C.Squadron L.H.R.Y Camp at Rhyl 1908

Description

I recently bought this card on ebay. I was immediately intrigued by it and wanted to know

more about the circumstances of the photograph. It is exactly 100 years old.(in 2008) I hoped to

find some reference to it in the local paper and was thrilled to find articles about the visit of

the Lancashire Hussars over a seven week period.

The first reference to the visit was in the paper of May 23rd. It reported that the Advertising

Association had recently met to to deal with various matters in connection with the

forthcoming Military Ball which was to be held in the Town Hall on June 2nd in honour of

the visit of the Lancashire Yeomanry and the Denbighshire and Flintshire Yeomanry.

This piece is from the paper of May 30th:

“Today, Friday, the Duke of Lancaster's own Imperial Yeomanry who will muster about 400

will arrive at the Foryd for their annual training.

The site is the same as that occupied by the Church Boys Brigade last August. There are

bell tents for the troopers and large marquees for mess purposes, whilst huts have been

erected for the officers' mess. Postal facilities are also provided on the ground, being in

charge of Mr John of the Rhyl Post Office.

The bulk of the regiment came in by train today (Friday) but the Liverpool contingent

are marching by road, having left Liverpool on Thursday. They make one stopping place

en route.”

The newspaper of June 6th describes the arrival:

“The camping of the men and horses were carried out without a hitch, save that a charger

broke away, and racing down to Abergele,was, with difficulty recaptured. Both officers and

men have freely fraternised with the Denbigh and Flint Yeomanry at Bodrhyddan and the

latter have during the week been shewing them round, as it were.

Drills, shooting and field exercises have been daily carried out and the men are having

anything but an easy time, for the officers are doing their utmost to improve their soldier


like qualities. The physique of many of the men is excellent, and it is surprising that large

industrial centres can turn out such good types of manhood. On Sunday morning an open air

service was conducted in the camp by the Hon. Chaplain Rev. F. Powell, which was well

attended and impressive. The camp is rigidly kept closed to all except those who have

business there and there is none of the freedom as enjoyed at the Bodrhyddan camp.

Owing to some disagreement two licensed houses have been put “out of bounds” which

means that the troops must not visit them. The inspection and sports take place next

week.”

On the same page was a report of the ball:

“The grand ball which had been so carefully and assiduously arranged by the Advertising

Association with a view to making the stay of the Lancashire Yeomanry a pleasant a one as

possible was held on Tuesday, but despite the admirable arrangements and careful

preparation the attendance was rather disappointing. This may have been due to the troops

having had a hard day's work and not feeling inclined for pleasure, but the result is

somewhat disheartening for the promoters.”

The article goes on to list important guests, the patrons etc. Liquid refreshments were

supplied by Mr Fred Wallis of the Wynnstay Hotel and dancing was kept up 'til two

o'clock.”

The stewards were also named, one of whom was my great grandfather Frank Beech Snr.

who ran an advertising business in Rhyl at the time. He met his untimely death from

typhoid two months later, aged 33.

Further newspaper reports over the coming week reveal that the regiment brought its own

band. C Squadron as in the photo is “only 70 strong”and coming from Newton le Willows.”

Another article states “The regiment has daily indulged in useful drill and exercise and on

Monday in the broiling sun spent the morning on the sands on the Denbighshire side of

the Foryd. The horses were occasionally taken into the water. On Thursday accompanied

by the band, the regiment marched to the sands east of the Rhyl pier, much to the delight

of the numerous visitors and indulged in various evolutions in a smart and soldier like

manner. The men are great favourites in Rhyl owing to their smart appearance and good

behaviour. The regimental sports take place on Saturday at 3 o'clock at the camp.”

Next week's paper described the sports which took place in beautiful weather on Saturday

afternoon. Events included: 100 yards race, sword v. sword, bare back wrestling, ¼ mile

race, tent pegging, lemon cutting, jumping competition for the officers' horses, Victoria

Cross race and tug o' war.

In the description of the inspection the paper says “The men were subjected to a trying

time owing to the great heat, and were permitted to dismount and seek shade in the

sandhills on every possible occasion. On Thursday operations in the hills were undertaken

Rhyl, concluding with a night attack.”

The last reference is in the paper of July 11th: “The regiment left Foryd Camp on

Saturday morning about 5 o'clock, after a training which must rank as the most enjoyable

and instructive in the memory of the oldest member.”