Mobilisation notices for the 5th Battalion were posted at midnight on Tuesday 4th August 1914, with most of the men arriving in Peterhead on Thursday 6th August. (Note: The official term for the "mobilisation" of Territorials was "embodiment". When the force was stood down from war service it was "disembodied".)
The following articles describing the concentration of the troops in Peterhead are from the Buchan Observer of 4th and 11th August 1914. The photograph heading the articles comes from 'The War Book of Turriff' and shows the departure of the troops at Turriff railway station on 6th August.
Tuesday, 4th August 1914
The Buchan Territorials
'Everything is now in readiness for the mobilisation of the Territorial Forces in Peterhead and surrounding districts. As is well known, the battalion of Gordon Highlanders is short of the required strength, but a number of discharged men have presented themselves at the Drill Hall and intimated that they are prepared to give their services should they be required. The various hotelkeepers have been notified that they may have to billet some of the Territorials.'
Mobilisation of Reserve and Territorial Forces
'It is understood that the mobilisation of the entire Reserve and Territorial Forces is to be made tonight, commencing at midnight.'
Tuesday, 11th August 1914
Mobilisation of Territorials at Peterhead
'The 5th Battalion Gordon Highlanders were mobilised at Peterhead on Thursday. The men, including the headquarters company at Peterhead, came from Aberdour, Cruden, Ellon, Fraserburgh, Longside, Lonmay, Methlick, New Deer, New Pitsligo, Old Deer, Old Meldrum, Strichen, Tarves and Turriff, and in all they mustered about 1000 men. The men were billeted in the burgh schools all of which were requisitioned except the Academy. On arrival by train during the day the Territorials were marched to the various schools, and were assisted in their arrangements by the local Boy Scouts who acted as messengers.'
New Aberdour
'The local company of Territorials left New Aberdour on Thursday for Peterhead. Before leaving the men were addressed by the Rev. C. Birnie and the Rev. Wm Dymock, one verse of the National Anthem was sung by the large company who gathered to give the men an enthusiastic send-off.'
Cruden
'The posting of the mobilisation order at Hatton of Cruden on Tuesday night commanding the Territorials to report themselves for active service, was responded to by the men without loss of time, and by Wednesday morning all were in readiness. The section ‘C’ belongs to the 5th Battalion G.H. (T.F.) and on Thursday afternoon they assembled at the armoury from whence they marched to the railway station. The men, who numbered 29, were under the command of Sergeant Youngson [No 1807]. When the train moved off, encouraging cheers were raised by the crowd on the platform, to which the soldiers cheerfully replied.'
New Pitsligo
'The local section of ‘A’ Company, 5th Battalion Gordon Highlanders left on Thursday afternoon under the charge of Sergeant Horne. [No 4] A large crowd assembled on the Square and gave the ‘Terriers’ a very hearty send-off. The utmost enthusiasm prevailed.'
Ellon
'One of the most animated scenes which has ever been witnessed at Ellon station took place on Thursday, when the local company of Territorials entrained. The platform and the approach were thronged with spectators, relatives and friends bidding the Territorials good-bye. During the time the company was awaiting the arrival of the train, the band, under Sergeant-Drummer Neilson, discoursed lively music. The company was under the command of Major Smith and as the train steamed out of the station there was unbounded enthusiasm, and no heartier send-off could have been awarded to any company. The cheering and waving of hats and handkerchiefs continued until the train was well out of sight. Many were visibly affected at the great send-off.'
Turriff
'The Turriff Company of the Territorials received a most enthusiastic send-off from the public as they left on Thursday (6th August). Captain Runcieman was in command and along with him were Lieutenants Chalmers and Lyall. The Town Council were present to officially farewell the men and Provost Melvin addressed the company as follows: "Officers and men of the Gordon Highlanders – At this supreme crisis in our national life you have responded to your country's call to maintain her interests and honour. We are proud of you, and appear in our official capacity to signify so and bid you God-speed. I am sure you are going in to this campaign light-heartedly, but with a due sense of your responsibilities. War is a terrible calamity to any State, but peace can be bought at too dear a price. The peace of Europe has been unduly disturbed by an aggressive and truculent enemy, and now the nations of Europe are closing round her in a death grapple. It is yours to play a part in this world struggle, and that you will respond capably to the call we do not doubt. You inherit a great tradition from the distinguished regiment of which you are part, and I do not doubt but loyally you will maintain this heritage and contribute substantially against this menace which has endangered the peace of Europe during the past 20 years. We bid you God-speed, with all heartiness, and wish you the best of luck." Captain Runcieman returned thanks, and then asked Rev. G.L. Duff, St Congan's Church, to lead in prayer. The town's band headed the march to the station, and as the train was ready to steam out of the station the band played ‘God Save the King’.'
Oldmeldrum
'Oldmeldrum Territorials turned out to a man on Thursday and mustered in the Town Hall under the charge of Captain Fowlie and Colour Sergeant Mort. In the absence of Provost Shanck, Bailie Chalmers and the Town and Parish Councils met the contingent in the Town Hall and a short service was held by Rev. J.A. Swan and Rev. A. Macpherson. Rev. J.A. Swan made a stirring speech and said that no one doubted for a moment their devotion to duty and their will to fight for their country. The fight was none of their making, but they were there to fight for liberty, honour and right, and he hoped that one and all would come back, bringing peace with honour. A large crowd escorted the company to the station where a present of fruit was presented by Miss Manson of Comlethill and Mrs Kemp, the Hotel. The train left amidst ringing cheers.'
Tarves
'Under the mobilisation order over twenty men of the Territorial Force left here on Thursday. Under the supervision of Sergeant Mort, who has seen service in many countries, everything was carried through with care and without flurry. On Wednesday night the early arrivals made the Hall their headquarters and a number of friends gathered in to wish them God speed. Mr Wm. Duthie addressed a few words of encouragement to the men, also the Rev. Mr Fell, Craigdam, and the Rev. J. Pringle engaged shortly in prayer. On Thursday the company got a great send-off from the villagers. They entrained at Oldmeldrum with the rest of the company for Peterhead.'
New Deer
'Bills calling out the Territorials and Reservists are posted up on every prominent building in New Deer, and motor cars run day and night conveying the orders to outlying districts. A feeling of enthusiastic patriotism prevails such as not been seen since the relief of Ladysmith. On Wednesday night the New Deer brass band played loyal airs in Main Street, which were received with rousing cheers. The Buchan Troop of Scottish Horse, F Squadron, passed through the village on Thursday at 1.45 p.m, picking up the New Deer contingent on the way, and they got a hearty reception from the cheering crowds. At two o'clock the Territorials set off from the armoury, and proceeded by Pipers George Robertson and David Stewart, marched to the foot of Fordyce Terrace, where they took brakes for Maud. They were under the command of Colour Sergeant Wm. Watt. Enthusiasm was at a high pitch, but more than one face betokened the strain of the exciting moment, and the prayer of all was that the men would return to their dear ones.'
Longside
'The village of Longside presented an animated and military appearance on Wednesday with the mobilisation of the local section of B Coy (Peterhead), 5th Battalion Gordon Highlanders (T.F.). This section embraces men from Longside, Mintlaw, Old Deer, Stuartfield and other parts of the immediate district. Under the command of of Captain Rennie and Lieut. R. Cowie, the men, numbering about 50 in all, paraded from 10 a.m. at the armoury, where during the day kilts and weapons were served out.'
Strichen
'The notices calling out the Reservists and the Territorials were posted in the village of Strichen on Tuesday night, and steps were at once taken to convey the orders to the outlying districts. Large numbers of Territorials were in the village expecting something of this kind, and preparations were made for leaving.'
Buchan Observer 11th August 1914
Service in Parish Church
"A military service was arranged to take place in the parish church at 10 o’clock and some time before that time the various companies under their respective officers marched out and mustered near the Drill Hall, Kirk Street whence they marched to the Church. There were 1000 on parade and the impressive ceremony was witnessed by many hundreds of onlookers.
The colours of the Battalion were enfolded on each side of the pulpit which was occupied by Chaplain Rev J. Halliday, who preached from text Matt. v. 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers”, the lessons being read by Colonel Grant DSO of Monymusk, in command of the Battalion, and Rev. McWilliam.
Chaplain Halliday in the course of a very impressive sermon said : The peace of Europe had been broken and this country had answered the call of duty, as the supreme peacemaker. The late King Edward was known as the peacemaker and the same tradition continued under the present King’s reign. But for this, the peace of Europe would have been broken years ago. Britain entered this war with clean hands after having done everything in her power to prevent war., and only because national honour and self-preservation left no other alternatives. It was not their love of war but their desire for peace that explained the enthusiasm of the nation. Friend and foe alike had been impressed by their British solidarity, and the hour was now striking in which the British soldiers and sailors would show what they were made of. The whole military force of the empire had responded nobly to the call, and no part of it more willingly than the Territorial Army. The Town had been greatly impressed by their appearance and conduct while garrisoned among them. The people of Peterhead were full of their praises and would follow them with many prayers for their protection and their safe return."
Buchan Observer 11th August 1914
Departure of the Buchan Gordons
"The first bugles were sounding and the pipes were playing " Hey Johnny Cope are you wauking yet" by four o'clock yesterday morning. Within two hours the battalion was ready for their departure. After breakfast the various companies assembled ready for the march to the headquarters in King Street under the command of their respective officers.
Soon the whole battalion had mustered in front of the Drill Hall and proceeded via Queen Street to the Railway Station led by Colonel Grant DSO who was accompanied by Major [name unclear] and Adjutant Cruden. The battalion made a splendid appearance, and the officers and men looked smart and fit as they marched off to the sound of the band. The entraining of the troops was accomplished with admirable discipline.
The troop special, conveying about one half of the men, steamed away about 6 o'clock, witnessed by great crowds, who followed the train for a long distance out from the station.
Half an hour later, these scenes were repeated when the second train removed the remainder of the force.
Rev. J. Halliay, chaplain, wished the officers and men goodbye, wishing them a safe journey and safe return, and conveyed to the men and the staff a message from Provost Leask saying he regretted he was unable to be present and had asked the Chaplain to say that he had heard all the good accounts that that had been recounted of the excellent appearance and behaviour of the battalion during their sojourn in Peterhead. He wished them a good journey and a safe return and he was sure the Buchan battalion of the Gordon Highlanders would always give a good account of themselves and maintain the reputation of the noble regiment to which they belonged.
Colonel Grant asked the chaplain in the name of the staff and men to thank Provost Leask for his kindly message and assured him that he appreciated the compliment which he had been pleased to pay them regarding the battalion's sojourn in Peterhead. He added that he hoped the Provost's health would be soon restored to him.
An advance party of the Territorials departed on the 5.45 train on Saturday afternoon under the command of Major Law."
