THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: From the News Letter of January 1901

Call for yeomanry recruits for South African war
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The News Letter reported during this week in 1901 that an office for recruiting in connection with additional companies of Imperial Yeomanry had opened in Belfast at the Victoria Barracks. It was commanded by Captain Humby, who had returned from South Africa, where he had served with the 54th Ulster Company.

The following conditions for enlistment were given: “Every Imperial Yeoman must enlist for one year, or, if the war lasts longer, for the war. In the event of the war being over in less than one year he will have the option of being discharged at once or completing his one year’s service in South Africa.”

The conditions added: “He must not be less than twenty nor more than thirty-five years of age; he must, before being selected, first satisfy the officer commanding the Yeomanry Regiment, or such other officer as may be appointed for the purpose, that he is a good ride and a marksman according to the Yeomanry standard.”

In January 1982 Northern Ireland was lashed by the tail-end of blizzards which has swept in from England. Planes were grounded at Aldergrove, roads were closed, thousands of school children were unable to attend classes or were sent home and once more farmers were struggling to save their upland stock. Electricity supplies were also cut off and sports fixtures badly hit. But the snow in January 1982 wasn't all misery, here children from Glen Primary School, Maghera, Co Londonderry enjoy a snowball fight. Picture: News Letter archivesIn January 1982 Northern Ireland was lashed by the tail-end of blizzards which has swept in from England. Planes were grounded at Aldergrove, roads were closed, thousands of school children were unable to attend classes or were sent home and once more farmers were struggling to save their upland stock. Electricity supplies were also cut off and sports fixtures badly hit. But the snow in January 1982 wasn't all misery, here children from Glen Primary School, Maghera, Co Londonderry enjoy a snowball fight. Picture: News Letter archives
In January 1982 Northern Ireland was lashed by the tail-end of blizzards which has swept in from England. Planes were grounded at Aldergrove, roads were closed, thousands of school children were unable to attend classes or were sent home and once more farmers were struggling to save their upland stock. Electricity supplies were also cut off and sports fixtures badly hit. But the snow in January 1982 wasn't all misery, here children from Glen Primary School, Maghera, Co Londonderry enjoy a snowball fight. Picture: News Letter archives

The conditions continued: “He must be of good character; he must be up to the following physical standard – Height, 5ft 3in and upwards; chest measurement, 34 inches and upwards; weight 115lbs and upwards. No relaxation of standard will be allowed. He must be medically fit for active service.”

With regards to those enlisting who were married: “Married men may be accepted, facilities being given when possible for their families joining them in South Africa on the termination of hostilities who then desire to remain in that country.”

The conditions concluded: “An Imperial Yeoman will receive on completing his period of service a gratuity of £5, but will not be entitled to a second war gratuity.”

It was also noted that after leaving the service a yeoman would have further employment opportunities in South Africa. The report stated: “An Imperial Yeoman will be given every facility for joining the South African Constabulary, and, if accepted, will receive a free discharge for the purpose. In such case the gratuity referred to will only be paid if the Imperial Yeoman has completed at least six months of the engagement for which it is payable.”

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