Birkenhead Bantam Battalion brown plaque

This brown commemorative plaque records: The Birkenhead Bantam Battalions. On 30th November 1914, volunteers converged on Birkenhead Town Hall to enlist in the nation's first Bantam battalion raised from men between 5 feet and 5 feet 3 inches tall. In four days 2,200 recruits had joined the 1st and 2nd 'Bigland's Birkenhead Bantams. The local community financially assisted, billeted and clothed the Bantams. "The little effort I made at the beginning has been rewarded by such a magnificent return, because not only in Birkenhead, but also in Bury, Manchester, Leeds and other places the example had been followed. There were now 10,000 Bantams who are soldiers of the King". Alfred Bigland, 20th February 1915 In 1915 the Birkenhead Bantams were adopted by the War Office and became the 15th and 16th (Service) Battalions, Cheshire Regiment. A 17th (Reserve) Battalion was also raised. The 35th (Bantam) Division was formed and went to France in January 1916 where it suffered heavy casualties during the Battle of the Somme. The following Battle Honours were awarded to the Cheshire Bantams: 'Somme 1916-18, Ypres 1917-18, 'Bapaume 1918'and 'Courtrai'. Some 921 Officers and Other Ranks from the 15th and 16th Cheshires made the ultimate sacrifice in the Great War. 'To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die. Anon.

The Birkenhead Bantam Battalions were formed in 1914 as part of World War I, specifically recruiting men between 5 feet and 5 feet 3 inches tall; they became the 15th and 16th (Service) Battalions of the Cheshire Regiment and served with distinction during battles such as the Somme.