The Outbreak of War

In Jersey, the First World War started on 30th July 1914. Although at that time hostilities had not yet officially broken-out, most nations realised that war was becoming inevitable as repercussions from the shooting in Sarajevo of the Austro-Hungarian Crown Prince forced political tensions higher and higher. On that day, notices went up throughout the Island announcing the mobilisation of the Jersey Militia. "In view of the state of feeling amongst European powers", it was proclaimed, "the Island needs to take precautions".

These precautions meant that when war did actually break out a few days later, the Island's coasts were already ringed by a guard of armed and determined men.

By mid-September, although the German advance into France had been stopped, it was clear that the war was far from over.

In Britain, Lord Kitchener called for volunteers to form a "New Army" - to support and augment the forces already in France and Belgium.
The response was immediate and overwhelming: all over Britain, men came forward in their thousands to join-up. This led to a sense of unease in Jersey. Was it right that so many young men were being retained for the Island's defence when the county was in such need? Surely Jersey could spare some of its trained soldiers?

Initially, the British authorities said no: they were unwilling to allow any weakening of the Militia at that time.
But in December they finally relented, and asked for the Island to provide a Contingent for overseas military service.

A Jersey Contingent is Formed

With a great deal of patriotic excitement, a campaign was arranged to encourage members of the Militia to volunteer. No opportunity was missed to get the message across: passionate political declarations were made; public meetings held; cinema performances interrupted by appeals.

By the time it ended in January 1915, the authorities were able to announce that some 228 volunteers had come forward and been passed medically fit for service overseas. At the time, this number was something of a disappointment as it was less than expected. But, on the plus side, it was at least sufficient to allow a standard British Army Infantry Company to be formed. So in February it was announced that this was the unit which had been offered to the War Office - and formally accepted.

The "Jersey Company" officially came into existence. Consisting of 6 Officers and 222 Other Ranks, it was to be led by Major Wallis A. Stocker, formerly of the Militia's East Battalion, and a highly respected officer. Captain George Johnson from the Town Battalion was to be his second in command.
The War Office also announced that the Jersey Company was to be incorporated as Company "D" of the 7th Battalion, The Royal Irish Rifles regiment, a New Army unit forming at that time in southern Ireland.