Photograph of officers & NCOs of the No. 2 Platoon, ‘A’ Coy, 2/6th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. [RGS Archives, ref: RGS/ONS/15]
Northumberland Fusiliers
From the School Field to the Battlefield:
Exploring the historic links between the RGS and the Northumberland Fusiliers.
©Fusiliers Museum of Northumberland
THE CALL TO ARMS: FORMING THE PALS BATTALIONS
At the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914, Lord Kitchener made his famous call to arms. The ‘New Army’ or ‘Kitchener’s Army’ was established and introduced the concept of the ‘Pals Battalions’. These battalions were designed to encourage local recruitment, allowing men to serve alongside friends, family, and colleagues. The idea was that this camaraderie would improve morale and foster a sense of unity during the war.
The Northumberland Fusiliers (NF), then known by this title, saw the formation of more Pals battalions than any other regiment in the British Army, with 52 battalions established throughout the war. The most significant to our story was the 16th Battalion, known as the ‘Newcastle Commercials,’ which was formed by the Newcastle & Gateshead Chamber of Commerce.
RGS Officer Training Corps, 1912. RGS Archives. ©RGS Newcastle
THE FORMATION OF THE 16TH BATTALION: A LOCAL EFFORT
The 16th Battalion was formally recognised by the War Office on 8th September 1914, though its recruitment had already begun earlier that year. The battalion was unique for being the first to be raised entirely by civilian effort in the North of England. By 16th September 1914, the battalion was fully recruited, marking a historic milestone in the region’s contribution to the war effort.
As suggested by its name, the recruits were primarily men from the commercial sector - clerks, shop assistants, and other professionals from across Newcastle. Many Old Novocastrians (former students of RGS) enlisted in this battalion, contributing significantly to its ranks. An early committee member was Sir Arthur Munro Sutherland, an Old Novo and later Chair of Governors at RGS.
Photograph of the opening ceremony for the rifle range, 1915. RGS Archives
Photograph of RGS headmaster, John Talbot, in 1912. RGS Archives
RGS Newcastle's DIRECT INVOLVEMENT
An original document from the Fusiliers Museum reveals exactly how directly RGS was involved in the 16th Battalion. The headquarters was in fact based at our school on Eskdale Terrace, and our then Headmaster – Major John Talbot – was the Staff Officer.
The first battalion drills were held on the RGS school field, where the recruits benefitted from the large, private space for training. A wooden hut was constructed at the back of the field to accommodate the men. A rifle range was later built in 1915, funded by Sir Arthur Munro Sutherland.
Major Talbot played an active role in training the recruits, providing lectures and practical demonstrations of military tactics. Senior NCOs from the RGS Officer Training Corps (OTC) were also on hand to teach the new soldiers drill movements, from “about turns” to “forming fours”.
After a period of training in Jesmond, the battalion moved to Alnwick camp, set in the grounds of Alnwick Castle. Major Talbot even accompanied the men during their time at Alnwick, ensuring their training continued smoothly.
Old Novocastrians in the Great War
Hundreds of Old Novocastrians went on to serve in the First World War, with 171 tragically losing their lives. Their names are immortalized on the Roll of Honour in the Main Hall of RGS Newcastle. Of these, 58 served with the Northumberland Fusiliers - about 34% of the total. Eleven of them were among the men who enlisted in the 16th (Commercials) Battalion.
One poignant example is Private Philip Downie, who attended RGS from 1903 to 1909. He joined the 16th Battalion and was tragically killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 1st July 1916, at the age of 22. He is buried at Lonsdale Cemetery, north-east of Albert, a stark reminder of the heavy toll the war took on the local community.
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Philip Downie’s story, along with hundreds of others, is fully accessible to research on the RGS digital Roll of Honour.
Photograph of Philip Downie, RGS 1st XV Rugby Team 1909. RGS Archives
Fusiliers Museum of Northumberland at Alnwick Castle.
A stunning and poignant memorial to the 16th NF and other Commercial Service Pals Battalions was installed in Newcastle in July 1923. Entitled the “Response 1914”, it was gifted to the city by Sir George Renwick.
The Fusiliers Museum of Northumberland have incredible collections relating to the 350 year long history of the regiment. It is located at Alnwick Castle, open to visitors during the Alnwick Castle open season. Find out more on the Museum's website.