Reservists 1914

[drummer]

In the call up of August 1914, when battalions fleshed out the ranks, would a reservist who, in previous service, had been a specialist of sorts (cook, transport, signals etc.) be reinstated into that area or would he take a spot in a rifle company? Also, would rank at separation be rank upon recall?

Thanks in advance..

Drummer

[Muerrisch]

Mobilization Regulations 1914 para 224, 5 say he retains his rank unless reduced whilst on the Reserve, to be placed in his numerical position of seniority on the roll provide he does not supercede NCOs who were of same rank who continued to serve. Lance appointments also to be preserved.

If these rules cause problems of "too many" NCOs versus establishment, no more promotions to be made until all absorbed.

In practice, the expansion in August meant real promotions for worthy men, rather than mere retention ....... "The War the Infantry Knew" describes this.

As for cooks, signallers, no rules. Frank Richards went out as a highly regarded signaller, but he was also a marksman, came back as a rifle-and-bayonet-man, and was later ordered back to signalling.

If this reply is any good at all, it should shut the thread down.

[drummer]

Thank you kindly, sir...

[Ken Lees]

If this reply is any good at all, it should shut the thread down.

I'm not suggesting that your reply isn't good enough LB, but in the way of a supplementary question, were many reservists likely to have found themselves drafted to service or territorial battalions, either as NCOs or as 'stiffeners' in the ranks?

I would suspect that this wouldn't have been too popular with them, if that was the case.

Regards,

Ken

[Muerrisch]

Yes.

Again, "The War the Infantry Knew" describes this "cadre" process. The 8th [service] Battalion RWF was built on such a cadre. The TF does not seem to have been a beneficiary, at least at first. The SR was not, of course, a fighting formation, and any "stiffening" needed was to increase the numbers of instructors etc. Early in 1915, these huge SR units were officially appointed extra very senior soldiers such as WOs and QMSs and became more or less double battalions, all of soldiers under training.

[j.r.f]

PALS

The CONNAUGHT RANGERS war diary states that:-3pm 4th August 1914 Recieved the order to mobilize and then that reserists arrived each day 2nd day srength of unit 30 officers o.r.527 by 11 Aug that 351 236 48 11 reservists arrived.So by the 11 Aug there were 646 reservists in the unit,ie 2nd Battalion Connaught rangers.They were in France ready to commence fighting on the 14th of August.

I hope this helps.

CHEERS.

JOHN