The Modern School Hall was used as a central depot for crockery, cutlery, silver and utensils. Supplies of cakes and mince pies were also kept at the School, with a total of around 30,000 distributed. This report from the Guild Hut in Bedford Park describes just one of the eighteen separate suppers.

The Rev. Herbert Reid, M.A., was Chairman and Chaplain at a little supper party of 460. The forty stewards of both sexes included four Brigadiers of the Bedford Fire Brigade, who obviously found their new avocation as much to their taste as fire-fighting. Just before the appointed hour the 460 members of the 6th Battallion Seaforths, headed by their pipers, reached the hall, which was absolutely ‘it’ for such an occasion, and took their seats with military orderliness. The three long tables stretched the full length of the hall, which only that day had received the finishing touches from the decorator, and looked beautifully spic and span. Filled with such a fine body of men, it was a sight to gladden the heart. Grace having been said by the Rev. Chairman, the men made a determined attack on the abundantly spread tables.  

The Chairman, in proposing “The King” said that on the program the Committee had artistically combined the Thistle and the Borough Arms, and he hoped this association would long continue. He was sure they would carry away very warm memories of their stay in Bedford. Mr Burridge, proposing “Our Scottish Hosts” said the men’s good fortune in being sent to Bedford had been Bedford’s good fortune too. Bedford people now looked upon them as ‘our boys’.

The New Year began at midnight with an enormous crowd of Scottish soldiers gathered in the market place linking hands to sing in 1915 with Auld Lang Syne. Today yesterday's arrangements will be repeated to provide more simultaneous suppers for the rest of the Highlanders. 

Source: The Highland Division at Bedford: An Illustrated Souvenir [X414/162]; Bedfordshire Times 1st January 1915

Hogmanay

6th Argyles billeted at an unfurnished house in Rothsay Road [X414/162]

Thursday 31st December 1914: This year the New Year in Bedford is to be Hogmanay and all the Highlanders stationed in Bedford. Tonight the troops who are billeted in unfurnished houses will be fed simultaneously in eighteen public halls, huts and tents. Tomorrow the remainder of the Scottish soldiers will have their turn. The organisation of the New Year celebration has been carried out by Mr Machin, the Secretary of the Borough Recreation Committee. No less than 400 stewards and 300 entertainers are expected to take part, most of whom are giving their services free. The cost of the feast is expected to be at least £1000, most of which has been sent from Scotland although some local contributions have also been received. The fundraising was managed by the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, the editor of the Aberdeen Journal and the Provost of Elgin, the first two of whom have travelled south for the occasion. 

The suppers are to take place at 6.30 and are to follow a prescribed order. Each will begin with the National Anthem, followed by a welcome by the Chairman and grace said by the Chaplain. After the meal at 7.30 the Chairman will propose a toast to His Majesty the King and the Vice-Chairman will propose “Our Scottish Hosts”. The toasts will be followed by a concert and the distribution of cigarettes. The suppers will end at 9.15 with Auld Lang Syne and God Save the King. No alcohol will be served and the military authorities have ordered all licensed premises to close from 2.30 p.m. both today and tomorrow.

Source: The Highland Division at Bedford: An Illustrated Souvenir [X414/162]; Bedfordshire Times 1st January 1915

Fatal Consequences of Measles

Monday 14th December 1914: A funeral has been held this morning for Private James Geddes of the 4th Cameron Highlanders who died from complications following measles. From the Highlanders’ first arrival in Bedford the medical authorities in the town have been afraid of the consequences of a measles epidemic. Many of the soldiers come from parts of Scotland where the disease is almost unknown and measles is known to be particularly dangerous among people who have not built up any natural immunity. A measles outbreak began in October, with the first case among the troops occurring on 15th October. Private Geddes’ death yesterday morning was the first fatality for the Highlanders, but it is very unlikely to be the last. He died at the Goldington Road Schools which were turned into a temporary military hospital when the severity of the epidemic became clear. This morning also saw the first fatal civilian case with the death of a three year old child.[1]

Private Geddes was a “braw laddie” of 22 years of age and had been a farm labourer at Culloden, the site of the famous battle. Tragically his younger brother, Private William Geddes of the 4th Seaforths, had been the first of the Highlanders to die in Bedford and was buried in the town cemetery on 10th October. Private James Geddes had been the principal mourner at his brother’s funeral; this time a third brother was the only official mourner.  The young man was buried in a grave at the foot of his brother’s.[2]

Sources: Bedfordshire Times 18th November 1914; Report of the Medical Officer of Health for the Borough of Bedford for 1914 [BorBB2/22/14]

---

[1] The Medical Officer of Health recorded 8 measles cases in October, 72 in November, and 386 in December and the first week of January. By the end of December 7 children and 15 soldiers had died. The Camerons, who came from the Western Highlands and Isles, were the most severely affected.
[2] Both James and William Geddes are commemorated on the Kilmuir Easter War Memorial, Ross and Cromarty.

Death of Two Highlanders

7th Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders leaving Bedford for a route march, 1914 [X414/162]

Thursday 26th November 2014: Today has seen the tragic deaths of two young Highlanders who had been billeted in Bedford. Private David Crearer of H Company, 5th Seaforths died in the Borough Isolation Hospital of inflammation brought on by scarlet fever. David came from Castletown, Caithness, from where he cycled to Thurso to work as a solicitor’s clerk. If he had lived he would have celebrated his eighteenth birthday this week. Two of his cousins, John and James Manson, are serving in the same company and a third cousin is with the Artillery.

Private John McLachlan of D Company, 7th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders had been unwell for 8 to 10 days, complaining of a cold and a pain over the right eye. On Thursday he was too ill for parade and was taken to St Leonard’s Hospital where he died this evening. John was from Lennoxtown, Stirlingshire. He was an all-round athlete, with a particular talent for swimming. The deaths of these two young men brings the number of Scottish territorials who have died since they came to Bedford to eight.

Source: Beds Times 4 December 1914

Departure of the Seaforth Highlanders

Image: Departure of the 4th Seaforths, 5th November 1914 [X414/162]

Thursday 5th November 1914 (Bedford): On Sunday the 4th Seaforth Highlanders were informed that they were to leave Bedford for France. Since then the men have been in a whirl of preparation with kit inspections, refitting of transport and the issue of new rifles, bayonets and ammunition. On Tuesday they were addressed by the Brigadier who urged them to live up to the great honour that had been granted to them and also to abstain from alcohol. By last night their packs were ready, filled with the regulation kit list of twenty five items.

At ten o’clock this morning the battalion assembled to the south of the Grammar School. After an address from General Ballatine-Allason and the chaplain the battalion was divided into two halves. At 11.45a.m. the fatigue party left at the head of the transport column. The first half of the battalion said their farewells and as they marched out of the school the Grammar School boys who formed a guard of honour sent up a rousing three cheers on the command of their Headmaster. As the Seaforths’ own pipers were in the ranks the column was led by pipers from another battalion playing “Lochiel’s awa’ tae France”. The soldiers marched down Barnaby Road, to cheers from a group of Highlanders, past St Peters and down the High Street, where girls filled the upper windows, doorways and pavements. Friends linked arms with the soldiers and gave them chocolate, cigarettes and tobacco. From there they marched to the temporary station in Ampthill Road. The public were kept out of the station, but permission was given to family members who had travelled to Bedford to say their farewells. The train left at ten past one to rousing cheers from both the crowd and the soldiers.

The second half of the battalion left the Grammar School at 12.55p.m. and followed the same route as their comrades, this time to even more enthusiastic cheers. In the High Street the pipers who were returning after playing for the first party met the marchers, turned around and accompanied them to the station. Once all the men were on the train the crowds were admitted to the platforms; half an hour later the train left Bedford to yet more cheering, leaving all the onlookers thrilled by the spectacle.

Source: Beds Times 4 December 1914; The Highland Division at Bedford: An Illustrated Souvenir [X414/162]