The Friends Of The Suffolk Regiment

  • Welcome
  • Introduction
    • The 'Family'
  • Publications
    • Operation 'Legacy'
  • Join Us
  • 'Honours and Awards'
  • Battlefield Tours
  • The Team
  • Friends News
  • Contact
  • Welcome
  • Introduction
    • The 'Family'
  • Publications
    • Operation 'Legacy'
  • Join Us
  • 'Honours and Awards'
  • Battlefield Tours
  • The Team
  • Friends News
  • Contact

OPERATION LEGACY
​A UNIQUE DAY-BY-DAY REMEMBRANCE, 2014 - 2018

follow below, the great war service of the suffolk regiment,
​from mobilisation to the armistice

The 'Cambridgeshire' Service Battalion

19/10/2014

 
Picture
Since war was declared, men from the county of Cambridgeshire were being directed to the Depot at Bury St. Edmunds to enlist.
Cambridgeshire had no central administrational centre for it's own regimental affairs and, since it was an exclusively territorial unit, it's permanent staff and instructors were furnished by their sister Regiment in Suffolk.
As the numbers swelled, the Depot informed the Cambridgeshires that it was becoming impracticable to keep sending men onto Bury and it was instead, to make its own arrangements regarding their accommodation. 
The Cambridgeshire and Isle of Ely Territorial Association were tasked to take on the challenge and to find accommodation for the new recruits. From 5th September, the City’s Corn Exchange was used to billet the men, with locals providing food and drink for them. As the numbers continued to grow, it was becoming clear that even larger premises were needed and on 30th September, Melbourne Place School was used instead to house the recruits.
By 2nd October, strength of the Battalion was reported in the local press at 290 all ranks. Officers were predominantly recent graduates and undergraduates, then at the University. There was still a long way to go to attaining their ‘War Establishment’ strength of 1100 men, but they were well on their way. 
Within days, their new uniforms would arrive; a dark blue version of the issue service dress, and within weeks they would be officially titled the 11th (Service) Battalion (Cambridgeshire), The Suffolk Regiment. It was in the loosest sense of the word, a ‘pals’ battalion, with in the early days, an exclusive content from Cambridgeshire. 
The prefix of ‘Cambridgeshire’ remained associated with them till the end of their soldiering.


Comments are closed.
    Picture
    Welcome to our online 'blog' charting the history of the many Battalions of the Suffolk Regiment and the part they played in the Great War.
    Starting back in March 2014, we have recorded the events of 100 years ago on the centenary of their happening.
    Keep checking back to see how the Great War is progressing for the men of the Suffolk Regiment.
    ​

    Archives

    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.