| Main Performers | Horatio Bottomley,
Constance Collier
Reverend A J Waldron - speakers,
Charles Coborn,
Harry Dearth,
Ruth Vincent - vocals,
Alan May - organ |
| Set List | 'Organ Solo' (Alan May),
'Grand Patriotic Selection' (Band of HM Irish Guards),
The National Anthems of the Allies, in their respective languages (Charles Coborn),
'The Sergeant of the Line', W H Squire (Harry Dearth),
'When the Boys Come Home', Allitsen,
'Land of Hope and Glory', Elgar,
'Your King and Your Country Need You', Rubens,
'Why is the Red Blood Flowing?', H Bottomley (Constance Collier),
Address by the Chairman (Rev. A J Waldron),
Address (Horatio Bottomley),
'The National Anthem' |
| Performance Notes | "The Albert Hall was crowded last night at what was described as a 'great Patriotic rally' organised by the Business Government League. The Rev A J Waldron, vicar of Brixton, presided, and on a 'Patriotic platform' were wounded, soldiers, sailors, members of the Sportsman's and Footballers' Battalions and the Legion of Frontiersmen. Red Cross nurses, Boy Scouts, special constables, and Chelsea pensioners. Patriotic songs by Mr Charles Coborn and Mr Leo Dryden, recitations by Miss Constance Collier, and selections by the band of the Irish Guards preceded the meeting. The crush was so great that Mr Horatio Bottomley, the principal speaker, was unable to fight his way in until the chairman had spoken.
Mr Bottomley said that this was not the time for criticism, but when the time came many scandals would be inquired into with regard to the equipping, paying, and camping out recruits, and other things, and that he should not hesitate to insist upon the trial by Court-martial of every man who had taken advantage of the country's trouble to line his filthy pockets with gold at the expense of the soldier.
We were not doing as well as we should with recruiting. Did they realize that three-quarters of Lord Kitchner's army at present consisted of married men? If the single men did not come forward in larger numbers than they were doing, it would not be long before, either by Act of Parliament or by the operation of the Common Law, they would be compelled to come and do what it ought to be their proudest privilege to rush to do of their own accord."
(The Times, 15 January 1915)
The Manager's Reception Register (RAHE/4/11/1 - page 102) notes that damage had been done to various parts of the Hall including doors, door handles, box doors, and chairs. It is written that, 'Large crowds outside had to be cleared by horse and foot Police.' |
| Related Archival Material | Programme (RAHE/1/1915/4) |