Thank you for the page reference Mooke. In my opinion I would stick to the regimental sources rather than these newer books, offering a whole new perspective with cherry picked accounts to substantiate new claims.
The quote concerning 15 rounds a minute seems in 'my opinion' to be stating the obvious. A regular soldier was well aware of how much ammunition he was carrying and every sergeant aware of how much ammunition was on a limber. Those transport men, particularly the NCOs of the 1st Battalion were seasoned veterans. They didn't get it wrong, like the territorials in 1915
Although, fighting a Dervish force is a bit different to fighting the Germans the 1st Lincolns actually felt guilty about how many Dervish they had killed so magnificent was their rifle fire. Had standards really dropped between that time and 1914? Also, if these colonial wars were such a push over as some authors claim, why is it when the 1st Lincolns were paired with the Sudanese infantry, the Sudanese could not hold the line with their rifle fire? I think that's testimony to the 1st Battalions skill at arms.
Having said, some severe mistakes were made by the 2nd Battalion in South Africa. One leadership balls up at Zillkets Nek meant that the regiment on the most part was resigned to guard duty and small actions. This in my opinion was no reflection on the regulars ability with a rifle.
If you would like a copy of the war diary or an account of man who was actually at Mons please let me know.
Any author can write what they like about the regulars of 1914 but in my opinion, they did their job, which was to stop the German advance against a far larger army. There really was no choice but to retreat from Mons, but not all the 1st Lincolns did retreat, the band and wounded stayed behind to be captured by the Germans. They were humiliated by the Germans and had the French snub them when they were low on rations.
The VTC Badge.........
One has to remember that the VTC was spread all over the county. They were was a Grimsby/Cleethorpes Company, one in Louth etc etc.
It is possible one company may of worn a bronzed badge but we have yet to find any photographic evidence to support this. There are photographic cards of the VTC. I have seen them for Grimsby. You'll need a microscope to view this one of a church parade......
http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/pi...ctures.html#11
One day a card may be discovered, but until that day nothing is concrete. A few years ago a card was found on ebay of a soldier wearing a slip on shoulder title. There is also proof broken cap badge were worn minus the 'Lincolnshire' base scroll. Until something is found on the VTC front I will remain sceptical.