7th Bedfords Leave Liphook

Monday 18th January 1915: The 7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, created from volunteers in August last year and thus part of Lord Kitchener’s “New Army”. They left Liphook, in Hampshire, today for Haslemere in Surrey, to the great regret of the village, who gathered en-masse to see the men march off to the strains of “The Girl I Left Behind Me”.

During their two months at Liphook, officers and men made many friends and won golden opinions of their conduct and prowess. The Adjutant, Captain Evelyn Whelan, was presented with a sword by the NCO’s on his recent promotion to the rank of Captain. Regimental Sergeant Major Herbert made the presentation. Major Digby and many other officers were present and a smoking concert followed, an excellent programme being arranged by Sergeant-Major T Taylor Vinson.

Source: Bedfordshire Times 12th February 1915