Stretcher-bearers have been referred to in several places already. The work of self-sacrifice of stretcher-bearers has been testified by every unit of the British Army, and our own lived up to the highest traditions of their calling; and our Medical Officers one and all set them an example which they might well be proud to follow. Lance-Corporal Winstanley, who during the latter part of the campaign was in charge of all stretcher-bearers, deserves a special mention for his admirable work.
The "water duty men," originally R.A.M.C. and later Riflemen, performed a thankless and arduous task with perseverance, often under conditions of great danger.
9. Miscellaneous Instructors.—The branches of knowledge with which the ordinary soldier has to be familiar are so diverse and so manifold that a host of instructors have to be equipped with special knowledge, in order that each may receive at any rate some instruction in special subjects.
In addition, therefore, to Musketry and Physical Instructors—of the latter, Sergeants Taylor, Jones, Hoskyn, and Ashcroft, and of the former Sergeants Beaumont, Griffiths, Kernighan, and Farrington were the principal exponents—we have Gas N.C.Os. (Sergeant Nicholls, Corporals Harvey and Roles) and Bombing Instructors (Corporal Cathrell, Sergeant Kerr, and Sergeant Grahl). The important duties performed by these N.C.Os. and by the officers who were similarly trained—Lieutenant Wyatt (physical drill), 2nd-Lieutenant Clarke and Lieutenant Burton (bombers), and Lieutenant James (Gas Officer)—are often hardly appreciated, and those who hold those special appointments are not infrequently thought to be in "cushy" jobs. That is as it may be; the fact remains that invaluable work was performed, and efficiency and protection obtained in vital branches of warfare.
10. Bugles.—From the earliest days at Blackpool the Bugles commenced to flourish, and throughout our long training in England they were an established part of our unit. In the early days of France they languished, but after the first "rest" their important position was recovered. In England Sergeant Kernighan was Sergeant-Bugler. During the latter part of the time in France Sergeant Cadman filled that office, while Lance-Corporal Frost proved a splendid cornet-player. The addition of five cornets was a great success, and latterly whenever out of the line the bugles sounded the recognized calls and carried out the normal routine of barrack life in England. In Lille the mere sight of the buglers produced an enthusiastic crowd, and there can be no question that their performance was well worth watching.
11. Machine Gunners.—The origin of this section dates from Blackpool in 1914, when the first beginnings were made under 2nd-Lieutenant Royston. After he proceeded overseas it passed under the care of 2nd-Lieutenant Rathbone, and from him again to Lieutenant Bowring. Under the latter, with the able assistance of Sergeant Machell, the section achieved the highest efficiency, and the arrival of a Vickers gun at Margate enabled the men to give practical demonstrations of their skill.
With the formation of the new Machine Gun Corps, instructions came to us, as to other units, for all our trained machine gunners to be transferred. Accordingly, in May, 1916, twenty-two men were discharged from the Territorial Force and were re-enlisted into the Machine Gun Corps, and formed No. 1 Section of "I" Machine Gun Company, at Grantham. After the normal period at Grantham, the major portion of these men proceeded to Mesopotamia in October, 1916, and fought in the principal action connected with the attempted recovery of Kut and the subsequent advance to Baghdad. The following spring they proceeded to Palestine, and took part in the chief operations there, which constituted the final obliteration of the Turk in that country. A further party of five were transferred to the Machine Gun Corps from Bourley Camp in July, 1916. Of these some proceeded to France, and thence to Salonika.
The various experiences of these men would cover many pages, but it is rather beyond the scope of this work. It may, however, be added that the extremely rapid promotion of our drafts speaks not only for their own merit, but also for that of the battalion in which they obtained their training as soldiers. Out of twenty-seven men, eighteen received promotion, including two warrant officers and three sergeants, while two men received commissions.
12. Light Trench Mortar Battery.—In July, 1916, the authorities decided that a Light Trench Mortar Battery should be formed in each of our Brigades, and in due course contingents from each battalion assembled in a corner of our camp to commence instruction in the Stokes trench mortar. Our contribution consisted of Lieutenant D. G. Leonard, one sergeant, two corporals, and nine men, with Lieutenant (later Captain) H. E. Barrow to command the Brigade Battery. The majority of the personnel had previously been sent to a preliminary course at Aldershot. Training accordingly proceeded apace, and the battery was soon firing live ammunition at Pirbright, where it subsequently took up its quarters permanently.
During the various vicissitudes of the Brigade our Trench Mortar Battery took its share of our pleasures and sorrows in full measure. At Houplines it proved more than a match for the German "pineapples." During raids of our own or the enemy's the men proved themselves worthy of the best traditions, while in open warfare they revealed surprising mobility. From time to time many other men were drafted from every battalion to the battery to replace casualties and to form reserves, and several of the men earned distinctions; while Captain Barrow, shortly before his transfer in 1917 to the W.A.F.F., was awarded the Military Cross.