This film is part of Free
Cheshire Territorials at Abergaveny
A holiday of sorts for Stockport army reserves, fitting high-jinks between drills over two weeks of summer training in South Wales.
Overview
The two week summer training camp was a big part of the appeal of joining the Territorial Force after its formation in 1908. For the men of industrial towns like Stockport, a camp in South Wales was a welcome break, despite all that marching. It's noticeable that the film focusses on the more relaxed proceedings, such as the camp kitchen and sports, with many happy faces on show - good propaganda for those at home.
Despite being drawn from English towns, the 159th (Cheshire) Brigade was part of the Welsh Division of the Territorial Force - hence the camp in Abergavenny (the title card in the film is misspelt). Stockport was the home of the 6th Battalion, but this film may include other local troops. Summer camp plans in 1914 would be overtaken by events, and after mobilisation at the outbreak of the First World War the 6th Battalion were already in France by November.
Related
Glengarry Topical Film No. 18 Glengarry Topical Film No. 18
Amateur film 1934 17 mins Silent Location: Stockport
Take to the skies or take to the water: a variety of popular North West events from 1934.
Hat from a Rabbit Hat from a Rabbit
Documentary 1978 11 mins Location: Stockport
How Stockport got ahead in hatting - the story of the rise and fall of a North West industry.
The Manufacture of Fur Felt Hats The Manufacture of Fur Felt Hats
Documentary 1910 15 mins Silent Location: Stockport
From furry buns to natty titfers: workers at Jackson's in Stockport demonstrate traditional skills of hat making.
Dog Show Classes Dog Show Classes
Amateur film 1932 5 mins Silent Location: Stockport
Now don't laugh! A dog show is a serious matter for these young owners and their pets.
Workers Leaving T & W Lees of Stockport (1901) Workers Leaving T & W Lees of Stockport (1901)
Non-Fiction 1901 2 mins Silent Location: Stockport
An orderly exit from one of the biggest hat factories in Edwardian Stockport.
Workers at India Mills, Stockport (1900) Workers at India Mills, Stockport (1900)
Non-Fiction 1900 1 mins Silent Location: Stockport
Spinners and weavers jostle through the exit of one of Stockport’s largest textile mills.
Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass) Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2011 33 mins
Over 30 years and 150 projects, the composer shares, with humour and passion, the intricacies of making film music.
Ian Neil (Masterclass) Ian Neil (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2012 74 mins
Neil selected soundtracks for 127 Hours, Shame, Kick Ass, Control and many more. He discusses the job and its complexities, referencing his own work.
Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan
Inside Film 2012 mins
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy's adapter reveals his quest for "the poem of the book" and the importance of simplicity: 'Drain the pond to find the fish'.
Gabriel Yared on composing for film Gabriel Yared on composing for film
Inside Film 2013 11 mins
Composer of The Lives of Others, The English Patient and Betty Blue on intimacy and experimentation.
Lois Burwell on movie makeup Lois Burwell on movie makeup
Inside Film 2013 17 mins
Lincoln, Braveheart and Magnolia make-up artist Lois Burwell explains how she created some of her most iconic looks, as part of a BAFTA Masterclass.
Barry Ackroyd (Masterclass) Barry Ackroyd (Masterclass)
2013 61 mins
British cinematographer of The Hurt Locker, Captain Phillips, Hillsborough and Riff Raff reviews the art of the moving image.