Bedford Highlanders
On Parade
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In the late summer and early Autumn 1914 Bedford's open spaces provided the idea locations for Church Parades. With the coming of Winter, these events were held
indoors at the larger venues in and around town such as the Corn Exchange.
This picture is one of a sequence taken by Blake & Edgar's photographer and here, at the western end of Bedford Park, the Seaforth Highlanders have formed up
and are marching off behind the pipes and drums to make their way to make their way down De Parys Avenue to Bedford (Grammar) School's playing field where the
Seaforth and Cameron Brigade's Church Parade will take place.
(photo: courtesy of Richard Galley)
Watched by local people on a sunny Sunday morning, the Seaforth Highlanders march out of Bedford Park's west gate, crossing Park Avenue and into De Parys Avenue.
After a short march they will then turn left into Burnaby Road and then gather on the expanse of Bedford (Grammar) School's playing field for the Church service.
(photo: courtesy of Richard Galley)
In front of Bedford (Grammar) School's cricket pavilion the men listen to the padre who is conducting the service from the top tier of the pavilion's terraced
seating. He is flanked on either side by the officers and senior NCOs.
Of particular note are the men who are wearing civilian clothes. These are likely to be new recruits who have yet to be issued with uniforms. This and the clues
provided by the foliage on the trees and state of the light suggest that this Church Parade was held shortly after the Highlanders arrived in Bedford. The houses
in the back ground mark the line of De Parys Avenue.
The message on the reverse of this post card reads:
"A church parade of the Seaforth and Camerons, but of course these parades are now held indoors owing to the colder weather."
(photo: courtesy of Richard Galley)
The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders used Russell Park for training and parades. In this instance Blake & Edgar's photographer captures the scene of an
open-air Church Parade in the summer of 1914. The photograph was taken on the eastern side of the Park, with the trees in the background on the left marking the
line of The Embankment. In the far distance can be seen the Argyll's recreation tent and beyond this houses in Bushmead Avenue.
(photo: courtesy of Richard Galley)
On a blustery autumn afternoon in 1914, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders await inspection.
(photo: courtesy of Richard Galley)
With boots and buttons polished and uniform and webbing scrubbed clean, the Gordon Highlanders form up outside Bedford Modern School before they are marched
around the corner for Church Parade in the Corn Exchange.
This photograph was taken from the steps of what is now the Harpur Suite, looking towards the junction of Midland Road and Harpur Street where Marks and Spencer now
stands.
(photo: Bedford and Luton Archives and Records Service)
The 5th Seaforth Highlanders march past Bedford Modern School (now the Harpur Centre) on their way back from Church Parade in the Corn Exchange.
(photo: courtesy of Richard Galley)
by a civilian dignitary at the northern end of Russell Park with houses of Russell Avenue in the background.
(photo: Bedford and Luton Archives and Records Service)
On 22nd October 1914 the King visited Bedford to review all military units then stationed in the Town. The Highland Division provided by far the most sizeable
contingent, but the Bedfordshire Regiment and elements of the Royal Artillery and Royal Engineers were also present. The review took place in the fields off
Bromham Road at the end of Biddenham Turn and alongside the Golf Course. It is estimated that over 30,000 soldiers marched past the King and the event took most of
the day to run its course with thousands of Bedfordians flocking to witness the occasion.
Letter from Private Hugh Cameron, 'D' Company 5th Seaforth Highlanders:
"Bedford
22 October 1914
Dear Sister,
We had the King inspecting us today and there were a great turn out. The whole Highland Division of Terriers had to march past him in fours so it left him standing
for a long time. He is not much to look at, he is a very little man."
(photo: courtesy of Richard Galley)
On February 4th 1915 Princess Louise visited Bedford to review her Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, the regiment having borne her name since 1881.
The Royal review took place in Putnoe Park, Bedford.
Private Hugh Mc Arthur, 8th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders recorded in his diary:
"February 4th
No parade in the morning. Dinner at 12. We paraded at 1pm and marched to Putnoe Park where we were inspected by H.R.H. Princess Louise of Argyll to whom the
8th Battalion belongs. The whole of the Argyll and Sutherland Brigade were there. We had a march past H.R.H. on our way home (Eyes Right!)"
(photo: Bedford and Luton Archives and Records Service)
No 4x4 in those days - H.R.H. Princess Louise's car bogged-down in Putnoe Park. Even the Colonel is lending his weight to proceedings.
(photo: Bedford and Luton Archives and Records Service)
Page last updated: 15th July 2014