Urgent call for coastguard volunteers

Battalion would be 114 strong

An urgent appeal was made for more than 100 men to join a Stirlingshire Volunteer Battalion, the Observer reported.

The area already had a volunteer corps with home defence duties and its members were preparing themselves for action in the event of a German invasion.

One hundred years ago this week, a volunteer contingent of 60 officers and men paraded at an intercessory service at East Church, Stirling.

Following the service, the volunteers gathered at the Drill Hall, Princes Street, Stirling, where they heard a special appeal issued by the Army Council.

Col Bolton said the Government’s need for extra manpower was great but they had decided to continue with voluntary arrangements.

The Stirlingshire Battalion was expected to supply a service company of 114 men whose duty it would be to relieve men presently employed on coastguard service in Forth district.

Col Bolton stressed the urgency of

People in Doune were also mourning other losses as fighting intensified on the Western Front.

Pte James Allan was reported killed having been posted missing in March 1918.

The Doune correspondent described Pte Allan as a “splendid character, excellent tradesman and reliable workman.” He left a wife and two children.

Mr Tom Rorie, First Division, Deanston, learned his youngest son, the appeal and said those who came forward would receive Army pay and separation allowances.

Potential recruits were also assured that if during the service they contract a fatal illness, their next of kin would receive the same pension and allowances as if they had died while serving with the regular Army.

Those earlier told they would not have to join the military were also assured their exemption from service would not be affected should they choose to join the volunteer battalion.

Volunteers were expected to give their names independent of business considerations.

The question of whether the man could be spared would be a matter for consideration by the Army Council, departments concerned and the employer of the potential recruit.

Men were asked to submit names by June 16, 1918, and the volunteers were required for duty on June 29, 1918. A few names had already been put forward.

Meanwhile, there were fresh instructions for soldiers in ‘low grade’ categories, in terms of their health and fitness.

Many had been involved in timber felling and were due to help with the hay harvest later in June 1918 but they had been told to report for military service unless they were engaged in agricultural work at that time.

MP for Stirlingshire Major William Chapple sought clarification of this move from Ministers and was told the men instructed to report for military service would be medically examined to assess their fitness.

Duty to relievemen presently employed on coastguard service in Forth district