The Seventeenth Highland Light Infantry (Glasglow Chamber of Commerce Battalion) | Page 3

hordes. On the
day following the declaration of war the Territorial Forces of Great
Britain were mobilized, and with a marvellous and inspiring unanimity
their members volunteered for Overseas Service. But even the addition
of these many thousands to our striking force was realised to provide
no more than a relief for the rapidly exhausting strength of the "old
contemptibles," and Lord Kitchener issued his great manifesto calling
the people to the Empire's help, and laid the foundations of a New

Army--Kitchener's Army--the finest and most disinterested body of
soldier patriots that ever stepped in a sound and worthy cause. At once
the patriotism of the country declared itself and the Nation sprang to
arms. The City of Glasgow proved itself second to none among the
cities and districts of the Kingdom in its answer to the call. The Town
Council recruited two fine battalions, the 1st Glasgow, which was
mainly drawn from the Tramway employees of the city; and the 2nd
Glasgow, which was recruited from former members of the Boys'
Brigade. Other institutions in the city were bestirring themselves in the
national cause, and at a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce
Directors, held on 3rd September, 1914, it was unanimously resolved,
on the motion of Bailie W.F. Russell, to form a Glasgow Chamber of
Commerce Battalion. Enthusiasm for the scheme was quickly evident,
and no time was lost in getting the matter put upon a practical basis. At
the same meeting of Directors the following gentlemen were appointed
as the Committee in charge:--Messrs. M.M.W. Baird, James W.
Murray, F.C. Gardiner, G.A. Mitchell, H. Moncrieff, W.F. Russell, A.A.
Smith, with Sir Archd. M'Innes Shaw as Convener, and Mr. John W.
Arthur as Vice-Convener, the former making Military matters his chief
concern, the latter caring for Clothing and Equipment. Mr. Montagu
M.W. Baird, the President, and Mr. James W. Murray, the
Vice-President, did much to foster the movement.
The Chamber of Commerce sustained the loss of Mr. Baird, who died
on October 14, 1915. Mr. J.W. Murray succeeded him as President and
applied that deep interest in all the work and welfare of the Battalion
which marked his services throughout the history of the unit. Mr.
Thomas Cameron, the Secretary of the Chamber, also in countless ways
contributed to its success.
At this stage the Council of the Royal Glasgow Technical College
approached the Chamber of Commerce Committee, and it was arranged
that students of the College would find special opportunities of forming
a detachment within the Battalion. This arrangement was found
acceptable in every way, and many students entered for the service of
their country under the colours of what was at that early stage known as
"The Chamber of Commerce Battalion, 3rd Glasgow."

[Illustration: THE LATE MR. MONTAGU M.W. BAIRD, President of
the Chamber, 1914-1915.]
[Illustration: MR. JAMES W. MURRAY, President of the Chamber,
1916-1917-1918. To face page 14.]

A BATTALION IN BEING.
No time was lost in bridging the gap between "Resolution" and
"Action." By September 12th, 1914, the work of enrolling recruits had
begun, and Medical Examination and Attestation were commenced
under the supervision of Colonel J. Stanley Paterson, Officer in Charge,
No. 2 District, Scottish Command. Colonel Paterson did much for the
Battalion in many directions, and in a recent letter says:--"I have never
lost, and never will lose, the deep interest I took in the 17th H.L.I. from
the moment of its initiation, and the full story of its doings will give me
the greatest pleasure to read."
The Lesser Hall of the Merchants' House was for many days the
Headquarters of busy recruiting, and those associated with these
stirring times will long remember the enthusiasm with which the
enrolment was conducted. With the help of Dr. Beilby and Mr.
Stockdale of the Royal Technical College, "A" Company was speedily
recruited, and was composed mainly of the College Students. Colonel
R.C. Mackenzie, C.B., did much for "B" Company, enlisting in its
ranks former pupils of the City Schools, the High School, Glasgow
Academy and others. "C" and "D" Companies were composed
principally of men from the business houses and different trades in the
city and district. For a few weeks the men, living in their own homes,
were instructed and drilled in four of the Territorial Force Association
Halls. During the recruiting and the early weeks of the training, Major
Rounsfell Brown acted as Adjutant, and rendered excellent service.
Kit was issued to the four original Companies, "A," "B," "C," and "D,"
on 19th and 20th September.

It was at first expected that Colonel Fred. J. Smith, late of the 8th
Scottish Rifles, might be chosen as Officer in Command, but for
reasons of health he was unable to undertake the duty. The choice
eventually fell upon Lieut.-Colonel David S. Morton, V.D., who had
seen