3rd FOOT, BUFFS EAST KENT REGIMENT - 1st & 2nd V.B.

~ THE BUFFS ~

THE MILITARY BAND

3RD EAST KENT REGIMENT

If you have any information or photo's from The Buffs / The Buffs Bands that you wish to share, please

He signed up for the 2nd Battalion as a Boy on the 5th July 1897 and joined the Battallion in Quarters at Kilkenny in Ireland on the 7th of July 1897.
He remained with them until the 2nd March 1898 when he was transferred to the 1st Battallion in India as a Boy . This is when he had his portrait photograph taken. He was promoted to Bandsman week later on the 8th March 1898. He remained with the 1st Battallion for the rest of his service in the NW Frontier & Pubjab, in Burma in Aden and then Back Home.

Boy Bandsman George BARKER 15 or just turned 16 taken at Kamptee, India about 1897/98 - photo and information courtesy of David W. Barker

He was a first class clarinetist but was apparently also known to play the cello at regimental soirées and balls.

George BARKER of the 1st Batt. rehearsing for a pageant of the Buffs' Regimental History, George is the one in shirt sleeve order with the bayonet - photo courtesy of David W. Barker

George BARKER is top row on the left - photo courtesy of David W. Barker

A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE BUFFS BAND (unknown date)

The Buffs Band - unknown Battalion from my collection

Staff Band Royal East Kent Buffs (postcard in my collection by F. Scrivens, Checkley Studio, High Street, Herne Bay also Centre beach) possibly c. 1910/20's from my collection

BAND 1ST V.B. "THE BUFFS"

WINNERS OF THE LONDON HOME COUNTIES CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD, CRYSTAL PALACE 1905 AND

SECOND PRIZE, NATIONAL CONTEST, CRYSTAL PALACE 1903

Challenge Shield (Reed Band Championship) won by the Band of the 1st Vol Batt. The Buffs - Crystal Palace 1905

March (?) 1905, 1st Vol. Batt. The Buffs....(?) W. P. Thorne, Bandmaster

W. P. THORNE

William Pollett Thorne was born in April 1862 at Ashford. He was the 4th child. His father was from Ashford and his mother from Rye in Sussex. He married Laura Jane Samson on 12th September 1891, at West Ashford. Laura was a local girl, and was a school mistress until her death on the 20th May 1927. The couple had no children. William died on the 9th February,1928 in Ashford. William was a printer by trade.

(Family information & photo courtesy of Doug Bines.)

*Showing Bandmaster Thorne above center

BAND 1ST V.B. "THE BUFFS"

CHAMPION REED BAND OF ENGLAND, CRYSTAL PALACE 1906

CHAMPION BAND OF LONDON HOME COUNTIES, CRYSTAL PALACE 1905

Adolphus Addy

He was Private 3424 A. Addy 1st V.B. East Kent Regiment. He served from 1885 until 1909. Adolphus was born in 1856 and died in 1922 in Ashford, Kent. He was a bandsman. One of the badges below is of a band leader.

Badges belonging to Adolphus Addy with kind permission of C. Jepps

Band of Dutch pos 1906 from the Adolphus Addy Collection with kind permission of C. Jepps

All England Championship Sheild Holders 1907 - Band 1st V.B. The Buffs

Post card sent from Dover July 10, 1907 to Mrs. Boucher Hepswood Highsted Sittingbourne. Monday 6.10. Dearest. My cold is much better. I am looking very red. We have had a fairly easy day returned to Camp at 2.15. Love and kisess Dad.

The Buffs Band - Canterbury above, 1907, during the French Gymnasts Visit to Canterbury

RP Buffs Band Dover 1910

Buffs Band Dover 1910, from my collection

The 1st Battalion The Buffs Band during open air practice at Aldershot in 1908 - courtesy of David. W. Barker

The Drummer and what I assume is his wife and child. The Battalion is just blocked out on the drum unfortunately. Photograph from my collection.

The Buffs Band, possibly Canterbury? Date unknown

Drum master 4th Regiment The Buffs, CO 503

What looks to be the same drum master as above, so possibly the 4th Regt. The Buffs (location unknown)

Photographer Charles Harris 77 London Road Dover

This is a card showing you a few of the people at the time we was mustering outside the house. You will notice that we did not have a very big band because it was rather an awkward day and a lot of the chaps could not get away but according to all accounts the march we played sounded beautiful it was called (my fallen comrade) I expect George has heard of it. Now for a nice two of stout. Apologizing if it makes your mouths water the beastly stuff. (not posted)

1st Battalion The Buffs marching through town about 1907. Possibly Dover, or Chartham. Photo courtesy of David W. Barker

IF YOU CAN RECOGNIZE THE TOWN PLEASE

CONTACT ME

The Band of the 4th Buffs was at Worthing Camp in 1912

NOT SURE WHERE/WHEN THIS PHOTO BELOW WAS TAKEN

The drum below is the center detail from the postcard above

The Buffs Band - King's Birthday Celebration, 2nd Buffs

The Buffs Band - 2nd Batt. Hong Kong 1910 - Lt.? Adjt. Potter, Lt. Col. Bayard, Max(?) Gould, Band Master Hewitt

*from the Singapore Free Press - July 3, 1911 - ...During the afternoon the band of the Buffs under Bandmaster C. B. Hewitt, rendered a most enjoyable programme of music.

May 17, 1911 The Buffs Annual Regimental Sports Held at Tanglin - Quite an enjoyable afternoon was spent at Tanglin yesterday, when the 2nd Battalion, The Buffs, entertained a large gathering with regimental sports, Lieut.-Colonel A. D. Geddes and officers being At Home. It was the anniversary of the battle of Albuhera, a hamlet in Spain, rendered famous for Beresford's defeat of the French on May 16, 1811, and noteworthy as the scene of brilliant conduct on the part of the East Kent Regiment in defense of their colours. The sports took place on the football ground and during the afternoon the regimental band under Bandmaster C. B. Hewitt contributed the following programme of music: - March Forward Volunteers; selection, Our Miss Gibbs....The arrangements were in the hands of the following: Committee. - Lieut. Colonel A. D. Geddes, Major C. C. Cobbe, Capt. E. C. Norman, Lieut. H. B. Potter, 2nd Lieut. J. E. W. Allen. Sub-Committe. Sergeant Major W. R. Birrell, Q.M.S. E. Smith, Q.M.S.A. Andrews, Col. Sergt. N. Catchpole, Sergt. E. Kelly, Sergt. H. Link, Sergt. W. Dines. Handicappers - 2nd Lieut. J. F. W. Allen, Sergt. E. Kelly, Corpol. A Andrews. At the close of the afternoon the prizes were distributed by Mrs. Geddes.....

The Straits Time - Nov 18, 1912 - A pleasant function took place in Raffles Hotel on Saturday night on the occasion of the special dinner and dance arranged by the management for the purpose of giving guests an opportunity of hearing the band of the Buffs again before its departure. The management of the hotel took the occasion to present Bandmaster Hewitt with a token of their esteem, and the gift took the shape of a handsome silver clock. The presentation was made by Miss Sarkies, after an appropriate little speech by Mr. J. Constantine, manager of the hotel.

-----------

Bandmaster C. B . Hewitt was awarded the Medaille Militaire.

----------

1915/1916

This is the band of 2/4 Buffs after it was sent from Canterbury to Tonbridge as part of 202 Infantry Brigade, 1915/1916. The 2/4 was disbanded November 1917. (courtesy of a visitor to the site)

A photograph of Daniel Bernard Borrett, of the 2/4 Buffs Band. (courtesy of a visitor to the site)

No 9 Platoon 2/4 Buffs Tonbridge June 1916. Winners of 10 mile forced march in 2 hours 15 mins, and Champion Platoon Runners. The soldier in the front row over the X is’ Bruiser’ Lee, brigade champion boxer. 12 of the men were later killed in action and 4 wounded.
The tallest soldier in the back row wearing No 9 is Daniel Borrett, now sergeant of this platoon. What a change in the face since the earlier picture of 1915. All this information comes from the back of the postcard written in Daniel Borrett's hand. The cart to the left seems to contain bottles of beer.
(write-up & photo courtesy of a visitor to the site)

Photo of the 1st Battalion Rugger XV 1932. A. Golding Bandsman 6282584. He was in India and Burma in the 1920's. He married in 1937 when he returned home. It was possible he met his wife when the Band was playing at The Bandstand in Herne Bay, she waited patiently for him for 7 years. Courtesy of the family.

Top Row - Bandsman Satterley, L/Sgt. Martin, Pte. Nolan

Middle Row - L/Cp. Catt, L/Capl. Davie, Pte. Nash, Pte. Peacock, Pte. Smith, L/Cpl. Groves, Bandsman, Golding

Seated - Sgt. Watson, 2/Lieut. Atkinson, Lieut. Jelf, Lieut. Connolly, Lieut. Bruce

Photo by S. N. Samuels, Rangoon. Photo from a 1932 copy of The Dragoon

A photograph of a notice on a wall. Headed "Specimen of Lieut. Col. Smith's Farewell Letter." The letter is dated March 1931, Mingaladon. Mr. Golding kept this with his treasures. It's possible he liked Lt. Col. Smith, when they met in Burma.

http://www.machadoink.com/D%20Shoosmith.htm

A portion of Lieut. Col. L. A. Smiths Farewell letter. "I wish to record my deep apreciation of the loyal services rendered by all ranks during my command. The spirit of generous co-operation for the regimental good which has run through-out the battalion has been remarkable and I am most grateful for it. I would like every one to realize how deeply I feel the severance of my participations in the active life of the battalion. My interest will always be in you and the many friends I have made.

Thank you one and all for the wonderful send off you have given us.

L.H. Smith Lieut Col. Com 1st Batt. The Buffs

Mingaladon, March 1931

On 8th August 1929 both colours were laid up in Canterbury Cathedral.

What a great story on The Drums of the 4th Battalion, The Buffs (T.A.)

Article and picture courtesy of D. Howe

CANTERBURY 1958 R. A. BAILEY, T.A. JUBILEE

If you have any information or photo's from The Buffs / The Buffs Band that you wish to share, please

CONTACT ME

Motto "Veteri Frondescit Honore"....."With its Ancient Honour it is Evergreen"


~ THE BUFFS ~ THE MILITARY BAND 3RD EAST KENT REGIMENT If you have any information or photo's from The Buffs / The Buffs Bands that you wish to share, please CONTACT ME He signed up for the 2nd Battalion as a Boy on the 5th July 1897 and joined the Battallion in Quarters at Kilkenny in Ireland on the 7th of July 1897. He remained with them until the 2nd March 1898 when he was transferred to the 1st Battallion in India as a Boy . This is when he had his portrait photograph taken. He was promoted to Bandsman week later on the 8th March 1898. He remained with the 1st Battallion for the rest of his service in the NW Frontier & Pubjab, in Burma in Aden and then Back Home. Boy Bandsman George BARKER 15 or just turned 16 taken at Kamptee, India about 1897/98 - photo and information courtesy of David W. Barker He was a first class clarinetist but was apparently also known to play the cello at regimental soirées and balls. George BARKER of the 1st Batt. rehearsing for a pageant of the Buffs' Regimental History, George is the one in shirt sleeve order with the bayonet - photo courtesy of David W. Barker George BARKER is top row on the left - photo courtesy of David W. Barker A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE BUFFS BAND (unknown date) The Buffs Band - unknown Battalion from my collection Staff Band Royal East Kent Buffs (postcard in my collection by F. Scrivens, Checkley Studio, High Street, Herne Bay also Centre beach) possibly c. 1910/20's from my collection BAND 1ST V.B. "THE BUFFS" WINNERS OF THE LONDON HOME COUNTIES CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD, CRYSTAL PALACE 1905 AND SECOND PRIZE, NATIONAL CONTEST, CRYSTAL PALACE 1903 Challenge Shield (Reed Band Championship) won by the Band of the 1st Vol Batt. The Buffs - Crystal Palace 1905 March (?) 1905, 1st Vol. Batt. The Buffs....(?) W. P. Thorne, Bandmaster W. P. THORNE William Pollett Thorne was born in April 1862 at Ashford. He was the 4th child. His father was from Ashford and his mother from Rye in Sussex. He married Laura Jane Samson on 12th September 1891, at West Ashford. Laura was a local girl, and was a school mistress until her death on the 20th May 1927. The couple had no children. William died on the 9th February,1928 in Ashford. William was a printer by trade. (Family information & photo courtesy of Doug Bines.) Showing Bandmaster Thorne above center BAND 1ST V.B. "THE BUFFS"* CHAMPION REED BAND OF ENGLAND, CRYSTAL PALACE 1906 CHAMPION BAND OF LONDON HOME COUNTIES, CRYSTAL PALACE 1905 __ Adolphus Addy He was Private 3424 A. Addy 1st V.B. East Kent Regiment. He served from 1885 until 1909. Adolphus was born in 1856 and died in 1922 in Ashford, Kent. He was a bandsman. One of the badges below is of a band leader. Badges belonging to Adolphus Addy with kind permission of C. Jepps Band of Dutch pos 1906 from the Adolphus Addy Collection with kind permission of C. Jepps All England Championship Sheild Holders 1907 - Band 1st V.B. The Buffs Post card sent from Dover July 10, 1907 to Mrs. Boucher Hepswood Highsted Sittingbourne. Monday 6.10. Dearest. My cold is much better. I am looking very red. We have had a fairly easy day returned to Camp at 2.15. Love and kisess Dad. The Buffs Band - Canterbury above, 1907, during the French Gymnasts Visit to Canterbury RP Buffs Band Dover 1910 Buffs Band Dover 1910, from my collection The 1st Battalion The Buffs Band during open air practice at Aldershot in 1908 - courtesy of David. W. Barker The Drummer and what I assume is his wife and child. The Battalion is just blocked out on the drum unfortunately. Photograph from my collection. The Buffs Band, possibly Canterbury? Date unknown Drum master 4th Regiment The Buffs, CO 503 What looks to be the same drum master as above, so possibly the 4th Regt. The Buffs (location unknown) Photographer Charles Harris 77 London Road Dover This is a card showing you a few of the people at the time we was mustering outside the house. You will notice that we did not have a very big band because it was rather an awkward day and a lot of the chaps could not get away but according to all accounts the march we played sounded beautiful it was called (my fallen comrade) I expect George has heard of it. Now for a nice two of stout. Apologizing if it makes your mouths water the beastly stuff. (not posted) 1st Battalion The Buffs marching through town about 1907. Possibly Dover, or Chartham. Photo courtesy of David W. Barker IF YOU CAN RECOGNIZE THE TOWN PLEASE CONTACT ME The Band of the 4th Buffs was at Worthing Camp in 1912 NOT SURE WHERE/WHEN THIS PHOTO BELOW WAS TAKEN The drum below is the center detail from the postcard above The Buffs Band - King's Birthday Celebration, 2nd Buffs The Buffs Band - 2nd Batt. Hong Kong 1910 - Lt.? Adjt. Potter, Lt. Col. Bayard, Max(?) Gould, Band Master Hewitt from the Singapore Free Press - July 3, 1911 - ...During the afternoon the band of the Buffs under Bandmaster C. B. Hewitt, rendered a most enjoyable programme of music. May 17, 1911 The Buffs Annual Regimental Sports Held at Tanglin - Quite an enjoyable afternoon was spent at Tanglin yesterday, when the 2nd Battalion, The Buffs, entertained a large gathering with regimental sports, Lieut.-Colonel A. D. Geddes and officers being At Home. It was the anniversary of the battle of Albuhera, a hamlet in Spain, rendered famous for Beresford's defeat of the French on May 16, 1811, and noteworthy as the scene of brilliant conduct on the part of the East Kent Regiment in defense of their colours. The sports took place on the football ground and during the afternoon the regimental band under Bandmaster C. B. Hewitt contributed the following programme of music: - March Forward Volunteers; selection, Our Miss Gibbs....The arrangements were in the hands of the following: Committee. - Lieut. Colonel A. D. Geddes, Major C. C. Cobbe, Capt. E. C. Norman, Lieut. H. B. Potter, 2nd Lieut. J. E. W. Allen. Sub-Committe. Sergeant Major W. R. Birrell, Q.M.S. E. Smith, Q.M.S.A. Andrews, Col. Sergt. N. Catchpole, Sergt. E. Kelly, Sergt. H. Link, Sergt. W. Dines. Handicappers - 2nd Lieut. J. F. W. Allen, Sergt. E. Kelly, Corpol. A Andrews. At the close of the afternoon the prizes were distributed by Mrs. Geddes..... The Straits Time - Nov 18, 1912 - A pleasant function took place in Raffles Hotel on Saturday night on the occasion of the special dinner and dance arranged by the management for the purpose of giving guests an opportunity of hearing the band of the Buffs again before its departure. The management of the hotel took the occasion to present Bandmaster Hewitt with a token of their esteem, and the gift took the shape of a handsome silver clock. The presentation was made by Miss Sarkies, after an appropriate little speech by Mr. J. Constantine, manager of the hotel. -----------* Bandmaster C. B . Hewitt was awarded the Medaille Militaire. ---------- 1915/1916 This is the band of 2/4 Buffs after it was sent from Canterbury to Tonbridge as part of 202 Infantry Brigade, 1915/1916. The 2/4 was disbanded November 1917. (courtesy of a visitor to the site) A photograph of Daniel Bernard Borrett, of the 2/4 Buffs Band. (courtesy of a visitor to the site) No 9 Platoon 2/4 Buffs Tonbridge June 1916. Winners of 10 mile forced march in 2 hours 15 mins, and Champion Platoon Runners. The soldier in the front row over the X is’ Bruiser’ Lee, brigade champion boxer. 12 of the men were later killed in action and 4 wounded. The tallest soldier in the back row wearing No 9 is Daniel Borrett, now sergeant of this platoon. What a change in the face since the earlier picture of 1915. All this information comes from the back of the postcard written in Daniel Borrett's hand. The cart to the left seems to contain bottles of beer. (write-up & photo courtesy of a visitor to the site) Photo of the 1st Battalion Rugger XV 1932. A. Golding Bandsman 6282584. He was in India and Burma in the 1920's. He married in 1937 when he returned home. It was possible he met his wife when the Band was playing at The Bandstand in Herne Bay, she waited patiently for him for 7 years. Courtesy of the family. Top Row - Bandsman Satterley, L/Sgt. Martin, Pte. Nolan Middle Row - L/Cp. Catt, L/Capl. Davie, Pte. Nash, Pte. Peacock, Pte. Smith, L/Cpl. Groves, Bandsman, Golding Seated - Sgt. Watson, 2/Lieut. Atkinson, Lieut. Jelf, Lieut. Connolly, Lieut. Bruce Photo by S. N. Samuels, Rangoon. Photo from a 1932 copy of The Dragoon A photograph of a notice on a wall. Headed "Specimen of Lieut. Col. Smith's Farewell Letter." The letter is dated March 1931, Mingaladon. Mr. Golding kept this with his treasures. It's possible he liked Lt. Col. Smith, when they met in Burma. http://www.machadoink.com/D%20Shoosmith.htm A portion of Lieut. Col. L. A. Smiths Farewell letter. "I wish to record my deep apreciation of the loyal services rendered by all ranks during my command. The spirit of generous co-operation for the regimental good which has run through-out the battalion has been remarkable and I am most grateful for it. I would like every one to realize how deeply I feel the severance of my participations in the active life of the battalion. My interest will always be in you and the many friends I have made. Thank you one and all for the wonderful send off you have given us. L.H. Smith Lieut Col. Com 1st Batt. The Buffs Mingaladon, March 1931 On 8th August 1929 both colours were laid up in Canterbury Cathedral. What a great story on The Drums of the 4th Battalion, The Buffs (T.A.) Article and picture courtesy of D. Howe CANTERBURY 1958 R. A. BAILEY, T.A. JUBILEE If you have any information or photo's from The Buffs / The Buffs Band that you wish to share, please CONTACT ME Motto "Veteri Frondescit Honore"....."With its Ancient Honour it is Evergreen"
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