Athlete’s Volunteer Force 1914
 

In trying to put together some information regarding Liverpool VTC’s I have acquired a copy of Ray Westlakes “Guide to the VTC’s” which although it answers a number of queries, raises more.

Is anyone please able to tell me if the Athletes Volunteer Force was a national organisation with local branches as appears to be the case ?

Thanks in advance.

P.

Here in Norfolk, many groups where formed , before coming bigger, changing names or join other units, all in the space of a few weeks. But no athletes volunteer force

AVF
 

Peter,

Yes, the Athlete's Volunteer Force could certainly be considered National. They were one of a small number of organisations that had a broad presence across England, I'm aware of around 50 Athlete's Corps, with a single further corps in Ireland.

Most wore the common blue lapel badge, although several did have their own cap badge, too. Like the National Volunteer Reserve, they were overtaken by the 'recognition' that only the VTC received.

Very interested, of course, in anything you dig up!

Very best regards,

Tim

Peter,

They seem to have been everywhere.

here is a little potted history of the one very local to me.

Ashton under Lyne Athletes Defence Corps

Formed 19.9.1914 with several squads including at Trafalgar Square School; Stamford Street U.M. Church: Hooley Hill Independent Sunday School; Albion School; West End Recreational Ground. Officially recognised by Central Association VTC on 5.12.1914. From January 1915 they used the miniature rifle range at Albert street, Dukinfield. On 6.3.1915 it amalgamated with the Ashton Civilian Corps and used the title of the later.

regards

Thanks Tim and Simon.

Peter

This now makes sense.

Peter

Peter,

One of the founders of the AVF was the editor of the Sportsman newspaper which occasionally published lists of places where branches had been formed. This list appeared in the 11 November 1914 edition and shows how widespread the force was.

Hope it's of interest.

Steve
Ps my first album was about the AVF https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/fo...p?albumid=3272

Many many thanks Steve,

Apologies for delay in responding.

Regards

Peter

I light of the newspaper cutting, I think we can say I am wrong. There was indeed one in Norfolk.