The Eastern Mounted Brigade Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps, is almost entirely composed of men from Luton and Bedford, and this Christmas, in spite of having to spend it on the East Coast, some hundreds of miles away from home and under the distinctly novel circumstances of being on active service, lacked nothing in the way of merriment or season cheer.
There were no parades on Thursday, Friday or Saturday, so each man was free to do practically what he liked.
On Christmas Day a splendid dinner was given to all off duty in the Woodbridge Lecture Hall, which had previously been tastefully decorated with holly and ivy by Cpl Charlton. Flags and streamers were kindly lent by Mr Andrews and these added considerably to the effect.
Amongst those present were Lieut-Colonel Cross, the commanding officer (who presided), Major Archibald, Lieut Coombes, Lieut Fawssett, Lieut Ashurst, Sgt-Major Smith, Qmr-Sgt Cooke, Staff-Sgt Hinton, Staff-Sgt Stoten and others.
Naturally there were no formal preliminaries and each man - and officer - did ample hustice to the excellent fare provided. There were turkeys and plum puddings ad lib, and afterwards crackers, mine pies - good, big sensible ones, too - cigarettes and matches - which were most acceptable - and lemonade and beer.
After the loyal toast had been honoured, Major Archibald said that he was taking an early opportunity of proposing a vote of thanks to all who had made such a splendid meal possible. Several people had given donations, including Woodbridge and District Traders' Association who generously subscribed a sum of £100 which had been placed at the disposal of the Brigade and they had received their share. The Canteen Committee had also allotted them £4 out of canteen profits. Major Archibald's proposition was carried amidst loud cheers.
Then followed a concert in which local talent was very much to the fore and proved to be of no mean order.
The programme opened with a finely rendered pianoforte solo by Major Archibald, entited The Phantom Brigade. Driver Smith G. T, gave a very much appreciated recitation, The Tramp. Very popular were the solos on a one-string fiddle by Staff-Sgt Hinton, several of which were encored.
Songs were also well rendered by Lieut Ashurst (who was encored), Lieut Fawssett, Sgt Tootell, Cpl Charlton, Ptes Robinson, Wood, Webb and Drivers Sanders and Millard. A recitation was given by Pte Smart.
A piece which was well received was given by Sgt-Major Smith (at the piano), Qmt-Sgt Cooke and Staff-Sgt Hinton. The Sergeants' Mess was responsible for to choruses which were encored. These were ably conducted by Sgt-Major Smith.
The programme concluded with an entertaining turn by Bmdr Amos, of the Essex RHA, who plays a variety of instruments, knows some good conjuring tricks and has a fund of amusing stories.
Before the company broke up Colonel Cross said he wished to impress upon all the strict necessity of keeping fit for any emergency and to be prepared to take the field should the occasion arise, in every respect like a thoroughly trained soldier.
The evening concluded with cheers for Colonel and Mrs Cross, and with the singing of Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem.
Before war service, Major Dr William Archibald was Medical Officer of Health for Luton.
[The Luton News, December 31st, 1914]