On this day – Great War soldiers’ arrival in Horsham, 1914

This week in 1914 a massive 6,300 troops arrived in Horsham and, a day later, continued on their way, watched by most of the town.

The Great War was only a month old, so these soldiers were existing troops from the 1st London Division, led by Brigadier-General William Fry, who had fought in the Boer War.

They marched from the Bramley and Godalming area in Surrey to Horsham, en route to Haywards Heath, with most arriving today (September 9).

The heavy artillery was located in Springfield Park with the field artillery placed in Horsham Park (still privately owned by the Hurst family).

The visit was well planned, with the police, local authorities and prominent residents combining to pool their resources.

There was a problem when a waggon, full of provisions, broke down on the way, severely delaying its arrival.

Billeting for the troops was organised for 7,500 men, but some places were over-crowded while some were not used at all.

Many private residents opened their houses at short notice and praised the behaviour of the soldiers.

Other men were put up at the Drill Hall, the local Skating Rink, the Council yard, Kings Head Hotel, various garages, clubs and schoolrooms.

Tea was in great demand all night and supplied by several individuals. Earlier in the day local magistrates had ordered the pubs to close by 9pm but there was no trouble.

At the Wesley Hall, in London Road, music and refreshments were provided by a number of people, including several members of the local Cramp family.

The following day hundreds of people turned out to watch the soldiers march off. Despite the arrangements, around 100 men were left behind but, thanks to the generosity of various local businessmen, they were given a meal and sent off on a train to re-join their regiment.

Earlier in the week a large group of people had gathered in the Carfax to hear patriotic speeches about the situation in Europe and the call for men to take up arms against Germany.