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The Channel Islands and the Great War
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The Guernsey Volunteer Corps
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The first reference to a Guernsey Volunteer Force appears to have been in August 1914, when the Weekly Press (1) published an article signed by H. St Leger Wood, DAA and QMG, stating that HE the Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey proposed forming a contingent of 'B' Section, Royal Guernsey Militia, in case their services should be required. Volunteers would be free to live at home and carry on their normal work, and would only be called on in case of emergency.

By October 3rd 1914, the same newspaper was reporting on an inaugural meeting at the States Intermediate Schoolroom, attended by some 60 people, to discuss the advisability of forming a local Civilian Volunteer Corps. The enrolment form stated that "the object is to render all possible assistance to the military authorities during the present war by the preliminary training of men in military duties."

This Corps was to be composed of British subjects 'of good character', resident in Guernsey who were over military age (35 at this time) but under the physical standard required for the Army. (2)
Inaugural meeting
Militia Reservists of Section B, mentioned above, were to be incorporated into the Volunteers. All expenses were to be undertaken by members of the Corps, the organisation of which was to be as nearly as possible on military lines. In answer to a question from the floor, the audience was told that a serviceable, plain uniform could be purchased for 30s to 40s, though khaki would not be available because of the demand from active Service units.
St George's Hall was to be used as Headquarters, with preliminary drills to be held between 8 and 9 pm on weekday evenings. 41 men enrolled at that first meeting, and Davis reports that '…. drilled by Militia instructors the volunteers made rapid progress in the intricacies of section and platoon drill, their enthusiasm maintained at white heat despite the fact that they were "armed" with dummy rifles.' The Weekly Press of November 7 1914 states that Colonel Mosse had consented to serve as Commanding Officer, and that, as there would be some expense, a subscription of 6d per week had been set. Davis reports that 'Uniforms were bought, a miniature rifle range established, and a section was selected for instruction in the use of a machine gun (Maxim) attending a course of lectures at Castle Cornet.'
Guernsey Volunteer Corps. The Corps must have proved popular, as by late 1914 the Weekly Press (3) was reporting that 'Until further notice Platoons 1 and 2 will drill each Monday at St George's Hall at 8, and Platoons 3 and 4 will drill on Tuesdays at the same place at the same hour. Casuals and special classes will be provided for at St George's Hall at 8pm on Fridays'. This group included anyone who had served in the Militia. A platoon typically consisted of 30 to 40 men. A band too was formed, and on March 25th 1915, (4) the Corps made its first public appearance, taking part in a route march and parade at Cambridge Park. Later they undertook Field operations at Lancresse and other parts of the island. A picture published in the Weekly Press of this time (5) shows them in civilian clothing standing to outside St George's Hall prior to an inspection. In July 1915, (6) the Lieutenant Governor, Sir Reginald Hart, accepted the position of Honorary Commandant of the Corps. The Weekly Press of 28th August 1915 lists 'Promotions and Appointments made to the Guernsey Volunteer Corps'. These include 20 NCOs, and over 50 new recruits posted to the various Sections of the Corps.
   
 
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