Matt Dixon Posted 21 November , 2003 Share Posted 21 November , 2003 Whilst researching the Birmingham Pals, I was told that they were the 14,15,16th Service Battalions, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Was exactly is meant by "service" battalion? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Hill 60 Posted 21 November , 2003 Share Posted 21 November , 2003 'Service' meant they were raised for service during the war...if I remember correctly! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Dixon Posted 21 November , 2003 Author Share Posted 21 November , 2003 Ahhhh....I thought it might have something to do with them usually being involved in base duties, stores, clerical work that sort of thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Hill 60 Posted 21 November , 2003 Share Posted 21 November , 2003 The word 'Service' was included in all (?) Kitchener Battalions, battalions such as the 1st & 2nd didn't have the word 'Service' in their title. I'm sure someone will give us a 'fuller' explaination soon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris_Baker Posted 21 November , 2003 Share Posted 21 November , 2003 It is to do with the New Armies, raised under instruction of Lord Kitchener. 'Your King and Country need you. A call to arms', was published on 11th August 1914 , explaining the conditions of service, and calling for 100,000 men to enlist. This figure was achieved within two weeks. Army Order 324, dated August 21st, 1914, specified that six new Divisions would be created, collectively called Kitchener's Army or K1. It detailed how the new infantry Battalions would be given numbers consecutive to the existing Battalions of their regiment, but with the addition of the word 'Service' after the unit number. And so on to K2, K3...etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Dixon Posted 21 November , 2003 Author Share Posted 21 November , 2003 Thanks to both of you......another of my little mysteries is cleared up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_Hartley Posted 21 November , 2003 Share Posted 21 November , 2003 Matt So, our friend, Wilfrith Elstob, ending up commanding the 16th (Service) Battalion, Manchester Regiment. Known in these parts as the First Manchester Pals. (Congrats on getting the book) John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Dixon Posted 22 November , 2003 Author Share Posted 22 November , 2003 That big thud you heard was the sound of the penny dropping! Delighted about the book, should arrive next week....£10 for 48 pages! Should be worth it though, even to a tight Southerner like me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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