The
Tyneside Scottish like many of the Pals Battalions were forced to find
accommodation in the local area. The Battalions were spread throughout
Tyneside. Men were accommodated in Newcastle, Wallsend, Heaton, and
Newburn. Buildings were pressed into
service as headquarters, quartermaster’s stores, billets and training
locations.
Whilst this met an initial need, the arrangements were not
conducive to military training beyond basic skills. With support of the
Duke of Northumberland, a new Army Camp was built on the pastures to the north
of Alnwick Castle.
In early 1915 the new camp was nearly ready and at the end of January 1915, the 1st Tyneside Scottish (20th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers) departed from Newcastle to march to Alnwick. Prior to departure a civic reception, attended by the Lord Mayor was held.
On Saturday 31st January 2015, a service to commemorate the centenary of the March of the Tyneside Scottish to Alnwick was held in St Thomas the Martyr in Newcastle Haymarket. After the ceremony a wreath was laid at the Response memorial.
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| Tyneside Scottish March Commemoration Wreath laying at the Response |
MARCH OF THE TYNESIDE SCOTTISH
The route north would pass through Seaton Burn, Morpeth, Felton, then onto Alnwick. The first halt was at Seaton Burn where, following a rousing welcome by the inhabitants, the men were served a hot meal. Forty five minutes later, the men were on the move.
By late afternoon they reached Morpeth where they were welcomed by a vast crowd. The Battalion spent the night in billets, departing the following morning at 9:00 am lead by the Pipe band. By lunchtime they reached Felton.
“The visit of the 1st Battalion of Tyneside
Scottish Fusiliers on their route march from Newcastle to Alnwick – that’s
about 35 miles – was to the inhabitants of Felton an event of great interest.
The village was bright with bunting and as the time grew near for their
arrival, crowds gathered on the bridge and at various points of vantage. At
about 11.15am the drums were heard followed by the strains of bagpipes and in a
few minutes the head of the column was seen making the descent of the peth –
the hill at the south side of Felton.”
After a meal on
the recreation field, the Battalion left for Alnwick.
