Thanks to the indefatigable efforts of the chief officials, supported by the rank and file, the Luton Voluntary Corps has reached a very high state of efficiency and efforts are now being made to form sections and platoons in the various villages surrounding Luton.

There are already a considerable number of members who reside outside Luton who walk or cycle in to each drill or parade, but arrangements are being made whereby if sufficient numbers are forthcoming instructors will be sent out to the villages to drill the men in the various evolutions of squad and company drill.

It was with a view to enlisting men that the Corps, under Mr H. Cumberland Brown (Commandant) with Company Commanders H. Inwards and Woodcock, Platoon Commanders A. Mander and J. H. King, marched through Leagrave on Wednesday evening and afterwards paraded in Mr Langley's meadow. There were on parade in all about 100 men and their expert appearance was freely commented upon.

The attendance of the general public was also satisfactory, and from what I could gather there is every possibility that the visit will bear fruit. Certainly, more than a passing interest was aroused and it would be surprising if Leagrave does not very quickly form a platoon.

There is every reason to believe the Leagrave and Limbury Rifle Club will lend the use of their headquarters for drill purposes, and having regard to the large number of eligible men in the village there should be no difficulty in raising a very strong force. It is understood that squad drill will be proceeded with almost at once, that is, of course, if the recruits come along, and rifles and uniforms will be provided as the funds of the Corps permit.

The drums beating and bugles blowing brought many to their doors, and the youngsters, accustomed as they are to seeing troops pass through the village, were none the less interested in the Luton Corps. On entering the field the Corps formed into close column, and then the order was given to ground arms.

Seated on his horse, the Commandant, during the course of a very stirring address, said they had been told there were 40 or 50 men in Leagrave who were anxious to join the Corps. He had not the least doubt that there were many young men in Leagrave who were doing something on the economic side, possibly engaged at the aeroplane factory or on Government work at Luton either for the War Office or Admiralty. No doubt some of them would additionally wish to put themselves into the position that, should the necessity arise, of being able to take their share in the defence of their country.

To do that a man must either give up his whole time and join one or other of the regular forces of the Crown, or join some properly constituted and recognised force, such as the Luton Volunteer Corps. Those of military age but not physically fit or engaged in doing Government work who would like to do their little bit should join the Luton Volunteer Corps.

Looked at from every point of view, said the Commandant, the Luton Corps must be considered extremely fortunate. There was the spacious Luton Hoo Park for company drill and field operations, the Corps had an excellent staff of officers and instructors plus every possible facility afforded for rifle practice. The very regular attendances at the various drills and parades had been a source of great gratification to the commanding officer.

[Beds & Herts Saturday Telegraph, June 19th, 1915]