3rd Bedfords' Easter Parade

Easter Sunday 4th April 1915: This Easter Sunday the 3rd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Lord Ampthill GCSI, GCIE, paraded to witness the presentation of medals for Distinguished and Gallant Conduct in the Field to Sergeant A. Cooper and Private W. Falla. Brigadier-General M. C. Curry, CB, DSO commanding at Landguard Camp [Suffolk] made a short speech to the regiment and pinned the coveted decoration on the breasts of the two gallant soldiers, who have added to the good name and reputation for deeds of valour of the county regiment.

The following extract from the regimental Orders is of interest: “The Commanding Officer has great pleasure in informing all ranks that the last two drafts for the Expeditionary Force furnished by this Battalion, have established a record by arriving at the overseas base absolutely complete as regards clothing, equipment and necessaries etc. He understands that no draft from any other regiment has done equally well. This satisfactory achievement was very creditable, not only to men of the drafts, but also to the Company officers and NCOs who supervised their equipment. It is a fitting complement to the high reputation for gallantry and efficiency which the Bedfordshire Regiment has attained at the Front, and the Commanding Officer hopes that he present and all succeeding drafts will make it a point of honour to do equally well.

Source: Bedfordshire Times 16th April 1915