Nottingham Evening Post, Tuesday, 16th November 1909

MR. HALDANE

TO PRESENT PRIZES TO THE ROBIN HOODS.

Members of the Robin Hood Rifles are gratified with the announcement that Mr. Haldane, the Secretary for War, has consented to present the annual prizes on Friday, December 17th.

The only visit which Mr. Haldane has yet paid to the city since he became the mouthpiece of the Army Council was in January, 1907, when he and Admiral Sir Edward Seymour were the principal speakers at a banquet in aid of the funds of the Nottingham Crimean and Indian Mutiny Veterans' Association in the Victoria Hall.

As the sponsor of the territorial army scheme Mr. Haldane will doubtless make important pronouncements as to its progress, and the decision to visit Nottingham is in the nature of a recognition of the important part that the city has taken in raising the full quota of men required of it.

Nottingham Evening post, Wednesday, 15th December, 1909

ITEMS OF LOCAL INTEREST

The ball promoted annually by the non-commissioned officers of the Robin Hood Rifles is always an enjoyable function, and last night's assembly was as successful as any of its predecessors. There were close upon 300 acceptances.

The decorative effect was heightened by the tasteful arrangement of palms and bunting, and on either side of the proscenium the old colours of the regiment were hung. The spaces under the balconies were exquisitely furnished as lounges.

Nottingham Evening Post, Saturday, 18th December, 1909

Editorial leader

TERRITORIAL PROGRESS

A more encouraging gathering than that at the prize distribution of the Robin Hoods last evening could not be imagined. The absence of the Secretary for War through illness alone marred the complete success of the proceedings. This was much to be regretted, for Mr. Haldane would have rejoiced in personally congratulating the Robin Hoods on the whole-hearted manner in which they have joined in the Territorial scheme. They are practically at full strength, and the year's record of five hundred recruits is a splendid one. Lord Lucas as the representative of the War Office was loud in praise of the patriotism displayed by the men of Nottinghamshire, and he was able to tell, too, a pleasing story of progress elsewhere. It is well to be able to say that in the whole of our history the arrangements for home defence have never been better, stronger, and more suited to the requirements. Another point of interest was the announcement that the plans and scheme for the new headquarters in Nottingham have been sanctioned by the War Office.

Nottingham Daily Express, Saturday, 18th December 1909

Editorial Leader

TERRITORIAL'S PROGRESS.

Not only has Mr. Haldane's great Army scheme confounded its critics, but it has even exceeded the most sanguine expectations of its supporters and promoters. For a time things looked black and. as Mr. Haldane was constrained to admit, the country was very near to conscription. Thanks to a notable rally, enough men did come forward to make of the Territorial Army in a very short time a str4iking success. Indeed Lord Lucas stated last night that 30,000 men more than the War Office expected were now enrolled in the Territorial forces, thereby occasioning a certain amount of welcome embarrassment. In taking upon themselves the supreme obligation of citizenship, the responsibility of bearing arms for the country in time of need, the young men of Nottingham have set a worthy example to the country. At the beginning of the season there were 637 Robin Hoods, of whom 200 from one cause or another have since dropped out of the ranks. To-day the battalion is very nearly up to strength with a number of 970. The country can boast now, what she could not before Mr. Haldane became the presiding genius at the War Office, a real citizen army, adapted for home defence. As Lord Lucas said, the Territorials are a better fighting machine than the old Volunteers; their obligations are heavier and their mobilisation in case of invasion could be more speedily effected.

One new scheme was last night foreshadowed which may have far-reaching consequences. It is the intention of the War Office to set on foot a scheme of Territorial reserves similar to the reserve of the regular Army. In times of grave national crisis there must be many men trained to arms who would gladly come forward to re-join the colours. A man cannot be expected to remain too long in the Territorials. Once he has learned how to fight and shoot and has served his time, he can rightly consider that his part has been played. A way of utilising such men in time of invasion is now to be provided. Though the details of the scheme are not yet made public, it can be predicted that the example of Continental armies will be followed and that machinery will be provided similar to that by which the French or German trained men in civil employment can be mobilised in time of need. With a small and efficient regular Army for expeditionary purposed, and with a Territorial force equipped with an efficient reserve and approximating gradually in numbers and ideals to a truly citizen army, Great Britain can be said. as far as her military forces are concerned, to be ready to meet any attack.

Nottingham Daily Express, Saturday, 18th December, 1909.

MR HALDANE ILL.

Disappointment at Robin Hoods' Prize Distribution.

TERRITORIAL PROGRESS.

Lord Lucas Foreshadows Important New Reserve Scheme.

Regret to say Mr. Haldane is in bed with rheumatic irititis. Doctors forbid his attempting to leave his room. He is much concerned at breaking his engagement, but this is imperative.

So ran a telegram which occasioned deep regret at the Nottingham Albert Hall, when a crowded audience had assembled in the expectation that the Secretary of State for War would attend the annual distribution of prizes won in connection with the Robin Hoods summer competitions. The telegram which was signed by Mr. Haldane's private secretary went on to state that Lord Lucas. the Under-Secretary for War, had consented to step into the gap, and the following message was dictated by Mr. Haldane:–

I am greatly disappointed that I am unable to fulfil my promise to be with you on this occasion. Yours is a county and town distinguished for its military keenness. I have heard much of your battalion. and would have wished to have distributed the prizes in person to-night, but I can only send you my best wishes for the future.

Loud cheers followed the delivery of the message by Colonel C.W. Birkin. who presided, and Lord Lucas, on rising to present the prizes, received a rousing reception.

A distinguished company supported Colonel Birkin, amongst many others being Lord Belper, Mr. Arthur Richardson, M.P., Captain Lord Blackwood, Sir Thomas Birkin, Bishop Hamilton Baynes, Lord Henry Bentinck, Captain J.A. Morrison, the Hon. Henry Lygon, General H.J. Archdale, Colonel L. Rolleston, D.S.O., Colonel H. Walker, Colonel W.H. Blackburn, Colonel J. Wright, Colonel W.H.E. Murray, Major E.C.G.T. Baines, Major J. Ashworth, Mr T Ward (Sheriff of Nottingham), Captain Tommason (Chief Constable of Notts.), Mr. F.S. Clay (Chief Constable of Nottingham), Mr J.A.H. Green (Town Clerk), Mr J.T. Spalding, Mr E. Mellor, Dr Roobbyer [?], the Rev H.T. Hayman, Captain C.C. Parkinson, Mr John Boot, (who was accompanied by Lady Boot), officers of the Royal Horse Artillery, the South Notts. Hussars, the Sherwood Rangers, the 5th Notts. and Derby Regiment, the 6th Notts. and Derby Regiment, the 8th Notts. and Derby Regiment, the Army Service Corps, and the Mounted Brigade Field Ambulance.

[A letter of apology for absence from the Duke of Portland, the hon. Colonel of the battalion, was read out by Colonel Birkin.

Colonel Birkin gave a report on the progress of the battalion during the year, much of which was good. However, he remarked that the change in the shooting course had been rather difficult for the men; but the old ones had got through it well and the new members had proved their worth on the range. Recruits were in such numbers that the capacity of the Trent Range had been challenged during the year. He hoped that next year they would have 30 yard ranges available to increase capacity for basic training.

There followed the formal distribution of prizes, Lord Lucas began his speech by expressing the deep disappointment felt by Mr. Haldane at not being able to attend.

Lord Lucas reviewed the events since the changes made to turn the old Volunteer Force into the new Territorial Force had started. There had been considerable doubts expressed as to the likely success of the project; but he had been greatly pleased by the way new men had come forward to join and the old men had stayed on. The response had put the War Office's calculations completely out of joint.

Lord Lucas reported that he had been engaged with a Committee at the War Office considering the financial estimates for the coming year. The Committee had recognised that there were problems with the finances for the Territorial force; but these would be eased in the future.]

He said that "Thanks to the labours of the Notts. County Association it has been possible to sanction the plans for the scheme for their new headquarters and drill hall, and he hoped there would now be no further obstacle in the speedy erection of that building". (Loud applause.)

[Lord Belper proposed a vote of thanks to Lord Lucas and also encouraged all to back the proposals being made by Mr. Haldane, who he thought was the best Minister for War the country had recently had. The Territorial Force was being effectively supported, and would become a strong defence for the country in the event of an attack within very short notice.]

Colonel A.W. Brewill seconded the vote on behalf of the Robin Hoods, and, responding to the ringing applause with which it was carried, Lord Lucas briefly returned thanks.