The first New Zealand LOF Conference took place in Shortland Street in Auckland on the orders of Captain Ernest D'Esterre and was chaired by Captain Forbes-Edie. It was decided at this Conference to offer the Central Government two squadrons of LOF Mounted Rifles. Both would be fully equipped and available at 24 hours notice. The offer also included a Merchant Captain and crew to man a troop transport ship. This offer was declined.
Waitamata Troop (Naval Gunners) enlisted as an entity into the 4th Reinforcements, and served in the New Zealand Field Artillery.
C Squadron (Poverty Bay) under the Command of Captain F.M. Twistleton, rides from Poverty Bay into Trentham Military Camp (Wellington North), and enlists as an entity into the Otago Mounted Rifles. Twisleton is commissioned as a Lieutenant and serves on Gallipoli where he is awarded the Military Cross.
Thirty five members of "F" Squadron, (Dargaville) all over-age men, offered themselves to the Defence Department as a 'Pioneer Unit', fully equipped to handle timber from the stump to the required material, and were close to being accepted but age was against them
On Saturday the 01 August 1914, Captain Nowell and H Troop (Manchester) of the Legion of Frontiersmen are en-route by train to join a formal parade in London requested by Lord Kitchener so that he might judge and report on their usefulness should war be declared. Among this group of Frontiersmen are Richard "Dick" READING (a journalist) and Pat Cowan. Both men decamp the train upon learning that France has mobilised and war is imminent and by noon are reroute to Paris, then on to Brussels'. Frontiersman Pat COWAN enlists into the 3eme Belgian Lanciers while Frontiersman Dick Reading enlists into the Corp de Mitrailleuses.
On the 2nd August 1914, the remainder of H Troop (Manchester) embark at Folkestone, sailing directly to Ostende wearing Frontiersmen uniform and with their mounts. They number 22 Officers and men, and Captain Nowell, a South African War veteran is in Command. Included amongst them are Captain Max Hapenworth DSO, Sergeant Major Hepburn who served in South Africa and William "Big Bill" Hearn a Zulu War veteran. The Troop also includes two ex-members of the Royal Canadian North West Mounted Police. Members of H Troop enlist enmasse into the Belgium Army (3eme Belgian Lanciers), and serve together as an entity calling themselves "British Colonial Horse." This is the first recorded British Unit in combat in the Great War.
War is declared on Tuesday the 04 August 1914, and Frontiersmen Cowan and Reading are the first "Englishmen" confirmed in combat. Reading is later machine-gunned and badly wounded. He survives and spends more than 2 years in Worsley Hospital Manchester before emigrating to Australia.
National LOF Conference:
Commandant: Captain John COOK
Awards:
Crossed the Great Divide
1915
CAIRNIE, Private G J B, who was reported to have been missing since June 5, was a computing draughtsman in the Lands & Survey Dept's Auckland office and went to the front with the Auckland Infantry Company in the main expeditionary force. He is 31 yrs old and after working in West Australia for some time came to NZ about eight years ago. He served in the Taranaki Rifle Volunteers for five years and is a member of the Legion of Frontiersmen. Pvte CAIRNIE's sister, Mrs J J Volkwyn, resides in Heidelberg, Transvaal. [AWN 01.07.1915].
CARTER, Trooper Tom P W, Otago Regiment, reported wounded, was a member of the Gisborne Legion of Frontiersmen, who left in October last to make up Otago's quota of mounted reinforcements. Before he enlisted he was employed on a station at Whangara. It is understood that his relations reside in the Old Country. [AWN 08.07.1915].
MOSSMAN Trooper Thomas Henry Mossman, died at Cairo from diphtheria. A Legion of Frontiersmen member (since 1912), Poverty Bay District, with the Expeditionary Force. When the second reinforcements were assembling at Trentham, the Otago Mounted Regt was short of 40 men and the deficiency was made up by the Poverty Bay Squadron of the L of F, Trooper Mossman being among those selected.
(Ins. by his mother). [AWN 15.04.1915].
MOSSMAN, Pte James Dilworth Bradley. KIA, is the son of Mr W G Mossman, late of Ellerslie and now of Gisborne. Dilworth Mossman is regarded by a large circle of friends as an Ellerslie boy. He was educated at the Auckland Grammar School and is now 21 years of age. After leaving school he went to his father’s sheep run in the Gisborne district. In June last he took a trip home and war rumours being then very thickly in the air, he enlisted in the King Edward’s Horse. Subsequently he transferred to the British section of the NZEF and on arrival in Egypt, after a period of training at Bulford, he was attached to the Auckland Regt of the Mounted Rifles Brigade. Thomas MOSSMAN, a member of the Legion of Frontiersmen, who died in Egypt from pneumonia, was a brother. [AWN 17.06.1915].
SAMPSON, Trooper William Benjamin of Ngaruawahia, Auckland Mounted Rifles, who is reported to have been killed in action, was a son of Mr. G Sampson of Waerenga, Waikato. He was 29 years of age. Prior to enlisting he was a farrier and wheelwright at Ngaruawahia. The late Trooper Sampson was the leader of the Ngaruawahia squadron of the Legion of Frontiersmen and was extremely popular. [AWN 05.08.1915].
TWISLETON, Lieutenant F M Otago Mounted Regiment. Discharged from the sick list; he had not been previously reported wounded. He was a commander of the Legion of Frontiersmen and he left Gisborne in charge of the members of the local squadron, who were selected to make up Otago’s quota of mounted men. He is a sheep-farmer of the Waimata Valley and an enthusiastic frontiersman, with South African war experience. [AWN 22.07.1915].
Gisborne boys - Among those reported to have been killed in action were three Gisborne boys. Trooper James Dilworth MOSSMAN, THE SON OF Mr W J Mossman of Gisborne, was educated at Auckland Grammar School. Lance Corporal Guy F Woodward, also of the Legion of Frontiersmen, eldest son of Mr J C Woodward of Patutahi, has also been killed in action. Lance Corporal Woodward was a member of the 4th, Waikato, Mounteds; he was 24 years of age and volunteered from Auckland, having been sheep farming in the Waikato prior to enlisting. Mr Woodward's second son is a member of the fifth reinforcements now at Trentham. Lance Corporal F N MOORE, who has died of wounds, belonged to a well known Kaiti family. He was a builder and took a course in architecture at St Patrick's College, Wellington, and had just returned to Gisborne when he enlisted. His brother Philip is also at the Dardanelles, having left with the third reinforcements. [AWN 17.06.1915].
SAMPSON, 13/443 Trooper William Benjamin of Ngaruawahia, Auckland Mounted Rifles, who is reported to have been killed in action, was a son of Mr. G Sampson of Waerenga, Waikato. He was 29 years of age. Prior to enlisting he was a farrier and wheelwright at Ngaruawahia. The late Trooper Sampson was the leader of the Ngaruawahia squadron of the Legion of Frontiersmen and was extremely popular.
[AWN 05.08.1915].
London Gazette 16 March: Mr John Henry Swales of the New Zealand Public Works Department, who is well known in Rakaia, has joined the B Battalion Royal Fusiliers. This regiment is commanded by Colonel Driscoll, and is known as the Legion of Frontiersmen Battalion. Privates Swales was too old to enlist in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, so he came Home by the Tongariro arriving early in February, and, being an old Navy man, he found no difficulty in joining Colonel Driscoll's force. It is thought that they are for special service in East Africa, and they may leave shortly.
Lieutenant Colonel Daniel P. Driscoll DSO calls for the roll to be taken of Frontiersmen currently in uniform and on Active Service. More than 7,000 have enlisted and are on Active Service with a variety of Empire Units. He notes that nearly 50 per cent of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry are members of the Legion of Frontiersmen.
Dr Jessie Anne Scott serves in the 2nd Scottish Women's Hospital unit in Serbia. As the German and Austrian armies commence their invasion, the hospital units were gradually driven south with the Serbian army to Kruševac, where Scott's unit was eventually captured by Austrian forces.
Captain Francis (Frank) Morphet Twistleton NZMR is awarded the Military Cross for Bravery in the Field specifically during the battle's of Bauchop's Hill and Hill 60 at Gallipoli throughout August 1915, during which he is wounded several times.
25th (Frontiersmen) Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Was raised by the Legion of Frontiersmen as a British Army Infantry Battalion and served in the East African Theatre from 1915 - 1918.
The Battalion was formed on the 12 February 1915, by Lieutenant-Colonel Dan Driscoll DSO (who was at that time aged fifty-five), and sailed on 10 April 1915 from Plymouth in England bound for East Africa, arriving at Mombasa on the 4 May 1915.
The Battalion was largely composed of older men, many exceeding the usual recruitment age, plus a number wore glasses. Quite a number were Veterans of the South African war and some were known to be soldiers of fortune, explorers, horsemen, big-game hunters, adventurers. There was even a lion tamer, some Russian exiles, a light-house keeper and as well as a sprinkling of ex-members of the French Foreign Legion within the Battalions ranks.
The 25th (Frontiersmen) Battalion and its members were nicknamed "The Old and the Bold" due to the age of many of the officers (and men), and as well the Battalion's dogged reputation for being fierce and determined against the enemy. The Battalion fought in the Lake Tanganyika district of (then) British East Africa and German East Africa
The 25th (Frontiersmen) Battalion sailed for Britain at end of May 1917, and was disbanded at Putney, in England on the 29 June 1918.
The Battle Honours of the 25th (Frontiersmen) Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
KILIMANJARO
BEHO-BEHO
NYANGAO
EAST AFRICA 1915-1917
GREAT WAR 1917
BELGIUM 1914-18
14 local men meet at the Newall Road school at Okato and form the Okato Troop (New Plymouth), of the Legion. Lieutenant Fraser-Jones is elected as the Unit's first OC
More than 1,500 Frontiersmen, serving in a variety of Units are Killed in Action during the Gallipoli Campaign in the Dardanelles. Many are New Zealanders.
The surviving members of H Troop (Manchester) British Colonial Horse are decorated on the order of the HM King Albert I of the Belgians. Captain Nowell is decorated as a Chevalier of the Order of the Crown of Belgium for Gallantry during the period 17th - 31 October 1914. All members of H Troop are awarded the Medaille de Yser for participation in the fighting at Yser. They are the only British
Troops to receive this decoration which is also awarded to the Legion of
Frontiersmen as a fourragère (originally), although nowadays the distinction
is worn by the Legion as a Citation.
Frontiersman Cyril R. BASSETT VC of A Squadron LOF. (LINK)
While serving as a sapper in the New Zealand Divisional Signal Company at Gallipoli is awarded the Victoria Cross, the first awarded to a New Zealand serviceman in the First World War. During the ferocious battle for Chunuk Bair in August 1915, he and a handful of companions laid and subsequently repaired a telephone wire to the front line. In full daylight and under continuous and heavy fire, Bassett 'dashed and then crept, then dashed and crept again, up to the forward line'. The lines were cut again and again, but Bassett and his fellow linesmen went out day and night to mend them.
Lieutenant Wilbur Taylor DARTNELL VC, 25th (Frontiersmen) Battalion. (LINK)
Lieutenant Wilbur Taylor Dartnell was an Australian serving with 25th (Frontiersmen) Battalion, The Royal Fusiliers (City of London) who had previously served as a 15 year old with 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles contingent to the Boer War in South Africa. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on the 3 September 1915, for his selfless actions in combat at Maktau in East Africa.
National LOF Conference: Auckland
Commandant: Captain Ernest D D'ESTERRE
Commandant: Captain Francis Morphet TWISTLETON (On Active Service)
Awards:
Crossed the Great Divide
1916
On Sunday, the 2nd of April 1916, Frontiersmen from the Gisbourne Squadron were placed on Standby on the orders of Police Commissioner John Cullen, in case they were required to take part in the arrest of Rua at the settlement at Maungapohatu.
Rua Tapunui Kenana a Maori prophet, and faith healer of the Tuhoe people and during a subsequent fire-fight Rua's son Toko and another young man Te Maipi are killed, and many other Maori are wounded, as are four members of the Police party.
It is later remembered as one of the darkest days of Police and Maori relations in New Zealand, and a Gisbourne Police Constable states "We worked out that Cullen (the Police Commissioner) would be guilty of eleven charges, from murder or manslaughter down to common assault."
A branch of the Legion of Frontiersmen, a volunteer patriotic force, offered the services and weapons of its members to support the police expedition. A less suitable group of men to engage with a community such as Rua's can hardly be imagined, but Cullen advised Herdman that at least 40 of the Frontiersmen, with "whatever firearms and ammunition they possess", should be sworn in as special constables and dispatched to Maungapohatu if his own men proved unequal to the task before them.
[Czar Cullen Police Commissioner John Cullen © Mark Derby 2007]
Captain Frederick Courteney Selous DSO, 25th (Frontiersmen) Battalion, Royal Fusiliers is awarded the Distinguished Service Order while serving with the Frontiersmen Battalionin East Africa. At the time of the award he was 65 years of age.
"Our first engagement with the Germans took place near Dar-es-Salaam, which we captured on September 4th. This modern African city has a large European section and a pretentious Catholic cathedral. Out in the harbor lay the half-submerged Koenig of the German East African Steamship line; like Hobson's Merrimac, it completely and effectively closed the harbor channel to navigation.
It was in Dar-es-Salaam that I met many members of the Legion of Frontiersmen, under the distinguished Colonel Driscoll. The French Foreign Legion has a pale record compared to this tough outfit of tropic fighters. They were in every skirmish in German East Africa and were almost wiped out during the campaign. The French Foreign Legion, as is well known, is recruited from wasters, convicts, and every variety of ne'er-do-well, but the Legion of Frontiersmen is made up of veterans of the British and Colonial armies-a seasoned group of campaigners. Some day a scribe will write their story for the world, and give these veterans of the Equator an honor long overdue. That day will come, I presume, when a Hollywood promoter produces a scenario around Colonel Driscoll and Captain Fred Selous, the greatest of all African hunters.
Some day, too, the true story of the German East African campaign will be written, and when that day comes the names of its heroes will include that of General von Lettow Vorbeck. Probably he will lead all the rest. In my humble opinion, he is one of the greatest soldiers of the World War. With a few men he held off 300,000 troops, with 137 generals, and right up to the date of the Armistice was undefeated. For four years he outguessed his enemies, using every artifice of man and nature to plague his pursuers, and yet played the war game strictly according to the rules."
[© Sapper C. "Paddy" McGuinness (aka Hennessey), South African Engineers 1916]
In February, Dr Jessie A. Scott and other members of the 2nd Scottish Women's Hospital unit are taken under guard to Vienna and later to Switzerland, where they are released and allowed to return to England.
At Worsley Hospital in Manchester Wounded Frontiersman Dick Reading is decorated as a Chevalier of the Order of Leopold for Gallantry on the order of HM King Albert I of the Belgians, and as well awarded the Medaille de Yser. Years later, upon his death in Australia, Frontiersman Dick Reading's widow is awarded a pension personally approved by HM King Albert of Belgium.
Sister Ethel W.T. Watkins aka Ethel Watkins Taylor (Married name: Pritchard) joins the Legion of Frontiersmen while on leave in London. She is of Ngapuhi descent and on the outbreak of the First World War she is quick to volunteer her services and is selected as one of the first 50 nurses to serve overseas with the New Zealand Army Nursing Service. After a hurried uniform fit out, these Kiwi nurses leave for overseas service on the 08th April 1915.
"Watkins was first stationed at No 15 General Hospital in Alexandria, Egypt. She supervised nine orderlies, tending some 240 patients housed in tents. The arrival of big convoys of casualties from Gallipoli meant doing up to 190 dressings a day. Dysentery, diarrhoea and typhoid fever were common, and there were terrible gunshot wounds. But worst of all were the cases of frostbite: ‘With a gunshot wound one felt that something could be done, but some of the frost bites were hopeless’. By the end of February 1916 she had tended 3,500 patients. Watkins also served on hospital ships and in army hospitals in England. While in London she joined the Legion of Frontiersmen, in which she maintained a lifelong interest." [© Dictionary of New Zealand Biography 2007].
TWISTLETON, Lieutenant Francis Morphet, M.C.,, left Gisborne with the Gisborne contingent of frontiersmen attached to the Otago Mounted Rifles. He served in the South African war for 16 months, leaving NZ with the second contingent. On returning he took an active part in the establishment of the Legion of Frontiersmen and when he left Gisborne he held the rank of captain. He was in command not only of the Poverty Bay squadron but also held the temporary command for NZ. He was one of the originators of the offer to the Government of a squadron of frontiersmen for service at the front but the offer was declined. Subsequently, however, a draft of about 30 frontiersmen was taken from Gisborne to make up the deficiency in the Otago Mounted Rifles quota of the second reinforcements. Lieut Twistleton, who is a Yorkshireman, is 44 years of age. He was in most of the important engagements at Gallipoli. He is now in a convalescent hospital in Egypt, having had an attack of enteric. [AWN 20.01.1916]
In Australia:
Adelaide Squadron is established by His Excellency Lieutenant Colonel Sir Henry Lionel Galway KCMG, DSO on the 1st February 1916.
National LOF Conference:
Commandant: Captain Ernest D D'ESTERRE
Commandant: Major Francis Morphet TWISTLETON, MC, MID (NZMR Active Service Command)
Awards:
Crossed the Great Divide
1917
Major Gordon Ross Mitchell NZMR (also R Squadron LOF), while serving as the Officer Commanding No: 1 Squadron, The Otago Mounted rifles is awarded the DSO.
Citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry during the operations on the Somme from 22 August to 18 September 1918. This officer with his squadron was attached to the division on the left flank and during the whole time, owing to this splendid leadership, his squadron obtained information of the utmost value. On the 24th August in the vicinity of La Boiselle when the position was obscure, he personally went forward under heavy machine gun and shell fire, and brought back most valuable information to divisional headquarters. Several times during the operations he made personal reconnaissance's and obtained most reliable information."
Dr Jessie Ann Scott from Auckland, is made an Honorary Lieutenant of the Legion of Frontiersmen for her noble work in Serbia with the 2nd Scottish Women's Hospital unit. She is the first recorded female member of the New Zealand Command.
The Colours of the 210th (Frontiersmen) Battalion of Canada are placed in safe keeping in Saint Andrews Church in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan prior to the Battalion's departure for Active Service on the Western Front in April.
Fort Niger Troop LOF (New Plymouth) is established
Major Francis Morphet Twistleton MC, MID a stalwart of the Legion both in New Zealand (and also while on Active Service) Dies of Wounds on 15th November 1917. He was wounded while in action with the Auckland Mounted Rifles at Ayun Kara in Palestine. He is buried in the Ramela Cemetry.
Frontiersman Leslie ANDREW VC of N Squadron LOF. (LINK)
While serving as a Corporal with the 2nd Battalion, Wellington Infantry Regiment is awarded the Victoria Cross for most conspicuous bravery when in charge of a small party in an attack on the enemy's position at La Bassee-Ville, France, on 31 July 1917. Later, during WWII he is awarded the Distinguished Service Order for outstanding skill and leadership during the Desert Campaign over the very difficult period 25th November to 9th December 1941.
National LOF Conference:
Commandant: Captain Ernest D D'ESTERRE
Commandant: Captain Francis Morphet TWISTLETON, MC, MID
(NZMR Active Service Command - KIA)
Awards:
Crossed the Great Divide
1918
Frontiersman James CRICHTON VC of A Squadron LOF. (LINK)
While serving as a Private with the 2nd Battalion, Auckland Infantry Regiment is awarded the Victoria Cross for conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty near Crevecoeur, France, on 30 September 1918. "Although wounded in the foot, he continued to advance with the troops, despite difficult canal and river obstacles. When his platoon was subsequently forced back by a counter-attack, he succeeded in carrying a message. This involved his swimming a river and crossing an area swept by machine-gun fire before he subsequently rejoined his platoon. Later, he undertook on his own initiative to save a bridge which had been mined, and although under close fire of machine guns and snipers, he succeeded in removing the charges, returning with the fuses and detonators."
Frontiersman Reginald S. JUDSON VC of A Squadron LOF. (LINK)
While serving as a Sergeant with the 1st Battalion, Auckland Infantry Regiment is awarded the Victoria Cross for leading a small bombing party on the 26 August 1918 under heavy fire and capturing an enemy machine-gun. He then proceeded up the sap alone, bombing three machine-gun crews. Then jumping out of the trench he then ran ahead of the enemy and, standing on a parapet, ordered a group of two officers and 10 men to surrender. They immediately opened fire and he threw a bomb and jumped amongst them, killing two and putting the rest to flight, and so captured two machine-guns. He was later awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack on the enemy positions. He led a patrol along a sap leading to the enemy. This patrol forced the enemy to retreat before their bombs for a distance of 600 yards, and so enabled the troops who were following to garrison and hold the captured trench. He was indefatigable in organizing the trench during the next twenty four hours under heavy bomb and machinegun fire, and personally bombed the enemy out of an angle in the sap where they were collecting. The following year (1919) he is awarded the Military Medal for Bravery in the Field.
Paritutu Troop LOF (New Plymouth) is established.
Captain Ernest D'Esterre LOF and Lieutenant Colonel Dan Driscoll DSO, LOF design the badge that is to be worn by female members of the New Zealand Command.
The Legion's roll is called throughout the British Empire for the first time since the commencement of hostilities in 1914. It is discovered that more than 9,000 members of the Legion have made the ultimate sacrifice during the Great War. Their sacrifice passes in to Legion history and they become the legendary "9,000" and are remembered and toasted at every Legion of Frontiersman gathering forthwith.
The following Taranaki members, all of the Paritutu Troop, are admitted into the Legion: BOULTON, C B; COLSON, C; EVANS, Ven. Archdeacon F G; FOREMAN, H A; HANDLEY, C; LISTER, A; LUXTON, T; LYE, R F; McKENZIE, W; OPENSHAWE, P A; POPE, G; RUSSELL, H F; SAMPSON, C; SAMPSON, H; STREET, J H; WHEATLEY, E W; WHITEHEAD, J.
New members to be enlisted are: DOYLE, M J, Mangarakau; FOUGERE, F J, Tahora; JOHNSON, T G, Netherton; JONES, N D, Mahoenui.
Frontiersman J. A. McGee dies in Christchurch Hospital of pneumonia supervening on influenza. He joined the Legion at Uriti, Taranaki in 1912 and subsequently he was on the assay staff of the Grand Junction mine and he left with the Auckland Mounted Rifles in the 3rd Reinforcements. He seemed to be known to every man in camp at that time and he was a general favourite with all who knew him. He was badly wounded on Gallipoli, having the bone of one leg smashed and losing an eye in the fight for Chunuk Bair. Returning to NZ he was appointed assistant analyst at the Islington freezing works and held this position at the time of his death. His mother now resides at Mt Eden, Auckland, and the sympathy of a very wide circle of members of the Legion will be with her in her loss.
[© AUCKLAND WEEKLY NEWS, 19 DECEMBER 1918].
AUCKLAND WEEKLY NEWS INFLUENZA DEATHS 1918
McGEE, J A, Legion of Frontiersman, died at Christchurch Hospital of pneumonia supervening on influenza. [© AWN 19.12.1918].
The Legion lost a popular member by the death of Frontiersman J A McGEE who died at Christchurch Hospital of pneumonia supervening on influenza. He joined the Legion at Uriti, Taranaki in 1912 and subsequently he was on the assay staff of the Grand Junction mine and he left with the Auckland Mounted Rifles in the 3rd Reinforcements. He seemed to be known to every man in camp at that time and he was a general favourite with all who knew him. He was badly wounded on Gallipoli, having the bone of one leg smashed and losing an eye in the fight for Chunuk Bair. Returning to NZ he was appointed assistant analyst at the Islington freezing works and held this position at the time of his death. His mother now resides at Mt Eden, Auckland, and the sympathy of a very wide circule of members of the Legion will be with her in her loss.
[© AWN 19.12.1918].
National LOF Conference:
Commandant: Captain Ernest D D'ESTERRE
Commandant: Captain T. McCARROLL (NZMR Active Service Command)
Awards:
Crossed the Great Divide
1919
Fort Niger Troop and Paritutu Troop amalgamate as Paritutu Troop LOF. On the 07th November 1919, Lieutenant Colonel Weston DSO chairs a meeting at the house of Constable Daniel O'Neil at Rahotu and a Troop of the Legion is raised and named Parihaka Troop LOF. Lieutenant Colonel Weston DSO is elected as the Unit's first OC.
Fort Niger Troop LOF, Paritutu Troop LOF and Parihaka Troop LOF are the antecedent Units of the Legion which later became amalgamated into L Squadron LOF
10 Battle Honours won (but not accorded) to the Legion of Frontiersmen Active Service Command are those won by the Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment and carried on the Regiments Guidon; they are:
DEFENCE OF ANZAC; GALLIPOLI 1915; ANZAC; HILL 60 ANZAC; KEMMEL; SARI BAIR; EGYPT 1915-16; MESSENES; ARRAS 1918; MARNE 1918.
Honorary Lieutenant Dr Jessie A. Scott is awarded the Order of St Sava (Class III), by the Serbian government for her work with the Serbian Army
The following New Zealanders are known to have served in the 25th (Frontiersmen) Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). They are:
12838 John Henry SWALES
12842 Ronald B DELABERE
12860 Donald McLEAY (or Macleay);
12941 Murdock McRAE
13131 Percival E PEDERSEN
In London, members of the family of Major Frank Twisleton MC, MID meet with Colonel Dan Driscoll DSO. Major Twisleton's widow is made an Honorary Lieutenant in the Legion of Frontiersmen and is gifted a Legion sweet-hearts badge and a copy of Captain Roger Pocock's book "A Frontiersman." Her two daughters are presented with a Legion lapel badge.
AUSTRALIA - LEGION OF FRONTIERSMEN, NEW SOUTH WALES - COUNTRY UNITS
Command Headquarters (1919) - Bondi; Anna Bay Troop (1914); Blue Mountains Troop (1913); Boggarri Troop (1913); Comboyne Troop (1914); Cootamundra Troop (1914); Dorrigo Troop (1914); Gunnedah Section (1914); Jervis Bay Section (1913); Narribai Section (1913); Newcastle Section (1913); Richmond Section (1913); Temora Troop (1914); Wagga Wagga Troop (Date NK); Warialda Troop (Date NK); Wentworth Troop (Date NK); MacLean River Troop (1912).
National LOF Conference:
Commandant: Captain Ernest D D'ESTERRE
Commandant: Captain T. McCARROLL (NZMR Active Service Command)
Awards:
Crossed the Great Divide
(NOTE: This historical timeline is to be considered a work in progress). If you have a Legion of Frontiersmen timeline event which does not appear here please contact me
ATTENTION GENEALOGISTS AND FAMILIES
WANTED. Photographs of members of the Legion of Frontiersmen from any era, any Nation any Command or any individual Frontiersmen. Just send us a scanned copy of your photographic image so that we might include it in our photographic archive. LOF Archivist
HISTORY OF THE LEGION OF FRONTIERSMEN
(New Zealand Command)
1904 - 2011
ISBN 978-0-473-15889-7
by Mike Subritzky, Mike Smith and Val Baker
Copyright © 2009
Editor Mike Subritzky
EARLY FRONTIERSMEN IN NEW ZEALAND
"The Legion can only be governed by those who have the respect of the members abroad (The Dominions). It is not necessary, nor should it be a law that the Legion world shall be governed from London, which after all is only a convenient centre for distribution and receiving. If the Legion gets into uncertain hands, then (New Zealand Command) drop London and carry on yourselves; but there must be no dictation from London unless you are satisfied that the person or persons are fully eligible to dictate."
Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Patrick Driscoll DSO
Commandant General
Legion of Frontiersmen
25 September 1919
A BRIEF HISTORY OF
THE LEGION OF FRONTIERSMEN
The Legion of Frontiersmen was founded in London in 1904, by Captain Roger Pocock, assisted by Colonel Daniel Driscoll DSO, from men who had fought in the South Africa War – particularly members of Driscoll’s Scouts – and a group of patriots who realized that there might come a time when the Empire would again have to call on them. With this end in view, it was sought to bring together men who had served their country throughout the world; men who had worked, lived, fought, and roughed it on the frontiers of the Empire; soldiering, seafaring, exploring, mining, engineering, and ranching, hunting and doing all those things which go to make an Empire; men who were trained, self-reliant, and ready at a moments notice to carry out any task that might be imposed on them. There were two main ideas in the minds of the founders. The first was the common brotherhood of the Frontiersmen, and the second the usefulness of such men in the time of war by reason of their ordinary, everyday work, which was their training. On February 15, 1906, the Legion Council was granted official recognition by the Secretary of State for War and on august 7 of the same year, the Legion received official recognition throughout British South Africa.
All over the world, branches came into being and long before World War 1, Frontiersmen had proved their worth in all corners of the earth. Members of the China Commands took the field in the rescue of Europeans from beleaguered posts during the Boxer Rebellion. Timely reports from members led to the suppression of gun-running on behalf of rebellious and turbulent tribes, and filibustering expeditions which might have reacted prejudicially on the prestige of the Empire were effectively dealt with. Many of the overseas units formed part of the recognized Coastal Defence Forces. They discovered and reported a new secret German base in the Caroline Islands, and advised of reported attempts to establish a base in North-East Africa to cut off communications with India. Other operations for which the Legion was responsible were: A survey of the Kiel Canal with the object of blowing it up in the event of war; reporting systems of gun-running which supplies the Pathans in Afghanistan with arms for the purpose of was with India, and the young Egyptian party for revolt; suppression of a number of illegal expeditions mainly directed against South and Central America; discovery of a clever attempt to cheat the British Government out of an African Province where gold had just been discovered; and charting of the Elbe defences and mine-fields. And so the Legion worked until the call of war sounded throughout the Empire in 1914, when they were among the first to come forward, making their way to the nearest recruiting centre from such places as South America and China. Over 600 Canadian Frontiersmen came over with Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry – barely 20 survived. Some 1500 Frontiersmen fell while serving with the Anzacs on Gallipoli. In England, the Legion raised the 25th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers “Frontiersmen Battalion”, and this unit fought under Colonel Driscoll in East Africa until decimated by casualties and disease. The Manchester Squadron was the first British in action, having joined and served in Legion Uniform with the 3rd Belgian Lancers.
At the outbreak of the war, Colonel Driscoll offered the services of the Legion to the War Office for immediate duty, but was informed that they would be required later. When the French were retreating towards Paris, and our army from Mons, and the Germans were marching towards the coast, Colonel Driscoll offered to take 2000 members of the Legion to Ostend to attack the enemy lines of communication. The offer was accepted by the War Office, and about 800 of whom 700 were uniformed paraded ready to serve. At the last minute, the Germans turned towards Paris, and the Frontiersmen were not then sent out. Later, the Colonial Office instructed Colonel Driscoll to take a Battalion of the Legion out to German West Africa. His reply was that the men were ready and waiting. His next instruction was to raise a battalion for service in German West Africa, and the 25th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers came into being.
After the war Colonel Driscoll DSO called the roll of the Legion of Frontiersmen. Upon completion, Colonel Driscoll estimated that more than 9000 Frontiersmen had laid down their lives in the cause of the Empire. Despite these losses, and the fact that the remaining members were scattered far and wide, and the movement itself currently disorganized; the Legion was not dead. It had done its duty, and reconstruction was then commenced throughout the various Commands by a few good men so that it might still stand ready should a national emergency ever again arise.
Following the war, Frontiersmen took part in suppressing the rebellion in South Africa at Johannesburg in 1922, General Sir JG smuts demonstrating his appreciation of their work by joining the movement as a Trooper.
Other illustrious personages whose names were on the roll of the Legion were the late Lord Roberts, General French, Major-General Sir Alfred Turner, Captain Scott (of Antarctic fame), and the gallant Captain Oates (who is giving his life in an endeavor to save those of his comrades acted up to the highest ideals of the Legion), Sir Ernest Shackleton and Lord Kitchener.
HISTORY OF THE NEW ZEALAND COMMAND
Early in 1911, actual recruiting for the Legion commenced in New Zealand, although prior to that date one or two members who had joined in London were living in the Dominion.
The New Zealand Command of the Legion of Frontiersmen was established in 1911 by two officers of the Legion, Captain John Cook a South African War Veteran and Captain Pat Taylor. By the end of the year, about 30 Frontiersmen had enlisted. The first Commandant in this country was Captain John Cook, resident in Christchurch at the time.
During the following year, recruiting was extended to the North Island and, at the meeting held in Auckland, it was ‘decided to form a branch. Among those attracted to the movement was Ernest D’Esterre, of the Auckland Weekly News, who applied for membership and was duly accepted. Some time later, his badge, addressed to him direct from London, arrived along with a lengthy personal letter from Colonel Driscoll, who knew all about the applicant’s prospecting and exploring work. Colonel Driscoll instructed Frontiersmen D’Esterre to undertake the organization of the North Island, and gazetted him with the rank of lieutenant. The task was far from easy, there being many conflicting elements, but Lieutenant D’Esterre found splendid comrades in sympathy with the cause in Captain Francis M. Twisleton (later a Major serving with the New Zealand Mounted Rifles and who was awarded the Military Cross for his Bravery on Gallipoli specifically during the battle's of Bauchop's Hill and Hill 60), who undertook organization of the Poverty Bay district and who, just before the outbreak of World War 1 was appointed Commandant of the Legion in New Zealand; Frontiersman James Hemphill, later Legion Captain of Northern Wairoa; Frontiersman R B Coffy, who became Lieutenant of Wanganui district. These members were the first organizers of their various districts, and then the process of linking up the units, including Auckland City, (the senior squadron), Waiemata Troop (the record of which was a glorious one), Waikato, Northern Wairoa, Poverty Bay, Wairoa (Hawke’s Bay), Heretaunga (Hastings), Wanganui and later Taranaki. Membership increased rapidly, and in a short period of time as fine a body of picked men as could be found anywhere in the world had been attracted to the Legion, which was in a well-organized state on the outbreak of war in 1914. The strength then being approximately 1200. By 1916, there was a roll of 1700 and of that number 1200 were on active service. The enlistment with the Expeditionary Force of Frontiersmen from all units drained the Legion of its strength. In many instances 75 to 85 per cent of the members of some units joined up and in two cases, 100 per cent enlistment were recorded. Only those who were over age, suffering from physical infirmities were left to carry on the work of their comrades who were with the fighting forces.
On august 3, 1914, prior to the rupture between Britain and Germany an offer was made to the New Zealand Government to have two squadrons of the Legion fully equipped, available at 24 hours notice. A further offer of some hundreds of Frontiersmen with reserves fully equipped, horsed and saddled was forwarded to the Government which was to supply arms, ammunition and a ship to transport the troops. The Legion to provide the ships crew from captain to greasers. While the offer was appreciated by the authorities it did not coincide with the Defence Department procedure and a request was made that all Frontiersmen wishing to enlist should do so individually. Although a great disappointment to the Legion, the request was complied with, members dropped their grievances and enlisted individually and collectively. The fact that as many as 40 members entered camp in one group gives an indication of the response of the Legion to the call. If the careers of all members of the Legion who passed through the Expeditionary Force Camps could be written up they would form a book telling thrilling stories of deeds of daring and heroism. Represented there were the Canadian North-West Mounted Police, Cape and Rhodesian and Australian Mounted Police Imperial Light Horse, Kitchener’s Scouts, Strathcona’s Guides, Driscoll’s Scouts, New Zealand and Australian Contingents, the Foreign Legion, and many famous regiments of the British Army. Omdurman, ‘Dargai, Somaliland, Matabelleland, Zululand, Jamieson Raid, Transvaal, Relief of the Legation at Peking, and many other famous actions were household words amongst the members of the Legion assembled there.
The record of the Legion in this war is a proud one, enhanced by the fact that of the seven VCs awarded to New Zealanders five were won by its members.
LEGION OF FRONTIERSMEN ACTIVE SERVICE COMMAND
The Legion of Frontiersmen Active Service Command was the name adopted by members of the Legion who served in the Mounted Rifles during the Great War 1914-1918. Legion members enlisted into the Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment as that was the Regiment chosen by the Commandant, Captain Frank M. Twisleton. Newspaper articles confirm that throughout the war Frontiersmen continued to enlist into the "Otago's" so that they could serve with other Frontiersmen.
The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment was made up of the 5th Mounted Rifles (Otago Hussars), the 7th (Southland) Mounted Rifles, and the 12th (Otago) Mounted Rifles. The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment saw service during the Battle of Gallipoli as part of the New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade and was later withdrawn to Egypt. The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment later left the Brigade and served in France with the New Zealand Division. The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment was the only New Zealand Mounted troops to serve in France.
BATTLE HONOURS
10 Battle Honours won (but not accorded) to the Legion of Frontiersmen Active Service Command are those won by the Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment and carried on the Regiments Guidon; they are:
DEFENCE OF ANZAC; GALLIPOLI 1915; ANZAC; HILL 60 ANZAC; KEMMEL; SARI BAIR; EGYPT 1915-16; MESSENES; ARRAS 1918; MARNE 1918.
But the war exacted a dreadful toll, and the legion as a body almost disappeared in New Zealand; it was left to a faithful few to carry on the work commenced by their comrades who had given their lives for the Empire. Never were their efforts relaxed’ gradually and at times painfully, the Legion gained strength units being established far and wide throughout the country.
There were those who saw that a second war with Germany was inevitable and they directed all their efforts towards organizing the Legion and preaching the gospel of preparedness. Consequently, when the call came, the response was adequate though different in manner from that during World War 1, and events proved the value of the training undertaken by members. Although World War II differed vastly from the first great conflict, aspects of it remained unchanged and the man and the rifle played an important part, complete justification of the attention given by practically every unit in the command to shooting.
Nevertheless, the Legion had kept abreast of the times, gas warfare had been studied by some units, particularly in its application to the civilian population, the organization had its radio experts, technicians of every description and men fully conversant with many aspects of military and civil administration. It is no exaggeration to state that a man could have been produced to fill almost any position named by the authorities.
Although not so spectacular as that played in the First World War, the part performed by the Legion was no less effective. Few Units were not represented in the troops from New Zealand serving overseas; they were to be found in all the many varied branches of the service demanded by modern warfare. They acquitted themselves as became members of the organization to which they belonged, and many gained distinction.
There is also the Notable fact that quite a number of those men had served in the first great conflict – by means known only to themselves they had been accepted for service a second time. And let it me not forgotten that those men kept alive the spirit of the Legion in the war zones. Meetings and reunions of members were held in the Western Desert and new candidates admitted to membership as a result, proof of the great bond of brotherhood existing among those whose allegiance the movement claims.
When referring to the work of the organization in New Zealand, it would be fitting to mention that the first troops to move into position on the outbreak of the war were units of the Legion who had been posted to coast guard duties. Meanwhile the war situation deteriorated, and preparation went ahead to meet eventualities with the Legion giving invaluable assistance in the different emergency organizations. Particularly in the Home Guard was the Legion prominent and in many instances complete troops were enrolled as platoons, some as specialists. In Auckland, the Legion was one of the first New Zealand Units to go on Active Service when members of the Auckland Squadron joined the Territorial Army as an entity and almost immediately commenced service as a Company of the Auckland GVP (Guards Vital Points) Battalion.
The record of appointments as instructors was a lengthy one as was the list of those receiving commissions. In the Emergency Precautions Service, which made provision for any calamity that might befall as a result of the war, the ‘Legion was fully represented. The Legion proved its worth. Grievous losses were suffered overseas, and many grand comrades gave their lives for the cause of Empire. They were men whose names will ever be remembered with pride and gratitude.
Remembering what was owed to those who were serving with the fighting forces those who were unable to proceed overseas directed their efforts towards ensuring that, when their comrades did return, they would find the organization reasonable intact and not as after World War 1, practically non-existent. The trust was loyally upheld.
The spirit of the Legion is still the same, although the Legion itself has changed with the contraction of the frontiers due to the advent of the motor car and the aeroplane. The old-time Frontiersman whom the founder of the Legion, Roger Pocock, was pleased to designate a “rough-neck” is vanishing. Tank, aeroplanes, and various forms of motor transport have supplanted the horse and so must the outlook of the Legion change. Rules and regulations were anathema to the old-timer but even against his will, he is coming to recognize them as inseparable from the changing conditions. He was content to be bound by the brotherhood of the Legion, and true comradeship must ever remain a fundamental principle of the movement. This can only exist among men holding common ideals.
“The Legion is a uniformed service organization, bound by the Great and Sacred Brotherhood of its membership to give, even unto itself, service to the Commonwealth which has been built by the Frontiersmen. Members of today will be the Old Timers of tomorrow, and the Legion must change with the years, but the Great Brotherhood can never change.”
NEW ZEALAND COMMAND TIMELINE
1900
The South African war is fought between 1899-1902. During this period, New Zealand provides 10 Contingents of Mounted Rifles Troops for the war. Many of the Veterans of this conflict later form the basis of the New Zealand Command of the Legion of Frontiersmen. The two men who were the prime movers in the formation of the Legion of Frontiersmen both served during the South African War; they were Captain Roger Pocock who served with the "Waldron Scouts" and Lieutenant Colonel Dan Driscoll who formed "Driscoll's Scouts" In-country and was their Commanding Officer.
Roger Pocock, an ex-Canadian Mountie and adventurer enlists into the British Army and serves in the South African War (1899-1902). He had previously served as a Constable with the Canadian North West Mounted Police and took part in Operations during the Riel Rebellion for which he was awarded the North West Canada Medal - 1885.
Pocock is an expert horseman and in South Africa he serves as a mounted trooper in the Waldron Scouts, with the rank of Corporal. He is awarded the Queens South African War medal. It is while in South Africa that he begins formulating the idea of an irregular band of outdoorsmen capable of utilising the life-skills they possess, and serving together in nationally organised armed and mounted Units similar to Militia. He is later to call this organisation The Legion of Frontiersmen.
1901
Driscoll's Scouts
Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902).
"Driscoll's Scouts" a specialist (irregular) Mounted Rifles unit, was founded
by Captain Daniel Driscoll in March 1901. The unit was made up almost
entirely of Irishmen or horsemen with an Irish background and eventually
totalled a strength of about 500 men of all ranks.
Driscoll had previously served on a variety of operations in Burma and was
an expect with horse, knife and gun, and at close-quarters. Being an
adventurer he decided to go to South Africa with the specific intention of
forming an Irish unit in that theatre. He is said to have been motivated by
the huge losses suffered by Irish units within the British Army during the
early battles of the War.
Driscoll's Scouts first saw action with the Colonial Division and were
present at the siege of Wepener, as well as a variety of operations around
Lindley and Fouriesburg.
In one particular action at Wepener, in which Driscoll's Scouts assisted
the Cape Mounted Riflemen, the Scouts took part in a courageous and
hazardous ride across open ground from their bivouac, being exposed to
the concentrated fire of two Maxim machine guns, a quick firing 2 pounder,
a hail of small arms fire and, at the end, a barrage of shells from a field gun,
during their entire 4 kilometre ride. This gallant action helped to stabilize the British position.
Later, Driscoll's Scouts formed part of 8 Division and were present when the Division concentrated to oppose the incursions into the Cape Colony by the forces of Boer General Jan Smuts. Driscoll's Scouts also took part in the final operations directed against General Jacobus "Koos" de la Rey in the Western Transvaal. Driscoll's Scouts were disbanded at the end of the Boer War, and in 1902 Dan Driscoll sailed to Britain with a letter of introduction to Roger Pocock. He soon became one of the prime movers behind the formation and rapid expansion of the Legion of Frontiersmen.
1904
The Legion of Frontiersmen was founded in London in 1904, by Captain Roger Pocock. There was a great deal of restlessness and an inability to settle down experienced by many of the men who had served in South Africa, and it was to these men that Captain Pocock and his friend Lieutenant Colonel Dan DRISCOLL appealed.
OBJECTIVES:
The Driscoll of the Legion of Frontiersmen were to form a common brotherhood amongst a group of like minded and adventurous men, and as well create an organised body of men who were trained for war as Mounted Riflemen by reason of their everyday work which would serve as their training.
1905
Colonel Daniel Driscoll DSO is appointed as the Commandant for London.
Newspaper article regarding the founding of the legion, from the Star of 20 May 1905 (LINK)
The Lost Legion
by Rudyard Kipling
There's a Legion that never was 'listed,
That carries no colours or crest,
But, split in a thousand detachments,
Is breaking the road for the rest.
Our fathers they left us their blessing --
They taught us, and groomed us, and crammed;
But we've shaken the Clubs and the Messes
To go and find out and be damned
(Dear boys!),
To go and get shot and be damned.
So some of us chivy the slaver,
And some of us cherish the black,
And some of us hunt on the Oil Coast,
And some on -- the Wallaby track:
And some of us drift to Sarawak,
And some of us drift up The Fly,
And some share our tucker with tigers,
And some with the gentle Masai
(Dear boys!),
Take tea with the giddy Masai.
We've painted The Islands vermilion,
We've pearled on half-shares in the Bay,
We've shouted on seven-ounce nuggets,
We've starved on a Seedeeboy's pay;
We've laughed at the world as we found it --
Its women and cities and men --
From Sayyid Burgash in a tantrum
To the smoke-reddened eyes of Loben
(Dear boys!),
We've a little account with Loben.
The ends o' the Earth were our portion,
The ocean at large was our share.
There was never a skirmish to windward
But the Leaderless Legion was there:
Yes, somehow and somewhere and always
We were first when the trouble began,
From a lottery-row in Manila,
To an I.D.B. race on the Pan
(Dear boys!),
With the Mounted Police on the Pan.
We preach in advance of the Army,
We skirmish ahead of the Church,
With never a gunboat to help us
When we're scuppered and left in the lurch.
But we know as the cartridges finish,
And we're filed on our last little shelves,
That the Legion that never was 'listed
Will send us as good as ourselves
(Good men!),
Five hundred as good as ourselves.
Then a health (we must drink it in whispers)
To our wholly unauthorised horde --
To the line of our dusty foreloopers,
The Gentlemen Rovers abroad --
Yes, a health to ourselves ere we scatter,
For the steamer won't wait for the train,
And the Legion that never was 'listed
Goes back into quarters again!
'Regards!
Goes back under canvas again.
Hurrah!
The swag and the billy again.
Here's how!
The trail and the packhorse again.
Salue!
The trek and the laager again.
THE INAUGURATION - 10th APRIL 1905
An inaugural dinner and meeting of the Legion of Frontiersmen held at the residence of Lancelot Edward Lowther, 6th Earl of Lonsdale in London on the 10th April 1905, the following 25 gentlemen, made up of British Peers, Military Officers and Gentlemen Adventurers agreed to form an organisation later to become known as The Legion of Frontiersmen (originally the word "League" of Frontiersmen was considered).
The odd man out in the group of 25 was in fact Roger Pocock himself. He was not from polite society, nor did he hold a commission in the Armed Forces. He was a Veteran of two wars, but had served in Canadian Rebellion of 1884 as a Constable, and South Africa a Junior NCO. As well, Pocock had a past in that a member of a gold expedition he had once guided to the Klondyke in Canada had been swallowed up by the North American wilderness never to be seen again; that man was Sir Arthur Curtis Bt.
FIRST TROOP - LEGION OF FRONTIERSMEN
1.Henry "Roger" Ashwell Pocock, (ex-North West Canadian Mounted Police), later Captain.
2.N.F. Hilton, (ex-North West Canadian Mounted Police), later Major.
3.Mr Fyfe, appointed Secretary.
4.Mr Frederick Bowers.
5.Percy Burton (ex-Imperial Yeomanry).
6.Colonel Sir William Eldon Sergeant (Battalion Commander SA War).
7.F.A. Mackenzie (ex-war correspondent).
8.Sir Henry Seaton-Karr MP, Chairman.
9.Commander Hamilton Curry RN.
10.Horace Shafte Orde (Commandant for the North).
11.General "Curley" Hatton.
12.Lord Richard Burdon Haldane MP.
13.C. J. Cutcliffe Hyne (aka Weatherby Chesney), novelist.
14.R.H. Edgar Wallace, crimewriter and novelist.
15.Lancelot Edward Lowther, 6th Earl of Lonsdale (LOF first President).
16.Captain Morley Roberts MN.
17.Tom Bower (Gold Commissioner).
18.A. Gwynne (ex-war correspondent), editor of the "Morning Post."
19.Edmond Cardler (ex-war correspondent).
20.Captain Walker Karton (ex-war correspondent).
21.Frederick Moore (ex-war correspondent).
22.Captain Robert S. Mills (aka Owen Vaughan), soldier, author, adventurer.
23.Harry de Windt (Fellow Royal Geographic Society).
24.Reginald 12th Earl of Meath (Founder of Empire Day).
25.Sir Claude Champion'de Crespigny Bt, soldier, hunter and naturalist.
An article appears in the "Star" on the 20th May 1905, headed by a stanza from a poem by Rudyard Kipling. The article stated that on the 10th of April (1905), at the home of the Earl of Lonsdale there was the inauguration of "The Legion of Frontiersmen." The article went on to state that at that meeting to quote the "Daily Mail," "Cowboy rubbed shoulders with the peer, miner, stockman, novelist and that soldier sat side by side, trooper and general were at the same table." The central theme of the news article was the formation of a group of armed and trained men spread throughout the British colonies who were Loyal to King and Empire and ready to serve at a moments notice. This was the first mention of the Legion of Frontiersmen by the New Zealand press.
1906
Legion of Frontiersmen presence established in Australia (South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania).
On the 15 February 1906, the Legion of Frontiersmen was given official recognition by the Secretary for War in Great Britain.
1907
On the 24th June, American author and humorist Mark Twain ( Samuel Langhorne Clemens 1835-1910), the author of "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," gives an after dinner speech to the Members of the Legion of Frontiersmen in London which is widely received.
The Legions first Commandant, Manuel de Hora is discharged from the Legion of Frontiersmen "Services No Longer Required," after having the Legion Bandmaster Willard flogged while on parade
Lieutenant Colonel J.G. Long is appointed the first Commissioner of the Legion of Frontiersmen for Australia.
The China Seas Command is established in 1907 by Captain Walter Kirton LOF in Shanghai.
1908
Frontiersman (later Pioneer) Arthur Whitehead is the first recorded New Zealander to join the Legion of Frontiersmen.
Major Patrick William Forbes (ex-British South Africa Police) is appointed by the Legion of Frontiersmen's Executive Council to replace Roger Pocock as the Administration Officer of the Legion. This is an attempt by members of the Executive to unseat Pocock as he is considered less than acceptable in polite English society. Pocock also lacked man-management, leadership and was less than efficient as an administrator. Major Forbes on the other hand had a reputation for doing things "a la the book." Forbes was somewhat tarred with a history himself as he had been slow in sending reinforcements during a battle latter known as the "Shangani Patrol." An incident during the Matabele War when a group of white Rhodesian pioneers were killed in action on the Shangani River in Matabeleland in 1893. The incident achieved a lasting, prominent place in Rhodesian colonial history; something akin to "Custer's Last Stand."
In Canada, the British Columbia Command of the Legion is established in the coal mining settlement of Nicola Valley.
Lieutenant Colonel Allen Bell is given command of the 2nd Regiment, Auckland Mounted Rifle Volunteers. From 1906 until 1910 he plays a key role in the campaign for compulsory military training. He is also one of the earliest members of A Squadron in Auckland.
G Squadron is established in Wanganui, NZ
National LOF Conference:
Commandant/Organiser: Captain John COOK
Awards:
Crossed the Great Divide
1909
A Squadron is established in Auckland under the leadership of Frontiersman Forbes-Edie.
Clydevale Troop is formed in Otago and is New Zealand Commands first recorded Troop, consisting of 23 members. This Troop was established by Frontiersman Bill McAllum.
The "Far East Command" (which included China, Hong Kong, Kobe and Singapore), is established in Newchwang in the North East Provinces of Manchuria. It is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel R. Bate, FRGS who was a former Royal Naval Officer and had served in the British Field Force during the Boer War.
After a heated debate at the Legion's AGM Roger Pocock is expelled from the Legion which he founded. Most of his friends (including Driscoll), choose to remain with the Legion. Dan Driscoll is later appointed to the position of Legion Administrator.
Dublin Legion of Frontiersmen.
HC Deb 03 November 1909 vol 12 cc1819-20
§ Mr. GWYNN asked the Chief Secretary if his attention has been called to the formation of a Dublin squadron of the Legion of Frontiersmen; whether this body forms part of the Territorial Army; and whether it would be permissible to the people of county Galway to organise a local volunteer force?
§ Mr. BIRRELL I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War to a question on 5th April last, in which he stated that no sanction had been given or would be given to the establishment of the Legion of Frontiersmen as an armed force. This so-called Legion has its headquarters in London. It does not form part of the Territorial Army. The Dublin squadron has been in existence for some years. The Acts and Ordinances authorising the formation of volunteer forces do not apply to Ireland.
§ Mr. JOHN MOONEY Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to the fact that this body have announced that they are to hold a public meeting, or parade, in the Dublin streets next Friday night, and will he instruct the Commissioner of Police to inquire into the licence of that body, or whether they have got any licence?
§ Mr. BIRRELL The hon. Member may rest satisfied that that has not been overlooked.
§ Mr. MOONEY May we take it for granted that there will be no partial or limited extension of the Territorial Act to Ireland?
§ Mr. BIRRELL There is no intention of any sort or kind.
In New Zealand the Legion boasts a strength of 69 Frontiersmen.
"The Frontiersmen," which is the official gazette of the Legion is established in 1909. It will publish, apart from a break during both World Wars until the present day.
National LOF Conference:
Commandant/Organiser: Captain John COOK
Awards:
Crossed the Great Divide
1910
In Canada, the first Vancouver Squadron is established. Saskatoon Command, Saskatchewan, Canada is formed in May under the command of R. Boulton.
Members of the Legion of Frontiersmen construct a hall in the village of Lac Ste. Anne in Alberta, Canada. It becomes the meeting place for the Legion of Frontiersmen and the first public hall in Lac Ste. Anne
In the Transvaal Province of the Union of South Africa, the Johannesburg Command is established in 1910, the Staff Officer for Organisation is Major C.W. Halsted DSO, and the Treasurer is Commander Z. Marsh RNR and is made up of a Headquarters based in Johannesburg, two Mounted Rifles Squadrons, a District Squadron (Klerksdorp), and four District Troops.
A Squadon is under the command of Major C.W. Halsted DSO and B Squadron is under the command of Lieutenant W.J. Spencer LOF. In the same year Lieutenant E.E. Mills LOF and Lieutenant W.J. Spencer LOF are recorded as being "On Active Service."
Klerksdorp District Squadron is under the command of Captain S.H. Burlington-Green LOF who is shortly after "On Active Service"; Wakerstroom District Troop is under the command of Captain A.H. Hunter LOF; Petersburg District Troop is organised by Frontiersman J.L. Bennett; Bethel District Troop is organised by Lieutenant G.W. Smythe LOF who is shortly after "On Active Service"; and Barberton District Troop is under the command of Captain F.C. Beamish who is shortly after "On Active Service."
Waipa Squadron is formed under the leadership of Ernest D'Esterre who is given the task by Lieutenant Colonel Driscoll DSO of organising the North Island. Ernest D'Esterre was a quietly spoken individual, who as a journalist for the Auckland Weekly News (a nationwide periodical), was in the unique position of spreading the Legion of Frontiersmen message, and the activities of the membership throughout New Zealand on a weekly basis complete at times with photographs. It is largely through the efforts of Ernest D'Esterre in the North Island and John Cook in the South Island that the Legion of Frontiersmen was such a huge success story in New Zealand throughout the first half of the 20th century.
NZ, Hansard 8 March 1910
Mr. GEORGE ROBERTS
“...My last point is one on which I addressed a question to the Secretary for War in the late Parliament. I drew the right hon. Gentleman's attention to a circular issued by the Legion of Frontiersmen. In this circular it was stated that the scheme of the Legion was laid before the Secretary for War, who, in February, 1906, wrote expressing his sympathy with the object of the organisation, which, he said, was purely private, but which, if suitable occasion should arise, he might be able to utilise. I should like to know whether it is competent for any individual or number of individuals to form themselves into a military force on the lines of this Legion of Frontiersmen. We have here a private organisation not under the War Office at all, but really entering into competition with the Territorial Force, and I would respectfully submit that it is unwise on the part of the Secretary for War to encourage a private organisation over which he has no control, and which may militate against the effective recruiting of his own force. I am not in a position to dogmatise on this point, but it struck me as somewhat anomalous that it should be in the power of private individuals to organise what is practically a military force in our own country...”
In the Union of South Africa, the Cape Province Troop of the Legion is established in 1910, initially as a Sub-Unit.
National LOF Conference:
Commandant/Organiser: Captain John COOK
Awards:
Crossed the Great Divide
1911
F Squadron (Te Awamutu) is formed. Its' membership is made up of true Frontiersmen, as the town of Te Awamutu marks the old Frontier between the Kingiti Maori of the King Country and the settler held land of the Waikato. The fathers and grandfathers of a number of members F Squadron had actually fought against the Maori during the Land Wars of the 1860's.
The New Zealand Command of the Legion of Frontiersmen was formed in Christchurch by Captain John Cook a South African War Veteran and Captain Pat Taylor Both men had joined the Legion in London and had later emigrated to New Zealand. Captain John Cook was appointed as the first New Zealand Commandant.
Lieutenant Colonel Allen Bell unsuccessfully contests the Raglan electorate for Reform in the 1911 general election. During the campaign Bell caused a sensation when he advocated the abolition of the monarchy. The military authorities consider that Bell had broken his oath of allegiance and he was asked to resign his commission, which he reluctantly does in January 1912. He then goes on to devote much of his time and energies to the promotion and expansion of the Legion of Frontiersmen and is appointed as the Legion's Commandant for Auckland with the rank of Colonel. He retains and uses this Legion of Frontiersmen rank for the rest of his life.
In December, Captain Francis Morphet Twistleton a South African war veteran and farmer at Poverty Bay joins the Legion and forms 'C' Squadron. He is the Unit's first Commanding Officer.
The Headquarters the Far East Command is relocated at Tientsin about 500 km south of their old position and now in the Province of Hopei, the civil war began in earnest. The Legion of Frontiersmen were immediately ready for active service, they had field units in over ten main towns across China. including:
"Headquarters" in Tientsin with a seperate Intelligence Unit
"A" Division in Newchwang (Manchuria Province)
"B" Division in Tientsin (Hopei Province)
"C" Division in Shanghai (Kiangsu Province)
"D" Division in Hong Kong (Crown Colony)
"G" Division - Maritime Unit in Shanghai (Kiangsu Province)
"H" Division- Engineering Unit in Shanghai (Kiangsu Province)
Frontiersman Nicholson of the maritime branch of the Legion is murdered on the 24th of March 1911 after an exchange of fire with a group of Chinese Rebels. Frontiersman Nicholson acquits himself well shooting 4 of his attackers before he is himself overwhelmed and killed. This event took place while Frontiersman Nicholson was guarding a ship berthed in the West River. His is the first recorded death on Operations by the Legion of Frontiersmen
In Australia:
Sydney Command is established in December 1911 by Lieutenant H.L.A. Frankfort (LF).
Mildura and District Command is established in 1911. This Unit did not commence training until 1913 and was made up of two squadrons "A" Squadron (Mounted Rifles), and "B" Squadron (Cyclists).
National LOF Conference:
Commandant/Organiser: Captain John COOK
Awards:
Crossed the Great Divide
1912
“The New Zealand Command of the Legion of Frontiersmen might organise on its present lines, retain its individuality and affiliate as a body with the National Reserve, and thus become part of the officially recognised Defence Forces of New Zealand and the Empire.”
Major General GODLEY,
GOC New Zealand Forces.
Lieutenant Colonel Allen (Allan) Bell (1870-1936) a South African War Veteran and MP for the Bay of Islands with the assistance of Dick Long, Andy Knudson and one other met in the Central Hotel in Dargaville one winter's night and formed F Squadron (Northern Wairoa) of the Legion. At the time, Lieutenant Colonel Bell was serving as the New Zealand Commandant
The Far East Command had expanded with two new units:
"E" Division in Manilla (Philippines).
"F" Division in Kuala Pahi (Malaysia) and in Java/Sumatra (now Indonesia).
Polar Explorer and Frontiersman Robert Falcon Scott CVO leads a party of five which reaches the South Pole on 17 January 1912. They find that they had been beaten to the Pole by Roald Amundsen's Norwegian expedition. On their return journey Scott and his four comrades all perish from a combination of exhaustion, hunger and extreme cold. Scott is believed to have died on the 29 or 30 March 1912.
"... but for my own sake I do not regret this journey, which has shown that Englishmen can endure hardships, help one another, and meet death with as great a fortitude as ever in the past. We took risks, we knew we took them; things have come out against us, and therefore we have no cause for complaint, but bow to the will of providence, determined still to do our best to the last ... Had we lived, I should have had a tale to tell of the hardihood, endurance, and courage of my companions which would have stirred the heart of every Englishman. These rough notes and our dead bodies must tell the tale, but surely, surely, a great rich country like ours will see that those who are dependent on us are properly provided for." [Robert F. Scott, Last Message. Scott's Last Expedition vol 1, pp 605-07.]
In Australia, the Queensland Command of the Legion is established in about July 1912, by Lieutenant J.S. Hughes (LF) as the OC, and Frontiersman R.H. Cottain (LF) as the Secretary.
In Rhodesia, Lieutenant E. McNaulty establishes a Troop of Frontiersmen in February 1912 at Selous Nek, in the Mrew District. The following year it is formed into the Rhodesian Command.
In Australia:
Sydney Command is known as "The Legion of Frontiersmen (Sydney) Rifle Club," and is gazetted in the Commonwealth Gazette in September 1912. The Command is then issued with military rifles (on loan) from the Australian Defence Forces.
Perth Section is established in 1912 by Frontiersman A. Gibb-Maitland who is appointed as the Organising Officer.
Albany Section is established in 1912 by Frontiersman A.L. Aspland who is appointed as the Organising Officer.
National LOF Conference:
Commandant: Captain John COOK
Awards:
Crossed the Great Divide
1913
With war clouds gathering in Europe and anticipating a "Call to Arms," the Commandant General of the Legion of Frontiersmen Colonel Driscoll, DSO calls for the roll to be taken of Frontiersmen throughout the British Empire. Returns show the Legion strength numbers 17,500 of which more than half of this number will be slaughtered in battle over the next five years. On the beaches and crumbling ridges of Gallipoli, the vast open spaces of the African Veldt, and in bloody hand-to-hand combat in the trenches of the Western Front.
Colonel Allen Bell, Commandant of the Auckland District convenes (and chairs) a meeting of the Legion in the "Hall of Commerce" for the purpose of considering the viability of setting up a Dominion Executive, the election of a Commandant for the North Island and other matters. The ballot is taken by A Squadron's secretary Frontiersman Thomas E. Whitton which shows a large majority in favour of a Dominion Executive, a five shilling annual levy for its support, and election of Colonel Bell as the North Island Commandant. Captain Eadie moves that the current Auckland Executive be disbanded and that Colonel Bells new executive take over. This is unanimously approved. At the conclusion of the meeting Colonel Bell refers to the great loss sustained by the Defence Forces by the very recent death of Mrs Brewis (of Hamilton), who was the first woman in New Zealand to assist in organising the universal military training movement. On Colonel Bell's motion, a vote of sympathy for Doctor Brewis and his family is carried while all Frontiersmen present remain standing out of respect.
In Australia, Deep Creek Troop is established in November 1913. Deep Creek is a small Australian town located some 62 miles west of Brisbane.
In the Union of South Africa, the Cape Province Command is established. The Headquarters is located in the Grand National Building in Cape Town. The Commandant is Captain E. Beardmore LOF. The Command is made up of two Mounted Rifles Squadrons, A Squadron under the command of Lieutenant C.W. Lloyd LOF and B Squadron under the command of Lieutenant C.L. Whiting LOF
In Australia, Toogoolawah Troop is established in about November 1913. Toogoolawah is a small Australian town located some 67 miles north-west of Brisbane. Queensland Command.
In the British Bechuanaland Protectorate (now Botswana), Seruli Troop is established in October 1913 by Frontiersman George Beck.
In Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), the Rhodesian Command is established in January 1913 by Lieutenant E. McNaulty LOF. The Rhodesian Command is made up of 5 Troops. No 1 Troop is located in Merandelias District and is under the command of Lieutenant S.G. Champion at Changwe Ranch; No 2 Troop is located in Mtoko District and the organised by Frontiersman T. Wilson; No 3 Troop is located in Umvunia District, Matabeleland with its HQ at Enkeldoorn, and is organised by Frontiersman G.W. Cummings; No 4 Troop is located in Mrewa District and is organised by Frontiersman N. Scott; and No 5 Troop is located in Shainwa District with its HQ at the Shamwa Mine, and is organised by Frontiersman F.N. Thomlinson
National LOF Conference:
Commandant: Captain John COOK
Commandant (North Island): Colonel Allen Bell
Awards:
Crossed the Great Divide
1914
In Australia:
Captain E.F. Lord (LF) establishes A Squadron (Queensland) in January 1914.
Blackbutt Troop is established in April 1914. Troop Headquarters is located at Blackbutt, a railway station north-west of Esk. Queensland Command.
Fassifern Valley Troop is established in May 1914.Troop Headquarters is in Boonah, a town located 59 miles south-west of Brisbane. Queensland Command.
In the Union of South Africa, Winterton Troop is established in the Province of Natal.
Roger Pocock is commissioned into the Royal Artillery, and serves as a Lieutenant attached to the 178th Company, Royal Engineers in France. He is promoted to Captain and retains this rank for the rest of his life.
Immediately the outbreak of the First World War is announced Dr Jessie Scott is approached by her friend Ettie Rout, of the New Zealand Volunteer Sisterhood, with an offer to lead the first band of volunteers to help nurse the sick and wounded of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in Egypt. After initially accepting this offer Scott declines, choosing instead to join the Scottish Women's Hospitals for Foreign Service.
“The Legion in New Zealand is now definitely included in the National Defence Reserve. The Legion is not asked to come under any rules or regulations other than its own, and it selects its own officers and carries on its affairs as it does in other parts of the world. This official recognition gives members of the New Zealand Command of the Legion the right to assemble, bearing arms, and the full right to appear on parade in uniform."
Major General Godley,
GOC New Zealand Forces.
Prime Minister William F. "Farmer Bill" Massey becomes "Acting Commandant" of the New Zealand Command while Captain F.M. Twisleton LOF is on "Active Service" in the Middle East and Palestine with the New Zealand Mounted Rifles. Massey serves as the Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1912 until his death in 1925.
"All we are and all we have is at the disposal of the British Government. ”
—Cable from William Massey to the British Government, 1914.
In British East Africa (now Kenya). Volunteers, armed with hunting rifles and other personal weapons enlist into the British Army and form into six squadrons and are known as the East African Mounted Rifles. The majority are from a Boer unit known as Bowker's Horse and the Legion of Frontiersmen.
The Legion of Frontiersmen goes to War.
The Manchester Squadron of the Legion of Frontiersmen is the first British unit to see action in the War. This unit served in full Legion uniform and was attached to the Belgian Lancers. (NOTE: As a Battle Honour, the Legion of Frontiersmen were awarded the pocket insignia of the Belgian Lancers. It is still worn today). More than 600 Canadian Frontiersmen serve in Princess Patricia's Light Infantry - less than 25 survive
