Reservist training

[andrew pugh]

Good Afternoon All

What a lousey day weather wise! Could anybody tell me where the 5th Battalion "G" company of the Royal Fusiliers would have done their drilling or training from 18th May 1914 until 4th December 1914

As my Gt Uncle was a Special Reservist, at that time he at that time lived in Fulham. Im trying to see how far he traveled to do his drilling as a Reservist.Someone has suggested Hounslow and eventualy Dover Garrison until being drafted to the 1st Bn Royal Fusiliers 4th Dec 1914. Hope someone can help.

Regards Andy

[Graham Stewart]

Andy,

Weathers not too bad here, well over 40degrees again, so the air con is going hell-for-leather. Anyway back to your enquiry and Specialist Reservist training. Like the Territorials it was done annually and usually between the months of June and end of August depending on where the unit was located.

Prior to the formation of the SR, the Militia used to carry out a months training, but as I'm thousands of miles from my archive I can't recall if the SR carried their training on for the same period of time or if it was reduced to cater for those in full time employment.

One place to look may be any regimental journals that the Royal Fusiliers published as the Northumberland Fusiliers regimental journal used to have regular annual notes from it's SR Battalion when in training. Once you've found out when and where, it may be worth your while looking through local period newpapers too, as they may include articles and photo's of the Battalion in training.

[andrew pugh]

Hi Graham.

Thank you very much for that information I will contact the Fusilier Museum at the Tower of London,

once again thanks.

Regards Andy

[joseph]

Hi Andy,

The Special Reserve would do their training at the RF depot, normally six months initially, then two weeks annualy at camp, but I am sure condensed due to the outbreak of war. The Depot (Hounslow) may have set up a secondary base due to the demand for training.

Regards Charles