Page 55 - WW1 - 1918

Redditch Local History Society Remembering Redditch Residents & WW1

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The Bromsgrove, Droitwich and Redditch Messenger – Saturday 18 May
1918

3rd Volunteer Batt., Worcestershire Regiment – Test Mobilisation and
Inspection at Redditch - A test mobilisation and inspection of the 3rd Volunteer
Battalion Worcestershire Regiment took place at Redditch on Sunday. The battalion
paraded about 700 strong, in full marching order with Lieutentant-Colonel W. W. Wiggin in
command. The introduction was made by Brigadier-General T. C. P. Calley, O.B. M.V.O., who
was accompanied by Lieutenant-Colonel Hudson, County Commandant, and Major Baldwin,
County Adjutant. He inspected the ranks most carefully, paying especial attention to the
equipment of the men. In addition to the infantry, the Machine Gun Section and the
Battalion Transport were represented. The battalion was put through battalion drill by the
Commanding Officer, and General Calley, in a short address complimented the officers and
men upon the excellence of their turnout and the progress made in training, but regretted to
see so many of the men still without uniforms, which was due to the large number of
recruits. The Volunteers, he said, were now an important part of the Home Defence force,
and with continued training would, he was sure, do most useful work in the event of an
attempt at invasion by the enemy.

© RLHS 2014 Page: 55