1914-1915 Training

Formation of the Brigade

2,180 recruits were sent from Newcastle to Bullswater Camp, in Surrey on September 16th. These were divided to form the 12th and 13th (Service) Battalions of the DLI, which were then joined with the 10th and 11th Northumberland Fusiliers to form the 68th Brigade of the 23rd Division.

The 13th was under the command of Colonel G.A. Ashby, C.B.

Colonel Ashby was Succeeded by Major J.R. O'Connel but the 13th finally departed for France in August 1915 under the command of Major N.T. Biddulph.

Becoming a Soldier

The recruits lived under canvas in the cold and wet until the end of November. Initially, using their civilian clothes until issued with blue serge overalls. They then marched to Aldershot for training, where they were billeted in the Malplaquet Barracks until the end of February 1915. During this time the 13th spent a fortnight at Wokingham.

The 13th was then moved to Ashford where they finally received their Khaki.

At Ashford they eventually started musketry training in earnest and also brigade exercises. On 23rd May, 1915 the Brigade left for Bramshott nr Liphook, where the ranges at Longmoor was used for musketry and specialist training was provided.