Apr: Formation
The 1st Welsh (Howtizer) Brigade was formed on the 1st April 1908 when the 1st Glamorganshire RGA (Volunteers) was subsumed into the newly formed Territorial Force.
The Territorial Force was created by the Haldane Reforms (the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act, 1907) in response to manpower issues encountered during the Boer War. Its purpose was to defend Britain’s coast, freeing up the Regular Army to fight overseas. Soldiers of the Territorial Force were not obliged to serve overseas, however they could volunteer to do so.
As late as January 1908, the plans were for the Welsh Howitzer Brigade to be based in Chester. However, in late February, the local Swansea newspaper reported:
……… the Army Council has decided that the Howitzer Brigade, which was originally allocated to Chester under the Territorial Army Scheme, shall go to South Wales, and the Field Artillery Brigade from South Wales shall have its headquarters in Chester.
The Cambrian, 28/2/1908. Welsh Newspapers Online
The newly formed Brigade was initially designated as the 4th Welsh (Howitzer) Brigade and by 17 April, 150 men had been recruited, mainly from the ranks of the 1st Glamorganshire RGA (Volunteers).
Recruits needed to be between 17 and 35 years of age and joined the Territorial Force for a duration of 4 years. In the first year, they were expected to attend 40 drill periods and in the following years, 20 drill periods. They were also expected to attend annual camps for between 1 and 2 weeks.
Volunteers were required to serve anywhere in the United Kingdom, but were not required to go overseas. They could however volunteer to do so and this was referred to as Imperial Service.
The Brigade was made up of:
- Brigade Headquarters, Swansea:
- 3rd Glamorgan (Howitzer) Battery, Swansea,
- 4th Glamorgan (Howitzer) Battery, Neath (Left Section), Briton Ferry (Right Section), and
- Brigade Ammunition Column, Morriston.
The Brigade was armed with 5 inch B.L. (breach loading) Howitzers. Initially brought into use in the mid-1890’s, by 1908 they were considered obsolete with the Regular Army bringing into use the more modern 4.5 inch Q.F. (quick firing) Howitzer. Each Battery had 4no Howitzers.
Jul: First Summer Camp
The Brigade left for their first Summer Camp in late July 1908.
Over 400 strong, the 4th Welsh Howitzer Brigade, who are under canvas at Aber, near Bangor, are exceptionally busy firing at targets in the Menai Straits. The signalling work is also well advanced. Last week the men were dressed in khaki, but this week they are in blue serge, with coloured belts. Excellent health prevails in camp.
Evening Express, 6/8/1908. Welsh Newspapers Online
The 4th Welsh Howitzer Brigade (Swansea) ……. have got through the maximum of work. Colonel Lardner Clark inspected the camp on Wednesday, when 72 rounds were fired with the 5in B.L. Howitzers, the range varying from 2,000 to 3,000 yards, and the results were very good. The batteries engaged were Nos 3 and 4 (Swansea, Neath and Briton Ferry), the battery commanders being Major Davey, Captain Q.T. Gregor, Captain C.J. Howell Thomas and Lieutenant Harris. After the firing the inspecting officer inspected the men’s dinners and all the books, and conducted a special examination of the trumpeters in the calls. No 3 Battery was also inspected in drill (dismounted).
….. The health of the camp continues excellent, the hospital being empty. The only untoward incident occurred at Bangor, Trumpeter Hoskins (Swansea) falling down in a fit in the High-street. He suddenly became delirious, and it took five of his companions and a policeman to hold him down. He was removed to the infirmary suffering from slight sunstroke, but he made a rapid recovery, and was soon discharged.
Evening Express, 8/8/1908. Welsh Newspapers Online
Sep: Renumbering the Brigade
Throughout this period, it appears the question of Brigade seniority within the Territorial Welsh Division was causing concern amongst the officers.
In late September 1908, the decision was announced to renumber the Welsh Territorial Artillery Brigades. In consequence, the 4th Welsh (Howitzer) Brigade became the 1st Welsh (Howitzer) Brigade and the Brigade became the senior Artillery unit in the Territorial Welsh Division.
Renumbering of the Brigade also led to the renumbering of the batteries. The revised Brigade was made up of:
- Brigade Headquarters, Castle St, Swansea:
- 1st Glamorgan (Howitzer) Battery, Castle St, Swansea,
- 2nd Glamorgan (Howitzer) Battery, Quay Rd Drill Hall, Neath (Left Section) and Shelone Road Drill Hall, Briton Ferry (Right Section), and
- 1st Welsh Ammunition Column, Morriston.
Recruitment continued in 1908, and despite an overall shortage of 2,000 volunteers reported across all of Territorial units in Glamorgan, the Brigade was only 33 officers and men short of their establishment in November (with a strength of 343 men and 13 officers against an establishment of 373 men and 16 officers).
Nov: Officers Gazetted
On 6 November 1908, the London Gazette confirmed the Brigades’ officers :
On 10 November, the London Gazette also confirmed
- the honorary colonelcy of the Right Hon. Victor Albert George the Earl of Jersey, G.C.B, G.C.M.G
- Captain Frederick Henry Edwards, 2nd Glamorgan (Howitzer) Battery, 1st Welsh (Howitzer) Brigade.