Written on back of postcard: "Hornchurch 23rd Royal Fusiliers at Romford 1915"

Posted: 21st June 1915

Historic details:

Recruitment for the 23rd (Service) Battalion, Royal Fusiliers began at London's Hotel Cecil in 1914. There was a special War Office dispensation which allowed men over the formal enlistment age of 45 to join up if they played sports and were fit and healthy. Because of this its recruits became known as the 1st Sportsman's Battalion. Training took place at Grey Towers in Hornchurch before the battalion headed for the Continent on 15th November 1915 where heavy losses occurred in France and Belgium (Flanders).

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