The Lancashire Hussars at Rhyl.

[radman]

This picture and article is shamelessly lifted from the Rhyl History Club blog - I hope they'll forgive me.

The Lancashire Hussars at Rhyl.

G Squardon LHRY Camp at Rhyl, 1908.jpg

This intriguing photograph is from 1908. Details of the visit of the Lancashire Hussars to Rhyl have been found in the Rhyl Record and Advertiser over a seven week period from May to July 1908. This from May 30th:

Today, Friday, the Duke of Lancaster’s own Imperial Yeomanry who will muster about 400 will arrive at the Foryd for their annual training.The site is the same as that occupied by the Church Boys Brigade last August. There are bell tents for the troopers and large marquees for mess purposes, whilst huts have been erected for the officers’ mess. Postal facilities are also provided on the ground, being in charge of Mr John of the Rhyl Post Office.

The bulk of the regiment came in by train today (Friday) but the Liverpool contingent are marching by road, having left Liverpool on Thursday. They make one stopping place en route.

The newspaper of June 6th describes the arrival:

The camping of the men and horses were carried out without a hitch, save that a charger broke away, and racing down to Abergele, was, with difficulty recaptured. Both officers and men have freely fraternised with the Denbigh and Flint Yeomanry at Bodrhyddan and the latter have during the week been shewing them round, as it were.

Drills, shooting and field exercises have been daily carried out and the men are having anything but an easy time, for the officers are doing their utmost to improve their soldier like qualities. The physique of many of the men is excellent, and it is surprising that large industrial centres can turn out such good types of manhood. On Sunday morning an open air service was conducted in the camp by the Hon. Chaplain Rev. F. Powell, which was well attended and impressive. The camp is rigidly kept closed to all except those who have business there and there is none of the freedom as enjoyed at the Bodrhyddan camp.

Owing to some disagreement two licensed houses have been put “out of bounds” which means that the troops must not visit them. The inspection and sports take place next week.

On the same page was a report of the ball:

The grand ball which had been so carefully and assiduously arranged by the Advertising Association with a view to making the stay of the Lancashire Yeomanry a pleasant a one as possible was held on Tuesday, but despite the admirable arrangements and careful preparation the attendance was rather disappointing. This may have been due to the troops having had a hard day’s work and not feeling inclined for pleasure, but the result is somewhat disheartening for the promoters.

The article goes on to list important guests, the patrons etc. Liquid refreshments were supplied by Mr Fred Wallis of the Wynnstay Hotel and dancing was kept up ’til two o’clock. Further newspaper reports over the coming week reveal that the regiment brought its own band. C Squadron, as shown in the photo, is “only 70 strong and coming from Newton le Willows.”

Another article states:

The regiment has daily indulged in useful drill and exercise and on Monday in the broiling sun spent the morning on the sands on the Denbighshire side of the Foryd. The horses were occasionally taken into the water. On Thursday accompanied by the band, the regiment marched to the sands east of the Rhyl pier, much to the delight of the numerous visitors and indulged in various evolutions in a smart and soldier like manner. The men are great favourites in Rhyl owing to their smart appearance and good behaviour. The regimental sports take place on Saturday at 3 o’clock at the camp.

Next week’s paper described the sports which took place in beautiful weather on Saturday afternoon. Events included: 100 yards race, sword v. sword, bare back wrestling, ¼ mile race, tent pegging, lemon cutting, jumping competition for the officers’ horses, Victoria Cross race and tug o’ war. In the description of the inspection the paper says:

The men were subjected to a trying time owing to the great heat, and were permitted to dismount and seek shade in the sandhills on every possible occasion. On Thursday operations in the hills were undertaken around Rhyl, concluding with a night attack.

The last reference is in the paper of July 11th: The regiment left Foryd Camp on Saturday morning about 5 o’clock, after a training which must rank as the most enjoyable and instructive in the memory of the oldest member.

[radman]

Probably doing a bit too much replying to my own posts, but never mind.

Here is a bit of information from Lane's Vol. II that explains about how when the photo above was taken the Newton Volunteers had just been replaced by the G company in the territorial army.

THE PASSING OF THE PRESS GUARDS.—On March 31st, 1908, the officers and men of the “F” Company, 6th V.B. (King’s), Liverpool Regiment, met at the Pied Bull Hotel, Newton, for the last time under the old order. During the evening Colonel S. H. Perry, V.D., said:—

Their old title ceased to exist that night, and it was a great grief to him to lose the Newton company which had been so long connected with the battalion he had the honour to command. The Newton company was second to none in the battalion, which was one of the best in Liverpool, if not in the nation. It was formed forty-nine years ago by Colonel McCorquodale, whose name was honoured and respected by every man in Newton. It was a great grief to part, but personal feeling would have to be put aside in the interest of the new movement, which, whether for good or ill, was designed for the purpose of improving or increasing the volunteer force. The title Volunteer was now erased and was replaced by the Territorial Army.

The officers were unanimously taking service under the new conditions, and he believed a great many of the sergeants had signified their intention of accepting also. They had sixty recruits, and resignations were never fewer. The Newton company was to be attached to the 4th South Lancashire regiment. Their organization was not to be interfered with, and they would all be in camp together. He wanted to ask the sergeants to accept their scarlet uniforms and keep them as a memento of the old battalion.— Earlestown Guardian.

Some amusement was caused at the meeting by the exhibition of this funeral card:—

IN REMEMBRANCE OF
“F” Company, Newton Detachment,
6th V.B. (King's) Liverpool Regiment.
Disbanded 31st March, 1908.
Good-bye, “F,” all sad and forlorn,
Into the “Terriers” we’ve been sworn;
Good-bye, “ F,” we’ll remember thee
When we shoulder our rifles in the “G.”

[ps68060]

My great grandfather was in the Lancs Hussars Yeomanry and we were told on a discussion on the 1914-18 forum that his number indicates pre-war service.

[radman]

My great grandfather was in the Lancs Hussars Yeomanry and we were told on a discussion on the 1914-18 forum that his number indicates pre-war service.

There is a chapter in one of J.H. Lane's history books that lists the members of the yeomanry along with their number, if you post (or pm) me his name or number I'll check for you.