An Echo from the past for Military Jubilee Lodge
Military Jubilee lodge No 2195 was consecrated in Dover on the 25th March 1887
Dover by its geographical position, has been a military town from its earliest times. It is hardly surprising, therefore, to find that the Army has played a considerable part in the history of Freemasonry in the Town.
Being set up as a lodge for military service men, it was decided to name the lodge in honour of Queen Victories Jubilee in 1887, and so became Military Jubilee.
A black and white photograph, measuring 26cm x 20cm taken in 1909 of the offices and members of the lodge came to light recently on an auction site, and has been purchased for the lodge.
In the photo, a number of members are wearing their regalia and military uniforms, the offices of the lodge in 1909 were: WM J T Blount, IPM E B Day, SW R Port, JW Captain Fitz-Gerald Gabbett, Treasure J Rose, Secretary W A Barnes, SD J Smith, JD R Jackson and the was DC F W Foster.
Being a military lodge, its members came from all over United Kingdom and beyond, members join from local barracks in Dover, Shorncliffe and the Duke of York’s Military school.
At one time, the lodge had more than 500 members and carried out first, second- and third-degree ceremonies in one evening, among the honorary members of the lodge was Lord Cornwallis.
But it would only be a few years after the photograph was taken, that 13 members of the lodge were killed, while serving in action during the first world war, they were:
A Chapman Staff Sgt, J Clarke Lieut RNR,
G Denton Sgt R.G.A,
C J L Leading Seaman HMS “Juno”,
W W Hammond Major R.G.A,
F Hargreaves; Sgt E Surrey Regt,
H E Holland; Qr-Mr-Sgt, E Surrey Regt,
S A Ingram Qr-Mr-Sgt, Royal Fusiliers,
T A Knott; 2nd Lieut, R Berks,
C W Laing; 2nd Lieut, The Buffs,
G E G Lewis; Sgt 2nd Dragoon Guards,
G W Press; Lieut R W Kent Regt,
F R Ransome; Lieut Dublin Fusiliers,
W B Saunders; C-S-Major R W Kent Regt,
J Shaw; Lieut R N R,
W G Warn; Lieut R F Corps.
One member of the lodge who stands out was, W.B. Traynor VC, he received the Victory Cross in 1901 for the most courageous exploits in the face of the enemy during the Boer War.
The lodge still has members who have served in the military, although, these days its members come from all walks of life.
21st century allows the original black and white photo, to be colourised bringing those members more to life.
If you have information about any of those in the photo, the lodge would love to hear from you.
