2.3 Pals Battalions

One of the reasons why recruitment to the British Army was initially so successful was because of the ‘Pals Battalions'. Men were persuaded to join up with their friends and work colleagues, so that they could serve together. The films on this page show examples of different types of Pals Battalion.

LORD MAYOR OF LEEDS
1 MIN 1 SEC, SILENT, B/W, 1915-1916

Lord Mayor of Leeds Sir Charles Lupton pays a visit to the Leeds Pals Battalion in a camp near Colsterdale in the Yorkshire Dales. Filmed in 1915 or 1916.

The Lupton Family are the Princess of Wales' ancestors - Sir Charles Lupton is her great-great-great-uncle, Francis M. Lupton (who also appears in the film) is her great-great grandfather, and Hugh and Arthur Lupton (both visible in the film too) are also great-great-great uncles.

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LORD ROSEBERY UNVEILS MEMORIAL FOR ROYAL SCOTS
1 MIN 0 SECS, SILENT, B/W, 1916

Film of a memorial ceremony and parade for the Royal Scots who died in the 1915 Gretna rail crash. It takes place in Rosebank Cemetery on Pilrig Street, Edinburgh. Lord Rosebery unveils the memorial.

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BRIDGE BUILDING
0 MINS 58 SECS, SILENT, B/W, 1914-1918

Men of the Architects Battalion build a bridge at Elstree in Hertfordshire. Once constructed, the soldiers march over the bridge they have just built.