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Lord Kitchener inspection re-enacted on Epsom Downs | Lord Kitchener inspection re-enacted on Epsom Downs |
(1 day later) | |
Hundreds of spectators gathered on Epsom Downs to mark the 100th anniversary of an inspection by Lord Kitchener of World War One soldiers. | |
They saw a re-enactment of the day in 1915 when Britain's war secretary inspected 20,000 troops with his French counterpart Alexandre Millerand. | |
The inspection took place in snow, which fell incessantly for hours and in places reached 12in (30cm) deep. | The inspection took place in snow, which fell incessantly for hours and in places reached 12in (30cm) deep. |
"I hope we have better luck," said David Brooks, of Bourne Hall Museum. | "I hope we have better luck," said David Brooks, of Bourne Hall Museum. |
A group of World War One re-enactors in period kit set off from Bourne Hall, in Ewell, on Saturday to march to Epsom Downs via Epsom Town Hall. | |
They were joined on parade by members of the Army Cadets and Army Reserve. | |
A commemoration service followed the inspection before the re-enactors placed a wreath at Epsom cemetery. | |
In 1915, the volunteer soldiers from the 2nd London Division of Kitchener's New Army rose at 04:00 GMT on 22 January and marched from all over Surrey without breakfast. | In 1915, the volunteer soldiers from the 2nd London Division of Kitchener's New Army rose at 04:00 GMT on 22 January and marched from all over Surrey without breakfast. |
Two battalions arrived by train from Maidstone in Kent. | Two battalions arrived by train from Maidstone in Kent. |
Kitchener arrived at 11:00, by which time some of the soldiers had passed out. | Kitchener arrived at 11:00, by which time some of the soldiers had passed out. |
One of them, Lt Hamilton, wrote: "Just as Kitchener arrived I fainted, dash nuisance!" | One of them, Lt Hamilton, wrote: "Just as Kitchener arrived I fainted, dash nuisance!" |
The soldiers who were ill were taken to the wartime hospital set up at the grandstand on the racecourse. One later died. | The soldiers who were ill were taken to the wartime hospital set up at the grandstand on the racecourse. One later died. |
Mr Brooks said the purpose of the inspection was to impress Millerand but the official party stayed with the troops for only five minutes. | Mr Brooks said the purpose of the inspection was to impress Millerand but the official party stayed with the troops for only five minutes. |
The reason given was the snow, but there may have been another motive. | The reason given was the snow, but there may have been another motive. |
The 20,000 soldiers on parade only had 100 rifles between them, which were displayed on the front row. | The 20,000 soldiers on parade only had 100 rifles between them, which were displayed on the front row. |
Kitchener knew this and, after walking quickly along the ranks, suggested to his ally that they should call it a day because of the worsening weather. | Kitchener knew this and, after walking quickly along the ranks, suggested to his ally that they should call it a day because of the worsening weather. |
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