RMHS WEBINAR - HISTORY OF THE PT BRANCH (NOTES) : simplebooklet.com

(1) THE EARLY YEARS (1700-1900):SLIDE 1. TITLE PAGE : RMHS WEBINAR.SLIDE 2. WELCOME!• There was originally just one page of PT Branch history. • Attempting to cover over 100 years in 45 mins. – quite difficult & just some brief snapshots.• A PDF of this presentation is available & you are welcome to ask questions at the end. SLIDE 3. THE CROSSED CLUBS BADGE:• In native India, using large clubs to build strength was used since 400BC to build the strength of warriors. • This was much admired by the Army officers in the British Garrisons in India and were introduced into the British Army. • During the Victorian period The Indian club exercises became very popular with the British population (including ladies!).• In 1888, the first Army Gymnastic Staff Instructors were authorised to wear the crossed-swords emblem, and In 1905 both the RN & RM Qualified PTI’s were authorised to wear the crossed-clubs badge. • The Ancient Greek philosophers - ‘Mens Sano In Corpore Sano’ (“A healthy mind in a healthy body“) and this motto was adopted by the Army, RN and RM PT Schools when they were formed until the present day.SLIDE 4. EXERCISE BECAME QUITE POPULAR IN THE VICTORIAN AGE.SLIDE 5. ARCHIBALD MACLAREN:In 1830, Archibald MacLaren, a Scotsman, travelled throughout Europe to study the PT systems of the early pioneers of physical training. He returned to England in the 1850’s to teach fencing and gymnastics in Oxford and, in 1858, he built his own purpose-built fencing gymnasium in Oxford - the first of its kind at that time.In 1860, following the Crimean War MacLaren was tasked by the War Office to design the first military gymnasia for the British Army and eight military gymnasiums were then built the in Army garrisons. The War Office also invited MacLaren to train a selected 12 Army NCO’s at his Oxford Gymnasium. After six months training learning MacLaren’s training methods they returned to Aldershot and formed the Army Gymnastic Staff – so becoming the very first Army PTI’s. In 1868 His ideas were incorporated in his 525-page manual “ A Military System of Gymnastic Exercises” that was circulated throughout the Army.The House of Commons the approved the immediate building of military gymnasia (at a cost of Circa £5,000 per gymnasium) “At all principal military stations and barracks, both in the UK and abroad”. This would include the new gymnasium at the Depot RM Deal.

Page 4

SLIDE 6. THE BUILDING OF THE RM GYMNASIUM AT DEAL: Around 1861 the Royal Marines moved from Woolwich Barracks to Deal, where all recruit training would henceforth be carried out, and by 1862 recruit training at Deal was in full swing.The expanded Deal Barracks was to include a new gymnasium. • MacLaren recommended that a military gymnasium should: • Be able to accommodate ‘bodily exercise’ • Include a ‘school of arms’, where sword exercises and bayonet-fighting could also be practised.• Should be a large, oblong, well-ventilated facility.• With sufficient length for the simultaneous running and vaulting activities for a large number of men.• It should also include a raised loft area for climbing ropes, • Narrow platforms for the teaching of traversing,• As well as a viewing gallery for visitors. • Accordingly, In 1867 the plans were prepared for the Deal gymnasium, and it opened in 1871 . • In 1869, Captain J. Straghan RM was passed as ‘Certified’ by the Army in Woolwich, and he became the first Royal Marines ‘Inspector of Gymnasia’. He held the appointment until 1876, retiring with the rank of Major RM. SLIDE 7. THE BUILDING OF THE RM DEAL SWIMMING POOL:• In 1852, off Capetown, HMS Birkenhead hit uncharted rocks, and hundreds of soldiers and marines were drowned in their hammocks. • With the ship rapidly sinking, the survivors made it to the upper deck, formed up in three ranks, and standing to attention “with their heads held high” prepared to drown. • The courage and self-discipline of these men become known as “The Birkenhead Drill.” • Following the Birkenhead disaster, an order directed that all Royal Marines must learn to swim. • In 1890, The Depot Royal Marines was granted the money (£2,750) to build a swimming pool on the Walmer seafront, and this was completed in 1898. • The pool (dug out from an old coal pit) was originally tidal, and was filled twice a day from the cold sea water at each high tide. • However, when officers started to use the swimming pool, fresh water was introduced, plus a coke-fired boiler to warm the water.• Recruits were taught by any NCO’s who could swim, and included land drills, until 1923, when the first ‘Swimming & Recreational Training Instructors’ course was held.

Page 5

(2) PRE & POST WORLD WAR 1 (1900-1930): SLIDE 8. PHYSICAL TRAINING IN THE EARLY 1900’S: • The 1900’s Physical & Recreational Training Instructor Course syllabi included: PT Theory, Medical Knowledge, Class-taking, Recreational Training, PT Practical, Bayonet Fighting, Fencing (mainly Sabre), Boxing, Swimming, and ‘ Notebook.’ Each subject had a 60% to pass mark to qualify. However, in the early 1900’s there was a great shortage of suitable candidates to become P& RT Instructors, because of poor recognition, high physical demands, and a low level of pay. To address this: • In 1905 The Admiralty approved the wearing of Specialist Qualification (SQ) badges, to be worn by ‘Qualified Gymnastic Instructors, 1st and 2nd Class, whilst employed as such’.• In 1909 They also received greater recognition, when they were able to serve on ships at sea, in lieu of Royal Navy PT Instructors. • In 1913 the pay rates were increased, and a P&RT Instructor (Second Class) would then receive four pence per day and the P&RT Instructor (First Class) eight pence per day. • Photographs of the early 1900’s showed a high level of PT for RMA & RMLI recruits – and the PT Officers! SLIDE 9. SPORT IN WW1 (ARMY):• In WW1, active service on the Western Front involved four years of trench warfare. • Rotating units were removed from front-line fighting to the rear areas for further training & some recreation, such as fencing, boxing, football, or tug o’ war matches, • The value of sport in maintaining high morale and esprit de corps, became highly recognised. • In 1919 the Army used sport to attract new recruits by printing millions of recruitment posters, “The Army isn’t all work”. This was very successful & tens of thousands joined up. SLIDE 10. SPORT IN WW1 (NAVY):• During WW1, most RN & RM served HM ships of Admiral Jellico’s Grand Fleet at Scapa Flow. However, for 18 months, apart from sea patrols, there was little time for recreational activities. • Boredom and disciplinary problems arose, and in 1916 it was clear to Admiral Jellico that even some limited sporting activities could play an important part in maintaining good morale. • Consequently, a football ground, a basic golf course for the officers, and a boxing ring (erected on a canteen ship) were created at Scapa Flow, and were very well received. • Following WW1, in 1919, the value of sport and recreation to help to maintain good order and discipline was widely recognised and this would be given a high priority thereafter.

Page 6

SLIDE 11. CDR COOTE & POST-WAR SPORT (RN & RM): • In 1917, Commander Coote, head of the Naval School of Physical Training at Portsmouth, had travelled to the Western Front to observe the very successful Army’s Physical and Bayonet Training School at St. Pol.• Cdr. Coote was very impressed, and at the close of the war in 1919, Cdr Coote held a special conference in Portsmouth entitled “Physical & Recreational Training in the Royal Navy”. • Cdr. Coote recommended a new programme of ‘Physical, Recreational and Morale training’ be implemented to encourage the greater 90% of sailors who did not participate in any sport, instead of focusing on the 10% of outstanding sportsmen as had previously the case, and his vision was fully accepted and implemented. • Also, In 1919, the RN & RM Sports Associations were formed to encourage widespread participation in sport.• The Royal Navy’s original 1930’s recruitment poster, depicting a young, fit and sun- tanned sailor in an exotic location could, once again, become a major recruiting tool for the Navy.SLIDE 12. RM SPORT IN THE 1900’s - FOOTBALL:• In the early 1900’s Sport, especially football, was very popular throughout the RMA and the RMLI and in 1910, the RMLI football team were the winners of the very prestigious Army Cup, as well as the F.A. Cup - a feat never achieved before. SLIDE 13. THE TUNNEY CUP:• In 1928, to recognise the bond between the USMC and the RM, Capt. Tunney USMC presented General Halliday with The Tunney Cup at Eastney Barracks in Portsmouth and this was competed for every year thereafter - right up to the present date.SLIDE 14. BAYONET-FIGHTING:• The 1930’s saw a period of huge interest and growth in all RM sport. Fencing, Boxing and Gymnastics were major sports and each were allocated a dedicated ‘Master of sport’, ‘when employed as such’. • Bayonet - fighting was both a major training and sporting activity and a special display was performed in the 1936 Royal Tournament by the Royal Marines.SLIDE 15. SGT. JOE FIELD – FENCING:• Many PTI’s became outstanding sportsmen during this time. For example, Sgt Joe Field RM won many national fencing awards and coached the British Olympic Team for the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. SLIDE 16. TOMMY LENHAM – BOXING:• Boxing was also prominent and PTI (later Major) Tommy Lenham was a member of the 1936 Imperial Services Boxing Association Team and in 1937 he boxed for England. • In Las Vegas, he also ‘jumped ship’ and won the ‘Golden Gloves’ Trophy. Tommy also won an England Rugby Cap, and some of his many trophies are still displayed at the Gymnasium at CTCRM.

Page 7

(3) PRE & POST WORLD WAR II (1930-1950):SLIDE 17. PTI’S AT LAND & SEA:• During WW2 PTI’s served in the various units at home and abroad in their general duties role. • The Navy was keen to keep the RM’s on board ships, but in 1942, Lord Louis Mountbatten, finally succeeded in getting men from the Royal Marine Divisions to retrain as commandos. • At Achnacarry, only the best were selected but 30% still failed to complete the arduous training. • Those completing the training earned the coveted green beret, which was authorised in 1942. • Despite the great success of the wartime commando training at Achnacarry, at the end of the war the centre was closed and the commando training role was passed to the Royal Marines to uphold.• Post-WW2 Commando training was then initially conducted at Towyn, in North Wales, Bickleigh Camp near Plymouth and finally to Lympstone, where it has remained ever since.

Page 8

(4) ‘THE GOLDEN YEARS’ (1950 – 1970): SLIDE 18. THE 1950’s PT QUALIFYING COURSE: In the 1950’s the high level of PT Qualifying courses and recruit physical training, continued at Deal.In 1951 (RMRO 205) stated that the Physical Training Instructor, 2nd Class ( PT2) was: (1) To be able to teach Basic and Battle Physical Training, Daily Physical Exercises and Recreational Training.(2) To be able to teach elementary principles of athletics, boxing, fencing, judo and swimming. (3) To be a probationary referee in Association Football and Rugby Football, Hockey, or Water Polo. (4) To have reached the required standard in apparatus work and agility.Upon successfully completing the PT2 Qualifying course the PT Vest and badge would be worn with pride. • In 1956, of great significance to RM PTI’s, the former RN. blue-edged PT vests were replaced by the R.M. red-edged PT vests. and the PTI badges became the red crossed clubs on a white background. SLIDE 19. PEHR HENRI LING’s SWEDISH PT SYSTEM: • Per Henrik Ling (1776–1839) (‘The Father of Swedish Gymnastics’) spent his lifetime examining all the known systems of physical training, and he created a system of ‘free-standing’ exercises, to progressively develop every part of the human body. • His system was also designed to exercise large numbers of people simultaneously, so preventing the loss of time. He also invented wall bars, beams, and the box horse for his gymnasiums. • In the late 1870’s, Pehr Henri Ling’s Swedish PT system was adopted by the British Army and Royal Navy for recruit training, as well as did most of the schools across Great Britain. • In the 1950’s, PTI’s used Ling’s Swedish PT system, to train new recruits, and were issued with ‘The Bible’ - the Royal Navy Physical & Recreational Training Handbook (Vol. 1) (1955). SLIDE 20. RM SPORT IN THE 1950’s - FENCING:• In the 1950’s there was a strong emphasis on fencing and in the 1951 Royal Tournament a small group of Deal PTI’s won most of the major fencing trophies. • In the 1950’s, C/Sgt. Bob Anderson, had 103 foil bouts at the Royal Tournament, without losing a single bout. He also competed in the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games and he coached the British Fencing Team for six different Olympics from 1956 to 1976. SLIDE 21. OTHER RM SPORT IN THE 1950’s:• In athletics, Deal PTI, Sgt. ‘Big John’ Savage, (also a Corps Boxing Champion) earned 50 International vests for the Shot, Discus, Javelin and Hammer events. He also became a British Empire Gold Medallist in 1954 and held the British and Empire record (Shot) from 1950-1956, and the Discus record 1950-1952.SLIDE 22. JUDO (COMMANDOKWAI RM):• Judo was greatly encouraged and many Judo courses were organised at the PT School. • Under Major Alan Downton MBE RM (3rd Dan Black Belt) the Commandokwai RM (Judo Club) was formed and many PTI’s strived to achieve the Black Belt status.• From 1956 onwards all PT Instructors were strongly encouraged to organise, coach and officiate a wide spectrum of sports, particularly in Athletics, Boxing, Fencing, Gymnastics, Judo and Swimming. • As a result, the 1950’s was a very successful decade for sport, both in the PT Branch and for the Corps.

Page 9

SLIDE 23. THE PT BRANCH IN THE 1960’s:SLIDE 24. 1960 – THE RM SEARCHLIGHT TATTOO AT DEAL: • In July 1960, a large RM Searchlight Tattoo was held in The Depot RM, which hundreds attended. As part of the very impressive programme, the Deal PTI’s performed a very demanding window ladder display. • The magnificent Searchlight Tattoo ended with a fine Corps Buglers display of the RM Commando March, Sarie Marais. One Royal West Kent Army Cadet joined up immediately and on the 1st January 1961 at the first stroke of 09.00 as ordered. Later, 1964 he somehow became a PTI himself! SLIDE 25. THE 1960’s PT COURSES:• In the 1960’s the PT2 ‘Qualifier’ completed a PT course of sixteen weeks and the PT1 'Re-qualifier'a course of eleven weeks. • During the 1960’s, gymnastics was particularly strong with PT Branch Corps Gymnastics Team. In 1968 a large RM PT Display Team was formed at RMB Eastney to tour the country for recruiting purposes. • SLIDE 26. THE 1967 PT&SO COURSE – ANDY KEELING:• In the 1960’s the PT & Sports Officer, as a future OCPT Wing, did six months training and then serve at various RN & RM RN Training establishments, including Greenwich, or Dartmouth. For officers, the gymnastics syllabus was a bit of a challenge for some! • Most Deal PTI’s would spend many Saturday afternoons, during the summer, providing high-box gymnastic displays for fetes etc. Unarmed Combat displays were also very popular and in demand. • For Deal PTI’s, sports coaching and officiating Recruits, Junior Marines and Junior Musicians was an almost a daily activity, with regular sport on at least two afternoons a week, and Kent League sportsmatches on Saturday afternoons. SLIDE 27. THE 1960’S – PT BRANCH GYMNASTICS:During the 1960’s gymnastics was particularly strong with PT Branch gymnasts forming a formidable Corps Gymnastics Team to take part in competitions. SLIDE 28. THE 1968 PT DISPLAY TEAM AT EASTNEY:Under SPTI C/Sgt. Del Sherrif, a large gymnastics team (and unarmed combat team) was also formed at RMB Eastney to tour the country at county events for recruiting purposes. SLIDE 29. THE 1960’s & CORPS SPORT AT EASTNEY:• In the 1960’s Portsmouth, with the RN School of PT and the sports stadium in nearby Pitt Street, became a mecca for sports coaching, officiating and taking part in the many RN & RM sports events. • In March 1961, the Royal Marines gained full Command status in Royal Navy Sport Competitions, and in May 1962 the Corps Sports Office moved from Deal to the Royal Marines Barracks, Eastney, under Major Jeff Beadle MC MBE RM and a small team of PTI’s. • With the support of the Corps Sports Office, RMB Eastney became a focal point for Corps sportsmen, particularly for Corps Boxing, Fencing, Football, Rugby and Athletics. As a result, many Corps Sportsmentrained at Eastney and reached the highest competitive level in many sports. • The many Corps Sportsmen names are far too many to include here, but a 40-page booklet PDF is available for those who may be interested. SLIDE 30. AVAILABLE PDF - CORPS SPORT IN THE 1930’S – 1970’S:

Page 10

THE PT BRANCH IN THE 1960’s:SLIDE 31. THE ‘LYMPSTONE PTI’s:• From the 1960’s onwards there was always a preference to be either a ‘Deal PTI’, or a ‘Lympstone PTI’.• At Deal the PTI’s did the important basic training, and following the 12-weeks of basic training at Deal’ the Lympstone PTI’s got the recruits successfully through the commando course.SLIDE 32. COMMANDO TRAINING AT LYMPSTONE: The Tarzan Course was situated in the trees in the glade opposite the old gymnasium, with the nearby Assault Course, ass well as the notorious Endurance Course on the Woodbury Common. SLIDE 33. RECRUIT TRAINING AT ITCRM IN 1961:• Because of the progressive and thorough nature of the Swedish PT tables very few recruits (out of squads of 30) dropped out of training through injury, either at Deal, or at Lympstone. Most recruits passed out successfully and very few left the corps until their initial 9 years service was completed.SLIDE 34. THE LATE 1960’s:• A photo of the PT Wing PT Staff in the late 1960’s.SLIDE 35. 1978 - THE PT BRANCH MOVE TO LYMPSTONE:• In 1977, the PT Wing at RM Deal and the RMSA at RM Barracks Eastney, all amalgamated & moved the new P&RT Centre. In 1978 the new P&RT Centre at CTCRM was opened by HRH Prince Philip. SLIDE 36. 1971 - THE CENTENARY PT BRANCH REUNION.• The PT Branch Centenary (1871-1971) was marked by the very first PT Reunion that was organised at the Depot RM by the OCPT Capt. Simon Cook RM , QMS Wilson and the PT Staff. Former PTI veterans travelled from far and wide to attend and much camaraderie was once again enjoyed over the weekend. • The event was such a success that the PT Branch Reunion Club was formed and a PT Reunion was at first held every year at Lympstone, and then became bi-yearly.• In the early 2000’s the PT Reunion Club was converted and became the RMA PT Branch, with a current membership of over 350 former and serving PTI’s. SLIDE 37. THE BI-ANNUAL PT REUNIONS AT CTCRM:The recent PT Branch Reunion, held in October 2023 at CTCRM, organised by WO1 Fergie Ferguson AIPTRM, was attended by 160 former and serving members, with the same PT Branch spirit and camaraderie as in previous years. At this 2023 PT Branch Reunion, instead of receiving just one page of PT Branch history, every attendee, plus every member of the serving PT Branch, was give a copy (free) of the recent PT Branch (275-page) “History and Fond Memories“ book. Thus hopefully reminding today’s serving PTI’s of their rich heritage.

Page 11

SLIDE 38. THE PTI’s MEMORIAL BENCH ON THE WALMER SEAFRONT:• In July 2011, following a very kind donation from former PTI and Corps Boxer, Charles Forrest, the “RM PT Branch Memorial Bench” was installed at the Walmer seafront, near to both the RM Memorial Bandstand and the RMA Club. • The names of former PTI’s who have served at Deal and have sadly passed on are remembered on the engraved plaques on the rear of the bench. • On the side of the bench tghere is a QR code that accesses a slide presentation of the history of the PT Branch at Deal. Thus, we remember the very fine PTI’s who served at Deal and have now sadly passed on.SLIDE 39. THE CLOSURE OF THE RM DEAL GYMNASIUM:• In 1978 the RM Deal Gymnasium closed. During its time, MacLaren’s fine gymnasium had trained hundreds of fine RM PT Instructors and thousands of RM recruits. • With the closing of the barracks, and without any ceremony, the RM Deal gymnasium was converted into flats, thus ended the building’s fine history of over 100 years between 1871-1971.• We veterans now hope that the current PT Branch will strive to maintain the same high standards the were achieved during the previous 100 years. SLIDE 40. BOOK AVAILABLE FROM THE RM HISTORICAL SOCIETY:SLIDE 41. THANK YOU!SLIDE 42. ANY QUESTIONS?

RMHS WEBINAR - HISTORY OF THE PT BRANCH (NOTES)

Page 1

Page 2

Page 3