In March, 1944, a group of four Boys met the first time as a Boys Brigade group. The leader at this time was Mr Donald McClymont, and the four foundation members of the Company were W.D Francis, N.K.Fraser, P. Wilkinson, and John Collins. With a small but enthusiastic group, Mr McClymont began the formidable task of building the Company from the ground up. Numbers increased steadily, and by September 1944 some 21 Boys were on the roll. Inexperience proved a handicap to both leaders and Boys, but assistance was obtained from the Canterbury Battalion, and from the Dominion Headquarters. The meetings were held on Friday evenings, and opened with Devotions, taken by the Chaplain, Rev Stuart C. Francis. This was followed by instructional periods and games periods. Records are very sketchy concerning this period of the Company history, and there are no rolls available to determine the exact membership. The four foundation members continued their association with the Company, becoming in later years the first NCO's and N. K. Fraser becoming an Officer in 1948. |
Founder Sir W. A. Smith |
6th Christchurch Company photo taken on Church Hall Stage circa March 1951. B12-54/01 |
4 The Early Days 1944 |
