1914 Citizens Training League Gateshead Volunteer Training Corps Badge

A scarce original First World War period '1914 Citizens Training League Gateshead VTC badge' gilt red enamel title surround 'C.T.L 1914', the centre bearing an embossed embattled gate on a shield with goat's head crest with motto 'Caput Inter Nubila Condit'. Very good condition, complete with original buttonhole fitting, enamel intact. Diameter approx 26mm.
On the 6th of August 1914 two days after the outbreak of World War One, a small group of business men met in Milburn House Newcastle to discuss the War, among them was Lieutenant Colonel William Ritson CMG a long serving Officer of the Volunteer Force. They decided to form the Citizens Training League which eventually gave rise to a number of local battalions, within the Newcastle and Gateshead area.
Lt Col William Ritson appointed commandant of the League and on the 2nd of September 1914 the Newcastle and Gateshead Chamber of Commerce sent a telegram to the war office asking for permission to recruit.
Training began and eventually many would transfer and for the 16th (Service) (Newcastle Commercials) Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers. One of the famous Pals Battlions.

Code: 66634