Recruiting in Rushden
Capt. Stocken’s Stirring Appeals
The Northamptonshire Regiment: One to be Proud of
New Scheme For “Pals” - Rushden Chaps “Good Sports”

Stirring appeals for recruits for the Northants Regiment were made at the Rushden theatres on Saturday night by Capt. Stocken, who, in each instance, emphasized the fact that it was a Northamptonshire man’s obvious duty, in joining the colours, to attach himself to his County regiment in preference to others. Speaking at the Royal first house the Captain said that it was the Rushden young men’s own fault that he had to make another appeal. He ought to have left the town long ago but he had not yet been able to obtain as many men as he wanted. He had not come to Rushden to force men to enlist but rather to help them. The headquarters, 100, High-street, was not only a recruiting office but also an enquiry office. It had been reported to him that a lot of Rushden men had joined the R.A.M.C. If that was so he felt rather sorry for them, as it showed that they were not good enough for the County Regiment. Another corps of which Rushden men seemed very fond was the R.G.A. That was a very fine corps, but at time when the R.A.M.C. and the R.G.A. got full up, the overplus of men was transferred to infantry regiments, as it was infantry that was needed, and infantry that they were going to have. A new scheme had been formulated as an inducement to Rushden men to enlist – a “Pals” section, particulars of which might be seen on bills posted in various parts of the town. He had a very clever sergeant in his office, who, by the way, was a Rushden man, and the scheme was the outcome of his suggestion. They were now asking Rushden men to come forward and offer themselves for the 8th Battalion Northants Regiment in batches of ten. They would train together, live together, beat the Germans together, and, he hoped come back together. Men only needed to use their common sense to realise that if they joined the R.A.M.C. or R.G.A., they stood a very good chance of being transferred to some infantry regiment, and thus become separated, whereas if they joined their County Regiment he was prepared to guarantee that they would be all together in the same section, same platoon, same company, and same battalion. They would be all pals together, and it would be more like being at home. The King asked them to enlist. God bless him, he wished him a speedy recovery. Particulars of the new scheme had been sent to each club in Rushden, and they had asked each club to form a section of its own. The chance for men to enlist in gangs of from four to six was the finest opportunity yet given them. One could not say too much in praise of their own County Regiment. Why Northamptonshire men joined other regiments he could not conceive. The Guards were admittedly one of the finest regiments in the British Army, and yet at the Battle of Talavera, it was the Northants that saved the Guards. That fact alone ought to make them proud of their County Regiment. At the Battle of Talavera, the English centre, comprising the Guards, was broken, and they were being forced to retire on all sides, when up came a beautiful line, in beautiful formation, the 48th regiment of foot, viz., the Northants Regiment. It looked at one time as though the French were winning, until the Northants wheeled their companies and allowed the retreating men to pass through and form up in their rear. They then re-attacked the French and whilst they were doing that the other regiments came up, charged with the bayonet, and won the victory. That was entirely owing to the Northants Regiment, and all Rushden chaps ought to be proud to join such a regiment. Why they joined other regiments he could not imagine and would like to be told. It could not be that they were afraid, as he had yet to meet a Rushden man who was a coward. It could only be that they did not comprehend the need of the County Battalion. He had many times warned them that they would be given a personal call with the registration cards, and he honestly believed that that scheme would be put into effect during the coming week. He urged Rushden men not to hold back until they were pestered and badgered by canvassers but to come forward voluntarily. Personally, he was proud of his recruits, especially as that afternoon they had beaten the Windmill at football.

In the course of a similar appeal at the Palace second house Capt. Stocken made feeling reference to the martyrdom of Nurse Cavell and urged Rushden men as Englishmen to do their part in avenging her murder. She died for her country, he said, and every man, if he was worthy of the name of a man, could not but feel proud of her heroism. (Applause.) In paying tribute to the value of the British Navy, Captain Stocken said that there was no shadow of a doubt that, if it were not for the work of the fleet, Rushden might have suffered the fate of many towns in Belgium, there would be no food, and Britain would have ceased to be a nation. The British Army had also done its bit at Loos, and well the Germans knew it. (Applause.) Help was now to be given to Serbia, which country appeared in a very bad plight. Things might not, however, be so bad as they appeared in the connection, as military tactics were not always easy to understand, but it was obvious that England must have men, and it was up to the citizens of the United Kingdom to supply the need. Englishmen ought to be proud of their country, and proud of the opportunity of volunteering for their King and country. (Hear, hear.) During his stay in Rushden he had found Rushden fellows to be gentlemen. He had never had a hard word from any one of them, and he believed they would come forward if they only realised that they were really wanted. They were jolly good chaps in Rushden as was evidenced by what his men had done that afternoon by beating the Windmill F.C. 2-1. Perhaps some would say that his men were lucky, any how they were good sports. Both sides had played the game as Englishmen should. (Applause.) The British and French soldiers played the game. They did not murder women as did the Germans. The Germans were not to be trusted, even when they hoisted the white flag. The captain concluded with the appeal that the ensuing week should be a record of recruiting in Rushden.

…………

5th November, 1915

Presentation to Captain Stocken
By Rushden and District Recruits

This morning a pleasing ceremony took place in the Recreation Ground. The men who have enlisted in the 8th Northants during the last three weeks, and are about to leave for Colchester, wished to express in some practical manner their great appreciation of the care and time which Capt. Stocken has spent upon them during their preliminary drill. To meet this end a collection was made amongst the men and during the morning parade Capt. Stocken was asked to accept a solid silver cigarette case by Sergt. S. T. Fox on behalf of the recruits.

Sergt. Fox made a suitable speech in making the presentation, and Capt. Stocken thanked the men most heartily for the gift, which he said he would value more than anything else he might have.

Three cheers were heartily given for the Captain.

Another Batch of Enlistments

Lieut. E. Franklin Smith has been sent to Rushden from the headquarters of the 8th Battalion Northants to assist Capt. Stocken at the new recruiting depots opened at Irthlingborough, Higham Ferrers, etc.

The draft of 50 recruits which, as reported in this issue, left Rushden on Monday for headquarters and were met at Colchester by the band and about 150 men. These included the previous draft from Rushden, with full equipment and arms, and they looked very smart. The C.O., Brevet Col. E. R. Hartigan, congratulated Capt. Stocken on the very fine physique of the men he had brought with him that day, and said that he trusted that within the next week or so he would bring a further draft equally as good. The men of the new draft were splendidly received, and settled down in their new quarters at once, perfectly contented at meeting so many of their own pals again.

Further recruits for the Northants:-

Recruiting in Rushden
The Steelbacks - Another Batch of Enlistments

Second Lieut. L. Perkins, 3/4th Northants (Territorials) has secured the following recruits for his battalion during the past fortnight:-

Rushden Boxer - Joins the Colours

Fred Jones, the Rushden bantam-weight boxer, has joined the Army.

Recruiting in Rushden

The following are the latest recruits for the 8th Northamptons:-

Recruit

Wm Orpin, who was for three years in service as footman at Rushden House, has enlisted in the 18th Battalion King'€™s Royal Rifles, and joins at Brighton on Tuesday. He will be sent to Winchester.

Joins the A.S.C.

Mr. F. W. Dix, the famous Raunds athlete, cyclist, and skating champion, has, with his brother, joined the motor transport section of the Army Service Corps.

Recruiting In Rushden - Local Men Join The Steelbacks - Latest Enlistments

A further draft of 45 recruits for the Northants Regiment left Rushden last Friday by the 11.49 a.m. train. The men fell in at the Green, and, headed by the Rushden Rifle Band, marched via High-street to the station, where a large crowd had assembled to see them off. The men were drawn up in the station approach and were addressed by Alderman G. Miller and Owen Parker (chairman of the East Northants Recruiting Committee).

Mr. Miller expressed thanks to the various clubs and tradesmen in the town who had thoughtfully provided the men with cigarettes.

Ald. Parker congratulated the men of the draft upon having joined a very fine regiment. He expressed the belief that the men of that district would not wait to be fetched but would come forward voluntarily.

Capt. Stocken, in response, expressed thanks to Ald. Parker and Ald. Miller, and said that although the previous drafts he had sent from Rushden were fine bodies of men, that present draft was in his opinion the best and most efficient draft he had sent to Colchester. (Applause.) Although the men had only joined a fortnight previously, they had been doing drill that was usually confined to recruits of five weeks’ standing, and he had actually taken some of the men from the ranks to act as section leaders. He expressed the hope that the next draft would be as good, and that within a week or so he would have another 200 recruits. (Laughter.) It was no laughing matter, continued the Captain, as there were at least 600 men eligible for the army remaining in Rushden. He did not want to go and fetch them but hoped that they would offer themselves voluntarily. He expressed thanks to the Athletic, Town Band and Windmill Clubs for presenting the men with cigarettes and also to Mr. W. A. Evans, the Co-operative Society and Messrs. Tailby and Putnam for similar favours.

The Rifle Band played appropriate music as the men waited their train and the Town Band Club Male Voice Choir, under Mr. W. Hardwick, rendered “Comrades in arms.” The train moved off to the strains of the National Anthem.

The recruiting officials desire us to state that the office, 100, High-street, Rushden, is again open at the usual time and that further recruits will be welcomed.

Yesterday Captain Stocken returned to the Battalion, and the duties at Rushden will be taken over by Captain H. C. Wright.

Up to last night 90 recruits had enlisted at the Rushden office, 87 High-street, through Col.-Sergt. Draper, under the Derby’s scheme.

Recruits

Mr. Albert Noble and Mr. Frank Noble, sons of Mr. J Noble of London, Canada, late of Rushden, have both enlisted in the 70th Battalion Overseas Infantry, Canadian Regiment.

Enrolling at Rushden – Big Push

Yesterday and today the recruiting office at Rushden has been thronged with men anxious to enrol under Lord Derby’s scheme. So great had been the rush that the recruiting officers have found difficulty in dealing with the men. The office was open until 11p.m. yesterday, and this morning at 9.30 there were no attestation papers left. A further supply was received at noon. Up to yesterday mid-day about 260 men had enrolled during the week, and over 100 were put through last night. It is expected that by this evening the number will exceed 400.

Minister Enlists

Mr. Thomas Litchfield, a former teacher at the Newton-road schools, Rushden, and subsequently a Congregational pastor, has joined the officers Training Corps.

Rushden’s Fine Response
To Lord Derby’s Appeal - Remarkable Rush of Recruits
Less Than A Hundred Eligibles Not Enrolled

Unprecedented scenes in the matter of recruiting were witnessed in Rushden during the last few days of enrolment under Lord Derby’s scheme. So great was the rush that the regular recruiting stations proved totally inadequate to deal with the number of men who presented themselves, so that it became necessary to requisition Alfred-street Schools for the purpose.

Even here, although the arrangements were excellent, the officials found their task no sinecure, and, although everybody worked with a will, several would-be recruits complained of being kept in their birthday suits, whilst awaiting the medical examination. On the whole, however, the spirit of the men was excellent, and the disqualified ones were soon brought into a state of amiableness by the jokes of their companions.

One optimist was heard to declare that it might be worse in the trenches, whilst another individual of truculent visage, who had successfully passed the doctor, was delighted at the prospect of having to do some “swearing,” as he termed it. The clerk who filled in his attestation papers was given tangible evidence of the gentleman’s abilities in that direction.

A perplexed look appeared on the faces of several when asked their religion. One young man desired to be put down as a Morman, whilst another was obviously unable to answer the question.

“Oh, put him in the band,” said Col. Sergt. F. Draper, meaning the Church of England.

“I ‘dornt’ belong to the ruddy Band,” replied the recruit, “I belong to the Athletic!”

The Medical Examinations

were expeditiously carried out by Drs. Greenfield, Davies, Owen, and Baker, and the work of filling in attestation and medical papers was efficiently carried out by Messrs. W. W. Rial, S. Saddler, A. Mantle, E. L. Brightwell, V. Carrington and Rattan, and two members of the Rushden V.T.C. (Second-in-command G. R. Turner and Pte. B. Tomkins) together with Col.-Sergt. F. Draper and his staff.

Capt. Wright, Lieut. L. Perkins, Ald. G. Miller, and Councillors J. Claridge, F. Knight, T. Swindall, and W. Bazeley were busy attesting the men.

If every town in the British Isles has done so well as Rushden under Lord Derby’s scheme then without doubt the voluntary system has received striking vindication, although evidence goes to show that fully 70 per cent. of the men who have enrolled are married. This fact in itself, however, is no tangible proof that the single men of the district have shirked their responsibilities, as it must be remembered that many bachelors had previously joined His Majesty’s forces, and an examination of the figures, viz., a totalling up of those who have enrolled as “Derby men,” those who had previously enlisted, and those of military age obviously ineligible through physical defects, reveal the fact that fewer than 100 eligibles remain in the town. The offices had to be open on Sunday.

We are able to state that at least 1,200 men presented themselves for enrolment. Of this number 1,060 passed the doctor, and the remaining 140 were rejected as “unfit.” Truly a magnificent result. We can only hope that it is the intention of such as have not enrolled to present themselves for immediate service, as we should be sorry to see the necessity arise for a measure of compulsion.

The V.T.C.

The Rushden Company of the V.T.C. has already received into its ranks for training several of the newly enrolled Derby men, and the company is still open to receive others. Drills are on Tuesday and Friday evenings at 8 o’clock at the Drill Hall, Church-street, Rushden, and on Sundays at 10 a.m. on the Town Cricket Ground.

The men receive instruction in infantry training, physical drill, musketry, and signalling, and are already engaged in the useful work of patrolling the railway and guarding bridges.

Lord Derby’s Scheme

The approximate number of Rushden men who presented themselves for enrolment was 1,300. Of these 250 were rejected as unfit, leaving 1,050 who were passed into the Special Army Reserve.

Route March at Rushden - Recruiting Rally
Volunteers and Special Constables - Joined by Lord Derby’s Recruits

A route march and recruiting rally organised by the Rushden recruiting authorities was held on Sunday morning, and, taking into consideration the fact that snow was falling heavily in the earlier part of the morning, the number of men who turned up for parade was very satisfactory. It was hoped that practically all the newly-enrolled men would parade, in which case there would have been a most imposing demonstration of Rushden’s patriotism, but the number of Derby men that fell in with the disciplined bodies of the town at the Drill Hall, Church-street, at 10.30 a.m. amounted to barely 100.

Many of the Special Army Reserve men were, however, included in the ranks of the V.T.C. and special Constables, and these, of course, marched with their respective organisations.

The order of the procession was as follows:- Col.-Sergt. Draper acting as drum major, the Rushden Rifle Band under Conductor E. Whitworth, men of the 8th and 4th Northants under Capt. Wright and Lieut Perkins respectively, the Rushden Company V.T.C. under Commandant R. F. Knight and Second-in-Command G. R. Turner, Higham V.T.C. under Commandant F. W. Margetts, Rushden and Higham Special Constables under Inspector Osborne, the Rushden Boy Scouts with drum and bugle band, and the Derby recruits. The latter formed fours very creditably, and marched with good alignment considering that they were for the most part untrained men. The outward route, which was well lined with spectators, was via High-street, High-street North, and Rushden Hill, to Kimbolton-road, where the company was wheeled, returning to Rushden via Wellingborough-road and Hayway to the Drill Hall, where they were dismissed.

Recruiting In Rushden
Hearty Send Off For Recruits
Over 200 Men for the 8th Northants
Lieut. Perkins Does Well

On Tuesday a further batch of Rushden men, recruited for the 8th Battalion Northants Regiment, left by the 11.49 a.m. train for Colchester, in the charge of Sergt. Fox. The men, who numbered about a dozen, were the recipients of enthusiastic cheers from the large crowd which had assembled at the station to see them off, and as they entrained the Rushden Rifle Band played patriotic airs, and suitable selections were sung by the Town Band Club Male Voice Choir, under the conductorship of Mr. W. Hardwick. Cigarettes, etc., were distributed amongst the men, by the generosity of various clubs and tradesmen in the town.

The 8th Northants recruiting campaign in Rushden was thus brought to a conclusion and it is gratifying to report that during the campaign in the town upwards of 200 men have been secured for this battalion of the county regiment.

A further contingent of about 40 men obtained during the past two months for the 3/4th Northants Regiment by Lieut. L. Perkins, B.Sc., left Rushden by the 1.19 p.m. train and were given a hearty send off. They fell in at the Drill Hall under the command of Lieut. Perkins, and headed by the Rushden Rifle Band, with Col. Sergt. Draper acting as drum major, they marched to the station approach, where they were addressed by Mr. T. Swindall, J.P. (chairman of the Rushden Urban Council) and the Rev. P. E. Robson, M.A. (Rector of St. Mary’s).

Mr. Swindall expressed his pleasure in being afforded the opportunity of wishing the men success. He was confident that they would do their utmost to bring the great war to a successful issue. There was far more significance in a soldier’s uniform to-day than in bygone years. They were going to fight not only for themselves but for those they were leaving behind. He wished every man amongst them good luck, and trusted that they would all come back safe and sound.

The Rev. P. Robson said that he was present that afternoon as the representative of the St. Mary’s branch of the C.E.M.S. to convey to the men the hearty good wishes of the members, and to present to the men of the 3/4th Northants cigarettes and sweets purchased with the proceeds of a collection recently taken at one of their meetings. They had something to be proud of in the fact that they were going to fight for their country, and the country would never forget the services by the Territorial Forces at a critical time in her history. At a time when the British Army was badly in need of men, the Territorials had stepped into the breach. He wished them good luck in the name of God and trusted that all would safely return to their homes.

Cigarettes were presented to the men by the Rushden Athletic and the Town Band Clubs, Messrs. Tailby and Putnam, and St. Mary’s C.E.M.S.

Lieut. Perkins, in expressing thanks on behalf of his men, said he was proud of his boys, all of whom he had recruited locally. He trusted he would be able to secure a further 40 Rushden men for his battalion.

On the initiative of the Rev. P. Robson, three hearty cheers were given for Lieut. Perkins, and as the men entrained the Rushden Rifle Band contributed “Auld Lang Syne,” and as the train moved off the “National Anthem.”

Rushden Recruit

Mr. John Richard Marriott, third son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Marriott, of Rushden, has enlisted in the King’s Royal Rifles. Mr. and Mrs. Marriott’s second son, 2nd Lieut. R. A. Marriott, of the 4th Northants, is in the Gallipoli Peninsula, and is fit and well.