Page 51 - Life in Langham 1914-1919

The Territorial Forces Association

Encouraging good shooting

In March 1914, the Association made a grant of £25 to the Rutland

Miniature Rifle Range League and Langham came third in the

competition that June.

Arming the Reserve

Conveniently, Lord Ranksborough was President of the Rutland

Territorial Forces Association which, on 14th April 1916, authorised

an order for:

’70 Martini rifles, bayonets, slings, belts and 4000 Cartridges’

and on 2nd March 1917, a further

’10 rifles and 1000 rounds of ammunition’

Martini–Henry, a breech-loading single-shot rifle adopted by the British Army

Extending the age range downwards

On 11th October 1917, we find:

Record Office for Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland - Ref DE1381/392: Territorial Force Association Minute Book 1908-1949 *

and on the 18th March 1918, it was noted that:

‘the connection of the Cadet movement with the Volunteers in the

County is having a very good effect on the discipline and behaviour

of the boys in the majority of Towns and Villages’… *

In July 1918, by which time funds were running a bit short, it was

agreed to dispose of a ‘worn out Motor Car’ to purchase

‘second hand Uniforms for the Cadets from Uppingham School’! *