Sportsmen's Battalions facts for kids
The Sportsman's Battalions were special army groups formed during the First World War (1914–1918). They were also known as the 23rd and 24th (Service) Battalions of the Royal Fusiliers. Unlike most army groups that recruited from one area, these battalions were made up of men famous in sports like cricket, golf, boxing, and football, or from the media. They were meant for fit, upper and middle-class men up to 45 years old who could shoot and ride. These battalions were part of the "Pals battalions" where friends or people with shared backgrounds joined the army together.
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The First Sportsman's Battalion
The first Sportsman's Battalion (the 23rd) was created in London in September 1914. Mrs. E. Cunliffe-Owen started it after getting permission from Lord Kitchener, a famous army leader. Men up to 45 years old could join.
From November 1914 to June 1915, the soldiers trained at a special camp in Hornchurch, Essex. In June 1915, the battalion joined the 99th Brigade and 33rd Division. They arrived in France in November 1915. Later, they moved to the 2nd Division.
This battalion fought bravely on the Western Front. They took part in big battles at Vimy Ridge, the Somme, and for Delville Wood. Many famous people were in this group. This included top cricketers like Ernie Hayes, Bill Hitch, and Andy Sandham from Surrey County Cricket Club. England's lightweight boxing champion and an author named John Chesshire also joined.
The Second Sportsman's Battalion
The 24th (Service) Battalion, also called the 2nd Sportsman's, was formed in London on November 20, 1914. Mrs. Cunliffe-Owen also started this group.
In June 1915, this battalion joined the 99th Brigade, 33rd Division. By December 1915, they moved to the 5th Brigade in the 2nd Division. Their training happened near Romford. Famous people who joined included the wealthy politician Sir Herbert Raphael and cricketer C. P. McGahey. Frederic Thomas Horne, a political agent, also joined. He sadly died at the Somme on September 5, 1916.
The Third Sportsman's Battalion
A third Sportsman's Battalion, the 30th (Reserve) Battalion, was formed in July 1915. It was made up of soldiers who remained from the first two battalions. Its main offices moved around to places like Hornchurch, Leamington Spa, Oxford, and finally Leith.
Famous Footballers Who Joined
Many footballers joined the Sportsman's Battalions. Here are a few examples:
- Arthur Evans from Exeter City joined the 24th Battalion.
- Jack Cartmell from Abertillery joined the 24th Battalion.
- Henry Littlewort from Glossop joined the 23rd and 30th Battalions.
- Charles Clunas from Clyde joined the 23rd Battalion. He died in France in February 1916.
- Patsy Hendren from Brentford joined the 23rd Battalion.
- Harry Owen from Southend United joined the 23rd Battalion. He died in France in March 1916.
- Ginger Owers from Clyde joined the 23rd Battalion.
- Henry Purver from Brentford joined the 24th Battalion. He died in France in July 1916.
