TOPIC:

Snaith is in the south of Yorkshire, "a market and parish-town, 7 miles from Thorne, 8 SE. of Selby, 10 from Howden, 11 from Ferrybridge, 14 from Pontefract, 23 from York, 175 from London. Market, Thursday. Fairs, last Thursday in April, for horned cattle, sheep, and woollen cloth, Aug. 10, for horned cattle, woollen cloth, line, cheese, and quills; and the last Thursday in Sept. which is chartered but not now attended. Pop. 834. (from genuki, the information probably from the 1820s. The population is now over 3500)


....The Snaith Commando was held every year from 1900 to 1908, and may have been the longest-running public celebration which had its origin in the South African War. Pretoria Day was widely celebrated around the UK in 1900, mostly during the first half of June, but a few places, e.g. Carnoustie and Leighton Buzzard, had their Pretoria Day later in the month - Leeds had its Pretoria Day celebrations on June 27th. Snaith was another such place.
....The Commando was held on a Thursday afternoon and evening. As you can see above, Thursday was traditionally the day that Snaith held its fairs, and the dates of the nine Commandos were: -
....Thursday 28th June 1900
....Thursday 29th August 1901
....Thursday 28th August 1902
....Thursday 30th July 1903
....Thursday 14th July 1904
....Thursday 6th July 1905
....Thursday 2nd August 1906
....Thursday 27th June 1907
....Thursday 16th July 1908 - rained off
....Saturday 15th August 1908

....Pretoria Day celebrations in the UK were much less widely celebrated in 1901, and in some cases were more riotous than the previous year, mainly due to the behaviour of schoolboys. Mafeking Day, or Mafeking Night, doesn't appear to have been publicly celebrated after 1902.

1900

...."Pretoria celebrations are being held in Snaith to-morrow. The event will be unique in the history of the township."

....The fall of Pretoria will be celebrated to-morrow at Snaith by the procession of a mounted "commando," which will be made up of 150 horsemen and 125 cyclists, all in fancy and military costumes, accompanied by two "guns," two ambulance waggons, mounted constabulary, fire engine, etc. The sum of £55 has been subscribed.
Hull Daily Mail, Wednesday 27th June 1900

....The Mounted "commando" at Snaith (reported in the "Mail" yesterday), on Thursday included Private Sanderson, 3rd Grenadier Guards, who was wounded at Belmont, but was sufficiently recovered to sit his steed like the horseman that a Yorkshireman always is.
Hull Daily Mail, Friday 29th June 1900 [The Mail for the 28th June 1900 is unavailable online]

1901

....The mounted "commando" at Snaith on Thursday is to be a big event. There are to be 200 horsemen and 200 cyclists, all in fancy costume. After the "march" is over a programme of athletic sports is to be decided.
Hull Daily Mail, Monday 26th August 1901


....In the old town of Snaith yesterday the second annual "commando" or parade of horsemen and cyclists, recruited from villages within a radius of seven miles of Snaith, took place. The first parade of the kind was held last year, in celebration of the reaching of Pretoria by the British troops and the relief of Mafeking, and the outcome of the affair was the raising of a troop of Yeomanry, which now forms a detachment of the Yorkshire Dragoons. Yesterday's proceedings, organised by Dr. J. T. Hancock, who acted as commandant-general of the show, was one of the best parades ever seen in this part of the country, and for a village affair was almost unique. From thirteen villages there was a turnout of 200 horsemen and 250 cyclists, all in fancy costume. The parade, during which ten miles were covered, presented a magnificent spectacle, almost every conceivable kind of dress figuring in the parade, whilst the uniforms ranged from the gorgeous one of a field-marshal to that of the ordinary trooper. In the afternoon a gala was held in Snaith Park, when a capital display was given by a troop of Yeomanry, whilst several athletic and riding events, all the competitors being in costume, were decided. The events were continued in the evening, a large crowd gathering in Snaith Park. The "commando" was in every way a success.
Sheffield Daily Telegraph, Friday 30th August 1901 [The same report appeared in the following day's Manchester Courier, so the event was getting good coverage]

1902

....THE SNAITH "COMMANDO." - The committee of the fancy dress carnival, to be held at Snaith, on Thursday, Aug. 28, have decided to extend the "commando" area, and to enlist in the "Commando" ladies and gentlemen from neighbouring towns and villages in the West Riding. All who join must, of course, ride on horseback or the cycle, and wear a fancy or military dress.
Yorkshire Evening Post, Friday 15th August 1902

1903




....Snaith and the adjoining villages unbent to-day. It was the occasion of the Commando, which has been annually mobilised since Mafeking was relieved.
....Snaith was sunless and slushy, and a drizzling rain fell most of the morning. Nevertheless, over 400 horsemen and cyclists, in a variety of fearful and wonderful costumes, carried good humour and hilarity over ten miles of country, when they wound their way from village to village and hamlet to hamlet.
...."Sir," heroically replied the Commander-in-Chief of the eccentric band to a sympathetic onlooker, who ventured to condole with him on the wretched weather, "the Snaith Commando never were, and never will be afraid of 'De Wet.' " By noon, however, the rain had ceased, and loaded trains of sightseers began to roll into the railway station.
....Everybody was light-hearted. Ploughmen left their ploughs and shopmen their counter to join in the fun and frolic. It was unanimously declared to be a better procession even than on the last "Mafeking" occasion, the hottest day of last year. Fully 450 individuals took part in the parade. There were real soldiers and made-up soldiers; genuine Yorkshire Hussars and Yorkshire Dragoons, and a small detachment of daintily attired young lady Dragoons from Cowick. On horseback, cavaliers mixed with clowns; yeomen and jockeys jostled one another as the procession alternately stopped and stampeded. Arabs and admirals vied with generals and naval officers in their endeavour to look imposing. May Queens, Cinderellas, khaki girls, Japs of varied sizes and designs, nurses, and lady slaveys wriggled along bicycles, interspersed here and there with a Chinaman, a Bengal Lancer, an Arab chief, a decorated Englishman, and other weirdly curious persons who could not be precisely identified by the naked eye and unaided understanding. John Bull, who rode a thin-wheeled tricycle, which he was supposed to propel with hand levers, declined in characteristic fashion to exert himself, and every now and then drew up by the wayside until the processionists had completed some wide circle, when he would temporarily join in again.
....All these manœuvres were very interesting, but the chief fun was reserved until the afternoon at Snaith Park, lent for the occasion by Mr. R. B. Shearburn. Here Mr. F. Spivey, , Mr. T. N. R. Weddall, and their fellow-committeemen had arranged a programme of contests, comical and otherwise. A dozen riders had entered for a mile bicycle handicap, and five competitors endeavoured to prove that they knew how and what to drive in harness. Lady Beaumont, Mr. Weddall, Mr. R. Pearce Brown, and the Rev. W. R. Raven Hart next surveyed the varied contingents of the "commando," and awarded prizes for merit and originality to the best of their knowledge and belief. Later half-a-dozen gentlemen were permitted, under the direction of Sergeant Lovell, to endeavour, in spite of various artificial difficulties, to stick a straw pig specially prepared for execution. A couple of walking matches - for ladies one lap, gentlemen two laps - and a military tournament concluded as enjoyable an afternoon's entertainment as could be hoped for on a sodden ground under a sombre sky.
....The horse judges were Mr. H. B. Thorp, Goole; Mr. J. P. Robinson, Cheltenham Mr. J. Laverack, Haddlesey Manor; Mr. W. Deachell, Rawcliffe; and Mr. T. Dawson, Pontefract. The results of the cycle and foot races were determined by Dr. J. A. Blayney, Mr. G. A. Eadon, Mr. F. A. Bean, and Dr. Auld. Mr. E. T. Clark is the president of the "commando." During the day a number of young ladies arrayed as red cross sisters solicited donations for the medical charities.
....To-night there will be another procession, another tournament, more races, more pig-sticking, and more general frolicking, the proceedings to be concluded with a display of fireworks.
Yorkshire Evening Post, Thursday 30th July 1903

1904

....The military spirit has not yet died away from the ancient town of Snaith. The "Commando," a unique event in this part of the country, which started in the time of the Boer war, year by year increases in popularity among the people of Snaith, whilst numerous recruits from the adjacent village add to the attractiveness of the military spectacle, and the gorgeous carnival which follows in the Park, outside the town. Yesterday, its numbers exceeded by a hundred those of last year, and the visitors from the surrounding district were more numerous. The whole town turned out to witness the parade of 500 horsemen and cyclists into Snaith Park. It was a pretty spectacle, the dresses including many fashions of a bygone period, rich in colour and elegant in design. Prizes for the best costume in each contingent were awarded as follows: -
....Snaith. - Horse: 1, Mr. W. K. Bell; 2, J. J. Blayney. Cycles - Gent.'s: 1, Mr. A. Hobson; 2, Mr. P. Wade. Ladies': 1, Miss A. Marsden and Miss Varley; 2, Miss B. Blyth.
....Cowick. - Horse: 1, Mr. T. Harley and Mr. G. Wells; 2, Mr. H. Senior.
....Whitley Bridge. - Horse: 1, Mr. A. Barker; 2, Mr. Fentiman. Cycles - Ladies': 1, Miss Oxley; 2, Miss Tupman. Gent.'s: W. Heptonstall. {There were quite a few more prize-winners listed, but you get the idea from the above]
Sheffield Daily Telegraph, Friday 15th July 1904

And here's the above-mentioned Mr. W. K. Bell....


Captioned "THE KING MR W K BELL SNAITH COMMANDO"
....BRAMLEY, Photographer, Cross Gates, Leeds.

Note the marquee in the background.

1905

....A well-attended meeting of the committee of the Snaith "Commando" was held on Wednesday evening, the Rev. W. R. Raven-Hart presiding, when it was stated that the band of the Training Ship Southampton, Hull, will be included in the procession. The feature of the evening's programme will be an attack by "Red Indians" on a settler's camp, which will be relieved by the Yeomanry and sailors.
Hull Daily Mail, Friday 16th June 1905

....In beautiful weather, the Snaith and district "commando," now an annual event, which is being held to-day, was commenced shortly after noon. The proceedings opened with a procession, which comprised over 200 horsemen and 200 cyclists, attired in almost every costume imaginable. The spectacle was a brilliant one, some of the costumes eliciting expressions of wonder, others mirth, and not a few curiosity.
....Included in the procession were mounted police belonging to the West Riding Constabulary, Yorkshire Dragoons, Yeomanry, Sisters of Mercy, and Red Cross Nurses.
....The people of Snaith and district are to e congratulated on the gorgeous turn out, which has no equal, at any rate in the North of England, for splendour and artistic grandeur. Needless to say there were large crowds of spectators.
....The venue of this afternoon's proceedings are the grounds adjoining the hall, lent by Mr. R. B. Shearburn. The band of the 18th Hussars were present, and there are numerous competitions, a novelty being an attack on a Settler's camp by North American indians, relieved by Cavalry and Naval Brigade.
Hull Daily Mail, Thursday 6th July 1905

....William Randal, alias Walter Allen, was charged at Snaith on Monday with stealing a purse containing £2 17s 1½d at Snaith on Thursday. Whilst a crowd was watching the "Commando," one of the onlookers felt prisoner's hand in his pocket. As he afterwards missed his purse, he gave prisoner into the charge of P.C. Haith. An impression of his finger marks was taken, and this led to the identification of prisoner as a well-known criminal. He was sentenced to six months' hard labour.
Hull Daily Mail, Tuesday 11th July 1905

1906

....This year the now famed "Commando" at Snaith is likely to be as huge a success as ever. Most elaborate arrangements have been made, and all that is now required is fine weather. Unfortunately the event clashes with the ceremony of opening the baths at Goole.
Hull Daily Mail, Thursday 27th July 1906

....Snaith Commando, which is taking place to-day, has become a recognised annual institution. The Commando was originally to have been in celebration of the end of the war in South Africa, but it was eventually decided that the entry of Lord Roberts into Pretoria was a fitting occasion for the event. It, therefore, first took place on June 28th, 1900. Every year since then the Commando has drawn crowds of people from the surrounding districts to the ancient town of Snaith. The proceedings commence with a procession, which is made up of almost every conceivable character - historical, military, naval, etc. There were dresses, fancy and grotesque, some of the wearers being on horseback, others on cycle, and some on foot.
....The spectacle was a pretty one, and the harmonising of the various colours included in this almost unique cavalcade made the scene a most pleasing one to the eye.
....This afternoon and evening the proceedings are in the park, which had been kindly lent by Mr. R. B. Shearburn.
Hull Daily Mail, Thursday 2nd August 1906

1907

....At Goole, on Wednesday, Mr Ledgard, Nelson Hotel, Armley [Leeds], applied for an occasional licence to sell intoxicants in the Hall grounds, Snaith, on the occasion of the Commando, on June 27th, from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. - The application was granted.
Hull Daily Mail, Thursday 20th June 1907

. ....The old and usually quiet town of Snaith, situate on the Goole and Knottingley L. and Y. line, about seven miles from Goole, was en fete to-day (Thursday).
....The occasion was the annual Commando, an institution whose principal characteristic is perhaps its originality. After an existence of eight years its popularity is as great as ever, and each year sees the introduction of some additional novelty. All Snaith and the greater part of the surrounding villages, and even Goole, enter into the spirit of the occasion, and one would have to travel far to come across a spectacle so interesting, picturesque, grotesque, and withal instructive.
....Until a year or two ago the proceedings opened in the morning with a huge procession, composed of members of both sexes attired in every conceivable costume, some on horseback, others on cycle, and many on foot. Several of the surrounding villages were visited, but this perambulating part of the programme has been discarded, it being considered too much for the participants. Consequently the proceedings were commenced later in the day. ....The late Dr Hancock was perhaps the most prominent person in arranging and launching the project, but there were scores of others from Carlton, Cowick, Rawcliffe, Snaith, and the other surrounding villages, who worked hard to make it the success it proved. Each village sends a contingent with an officer in charge, and thus at the meeting there will be upwards of three hundred to form the procession or "march past" to the park (lent by Mr R. B. Shearburn), where the carnival is taking place.
....Here, for this evening, a programme of events - not mere feats of strength, but rather merry-making and mirth-provoking tests - has been arranged.
....Here, too, one sees a curious mixture of humanity, all bent upon one object - fun, and plenty of it. Yeomen rub shoulders with doctors and lawyers; domestics are for the nonce on an equality with mistresses; the heavy legged cart horse marches in step - or attempts, at any rate - with the sprightly hackney; the cycle vies with the motor - and thus, for one day in the year, Snaith throws business to the winds, and innocent fun and jollity is the order of the day.
....There were prizes for costumes, decorations, etc., and the work of the judges proved no easy task in many cases.
....Snaith was bathed in sunshine this afternoon, and the parish church bells rang out merry peals. The discarding of the procession caused unfavourable comment amongst the tradesmen. Several excursions brought crowds to the park, which was one mass of moving colours. The proceedings this afternoon opened with a comic six-a-side football contest, four teams having entered. Later there was a grand review, which was a brilliant spectacle. Other events included a motor car obstruction and bomb race. Mr Wheeler, the Conservative candidate, was in Snaith during the afternoon.
Hull Daily Mail, Thursday 27th June 1907

....There was a very large attendance in the evening at Snaith Commando, and it was estimated there would be present fully 5,000 people. Prizes were given to the various contingents from the respective villages for the best turn-out. The largest contingent came from Hirst Courtney, numbering 52, including 26 horses. Rawcliffe's contingent was very pretty, and included several nicely-decorated vehicles. Cowick produced the best individual dresses, as it invariably does. Rawcliffe succeeded in retaining the challenge cup for the best contingent.
....Amongst the other events, which numbered close upon 40, was a balancing competition. Six motor cars entered, the rules being to balance a car on a platform. Dr J. A. Blayney accomplished the feat first in 11¼secs, Mr G. Hartley being second in 43secs, and Mr W. G. Drennan third in 45½secs.
....W. S. G. Drennan was the winner of the motor-car obstruction and comb race. G. Hartley being second, Dr J. A. Blayney third, and H. S. Lyth fourth. The motor-car musical chairs attracted much attention, as also did the arithmetic race; in fact, the entire programme was full of interest throughout.
....It might be added that this year's expenses will be about £50 less than last years, when there was a credit balance of £14.
Hull Daily Mail, Friday 28th June 1907

....The balance-sheet in connection with the Snaith Commando has been issued. This shows that last year there was a balance of £14 0s 8d. Although the receipts were on the whole less than 1906, the credit balance was £40, due to the reduction in the expenditure.
Hull Daily Mail, Saturday 20th July 1907

....A suggestion has been made that the Snaith Commando next year should include a Lady Godiva.
....There are whispers that Goole could supply more than one.
Hull Daily Mail, Thursday 26th September 1907

1908

....Arrangements are progressing apace for the forthcoming Commando at Snaith. the committee are well known for their originality, and this year, in addition to the usual features, several novelties are being introduced, one of which is known as "The Licensing Bill Race," whatever that is.
Hull Daily Mail, Saturday 20th June 1908

....This year's "Commando" at Snaith promises to eclipse all former ones, provided fine weather is vouchsafed. Originality is the key-note of the Committee's programme, which this year has been brought up-to-date. In addition to the Licensing Bill race, there is a Suffragette race, a diabolo competition, and a wood chopping contest, not to speak of the other numerous items.
Hull Daily Mail, Saturday 27th June 1908

....Snaith Commando, with its fancy dress carnival and magnificent programme of events, to be held next Thursday, would require the grandiloquent vernacular of the American showman to give an adequate idea of what is to take place. It is the ninth commando, and, as in previous years, the promoters have been animated by so excellent a spirit that the show this year, from the attractive point of view, will excel the previous eight. Mr R. B. Shearburn has kindly placed Snaith Park at the disposal of the committee. Throughout the day excellent music will be played by the band of the Queen's Own Yorkshire Dragoons, and at night there will be a firework display by Messrs C. T. Brock and Co., of the Crystal Palace.
Hull Daily Mail, Monday 13th July 1908

....Inquiries yesterday elicited the information that there is just a possibility of the Snaith Commando being abandoned altogether for this year. Anyhow the matter is expected to be settled at the meeting next year. The fact is, the getting up of a pageant entails a great amount of time, trouble, and expense. The rain on Thursday has meant a loss of about £150.
Hull Daily Mail, Saturday 18th July 1908

....A meeting of the committee of the Snaith Commando was held on Wednesday evening, when it was decided to hold the adjourned Commando on Saturday, August 15th. In addition to the guarantee of £60 already made, the meeting last evening increased it by a further £46.
Hull Daily Mail, Thursday 23rd July 1908

....It was feared at one time that nothing more would be heard of Snaith Commando this year, after having had to be abandoned a week ago in consequence of rain. However, the committee, with true optimistic spirit, decided that the pageant should be held, and forthwith fixed a date. Moreover than that there was a most liberal response towards a guarantee fund.
Hull Daily Mail, Saturday 25th July 1908

....The postponed Snaith Commando promises to be quite as successful as though it had been held on the original date, provided of course that the weather is favourable. Excursions from various centres have already been arranged, and practically the original programme is to stand. In connection with the fancy dress parade, an auxiliary class has been added.
Hull Daily Mail, Saturday 1st August 1908

....The receipts at Snaith Commando amounted to a little under £166, which included gate money, £131 16s 6d; stands, £25 8s; and carriage enclosure, £4 16s 6d. The number who paid for admission were: In the afternoon, 1,058 at 1s, and 132 at 6d; in the evening, 2,851 at 6d, and 348 at 3d; total adults 3,909, and children 480.
Hull Daily Mail, Friday 21st August 1908

1909

....At a meeting of the committee of the committee of the Snaith Commando at the Black Lion Hotel, Snaith, on Thursday, it was decided not to hold a carnival this year owing to the loss sustained last year through wet weather; but to revive it next year.
Hull Daily Mail, Friday 14th May 1909

....Although the Snaith Commando has been abandoned for the present year, the residents do not intend to forego every kind of amusement. They have decided to hold a horse and foal show, and an athletic meeting in August, and there is no doubt in such a large agricultural district, it will meet with liberal support.
Hull Daily Mail, Saturday 29th May 1909

....Although the Commando at Snaith has been abandoned for this year, the people of the old town have decided to revive a section of the show, which about 16 [sic] years ago was an important event in the district. A meeting of the Committee was held last night.
Hull Daily Mail, Friday 2nd July 1909

That would seem to have been the end of the Snaith Commando, although the Snaith and Cowick Town Council website says that it ran up to the First World War. "Snaith Commando started to celebrate the end of the Boer War. This was a carnival and parade, usually mounted often on bicycles, with people dressed up. It ran until the First World War and the parade went out as far as Rawcliffe." www.snaithandcowicktowncouncil.com/?page_id=60
Some time I'd like to have a look at the Goole Times newspaper for a report of the 1900 event, and to see if it was revived after 1909.

Doncaster Archives apparently has a photo of the 1908 Commando.
apps.doncaster.gov.uk/apni/results.asp?G...tegory&ID=307&Page=1
and also a "Commemorative brochure of an annual gala meeting of the Commando.
" apps.doncaster.gov.uk/apni/results.asp?G...y=Area&ID=63&Page=84

Other postcards featuring the Snaith Commando exist: -
www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/snaith-co...shire-real-511662269
picclick.co.uk/Commando-Procession-SNAIT...03-382572309661.html
I got my postcard of Mr W. K. Bell from the North of England's buying and selling website EeBayGum