Great Britain declared war on Germany on August 4th, 1914, and almost
immediately the combatant strength of its Regular Army was on service
and the great bulk of that gallant force engaged in those fierce
actions against odds which marked the early fighting.
The War Office was quickly alive to the fact that the Regular Army
could not cope in point of numbers with the Germanic hordes. On the
day following the declaration of war the Territorial Forces of Great
Britain were mobilized, and with a marvellous and inspiring unanimity
their members volunteered for Overseas Service. But even the addition
of these many thousands to our striking force was realised to provide
no more than a relief for the rapidly exhausting strength of the "old
contemptibles," and Lord Kitchener issued his great manifesto calling
the people to the Empire's help, and laid the foundations of a New
Army--Kitchener's Army--the finest and most disinterested body of
soldier patriots that ever stepped in a sound and worthy cause. At
once the patriotism of the country declared itself and the Nation
sprang to arms. The City of Glasgow proved itself second to none among
the cities and districts of the Kingdom in its answer to the call. The
Town Council recruited two fine battalions, the 1st Glasgow, which was
mainly drawn from the Tramway employees of the city; and the 2nd
Glasgow, which was recruited from former members of the Boys' Brigade.
Other institutions in the city were bestirring themselves in the
national cause, and at a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce Directors,
held on 3rd September, 1914, it was unanimously resolved, on the
motion of Bailie W.F. Russell, to form a Glasgow Chamber of Commerce
Battalion. Enthusiasm for the scheme was quickly evident, and no time
was lost in getting the matter put upon a practical basis. At the same
meeting of Directors the following gentlemen were appointed as the
Committee in charge:--Messrs. M.M.W. Baird, James W. Murray, F.C.
Gardiner, G.A. Mitchell, H. Moncrieff, W.F. Russell, A.A. Smith, with
Sir Archd. M'Innes Shaw as Convener, and Mr. John W. Arthur as
Vice-Convener, the former making Military matters his chief concern,
the latter caring for Clothing and Equipment. Mr. Montagu M.W. Baird,
the President, and Mr. James W. Murray, the Vice-President, did much
to foster the movement.
The Chamber of Commerce sustained the loss of Mr. Baird, who died on
October 14, 1915. Mr. J.W. Murray succeeded him as President and
applied that deep interest in all the work and welfare of the
Battalion which marked his services throughout the history of the
unit. Mr. Thomas Cameron, the Secretary of the Chamber, also in
countless ways contributed to its success.
At this stage the Council of the Royal Glasgow Technical College
approached the Chamber of Commerce Committee, and it was arranged that
students of the College would find special opportunities of forming a
detachment within the Battalion. This arrangement was found acceptable
in every way, and many students entered for the service of their
country under the colours of what was at that early stage known as
"The Chamber of Commerce Battalion, 3rd Glasgow."
[Illustration: THE LATE MR. MONTAGU M.W. BAIRD,
President of the Chamber, 1914-1915.]
[Illustration: MR. JAMES W. MURRAY,
President of the Chamber, 1916-1917-1918.
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