Northumbrian Gunner: Tyneside Scottish Newcastle Heritage

Tuesday 9 April 2013

Tyneside Scottish Newcastle Heritage

On the 4th August 1914 the British Empire declared war on Germany. Three days later the Army Council launched an appeal for 100,000 volunteers. Local communities formed committees to organise the raising of infantry battalions and supporting units. In Newcastle the 8th, 9th and 10th Battalions Northumberland Fusiliers were raised within two months. On the 8th September 1914 proposals were made to raise a Tyneside Scottish battalion and recruiting began.

Sir Thomas Oliver a prominent local doctor, and a retired officer, Major Innes-Hopkins, were the main proponents. Mr HG Hadie of 45 Dilston Road, Newcastle upon Tyne became the first recruit.

The initial meeting to promote the TS was held on the 11th September 1914 at Palmers Shipyards in Hebburn. The first meeting of the Tyneside Scottish Committee was held on the 14th September. The first recruiting office was at 17 Grainger Street, Mile End.

Original Tyneside Scottish recruiting office 17 Grainger Street

Source: Walking the Front Association

Some likely looking recruits !!!

First pattern Tyneside Scottish badge

Recruiting had began ahead of the the official authority to form the Tyneside Scottish, however during a visit by Lord Haldane, Secretary of War, to Tyneside on the 10th October 1914, he promised that permission would be given.

The official authority to raise the first battalion of Tyneside Scottish was received 14th October 1914, and the unit of 1,200 men was complete by 25th October. Such was the enthusiasm to join the colours that three more service battalions were raised , and the Tyneside Brigade consisting of the 20th to 23rd Service battalions Northumberland Fusiliers was complete by 17th November 1914,

The military system had no mechanism to deal with the large influx of men that volunteered so units were accommodated in and around their local communities.

Tyneside Scottish Brigade Headquarters
18 Eskdale Terrace Jesmond

Tyneside Scottish Brigade Headquarters
Brigade Staff !

Tyneside Scottish Quartermaster Stores
Thornton Street Newcastle

Tyneside Scottish Quartermaster Stores
QM "I have got none" - whatever your asking for

Tyneside Scottish Billets
Queen Street Newcastle

The Tyenside Scttish continued to recruit, raising two reserve battalions, the 29th and 33rd. In December 1914 the recruting office moved further down Grainger Street to number 9.