Denaby Branch of the St John Ambulance Brigade

In Camp at Blackpool.

Saturday, July 27, 1907, Denaby main.

Division paraded at headquarters on Saturday morning, at 8 a.m., to proceed to camp at Squires Gate, Blackpool, arriving at Talbot Road station at 2 p.m.. and marched to camp. On arrival in camp the division was dismissed, the dinner bugle sounding soon after. Orders were issued that the men might leave camp. And the whole took advantage of their order, with the exception of the camp sentry, and very soon dispersed through Blackpool. All the men were due back in camp at 11 p.m., supper being provided for the men on return. After the usual telling of camp stories it was noticeable that quietness reigned supreme throughout the lines.

Sunday, July 28

The camp arose on the sound of reveille at 7 AM, when orders were issued for the men to attend the parade at 7.30 for physical drill, under Sgt Major Power, the parade being dismissed at 8.30. It was noticeable in one of the tents that the members complained of being unable to sleep through the capabilities of one of their N. C. O. whose qualifications as a snorer are quite complete, there being a small whistle at the end of each breath. After being cautioned, he promised most solemnly to try and cultivate a snore which could not be heard beyond the feet of his comrade sleepers. At 10.15 the division paraded for divine services, which was held in the open air. The hymns were accompanied on the piano by Pte. Bleukiron, and were heartily sung by the ambulancemen and civilians who were staying in the camp. After divine service the men were permitted to leave camp until 1.30, when a most excellent dinner was provided. After dinner the men were again permitted to leave camp, being due back at 10.30. The weather was ideal in the morning, very hot, with a seabreeze, but the afternoon was shallower, and the rain poured during the night. The tents were good, and no one complained of wet bed clothes.

Monday, July, 29.

In the morning, on the strains of reveille the division commenced serious work. The division was paraded for drill, and after a double round the parade ground rain came on, and disappointed the members of what might have been an enjoyable parade. Breakfast was served at 9.30 after which the weather cleared up. The division was put through ambulance drill, first aid, and company drill, infantry training in practice. The division was dismissed at 12.30, dinner being served at 1.30. The men were then permitted to quit camp, which all took advantage of, and they were soon to be seen on the promenade of Blackpool. The troops commenced to return to camp at about 10.30, and from the general conversation it was quite clear that everyone had had a most enjoyable time.

Tuesday, July, 30^th.

The division awoke to the beautiful (?) Strains of reveille at 7 a.m. when the previous day’s programme of drill and instruction were carried out. Breakfast and dinner were served at the usual time. The men were again permitted to leave camp in the afternoon.

Wednesday, July 31.

Reveille sounded at the usual hour. It became noticeable that the men commence to get the camp colour into their faces. Some useful work was gone through in rendering first-aid to patients on the field, which was continued up to 12.30, the usual afternoon’ this s holiday taking place.

Thursday, August 1st, Minden day.

After a short parade before breakfast, the division was granted a holiday for the purpose of proceeding to the I.O.M. Where a most enjoyable day was spent, returning about 9 p.m.. Several of the past and present K. O. Y. L. I. who are members of the division, including a very old (!) Veteran of the K. O. Y. L. I. Sergeant Major flower, wore red and white roses in their caps, to commemorate the battle of the Minden, the K.O.Y.L.I. being one of the regiments permitted to wear roses on this date.

Friday, August 2

The usual work, which was now becoming routine, took place in the morning, and showed a very great improvement. At 11 a.m. the division was paraded in review order, marched past, and advanced in review order, and was afterwards put through stretcher drill and first aid. The C.O expressed himself highly satisfied, congratulating all ranks on the work performed.

Saturday, August 4.

The division paraded at 1:30 p.m.to return home, and entrained at Talbot Road station at 2.48 to proceed home to Denaby Main, after what is believed to have both one of the most successful and enjoyable camps held by the St John ambulance Brigade in Blackpool.

The meals served by Mr Sharpe, assisted by Mrs and Miss Sharp, were most excellent, and all that could be desired. Everyone expressing themselves highly satisfied with the food during the week, great attention being paid by our caterers to every little detail which goes towards making camp life enjoyable. The camp arrangements generally were all that could be desired, and it is hoped by all that we may again have the pleasure of camping in the British holiday camp at Blackpool. The behaviour of all the ranks was such as to reflect credit on Denaby Main, and raise that noted village in their estimation of Lancashire people. The great success of the camp was due to the example of the N. C. O. Particularly Hon. Sergeant Major B. Power.