1914 divisional cyclist companies BEF

[Guest]

I am hoping to find an answer to a my question   how were the members of the divisional cyclist companies made up was it an existing formation   or were men take out of the infantry battalions 

 

[TGM]

I assume you've already looked over:

http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/army-cyclist-corps/

and

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/awards-and-accreditation/content/100720

 

http://www.ccnb.org.uk/worldwar1_remembered.pdf

 

 

Edited 4 January , 2018 by TGM
additional info

[Guest]

thank you

[Guest]

In July 1914 there were no Designated Divisional Cyclists. On Mobilization, men were sent to form the unit from each Battalion:

 

1st Bn Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regt (13th Inf Bde) - War Diary

7th Aug 1914. 7:30 am. A party of 270 Reservists joined the Battalion from MAIDSTONE under the following Officers:

Capt F H LIEBENROOD, 3rd Bn ROYAL WEST KENT REGT (for duty with the details remaining in DUBLIN). Lt D C C SEWELL and 2 Lt C A M HOLLOWAY, both 3rd Bn QUEEN'S OWN ROYAL WEST KENT REGIMENT, and both for duty with the Battalion.

6:30 pm Capt SNOW and Lt ANSTRUTHER & SNELGROVE with 15 Sgts (2 serving & 13 Reservists) left for duty at the DEPOT, MAIDSTONE for duty with the new Battalions being formed by Lord KITCHENER.

All the horses were completed today but the harness for the heavy draught horses for the 4 GS wagons (train transport) and the two travelling kitchens (the private property of the Battalion) were not received and eventually their harness had to be purchased from Messrs GUINNESS (Stout Manufacturers DUBLIN).

Seven more men were detailed for duty with the newly formed 5th INF DIV Cyclist Sect. These men mobilised with the Battalion but were supernumerary to the establishment.

Orders were received that the 13th INF BDE would embark on the 9th inst (Sunday).

9:00 pm Lt PALMER, 2 Lt AMES & the railway transport staff party rejoined from duty at KINGSBRIDGE STATION.

11:00 pm Lt W P CROKER, RAMC, joined for duty on attachment as MO to the Battalion.

 

20th Aug 1914. Coys, the MG and transport paraded independently at about 9:00 am for route marching combined with fire control, extended order drill, it is fine and hot.

3:45 pm The Battalion in common with the Battalions of the Brigade was addressed by Maj Gen Sir C FERGUSSON Commander 5th INF DIV, the pitch of his remarks was:

1. Necessity for discipline 
2. Realisation of the fact that we are now "up against it" 
3. Characteristics of the enemy 
4. To fight to the last.
The following left the Battalion:

1. 10 Cyclists to the 5th DIV Cyclists Coy at LANDRECIES (already supernumerary to establishment)
2. 2 Cyclists for temporary duty with 15th DIV HQ
3. 5 men to Hospital at LANDRECIES. (temporary French Hospital, en route to British Military Hospital at AMIENS) 

7:00 pm Notification was received from Brigade HQ that the Brigade would probably move about 7:00 am on the 21st.

 

2nd Bn Queen's Royal West Surrey Regt (22nd Inf Bde) War Diary

23rd Sep 1914. to 27th Sep 1914 . During this week the Officer and part of the NCOs and men were allowed 24 hours leave to visit their relations.  The Battalion commenced mobilisation and was employed in Brigade and DIV exercises and route marches.  

Lt G A WHITE, 2 Lt D IVE and 2 Lt J BROWN 3rd Battalion joined the Regiment.  Lt G K OLLIVER was appointed to the DIV Cyclist Coy.

Edited 4 January , 2018 by Guest

[TGM]

On 1/4/2018 at 15:11, osprey1963 said:

thank you

 

You're welcome and welcome to the forum.

[David Filsell]

For your information very early in the war the Automobile  Association formed a volunteer cyclist company from amongst its 'scouts, the original name for the Association's patrols. It seems that later the men were redistributed to othe units.