2/1 Northern Cyclist Battalion

[Allan1892]

Not getting any younger, I thought that it was about time that I wrote up my maternal grandfather’s life, both civilian and military.
James W Wood, enlisted into the 2/1 Northern Cyclist Battalion ('F' Company) at the drill hall, Ashington, Northumberland in November 1914. Although his service record hasn't survived, it can be seen from the attached image (he is third right, back row) that he had signed up for Imperial Service as he is wearing the appropriate badge. After training at Alnwick, Northumberland, he was stationed at Bamburgh and by early April 1915 they were based in Lincolnshire. By the spring of 1917, James was transferred into the Somerset Light Infantry and off to the Western Front.
In order to try and cover all aspects of his life I have spent several hours wading through mountains of research paperwork that I have accumulated over the last 30+ years and I came across a document which gives an insight into the lives of some of the men that my grandfather served with in the Northern Cyclist Battalion. I can’t remember where I found this document but having re-read it myself, I thought that it may be of interest to members of the forum.
 

Northern Cyclists Batt memoirs__ COPY.pdf

[Richard B]

Dear @Allan1892,

 

I have just come across your post this morning and wanted to say how much I enjoyed reading it and how informative it is, giving an excellent insight into the daily routine of the 2/1 Northern Cyclist Battalion. Thank you for taking the time to post it.

My interest in the NCB stems from being a member of Rockcliff Rugby Club in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, who are today (27/4/2024) holding a small ceremony of remembrance for one of our former players, Corporal 1156 Thomas Nicholson Jobling, who served with 2/1 Northern Cyclist Battlion, and who died on 12th December 1915. He is buried in St. Paul’s Church in Whitley Bay.

I now have a much better appreciation of Tom’s short service as a result to your post, and I thank you for this.

 

Best wishes,

 

Richard.

 

 

[Allan1892]

I'm glad that you enjoyed reading the memoirs of some of the men.