Bournemouth & District Battalion
The Bournemouth & District Battalion was formed in November 1926, with the first Commanding Officer being Alderman H. Robson of the 1st Bournemouth. The first meeting of the Executive was held a few weeks later, where the strength of the Battalion was 16 Officers, 93 Boys, and 56 Life Boys.
The first Battalion Church Parade was held on 9th January 1927 at Boscombe Baptist Church, home of the 4th Bournemouth.
The Battalion’s first camp was held in 1928, and was joined by friends from the Wessex Battalion until 1937. Camps were held in Weymouth and, later, Swanage and Freshwater on the Isle of Wight.
In 1933, to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of The Boys’ Brigade, a servce was arranged at Bournemouth Pavilion, with an address given by Brigade Secretary, George Stanley Smith.
In September 1935, the Brigade Council held its meeting in Bournemouth, with the Battalion joining with the Wessex Battalion to lead the parade to the service condculted by Bishop Taylor Smith, Brigade VP.
The Battalion had 15 Companies in 1974 and by 2004 was home to five Companies.
Chris Spackman
Media Files
Memories
“I started in the Junior Section in 1972 with The 5th Bournemouth. My late father, George, was Captain for over 30 years and my mum was Lt. in charge of the Anchors.
I took part in many Battalion events ranging from band, scripture knowledge knowledge, chess, drill and many others. I always looked forward to our annual Camp normally held in beautiful Devon.”
Andrew Rampley, former member of the 5th Bournemouth Company
