1900.
The City Imperial Volunteers returned home in November, and were given a tumultuous welcome as they marched through London on the afternoon of Saturday, the 21st November. The route was lined by all the Metropolitan Volunteer Battalions; and so enthusiastic was London to welcome its “heroes” that it was with the greatest difficulty that the route could be kept clear.
Unfortunately, Lord Albemarle had been attacked with fever at Cape Town and was unable to embark, thereby missing the welcome accorded to his Battalion.
The returned warriors of the Civil Service were entertained by the rest of the Regiment at a great banquet given in their honour in the King’s Hall, Holborn, on the 10th December.
In all 136 members of the Corps served in South Africa, principally in the Yeomanry. Of these five were killed or died in hospital.
Trooper A. E. Trembath (Imperial Yeomanry) earned the D.C.M., and was promoted to rank of Lieutenant for distinguished service in action.[5]
[5] Lieutenant Trembath was killed in 1915 whilst serving with the 1st Battalion in France.
As the country was denuded of troops in this year the Government decided to establish Emergency Camps of Militia and Volunteers during the summer months. Brigade Camps lasting for a month were formed, and each Corps was requested to keep fifty per cent. of its strength in attendance for the whole period.
The South London Brigade consisting of
2nd (South) Middlesex
7th Middlesex (London Scottish)
12th Middlesex (Civil Service)
13th Middlesex (Queen’s Westminsters)
20th Middlesex (Artists)
went into camp on Farnborough Common from the 7th July to the 7th August. The Civil Service was by far the strongest battalion in attendance, and at its Inspection held on Saturday, the 21st July, the Battalion, including one Company of the 25th (Bank of England), stood over 1,000 on parade.
Permission was obtained this year to increase the establishment of the Battalion by two Companies and the maximum strength to 1,000. The two new Companies were “F” Company, recruited from the clerical staff of the London County Council, and “I” Company, formed of cyclists.