Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Girls’ Brigade go back in time to commemorate Armistice
Members of 1st Coatbridge Girls’ Brigade company went back in time to help the war effort last week when they marked the commemoration of the 1918 Armistice.
New St Andrew’s Church was transformed into a 1914 recruitment hall and girls and officers “signed up” for a historic journey to World War One.
The evening started with the new recruits taking an oath of attestation to pledge their allegiance to His Majesty the King, while honorary members of the Scottish regiments were led by members of the Highland Light Infantry 52nd Lowland Division’s living history group.
Girls were initiated with a brief talk on regimental traditions and lined up for a realistic experience of military drills, marching and physical training.
The new recruits were then taken through their paces with a range of hands-on activities, including a bayonet drill and a presentation on trench life.
And the girls were transfixed by the uniforms, weapons and artefacts on display, as well as the wealth of fascinating stories and facts offered by WW1 enthusiast Greg Woods.
The event was led by Lieutenant Laura Ballantyne, who said: “As a history teacher I wanted to share my passion with the girls of the dedication of the Scottish regiments and the tremendous commitment of women and girls to the home front.”
Captain Linzi Munro added: “This was a fantastic way to commemorate the centenary of the armistice. Alongside this, Girls Brigade Scotland celebrate their 125th anniversary so 2018 has been a very special year for the girls, one which they are sure to remember for years to come.”