Territorial Force - Annual Camps

General Background

The British Territorial Force (precursor to the Territorial Army(1921-1967) or today's Army Reserve) came into existence on 1 April 1908 following the abolition of the long established Volunteer Regiments or Militias - its members had a full time job from which they would be released in times of need, they also were required only to serve within Britain hence the name of the Territorials or Territorialists. Each man was expected to attend for 2 drill sessions each week (generally in the evening or at weekends) and to attend an annual camp of, I think, 2 weeks. These encampments could be of several thousand men who would require considerable logistical support as well as easy transport to the camps.

The Island having specialised in the visiting industry from North West England for many years and with well established transport links capable of moving many thousands, saw these camps as another means of increasing visitor numbers, especially as they could make use of non-agricultural land for training. Rooth & Co, a go-ahead firm of Douglas butchers saw the opportunity to increase sales and produced the following illustrated guide for use in 1911. A further edition, probably in 1912, was produced by Heron and Brearly which dropped the Ramsey portion - there were also adverts from firms who hoped to benefit from servicing these camps.

Text

TO THE OFFICER COMMANDING
THE
CAMPING IN THE ISLE OF MAN

RAMSEY, BALLAHOT,
KNOCKALOE CASTLETOWN.
and PEEL BATTERY.

SITUATION.
MANOEUVRING AREA.
WATER SUPPLY.
Means of Access, Transport Service, Provisions, and other Particulars.
with
MAP SHOWING LOCALITIES
(By Bacon & Co., London).

With the Compliments of
ROOTH & CO., Meat Contractors, Douglas, Isle of Man.

ROOTH & CO.,
Army and Navy Meat Contractors
THE ROYAL MEAT STORES,
53, VICTORIA STREET, DOUGLAS (I.O.M)
Telegrams Rooth, Douglas, Man Telephone Nos. : 12 Douglas, 148 Broadway.

To the OFFICER COMMANDING
THE ...
Sir,
As your Battalion will very shortly be having under consideration the question of Encampment
for the coming Season, we have pleasure in putting before your notice the Grounds situate at
Ramsey, Knockaloe, Peel, and Ballahot, Isle of Man.

RAMSEY.

Milntown Camp

We have pleasure in bringing to your notice the Ground situate at MILNTOWN near
RAMSEY, ISLE of MAN which has been used as recently as last year, and found in every
way satisfactory.
The Site has been occupied successfully by Regulars (Welsh Fusiliers, and Staffords). West
Riding, Manchester, Tyneside, Humber, North Lancashire, and East Lancashire Brigades, and
last year hp the West Riding Division to the Commanding Officers of which application may
be made as to its suitability and general advantages.
CAMP GROUND.-The Milntown Camping Ground, near Forty Acres in extent and
capable of further extension if required), is beautifully situated close to the port and town of
Ramsey, and connected thereby by a good level roadway.
WATER SUPPLY.-A plentiful supply of good water is laid on the Camp Ground.
Standpipes are fixed at convenient points for the use of troops. The quality as certified by
P. Anderson Estcourt, F.I.C., City Analyst, Manchester, is as follows:

" From the results of a careful chemical and microscopical examination, I am of opinion that this water is well fitted
for all potable purposes. It is a water of very good quality.-(Signed) P. ANDERSON ESTCOURT, F.I.C., City Analyst."

MANOEUVRING GROUND.-About Six Thousand acres (or more) are available for
purpose of manoeverlng troops, on rising and undulating ground, situate close to the Encampment, and easily approached by several public highways.
MEANS OF ACCESS.-Troops can be conveyed direct to the town by steamer,
landing accommodation being landed at all states of the tide. Access may also be had daily
from Liverpool via Douglas, and railways for casual travellers.
PROVISIONS. -An ample supply of Provisions may be obtained from the tradespeople in the town both for officers and troops.
TRANSPORT.- Transport for the conveyance of baggage and military equipment is also available locally.
ATTRACTIONS.- Boating and Bathing, under safe conditions are provided in the town, and are immensely appreciated by the troops. Golf Links (18 holes), in admirable condition, are alongside of the Camp Ground, and have been much used by the Officers. The Railways afford easy facilities, at cheap rates, for the men to visit Douglas and the places of entertainment there when off duty.
PLANS.- Plans of the Camp Ground and Manoevering Area, also photographs of previous Encampments, will be forwarded on application.
REFERENCES.- References may be made to Colonel Wright, C.B., Colonel Hughes, Colonel Heywood, Colonel Murray or Colonel Lyle, Brigaders of the West Riding, Manchester, Tyneside, N. Lancashire and E. Lancashire Brigades respectively ; or Colonel A. Senior of Park House, Barnsley
Manx Electric Railway.- To Territorialists encamping at Ramsey exceptionally low fares are granted to men in uniform, and tickets are available for break of journey at any of the Stations en route
This Line is one of the chief attractions of the Island, and passes through the cream of Manx Scenery.
Late Electric Cars, during the season, leave Douglas for Ramsey each evening enabling Territorialists to visit the numerous places of amusement

The Isle of Man Railway Company has a Camp Station adjoining the Milntown Camping Ground, Ramsey. Special low fares are granted to Territorialists in uniform and return ickets are available to all Stations. Late trains leave Douglas every night during the season.

Trusting for your favourable consideration of the advantages afforded in the foregoing Camp and awaiting the favour of an early reply,

I Am
Yours fathfully,
FREDK. BREW
Hon. Secretary Territorial Committee, Ramsey

KNOCKALOE.

Knockaloe, Peel, Isle of Man, 1910
Yorks, West Riding Territorial Division in Camp

CAMP GROUND. The Knockaloe Ground, nearly Forty Acres in extent, is beautifully situated close to the port and town of Peel and connected therewith by a good roadway. The ground is of a dry sandy soil and very suitable for Camping.
WATER SUPPLY. A plentiful supply of good water is laid on to the Camp Ground, and standpipes are fixed at convenient points for the use of troops.
MANOEUVERING AREA. - Some Ten Thousand Acres are available for manoevering troops, both on mountain and rising and undulating rough ground, situate close to the encampment, and easily approached.
FIELD FIRING.- There is suitable accomodation for Field Firing Practice up to 1,500 yards.
BRIGADES WHICH HAVE OCCUPIED THE CAMP.- The camp has been occupied for several years by the South Lancashire Brigade, also by the Yorks. West Riding Territorial Division in 1910, to the Commanding Officers of which application may be made as to suitability and general advantages.
MEANS OF ACCESS.- Trops and baggage can be conveyed direct to the town of Peel by steamer, landing accomodation being provided at all states of the tide. Access may also be had daily from Liverpool, Barrow, Heysham and Fleetwood via Douglas, thence by railway at reduced fares. There is also a cargo steamer trading to and from Liverpool at very cheap freightage ; there are very cheap through bookings from all stations in Great Britain for both men and baggage.

PEEL CASTLE.
Landing Troops in the Isle of Man.

PROVISIONS.- An ample supply of provisions delivered free on the ground may be obrained from tradespeople in Peel and Douglas for both officers and men, at prices and quality equal to any in Great Britain
TRANSPORT.- Transport for the conveyance of Military Equipment is also available by both steam and horse power.
ATTRACTIONS.- The Isle of Man Railway offers easy facilities at cheap rates for the man to visit Douglas and places of amusement when off duty ; also Golf Links in good condition close to Camp Ground, and plenty of Boating and Bathing at Peel.
PHOTOS and MAP.- Map and Photographs enclosed herewith. Camping Ground marked with Red Square and Battery marked Blue Square on Map.
NO COMPENSATION.- In no case has there been any compensation been paid for the use of the Manoevering Grounds, nor a single claim made during the many years they have been used, being Crown Lands.
REFERENCES.-References may be made to the Commanding Officer or Quartermaster of the several Battalions comprising; the South Lancashire Brigade and tite Yorks. West Riding Territorial Division.
Knockaloe is a splendid Camping Ground in every respect, and the presencc of Territorialists at any time of the Season is welcomed by all
.W. H. Looney, Esq., Chairman of Peel Town Commissioners, and Chairman of the Territorial Committee, will give every facility and assistance to all Brigades coming to this Camp.

PEEL BATTERY.

Close to the Town of Peel there is a very fine modern Battery, which up to the last few
months had been used as a drilling station for the Royal Naval Reserve men. It is equipped
with four guns, viz., two 4-inch, one 5-inch, and one 6-inch, also a number of small quick-firing
guns, rifle range, and magazine. There is a drill hall and ground to drill 500 men. It has a
good supply of water, and cooking arrangements contained therein. There are also plenty of good
fields adjoining, well adapted for Camping Ground. This is an ideal place for R. G. A (Vol.) to
camp, the place being used at present only as a coastguard station.
The Isle of Man has been very popular with Volunteers in many instances by increasing
recruiting and as a rule has a record number in camp.

BALLAHOT.

CAMP GROUND.- The Ballahot Camping Ground is nearly Fifty Acres, is
beautifully situated close to the Village of Ballasalla and Town of Castletown, and connected
therewith by good roads; it is very old pasture land , been under grass for over a hundred years,
and lays with an easy slope to the south.
WATER SUPPLY.- A plentiful supply of good water (off the limestone) procured
from artesian wells sunk on the ground. and standpipes fixed at convenient points for the
use of troops.
MANOEUVERING AREA. - We have recently acquired Granite Mountain on a lease
from the Commons Trustees, with all shooting and other rights. This manoeuvering area, which
is marked with a red X on the accompanying Map, is about One Thousand Acres in extent and
in close proximity to the Camping Ground. It is land very suitable for Instructional Military
Training, and is used for no other purposes, thereby no damage could be incurred.
MEANS OF ACCESS.- Trops and baggage can be conveyed direct to the town of
Castletown, and a cargo steamer trades to and from Liverpool at very cheap freightage. Access
may also be had daily from Liverpool, Barrow, Heysham and Fleetwood via Douglas, thence by
rail to Ballasalla at reduced fares. Very cheap through bookings from all stations in Great Britain
for both men and baggage can be arranged.
PROVISIONS. -An ample supply of provisions delivered free on the Camping Ground
may be obtained from the tradespeople in Castletown and Douglas for both for officers and men. at prices
and quality equal to any in Great Britain
TRANSPORT.- Transport for the conveyance of Military Equipment is also available
by both steam and horse power.
POSTAL FACILITIES.- At Ballasalla, half a mile from the Camp Ground, there is
Postal and Telegraph Office with Telephone service, also Railway Station.
ATTRACTIONS.- The Isle of Man Railway offers easy facilities at cheap rates for
the men to visit Douglas and places of amusement when off duty a distance of only eight miles.
Also Golf Links in good condition close to Camp Ground, and plenty of Boating and Bathing.
MAP and PHOTOS.- Map and Photographs enclosed herewith. Camping Ground marked with Red X on Map.
REFERENCE.-Reference may be made to Col. S. W. Doyle, V.D. and Capt A.R.
Kent V.D., Quartermaster 1st Lacashire Royal Engineers(Vols); Headquarters Mason Street,
Edge Hill, Liverpool

Ballahot is one of the finest Camping Grounds in Greart Britain, and only requires to be
known to find favour for encampments. The owner, Thos Jefferson, Esq. whose address is
Ballahott, Ballasalla, Isle of Man, will be pleased to answer further enquiries and give every
facility and assistance to all Brigades coming to this Camp.

Trusting you will give the forgoing your favourable consideration and awaiting the favour
of an early reply.
We are,
Yours truly
ROOTH & Co.
33 Victoria Street
Douglas Isle of Man

Adverts

ISLE OF MAN RAILWAY CO

For Pleasant, Comfortable, and Cheap Travelling

PORT ERIN.- A favourite resort in the south of the Island, eith charming
walks in the vicinity. A walk to the Chasms and on to Port St. Mary well repays
a visit. Castletown noted for its Ancient Castle Rushen and Fortress. King
William's College is also an attraction

Peel from the Castle

PEEL.- At Peel is to be seen the renowned Castle and Cathedral of Sodor
and Man (now in ruins, but glorious in decay). St. Johns for famous Tynwald
Hill; Sulby Glen, and Ramsey are also well worth a visit, and are best reached by
the Railway. Peel Station not far from Knockaloe Camp

Frequent Train Service. Delightful Scenery all along the Rote

Return Tickets

Contractor to His Majesty's Forces

STEAM TRACTION HAULAGE

R. SHIMMIN
Lower Sulby
ONCHAN, Isle of Man

Has a large number of Traction Engines
Waggons, and Lorries, and is prepared to do
all kinds of Steam Haulage.

Special attention is given to the removal
of Territorials' baggage and equipment to
and from the Camping Grounds

CAMPING IN THE ISLE OF MAN

FRED CALLOW & SONS
Contractors, Builders, Joiners, &c

"Arrandale", York Road, Douglas
Contractors to the War Offiice and Admiralty
Contractor for the fitting up of the large
Territorial Camp at Knockaloe, Peel, 1910

Estimates supplied for fitting up Canteens, Mess
Rooms, Cook Houses and all Camp Requisites.

All Estimates and Quotations Free. All Orders
executed with promptness and dispach, and in
workmanlike fashion

Telegams Callow & Sons Builders Douglas Telephone No 422 (National)

ROOTH & CO Army and Navy Meat Contractors

Drawing Meat Supplies from Refrigerator Cars at Ludgershall Slalion,
Salisbury Plain.
ESTABLISHED 1870.
PATRONISED by HIS MAJESTY THE KING.

Isle of Man
Steam Packet Company, Limited.
Incorporated in the Isle of Man,.

Travel by the New TURBINE STEAMERS
"Ben-my-Chree" and "Viking,"
The Finest and Fastest Coasting Vessels afloat
Also New Twin Screw "SNAEFELL," and other Fast Steamers.
via LIVERPOOL, 3¼ hours' passage. Two and Three services daily in summer.
Via FLEETWOOD, 2½ hours' Passage Daily service in summer.

HORSES, CATTLE, and CARGO Service Daily-LIVERPOOL and DOUGLAS.
The Company, having a fleet of Twelve Steamers, are in a position to convey
a very large number of Territorialists with their horses and Camp equipment
to and from the Isle of Man. In July, 1910, about 8,000 officers and men of
the West Riding Division Yorkshire Territorial Force encamped near Peel, and
were conveyed, together with their guns, horses, camp equipment, etc., to and
from Peel by this Company's Steamers.

The ideal route to Dublin, Belfast, and Glasgow is via Douglas.

Illustrated Programme free, and any further information Will be supplied by the
Isle of Man Steam Packet Compy , Ltd. DRURY BUILDINGS, WATER STREET,
LIVERPOOL;
Or Imperial Buildings, DOUGLAS (I.O.M.)

Printed at the Office of the Meat Trades' Journal, 63, Long Lane , West Smithfield H C

I have one postcard from such a camp held at Milntown in 1908 (though the sender does apologise for its poor quality which is futher impaired by 100yrs of fading:

Signallers parading prior to returning home - taken at 5am
probably on Saturday 4th or Sunday 5th July 1908 as the card is dated 6 July and posted from Manchester

The reply is headed 3 Douglas Sr B so they might be an Island based group - the uniform is different from those visible in the background