Queen Katherine Street drill hall, Kendal facts for kids
The Queen Katherine Street drill hall, also known as the Aynam Road drill hall, is a special building for military training. It's located in Queen Katherine Street, near Aynam Road, in Kendal, Cumbria, England.
Quick facts for kids Queen Katherine Street drill hall |
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Queen Katherine Street drill hall
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 Queen Katherine Street drill hall
Queen Katherine Street drill hall
Location in South Lakeland##Location in Cumbria
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| Coordinates | 54°19′29″N 2°44′35″W / 54.32475°N 2.74297°W |
| Type | Drill hall |
| Site history | |
| Built | Late 19th century |
| Built for | War Office |
| In use | Late 19th century–Present |
History of the Drill Hall
This building was created in the late 1800s. It was made for local volunteer soldiers from Westmorland. These soldiers were part of the 1st Volunteer Battalion, a group within The Border Regiment.
Early Military Units
In 1908, these volunteer groups became part of a larger unit. This new unit was called the 4th (Cumberland and Westmorland) Battalion, The Border Regiment.
When World War I began in August 1914, soldiers gathered at this drill hall. From here, they were sent to India to serve. Other military groups also used the drill hall. These included A Squadron of the Westmorland and Cumberland Yeomanry. The Yeomanry were a type of cavalry, meaning they rode horses. Also, the 3rd West Lancashire Field Ambulance was based here. This was a medical unit from the Royal Army Medical Corps.
Changes Over Time
Later, the drill hall in Carlisle called Strand Road drill hall closed. After that, the Queen Katherine Street drill hall became the main office for the entire battalion.
In 1967, fewer soldiers were based at the hall. Only one group, D (The Westmorland) Company, from the 4th (Territorial) Battalion, The Border Regiment, remained. This group changed its name several times over the years.
- In 1971, it became B (4th Border Regiment) Company, Northumbrian Volunteers.
- In 1975, it changed to C Company, 4th (Volunteer) Battalion, The King's Own Royal Border Regiment.
- In 1988, it was renamed B Company, 4th (Volunteer) Battalion, The King's Own Royal Border Regiment.
By 1992, the military presence was even smaller. Only a special team that used mortars (a type of weapon) was left. Finally, in 1999, military activities at the drill hall stopped completely.
Current Activities
Even though regular military units no longer use the drill hall, it's still a place for young people to learn about the military and develop skills.
Today, these groups use the site:
- Kendal Detachment, Cumbria Army Cadet Force: This is a youth organization linked to the British Army. It helps young people learn discipline and leadership.
- 1127 (Kendal) Squadron, Cumbria & Lancashire Wing, Air Training Corps: This group is for young people interested in aviation and the Royal Air Force. They learn about flying and teamwork.
