When local people prepared for war

World War 1 had reached stalemate, the terrible confrontation across the trenches of Flanders achieving nothing save the wholesale slaughter of men whose patriotism had led them to fight a conflict that saw millions die in military operations which almost destroyed an entire generation.
At home Zeppelin raids brought destruction and death to some towns and cities, Hull among them. But the threat of actual invasion if the Germans were successful in Europe began to tax the minds of many.
So something had to be done – just in case.
And in Hull and the East Riding it was.
For a new army – of volunteers – was created. It’s aim was to help repel a German invasion.
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In the Hull Golf Club the talk turned to war.
Things were not going well for either side. Across the Channel there was stalemate. Soldiers fought and died needlessly in trench warfare that proved futile, Thousands were killed while trying to win a few yards of ground, mown down as they attempted to advance, tried and sot by their own side if they refused to face the enemy.
But as the conflict dragged on some began to wonder…what if?
Supposing the Germans came out on top in Europe. Could an invasion of England then become a possibility – or even a reality?
As those golfers sipped their post-game drinks and discussed such weighty matters came the germ of an idea born of deep minded resolve and deep-rooted patriotism. A new volunteer force was needed to be able to move into action should the unthinkable happen.
The club formed a rifle company among its members and then called a meeting to discuss home defence, resolving to enrol men to go into training pending action by the War Office.
But, inevitably perhaps, there was no word from Whitehall. Officialdom, it seemed, did not want to know. The movement, in its early days, received no official recognition.
But it began to grow, illegal and dependant on those who took part in it for organisation, costs of administration, uniform and equipment. As one writer would later recall: “It was also a manifestation of patriotic feeling that it would be hard to equal. Middle aged and older men of all walks of life, trades and professions followed the example of younger men who rallied t the cause.
“They stepped into the breach and organised themselves in Hull and throughout the East Riding on a military basis. The War office, busy with he immense task of recruiting and the conduct of the war, did not protest. In fact, it had no time to spare for the grey-heads.”
And so the movement grew.
But it was not until Lord Nunburnholme, then the Lord Lieutenant of the East Riding, had completed the raising of four Hull service battalions that he was able to give any attention to the new force.
Nunburnholme liked what he saw and considered carefully the possibilities the force provided. There was no hesitation in his decision to give it official patronage and encouragement.
Meanwhile, the force continued to grow and to improve, eventually becoming known as The East Yorkshire Brigade. Its members included men who had seen service in either the Royal Navy, the regular Army and the Territorials.
Many were long past military age and had seen service abroad. They were able to bring ,military expertise and discipline, infusing the military spirit into the movement.
Among them were Admiral CB Walker of Beverley who, in addition to generous financial aid, granted the use of his rifle range and Commander Bethel RN who, when past 70, was commandant of the third battalion.
The admiral was a real character and took on his new role with determination and obvious relish. When petrol was scarce he would visit the units in Holderness on a pedal cycle.
It was on November 14 that the men in the War Office finally found time to take a closer look at the movement and make a decision non it finally giving it their approval.
But while those connected with the movement had something to celebrate it was not going to be until July1916 that their officers received His Majesty’s Commission and the other ranks took the oath of allegiance to the crown and were properly enrolled.

Written by The Editor - 09/01/2009 14:51:55

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