Comrades of the Great War Society.
The
Minute Book of the "Comrades of the Great War Society" records that
the first meeting of the society was called by Lieut-Colonel
Browne-Clayton on Monday, 30th December, 1918.
It
was held in the Deighton Memorial Hall, Burrin Street.
The
meeting was attended by 67 men, many of them ex-soldiers of the
British Army, wearing the Discharge Silver Badge.
Also
among the attendance were a number of men wearing Khaki, home on
leave or invalided out. There were also a number of civilians
present who had relatives in service.
The
meeting was addressed by Sapper B.W. Bagenal, 10th Field Company,
Australian Engineers.
It
was decided to establish a "Post" in Carlow town.
Sapper Bagenal stated: "that it was imperative that rooms or a
building should be procured in order to establish a meeting and
recreation place for members.
"Other desirable arrangements in the interests of members would
include a Library and Reading Room with a plentiful supply of
quality newspapers, a Licence to sell Beer would be sought and a
canteen established where members who have stood "shoulder to
shoulder" in the Great War on the Sea, Land and in the Air, would be
able to spend leisure time among old comrades and friends"
Mr.
W.J. Webster, late C.Q.M.S., Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, and
Organising Secretary for central Ireland attended.
The
following Officers and Committee were elected.
-
- Trustees: Viscount French, Lord Beresford, Colonel John Ward,
M.P. Rev. S. Ridgeway.
- President: Lieut-Colonel Robert Browne-Clayton, D.S.O.
- Officers: General Lewis, D.S.O. Commander Forbes.
- Medical Advisor: Dr. W.H. O' Meara, M.D. Carlow Pensions
Committee Medical Referee.
- Captain: Sergeant-Major Trundle
- Chairman: Rev. S. Ridgeway.
- Chairman: Mr. B.F. Bagenal. D.L.
- Hon. Treasurer: John Norris.
- Secretary: John Connolly.
- Committee: Ex-Sergeant Bigley, Graigue; Sergeant Rea, Sergeant
Bigley, Carlow; J. Bryan, J. Connolly, M. Geoghegan, C. Burke,
J. Morris, P. Geoghegan, P. Shaw, C. Connell, W. Curran, T.
Walker. M. Millar, P. Nolan, J. Kelly.
Addressing the meeting Colonel Browne-Clayton said:- "members could
travel to any town in the Empire and ask for the nearest "Comrades
Club" there they would find a friend who will help them in any way
he can. Tonight we have a "Post" but when we have 100 members we
will be enlarged to a Branch. Posts are already established in
Rathvilly, Tullow and Bagenalstown.
We
are non-political and non-sectarian, we have won the right to have a
voice in the affairs of Ireland and a responsibility which will be
wisely used. We must help the men who are due to be discharged and
welcome them settle into new conditions which may have arisen during
their long absence.
To
help them settle down to everyday civilian life and work and to help
them fight reaction.
We
will parade on Victory Day on a date yet to be decided, men will
want to look sharp and presentable on the day".
Standing on the table, General Lewis then addressed the meeting: -
As an old soldier, who followed the drum for forty years, I tell you
the success of the movement will depend upon us all sticking
together, we should be comrades, in sickness and in health, in bad
times and good times, as we were in the trenches of which I have had
experience, remember the trenches and we shall achieve victory for
our cause and glory for our comrades, remember the trenches, men.".
Mr
Geoghegan told the meeting that there were plans to hold a Social
and Dance in the Deighton Hall in February, he said he would welcome
any support from the members.
Mr.
Curran said that he knew of a building in Burrin Street that could
be restored and made of use for meetings. Rev. Ridgeway replied that
Mr Slocock had contacted him earlier that day in relation to the
vacant building referred to by Mr. Curran, and he would be asking
the committee to look at it next week.
Colonel Browne-Clayton offered to pay the rent for the first twelve
months if the building was suitable.
The
meeting concluded with the singing of the National Anthem and three
rousing cheers for the King.
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The above is a true and
accurate transcript of the original document.
- Transcribed by M. Purcell c2010.
- Old newspapers in the PPP.