Early in January, 1916, the Battalion was moved to Hazeley Down, 3½ miles to the south of Winchester, where a camp of considerable size was formed, consisting mainly of third-line units of the 2nd London T.F. Divisions, including at first the Kensingtons and the Queen’s Westminsters and later, when these two Battalions left, the London Scottish—the three other Battalions of the 4th Reserve London Brigade.
The camp was situated in an ideal position on the southern slope of one of the many downs in the neighbourhood: with stretches of well-wooded country, intersected by good roads, it formed altogether a most suitable region for military training. There was a range close by, at Chilcomb; there were trenches on Fawley Down, about a mile away, and at the camp there was plenty of space for digging, and bombing, and assault courses, as well as a good miniature range.
For two years—the greater part of its life—the Battalion made its home at this camp, and from here draft after draft was sent out, mainly to the 1st, partly to the 2nd Battalion, and occasionally to other units at the respective Fronts. The drafts had been trained, thanks very largely to the efforts of the disabled officers and N.C.O.’s from Overseas, as far as possible in the limited time at disposal.
When leave was given at the beginning of 1917 to enrol boys of 18, the strength of the Battalion mounted rapidly, and for some months stood at a total of about 2,400. These lads were of an excellent type, and as it was possible to give them a much longer training than the other recruits, they became quite good soldiers and many of them proved suitable for, and were given, commissions. Under the special recruiting system, admirably worked by Lieutenant C. E. Doubleday, Officer Commanding Depot, the ranks of the Battalion were reinforced by much the same class of man as joined the Regiment in pre-war days. When that system ceased, in 1918, the Battalion had to accept whatever men were sent to it by the Recruiting Officer, but particular pains were taken, and with great success, to imbue them with a sense of the best traditions of the Regiment. Indeed, throughout its career, whether on or off duty, both in billets and in camp, the conduct of the Battalion was worthy of the regimental badge.
While at Hazeley the Battalion was organised in six companies as follows:—
“A.” Major G. W. Turk.
“B.” Major H. D. Lewis.
“C” and “D.” Various officers, mostly from Overseas, amongst others: Majors F. M. Warne and E. W. Neales, Captains A. C. Bull, L. D. Eccles, D. H. Miall, W. L. C. Rathbone, M.C., A.M.
“E.” Captain G. H. Stone.
“F.” (Men from Overseas.) Various officers from Overseas.