1ST BATT. WILTS VOLUNTEERS.

 THE HISTORY

 OF THE

 1ST BATT. WILTS VOLUNTEERS,

 FROM

 1861 TO 1885.

 BY

 ROBERT DWARRIS GIBNEY,
 MAJOR, INDIAN ARMY (_Retired_),
 _Late Adjutant 1st Battalion Wiltshire Volunteers_.

 LONDON:
 W.H. ALLEN & CO., 13 WATERLOO PLACE,
 PALL MALL, S.W.
 1888.

 LONDON:
 PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED,
 STAMFORD STREET AND CHARING CROSS.

 WITH THE CONSENT OF HIS LORDSHIP,

 AND

 WITH THE HEARTY CONCURRENCE OF THE MAJORITY OF
 OFFICERS AND MEN, PAST AND PRESENT, COMPOSING
 THE 1ST WILTS RIFLE VOLUNTEERS,

 I HAVE MUCH PLEASURE IN

 Dedicating this Work

 TO

 THE EARL PEMBROKE AND MONTGOMERY,

 COMMANDING THE BATTALION.

 ROBERT DWARRIS GIBNEY,
 MAJOR, INDIAN ARMY (_Retired_),
 _Late Adjutant 1st Battalion Wiltshire Volunteers_.

PREFACE.

It may be asked, What can be the history of a battalion of infantry
not thirty years old, which has never seen a shot fired in earnest or
done garrison duty? None, would be the reply, were the said battalion
raised, officered, instructed, and regulated for, as are all its
predecessors; but when this battalion is one of many created suddenly,
without any well-arranged system for its continuance, and left at a
time of great emergency to make its own arrangements, and sink or swim
as it might, it must have a history, and the history of it is the
history of every corps or company of which it is composed.

Rifle corps were raised anywhere, everywhere, anyhow, and nohow. War
was imminent; the country was unprepared, terribly vulnerable, and
the army and navy far too weak to afford protection. Influential
gentlemen proposed rifle clubs, others were for arming keepers, and not
a few anxiously inquired into the system pursued by the Victoria and
Devonshire Rifles. To arm the people was a leap in the dark, and yet it
had to be faced; and by May, 1859, the Government saw the "propriety
of permitting the formation of rifle volunteer corps," and issued a
circular accordingly. Beyond this sanction no assistance was offered,
and according to the patronage of people of influence, or the length
of their subscription list, so did these rifle volunteer corps get
into existence and continue to live. Arms, accoutrements, ammunition,
uniform, drill sheds, practice grounds, armouries, magazines, &c., &c.,
everything had to be found by the corps, and to country corps, those
afterwards forming part of an administrative battalion, the expense
was ruinous; far more expensive than to companies raised in large town
or cities. There they could hire sheds, &c., and men attending drills
could do so without losing a day's work and perhaps having to hire a
trap. At the end of some months arms were furnished by the Government,
and as no harm had yet been done by this show of confidence, at the
end of the year the little independent corps were further favoured
by being made part of volunteer battalions, an attendance at the
headquarters of these battalions for so many drills in the year
being directed, and a travelling allowance, most mean and unjustly
arranged, being offered to cover expenses. The battalion had for its
officers a lieut.-colonel, a major, an adjutant, a surgeon, and perhaps
half-a-dozen retired sergeants as drill instructors, the adjutant and
drill instructors alone receiving pay.

It was a time of great difficulty and doubt, but of course chiefly so
at the commencement of the movement. Indeed, had it not been for the
patience and perseverance of men and officers of the force, and the
grand generosity and confidence in them shown by noblemen, gentlemen,
tradesmen, and especially by ladies, the whole would have fallen
through. The Government Order, as given below, will show the amount of
assistance received therefrom.

 "War Office, Pall Mall,
 "_May, 1859_.

  "Her Majesty's Government having had under consideration the
  propriety of permitting the formation of volunteer rifle corps, under
  the provisions of the Act of 44 Geo. III. Cap. 54, as well as of
  artillery corps and companies in maritime towns in which there may be
  forts and batteries, I have the honour to inform ---- that I shall be
  prepared to receive through you, and consider any proposal with that
  object which may emanate from the county under your charge.

  "The principal and most important provisions of the Act are--

  "That the corps be formed under officers bearing the commission of
  the lieutenant of the county.

  "That its members must take the oath of allegiance before a deputy
  lieutenant, or justice of the peace, or a commissioned officer of the
  corps.

  "That it be liable to be called out in case of actual invasion, or
  appearance of an enemy in force on the coast, or in case of rebellion
  arising out of either of those emergencies.

  "That while thus under arms, its members are subject to military law,
  and entitled to be billeted, and to receive pay in like manner as the
  regular army.

  "That all commissioned officers disabled in actual service are
  entitled to half-pay, and non-commissioned officers and privates to
  the benefits of Chelsea Hospital, and widows of commissioned officers
  killed in service to such pensions for life as are given to widows of
  officers of Her Majesty's Regular Forces.

  "That members cannot quit the corps when on actual service, but may
  do so at any other time by giving fourteen days' notice.

  "That members who have attended eight days in each four months, or
  a total of twenty-four days' drill and exercise in the year, are
  entitled to be returned as effectives.

  "That members so returned are exempt from Militia ballot, or from
  being called upon to serve in any other levy.

  "That all property of the corps is legally invested in the commanding
  officer, and subscriptions and fines under the rules and regulations
  are recoverable by him before a magistrate.

  "The conditions on which Her Majesty's Government will recommend to
  Her Majesty the acceptance of any proposal are:--

  "That the formation of the corps be recommended by the lord
  lieutenant of the county.

  "That the corps be subject to the provisions of the Act already
  quoted.

  "That its members undertake to provide their own arms and equipments,
  and to defray all expenses attending the corps, except in the event
  of its being assembled for actual service.

  "That the rules and regulations which may be thought necessary, be
  submitted to me in accordance with the 56th section of the Act.

  "The uniform and equipments of the corps may be settled by the
  members, subject to your approval; but the arms, though provided
  at the expense of the members, must be furnished under the
  superintendence, and according to the regulations of this department,
  in order to secure a perfect uniformity of gauge.

  "The establishment of officers and non-commissioned officers will
  be fixed by me, and recorded in the books of this office; and in
  order that I may be enabled to determine the proportion, you will be
  pleased to specify the precise number of private men which you will
  recommend, and into how many companies you propose to divide them.

  "I have only to add that I shall look to you, as Her Majesty's
  Lieutenant, for the nomination of proper persons to be appointed
  officers, subject to the Queen's approval.

 "I have the honour to be, &c.,
 Your most obedient Servant,
 J. Peel.

 "_To Her Majesty's Lieutenant
 for the County of ----._"

Much less could not have been offered, or regulations made by which an
useful force to be relied on in the event of invasion might turn out to
be worthless. Members were to find their own arms, only the gauge to
be equal, smooth bores or rifles; equipments, uniform, and quantity of
drill to be at discretion of members, and all rules and regulations to
be left to the decision of each lord lieutenant of a county, thereby
certainly ensuring a variety of systems. Out of such confusion it is
wonderful that the present disciplined and reliable force has come; and
it speaks well for a nation, with such encouragement as is showed by
this letter to the lord lieutenants of counties, that the volunteers
held their own so long, and did not throw up in disgust.

The battalion of volunteers to which I was attached as adjutant on
its first formation in 1861, and whose history I have been invited to
write by the officer now in command, Lieut.-Colonel the Earl Pembroke
and Montgomery, and the officers serving and served, laboured under
many disadvantages. The corps composing it were much scattered, and
communication with outposts or headquarters difficult. A wild county,
with villages and towns few and far between, making attendances at
squad drills, and much more battalion assemblies, not only very
laborious to the majority of corps, but a great source of expense to
officers and men.

Probably some eight or ten thousand of all ranks have passed through
the hands of the author during the twenty years he served as adjutant,
and chief drill and musketry instructor; and he here willingly bears
testimony to the ever-ready obedience given by all to his directions,
and the exhibition of a general desire to lessen troubles and
difficulties. These were a little heavy in the beginning, and it was
some time before all could be got to see that the wish of individuals
must yield to the general welfare, and that such things as breaking up
of companies or corps must be done if instruction in battalion drill
was to be effectually imparted.

 Robert Dwarris Gibney,
 _Major (Retired) Indian Army,
 Late 1st Wilts Volunteer Battalion_.

HISTORY

OF THE

1ST BATTALION WILTS VOLUNTEERS.

THE BATTALION.

According to the information received from officers connected with the
corps or companies of which the battalion is or was composed, and also
according to records kept of matters bearing on the earlier formation
of these separate corps, is the account given. These corps may be said
to have possessed an independent history for somewhat over one year;
after that the battalion was called into existence, and with that
individuality was lost. They were still termed corps as composing a
part of an administrative battalion, and were numbered in the battalion
as in the _Army List_, according to the date of their services being
accepted by the War Office; but they could no longer attend reviews, or
even mere local gatherings for mutual instruction in drill, unless with
the authority of the officer commanding the whole, and were to submit
to be instructed by the adjutant. Of course on the first amalgamation
of corps into a battalion, and in the lessening of authority over them,
hitherto entirely in the hands of captains, many difficulties presented
themselves; and it required tact and temper in all concerned to carry
out necessary discipline. A battalion drill, for instance, was often
the cause of no little heartburning. One corps, after much expense
and trouble, would bring to the place of muster probably two-thirds
of its strength; but this very strength required its being partially
broken up for the purpose of equalizing companies, and perhaps many of
the best drilled men being amalgamated with very ignorant volunteers
detached from another corps. This did not help to render the captain
of the corps, or the men transferred, in a state of satisfaction with
the day's work. Some corps too were more clannish than others, clinging
very vigorously together; and being of superior clay disliked such
moulding. The men required were, of course, given over to the adjutant
and sergeant-major, but they were a selected lot, chosen for their
incompetence and quality, and came as ordered, but in the sulks.

Before the corps were formed into a battalion and designated the
1st Administrative Battalion Wilts Rifle Volunteers, all of them,
more or less frequently, had attended at various large reviews of
the Volunteer Force. The Royal Review held in Hyde Park in 1860 was
alone attended by the 2nd or Trowbridge Corps of this battalion, and
for smartness of the men in marching, and altogether for its really
soldier-like appearance, received the commendations of both military
and civilians. On passing Her Majesty a prolonged shout of "Well done,
Wiltshire; well done, Trowbridge!" from the crowd, proved that this
determination to be present and show their loyalty was not lost on
the multitude. Indeed they were worthy, for it had necessitated their
leaving Trowbridge soon after midnight by horse breaks, so as to arrive
in time to catch the train leaving Chippenham station at daybreak with
passengers for London. Arriving in London they were at once marched to
their position in the Park, and after passing, returned to Paddington
to be off again by the rail, but this time homewards, not arriving
there until about midnight. Again, at a review held in Clarendon
Park, near Salisbury, with Major-General Lord William Paulet, C.B.,
in command, the various corps put in good musters; but the making up
of the battalions consisted of rather a scratch lot collected from
the various corps present; these being North and South Wilts, Hants,
Dorset, Somerset, Oxford, Cambridge, and Middlesex. The whole were
formed into two battalions and worked as a single brigade; but as these
battalions were commanded by such men as Hume and Mansel, and the staff
were not selected for their shouting or galloping powers, but knew
their duties, the whole was a complete success; and doubtless much
more of the duties of a regiment, either acting alone or as portion
of a brigade, was learnt by the volunteers on this occasion than is
usually done. The 1st Wilts, Salisbury, attended as two companies of
thirty file each. The 2nd Corps, Trowbridge, the 6th Maiden Bradley,
the 8th Mere, the 9th Bradford-on-Avon, the 10th Warminster, and 14th
Wilton were the corps attending from South Wilts, and this they all
did in full numbers. Small reviews of this sort, where not only those
commanding the whole were regulars, but where regulars took command
for the time being of both brigades and battalions, were far more
useful, more especially at this early stage of the Volunteer Force,
in teaching officers and men what was expected from them, than when
the command devolved on the officers of the force--new men, mere
learners, if civilians, and if from the line, as a rule but retired
captains, or even subalterns, whose knowledge of manœuvring extended
not beyond company drill, and yet these were made brigadiers and
lieutenant-colonels to command regiments.

There was yet another review of volunteers at which every corps of this
battalion was represented, and which came off before the whole were
formed into a battalion. The review took place on Durdham Down, near
Bristol, and at the time was considered as one of some mark in the
volunteer movement. The reviewing officer was Major-General Hutchinson,
and in his somewhat laconic address to the troops at the conclusion
of the manœuvres, he expressed himself willing to make a favourable
report, as the day had been successful. He also observed that he gave
them all credit for having taken much pains to become efficient, more
especially as he was aware that many had had little battalion drill,
and some none at all.

The day was showery, the ground cramped, and spectators here, there
and everywhere, and little, if anything, was learned or gained by the
volunteers in attendance. But it could not have been otherwise with so
few on the staff who knew anything about manœuvring, and some thousands
of volunteers commanded by learners only. Here, as elsewhere, beyond
the volunteer inspectors, two in number, the staff was composed of
young gentlemen from the yeomanry, militia, or line, whose chief
recommendation for the appointments of A.D.C., galloper, &c., consisted
in their being able to ride fairly well and roar out orders in a loud
tone of voice. The object of such orders was no affair of theirs, nor
were they supposed to know the correct wording. It was a way we had in
the army in those days, and did no great harm as long as playing at
soldiers at Brighton, Salisbury, York, &c., was supposed to be lessons
in real warfare; but the volunteers were in earnest, and putting away
childish things gradually became nearer what soldiers could be; and by
pressure on the authorities, and using common sense, helped very much
to raise not only themselves to a higher standard of efficiency, but to
make the regular army what it is now--a thoroughly useful force, second
to none in Europe or elsewhere for scientific and well-taught officers,
steady and smart non-commissioned officers, and men who do and know
their work.

It is plain to a military man that a body of men so constituted,
subsisting almost altogether on the liberality or length of purse
of its officers and supporters, somewhat independent of authority,
and held to duty by the provisions of the War Office letter to the
Lord Lieutenants of Counties dated May, 1859, or by rules founded
on the same, could have little stability; and that however much
inspector-generals or assistant-inspectors might exert themselves, and
endeavour to bring the force into forming an useful adjunct to the
regular army, it would result in failure. It was impossible to have a
single system pervading the whole, or indeed to make corps equally or
even nearly equally fit to take their places in battalion or brigade
drill. Enthusiasm was on the wane, and it was plain enough to any but
those holding out for some Utopian idea of the advantages to be derived
in having only well-to-do men for volunteers, that a diminishing
subscription list and inability of officers to continue the constant
drag on their purses was not only a serious factor in attendances
at squad and company drills, but was undermining discipline, and
eventually would bring the majority of corps into little else than
shooting clubs; an organization not at all desirable or in any way
meeting the demand for which the volunteers were raised. The few
officers on the volunteer staff worked with a will, never sparing
themselves in any way; and to these, from the inspector-general to each
assistant-inspector, the volunteer force is much indebted. They did not
expect or demand impossibilities, or even an approach to the mobility
and discipline of the regular army. They knew the officers and men;
and, making allowances for the difficulties under which they laboured,
offered them support and advice, combined with instruction; but the
system was beyond their capabilities, and failure must have resulted
had not the authorities suddenly awoke to facts, and besides organizing
corps into battalions, with the proper complement of field officers
to command and an adjutant to carry out a fixed system of drill and
interior economy, agreed to meet some of the expenses incidental to
clothing, attendances at drill, &c., by issuing a capitation grant,
payable by results.

In Colonels Hume and Bruce the volunteers of Wiltshire had officers
not only of known merit, but such as spared no pains in trying to make
those under them learn their duties. Inspecting was no easy-going
affair in these early times. It was no pompous parade in a park or in a
comfortable camp, with a good luncheon and the best of the county for
guests and spectators. It was far more of a reality than at present,
and both officers and men felt that in the inspector they had almost
a personal friend. To the inspecting officer visiting corps was often
a matter of difficulty, and necessitated exposure in all weathers and
at all hours. Meeting the adjutant at some railway station, the two
started off across country roads or over wild downs and moors in a
dog cart, or not improbably, a hired shandederan fast falling into
firewood, with horses none of the steadiest, to the rendezvous, which
might be a village, a hillside, or country inn, and there, in all
the glories of a cocked hat and feathers, he is both instructor and
inspector; probably not returning to his own residence until very late
at night, and this frequently. To work under such officers as these
made difficulties light, and not a little aided adjutants to persevere
in what at times would appear to be an almost hopeless task. To Colonel
Gustavus Hume--now Major-General Sir Gustavus Hume, K.C.B.--and to
Colonel Robert Bruce--now Lieut.-General R. Bruce, lately commanding
the Northern Division--I hereby offer sincere thanks for support and
timely advice; and in using these terms "support and advice" as being
most kindly offered and willingly accepted, I believe I only echo
the sentiments of most of the adjutants, on whom fell nearly all the
brunt and difficulties in working volunteer battalions on their first
formation.

The junction of a certain number of corps together and calling the
whole a battalion, and giving some miserably inadequate sum towards
meeting expenses, but with no alteration in regard to rules for the
better observance of discipline, did not do much towards improving
matters. The officers commanding these battalions were almost
powerless, and their adjutants not only disgracefully underpaid,
but left without any defined position or authority. In fact the
amalgamation of corps into battalions did little, if anything, towards
encouraging or improving squad or company drills, and added very much
to the already very heavy expenses of officers and men in becoming
efficient. The travelling expenses were doubled. The railway fares
being the full conveyancing charges for soldiers, and as the usual
daily train service on lines could be the only one obtainable for
men coming to battalion drills, it often resulted in a day's work
being lost. Besides this, to corps scattered all over a wild extent
of country where no railroads existed, and waggons or carts had to be
hired, attendance at the head quarters of the battalion for united
drill was easier ordered than performed, and so gradually attendance at
the same fell off, or was made up, or said to be made up, by an extra
quantity of squad drills at home.

It must have been through complete ignorance of these facts, and of the
true condition of volunteer corps, that the War Office, in granting a
travelling allowance of four shillings per head, should have exempted
all corps at the head quarters, or within five miles of the same, from
any participation in the boon. The War Office could not possibly be
expected to know anything about the fitness or accessibility of these
head quarters as places for general assembly, of the strength of the
companies there, or within the five-mile radius, and of the costs
incidental to corps few in numbers, much scattered, and far distant
who would have to put in an appearance thereat. Applied to South Wilts
it meant that the travelling allowance drawn for about three hundred
and sixty men should cover the expenses of the whole battalion, then
probably nearly seven hundred strong. It also meant that all corps
within the five miles should give a whole day, walk the distance out
and home, and do all that was required at the parade; besides all this,
it supposed that the men composing these corps, whose head quarters
were within five miles of the battalion head quarters, were all close
at hand, instead of being nearly if not quite as much scattered as
corps further away. Altogether, it was unworkable. The corps on the
spot came in full strength, and others according to distances, and
funds in hand; so that keeping men of the same companies together, and
thus avoiding heartburnings and a motley appearance, was impossible,
and did much to make battalion drills disliked and useless for
instruction.

The punctual attendance of corps was not to be thought of, so the
volunteers came and went as trains fitted in; hanging about the
headquarter town until the assembly sounded, or marched on to the
ground some time after the parade had begun: their train being late
or time inconvenient; thus necessitating retelling off and confusion.
Then, just as the object of a manœuvre was being understood, and some
steadiness showing itself in the ranks, the commanding officer was
reminded that "It is train time," and men of the corps about to leave
were recalled from the various companies into which they had been
numbered off for drill purposes, and the whole parade collapsed.

It was in the year 1861 that the 1st Administrative Battalion of
Wiltshire Rifle Volunteers was formed, at that time consisting of eight
corps, and were thus designated in the _Army List_:--

 1st Corps,    Head Quarters,    Salisbury.
 2nd   "            "            Trowbridge.
 6th   "            "            Maiden Bradley.
 8th   "            "            Mere.
 9th   "            "            Bradford-on-Avon.
 10th  "            "            Warminster.
 13th  "            "            Westbury.
 14th  "            "            Wilton.

Salisbury being the head quarters, and at the furthest removed point
from any of the corps excepting Wilton: Lieutenant-General P. Buckley,
M.P. for Salisbury, an officer of the Guards, and a subaltern at
Waterloo, being appointed lieutenant-colonel; Captain J.H. Jacob, of
the 1st Corps, major; and Captain R.D. Gibney, of the Indian army,
as adjutant; Charles Bleeck, Esq., F.R.C.S., as surgeon; and William
Fawcett Esq., quartermaster; the Marquis of Bath being honorary colonel.

1st Corps, Salisbury.

 Beverley Robinson, _Captain Cmt._
 E.D. Fisher, _Lieut._
 Geo. Smith, _Lieut._
 Wyndham Pain, _Lieut._
 James Brown, _Ensign_.
 C. Brown, _Ensign_.
 John M. Cardell, _Assist. Surgeon_.
 Revd. Robert G. Swayne, _Chap._

2nd Corps, Trowbridge.

 Thomas Clark, _Captain_.
 W.P. Clark, _Senior Lieut._
 Graham Foley, _Ensign_.
 E.P. Stancomb, _Ensign_.
 W.J. Mann, _Ensign_.
 G.C. Tayler, M.B., _Assist. Surg._
 Revd. J.D. Hastings, _Hon. Chap._

6th Corps, Maiden Bradley.

 Lord E. Percy St. Maur, _Captain_.
 Henry B. Festing, _Lieut._
 Thomas K. Harding, _Ensign_.
 W.N. Marshall, _Assist. Surgeon_.
 Revd. R. Rowley, _Chaplain_.

8th Corps, Mere.

 W. Chargin Grove, _Captain_.
 E.A. Card, _Lieut._
 John White, _Ensign_.
           , _Assist. Surgeon_.
           , _Hon. Chaplain_.

9th Corps, Bradford.

 W. Pickwick, _Captain_.
 G. Forster, _Lieut._
 A. Beavan, _Ensign_.
 William Adye, _Hon. Surgeon_.
 Revd. W.H. Jones, _Hon. Chap._

10th Corps, Warminster.

 The Marquis of Bath, _Captain-Commandant_.
 William Davis, _Captain_.
 John Ravenhill, _Lieut._
 John Scott, _Lieut._
 Herbert Ingram, _Ensign_.
 Philip Grubb, _Ensign_.
 L. Flower, _Assist. Surg._
 Revd. Sir J. Erasmus Philipps, _Hon. Chaplain_.

13th Corps, Westbury.

 H.G.G. Ludlow, _Captain_.
 J.W. Gibbs, _Lieut._
 H.W. Pinniger, _Ensign_.

14th Corps, Wilton.

 Charles Penruddocke, _Captain_.
 Geo. Lapworth, _Lieut._
 Alex. Powell, _Lieut._
 I. Woodcock, _Ensign_.
 A. Graham, _Ensign_.
 Revd. R. Chermside, _Hon. Chap._

Soon after being made into a battalion, all the corps were present at
the reviews held at Bristol and Salisbury, and did not add much to
their fame in the performance. The volley firing carried on by some
battalions at the conclusion of the review at Bristol was joined in by
the 1st and 2nd Administrative Battalion, Wilts, and drew upon them
the terrible reproof of the staff. However, as hard words break no
bones, no great evil or good resulted, and the mistake was not worth
the fuss made about it. Each battalion declared that they were not
the one commencing the fire, but simply took it up as supposing it
to be part of the orders in three cheers for the Queen, and as loyal
subjects blazed away, to the horror of the cocked hats, and their own
everlasting shame. The next day the local papers were filled with
letters from warriors of all countries, anxious to explain that they
had nothing to do with it, refused the temptation to join in the "bad
example set by their neighbours," and were assured that it began with
a volunteer on the extreme right wearing a green uniform and plumed
chaco. It was not long after being made into a battalion on the 24th
of August, 1862, that Major Jacob of Salisbury was removed by death.
A slight accident in stepping ashore from his boat produced a serious
illness ending fatally; to the great grief of many friends, and to the
whole of the volunteers, among whom he had become very popular, as
knowing his work well, and doing it. The vacancy in the battalion was
filled up by the promotion of Captain T. Clark of the 2nd Trowbridge
Corps, who at once attached himself to the 55th Foot, so as to acquire
a thorough knowledge of his new duties. There were various occasions
in which the whole corps assembled beyond these reviews; such as
inspections by district inspectors, or where anything of moment was
likely to draw a multitude to any place of note. Trains ran more
conveniently on such occasions, and it was an opportunity to get off
one of the required battalion drills. For example, there is an assembly
of the battalion at the Earl of Pembroke's beautiful park at Wilton.
It is a great occasion, and Lord Palmerston with no end of the quality
are to be present; so the muster is good, and all are anxious that not
only the Prime Minister, but all the multitude shall see, that neither
time nor money has been spared in making the flamingo-coloured regiment
assembling before their eyes, thoroughly efficient, and able defenders
of their country.

There is the usual difficulty and delay in equalizing companies; as
local corps have come in full strength, but the ones further away in
lesser proportion. However, at last, the adjutant and sergeant-major
between them have squared the circle, and all being ready, the same is
reported to the lieutenant-colonel in command by the adjutant.

Lord Palmerston, with the Lady Herbert of Lea on his arm, followed by
the future heir to Wilton House and the Earldom of Pembroke, move away
to the saluting point, and the lieutenant-colonel directs the regiment
to "march past in slow time."

A shuffle, a halt, and as the dressing of companies is deranged, the
adjutant moves out to explain that "slow time" is not required to
be performed by the volunteers, and that they only know "quick and
double," passing always at the "quick."

The dressing corrected, another essay at starting is made, and the
battalion is directed to pass in "the _usual way_."

This not being part of the drill instruction, was not well understood,
and in a very _unusual_ manner the battalion commenced the march past,
the _profanum vulgus_ offering advice and following with shouts. A
few trees, and paths intervening, and concealing the wheeling points,
did not add to the steadiness, but on the wheel of the leading two
companies into the saluting base being completed, the climax was
reached--the band ceased to play, and whilst the rear companies
endeavoured to get themselves together, the cause of its sudden silence
was briefly explained: "We've played our two companies past." The band
was the private property of the Salisbury corps. ("N.B.--A battalion
band an absolute necessity, and the musicians attached to corps to
appear at battalion drills as riflemen only.") A slight sprinkling of
rain coming on hastened the fulfilment of the programme of manœuvres,
and whilst my Lord Palmerston, Lady Herbert of Lea, and the spectators
generally ran for shelter to the house or shrubberies, the volunteers,
careless of consequences, deployed into line among the oak trees.

"Is no one going to dress the points?" asked the junior major, as the
adjutant waited patiently at the distant point for orders, the rain
meanwhile descending in torrents.

There was no one to dress. The companies on the right had been
dismissed (where to was not known), and as no order was received, each
company in turn took upon itself to seek shelter, and thus commenced
and ended a battalion drill of the 1st Wilts Rifle Volunteers at
Wilton Park. Still it counted towards the required number. This was
not learning battalion drill. There was no one in authority on the
spot who could teach; moreover everything was against officers and
non-commissioned officers willing and fairly able to instruct. The
drill itself, subject to constant changes by circulars from the
War Office, was patched, altered and amended until red books, were
useless, and adjutants and sergeant instructors knew not what to teach;
uniforms so varied in colours and cut, as to make a battalion, when
equalized, appear ridiculous, and the whole drill hurried over and
generally smashed up by corps having to leave in order to catch trains.
The uniform was a matter that should have been arranged by the Lord
Lieutenant, as was done after some delay, and no little correspondence
between lieutenant-colonels, adjutants, captains of corps, and small
authorities in which it was shown that each preferred his own colour
to another's, considering such as exactly adapted for the battalion's
adoption. The Marquis of Ailesbury, as Lord-Lieutenant, settled
the matter by desiring the officers commanding both battalions of
Wiltshire Volunteers (the 1st Administrative Battalion represented by
the adjutant, and the 2nd Administrative Battalion by Lieut.-Colonel
M.F. Ward) to meet him at the clothing depôt in London, and there
after consultation with the officer in charge, dark green with black
lace, similar to that worn by the Rifle Brigade, was decided upon. It
was a wise decision, necessitating a general change, and an expense
which would be shared in by all; and though extinguishing the supposed
utility of the very lengthy and somewhat Noah's Ark cut of tunic, much
approved of by the Salisburian, or the glittering loveliness of the
grey and silver of the Wiltonian, or the light blue and white lace,
with the wondrous solar topee, a rough ill-shaped pith or coarse felt
helmet, of the Bradleyan, yet helped very much in one way or another
to overcome the clannishness of corps, and to make the battalion look
better on parade, but also to cause them to drill and work together
better.

Improvements were very gradual. At their respective head quarters,
and drill grounds, corps certainly improved in squad and company
drills, and in single ranks with ropes learnt something of the theory
of combination movements; but the whole was unsatisfactory. There was
a want of unanimity, discipline, and cohesion, and it was not until
some time after Lieut.-Colonel Everett, late captain in the 25th
King's Own Borderers, had assumed the command, that any change for the
better was generally visible. Captain J.F. Everett, having resigned
his commission in the Borderers and settled down on his property at
Greenhill near Warminster, had been selected by the Lord Lieutenant
of the county to succeed General E.P. Buckley in the command; and
to his untiring energy, perseverance, and foresight, the battalion
is very much indebted. It was a great trust to impose on so young
and untried an officer, this command of a battalion, composed of a
class of men totally different from those he had been accustomed
to, and worked on a system certainly not to be found in the Queen's
Regulations; but which nevertheless was authorized, was rather looked
upon as a "valued right" by some officers and men, and was composed
of corps, each having its own head quarters, its own officers and
non-commissioned officers, and difficulties to contend with. Doubtless
the lieutenant-colonel brought with him numerous line ideas, which he
afterwards found to be unworkable; and an inspection of corps at their
own head quarters, with one or two general assemblies for battalion
drill, revealed unsuspected facts. However, be all this as it may,
the lieutenant-colonel set to work with a will, and by looking up
single companies, interesting himself in prize shooting, commanding
the battalion at autumn manœuvres, and establishing a regimental
camp, gradually raised the whole tone of the battalion, causing
both officers and men to see the necessity for greater punctuality,
strict discipline, and the advantages to the service of cohesion and
collective energy. To the diary kept by Lieut.-Colonel Everett of
occurrences from the date of his joining to his resignation in 1885, I
am indebted for much that is told about camps and incidental expenses,
the remarks of inspecting officers, and other matters.

On the 20th April, 1866, John Frederic Everett, late a captain in the
25th King's Own Borderers, was gazetted as lieutenant-colonel, and on
the 11th July following, the battalion was inspected by Colonel R.
Bruce, lately commanding the 2nd Royals, and assistant inspector of the
district at Salisbury. The drill was fairly well done, and met with the
approval of the inspecting officer.

On the 25th July the battalion took part in a review held on the
racecourse, Lansdown, Bath, but were under the command of the senior
major, Major T. Clark, Lieut.-Colonel Everett commanding a brigade on
the occasion.

The review was about as useful and successful as such gatherings
usually were, or could be under the circumstances of their management.
A few yeomanry collected together from the troops of adjacent counties,
some local artillery, horsed from cabs and drays, and three or four
brigades of infantry, under the command of volunteer officers. Bands
very plentiful and manœuvring space limited. Each battalion on its
arrival at Bath was marched away to the racecourse, and all felt that
the beer and sandwich given by the citizens of Bath to each volunteer,
was well earned as he reached the summit of the terrible Lansdown hill.
It was a trial for many, unaccustomed to be dressed up in tight-fitting
tunics, wabbling chacos with gaudy plumes, cross belts, and haversacks,
to say nothing of a heavy rifle and some rounds of blank ammunition,
toiling up that hot and dusty road in the hottest part of a day in hot
July; but few fell out, and panting upwards, they could afford to smile
at the greetings offered in honour of their coming, "Welcome!" "Our
brave defenders!" &c. &c., were civil and perhaps flattering; but when
half way up was reached, and strangers asked how much further it might
be, the answer "Excelsior," inscribed on a banner crossing the highway,
said the end was not yet.

The corps attending from the 1st Administrative Battalion were as
follows:--

 2nd Brigade.

 Lieut.-Colonel J.F. EVERETT, Commanding; Captain Max, Major
 of Brigade.

 1st A.B. Wilts Rifle Volunteers.

 Major Clark (in command), Major Penruddocke, Captain and
 Adjutant Gibney.

  _1st Corps, Salisbury._--Captains Pinckney and Smith; Lieuts. J.
  Brown and Payne; Ensigns Wilson and Kelsey; Sergeants, 7; Rank and
  File, 51; Band, 26. Total, 90.

  _2nd Corps, Trowbridge._--Captain W.P. Clark; Lieut. Stancomb;
  Assist.-Surgeon Seale; Sergeants, 5; Rank and File, 76; Band, 16.
  Total, 100.

  _6th Corps, Maiden Bradley._--Lieut. Festing; Ensign Harding;
  Sergeants, 4; Rank and File, 40. Total, 46.

  _9th Corps, Bradford-on-Avon._--Lieut. Beavan; Ensign Adye;
  Sergeants, 5; Rank and File, 46. Total, 53.

  _10th Corps, Warminster._--Lieuts. Scott and Ingram; Ensigns Grubb
  and Smith; Rank and File, 50. Total, 54.

  _13th Corps, Westbury._--Lieut. Gibbs; Ensign Pinniger; Sergeants, 4;
  Rank and File, 40. Total, 46.

  _14th Corps, Wilton._--Lieut. King; Ensign Powell, Sergeants, 3; Rank
  and File, 32. Total, 37.

  Total of all ranks, 430.

The idea was that the enemy were advancing from Bristol on Bath, and
in the defence of Kelson Round Hill, the Bath battalion, supported by
some artillery, covered themselves with glory; and doubtless would have
been annihilated had not the whole of the force, accompanied by several
thousand spectators, moved forward to their assistance. It was late in
the evening before the review ended, and still later ere many a corps
reached its head quarters.

The annual prize-meeting of the Wilts Rifle Association was held this
year at Warminster, and proved to be a great success. The excellent
range and the more central situation of the town enabled competitors
from both battalions to enter the lists in goodly numbers. The custom
hitherto had been that the meetings should be held alternately at
Salisbury and Devizes, but it was considered advisable to alter
this arrangement, and owing to the judgment and decision of the
local committee, consisting of Lieutenants Scott, Ingram, Smith,
Quartermaster Toone, &c., all went off admirably.

The 1st Administrative Battalion Wilts Volunteer Rifles possessed very
many good shooting men, but in this respect were certainly inferior
to their companions in No. 2 Administrative Battalion. One thing, the
2nd Administrative Battalion were several corps and many men stronger,
and on the whole possessed greater facilities for target practice. The
President's prize, a prize of thirty-five guineas given by the Marquis
of Bath in certain portions at various distances to the best shots, was
taken chiefly by competitors belonging to the second battalion; but Mr.
Poynder's grand prize of a piece of plate value fifty guineas, open
to all Wiltshire volunteers and yeomanry, was won by Colour-sergeant
Jefferys of the 6th Maiden Bradley Corps, after making a tie with
Private Martin of the 10th Warminster Corps, the scores being:--

            300 yards.  500 yards.  700 yards.  Total.
 Jefferys       13          11          14        38
 Martin         16          13           9        38

The score at the longest distance deciding the prize.

Mr. R. Long, of Rood Ashton, M.P., offered a prize to be given to the
best shot of either battalion: each corps sending one competitor, when
Sergeant Baker, 7th Wilts, 2nd Administrative Battalion, was declared
the winner. Lieut.-Colonel Everett and Major T. Clark gave prizes,
but these went to the 2nd Administrative Battalion, as did similar
prizes given by Lieut.-Colonel M.F. Ward and Major Perry Keene; but the
prizes offered by Lieut.-General Buckley and Major Penruddocke fell
to Sergeant Graham, 2nd Corps, Trowbridge. The challenge cup, value
£50, with a piece of plate valued at £25, given by the inhabitants
of Warminster, was unfortunately lost (after tie shooting) to the 1st
Battalion, being given to Corporal Nott, 5th Corps, 2nd Battalion,
whose score of 41 was equalled by Lieutenant Wakeman of the 10th Corps
and Corporal Purton of the 1st Corps, whilst Sergeant Butler of the
1st, and Sergeant Harris of the same corps, came next in order, and
this out of eighty-one competitors.

The prizes were given away by the Marchioness of Bath, and the
opportunity was taken advantage of to hold a battalion drill, but
it was rather a failure--very few attended. The officers afterwards
messed together at the "Bath Arms," and a plan was hastily sketched
out for a camp to be held for the whole battalion in the coming year,
it becoming only too evident that these spasmodic battalion drills
were useless, and that each corps would be better for a continuous
and systematic course of drilling and discipline, either at Aldershot
or in a regimental camp. The usual annual prize-meeting between the
officers of both battalions, to compete for a challenge cup of large
value, and a very beautiful silver claret jug, to be retained by the
winner, came off at Chippenham, and was won by an officer of the
1st Battalion. These valuable and most desirable prizes were given
each year by Mr. Poynder, whose liberality in supporting the Rifle
Corps and rifle movement generally was unbounded. Perhaps the terms
on which this officers' prize was to be shot for did not encourage
good shooting, or prove that the winner of a silver claret jug was in
reality a terrible man at the targets. Each year saw the challenge cup
held by a new officer, who was somewhat heavily handicapped for the
next year's competition: so much so, indeed, as to render his chance,
or the chances of his predecessors, in the prize holding from repeating
themselves almost impossible. Under these circumstances, it appeared
but a calculation of time as to how long it might be before each
competing officer in the two battalions possessed an embossed silver
claret jug.

These massive or fragile pieces of plate being offered as prizes for
excellence in shooting, to the volunteers, were a mistake. To many of
the men money prizes would have been much more acceptable, as these
cups, mugs, salvers, &c., were of small advantage to any but the
silversmiths, who, seizing the occasion for emptying their shops of
all the ill-shaped rubbish accumulated by time, charged the donors a
price far beyond the real value of the article. Experience has made
all wiser, and old pint pots, and drinking cups, almost transparent in
their absence of metal, have been relegated to the melting-pot. The
year 1867 was a marked epoch in the history of this battalion. It was
a year of preparation for more systematic arrangements generally, and
for drawing tighter the cords of discipline and unity. It was very
desirable that the two battalions should form regimental camps, and by
these means ensure a knowledge of combined movements being more general
throughout the battalions; but proposals fell to the ground, and the
oft-repeated hasty assembling, and more hasty departure of portions of
corps for train-catching, were continued for yet another year.

Lieut.-Colonel Everett and Lieut.-Colonel Ward, with their respective
adjutants, met together at Warminster for the purpose of organizing
a camp for both regiments at Devizes, and it was hoped that if this
camp were held during the training time of the county militia and
yeomanry, good would result; but after much correspondence with the
Lord-Lieutenant, the Marquis of Ailesbury, commanding the yeomanry,
and various officers, the scheme had to be abandoned. It was evident
that an encampment of the battalion in its own district, and under
the sole control of the commanding officer, could alone be brought
about, and not improbably would meet all that was required. There was
a meeting of officers commanding battalions in the three counties of
Hampshire, Wiltshire, and Dorsetshire, and the neighbouring counties,
held at Bishopstoke Station, at which meeting it was determined to hold
a volunteer review on a large scale at or near Salisbury, on the 29th
May. The review took place accordingly at the date specified, on the
downs, a very hard three miles' distance from Salisbury. It may have
been satisfactory to some of the performers in it; but as to any real
knowledge of how troops should be handled in absolute warfare there was
none given. The infantry, divided into three brigades, numbered nearly
5000 men, of which this battalion yielded 500; the artillery, 228 men,
with six guns, being two guns per brigade, and 180 sabres; yeomen,
serving in the Wilts and Hants Yeomanry and Mounted Rifles; Colonel
Erskine, Inspector-General of Volunteers, being in command, assisted by
Colonels McMurdo, Bruce, and Colville, assistant inspectors.

After passing in review order, the supposed enemy had to be dislodged;
but as this enemy were short of cavalry, and we, being well off in
that respect, as the returns showed, it was resolved to lend him ours,
so, halting the infantry, these gallant troopers passed through the
openings left between brigades, and in the four-deep formation, to
disappear in the valley where the enemy lay concealed. We re-formed,
unsuspicious of their treachery.

Advancing once again, the battle began; but success was not to be the
portion of the attackers. They retreated, and were followed up in
this retreat and harassed considerably by the cavalry so kindly lent
to them but a short quarter of an hour previously. The firing was
great, the confusion greater, but the damage was unappreciable; the
proportion of cavalry to the retreating infantry, about one horseman
to thirty infantry men, not being overwhelming. Besides, the bravery
of these cavalry in riding within a few feet of the muzzles of groups
of riflemen must have led to heavy casualties. However, all is well
that ends well, and at the termination of the manœuvres the authorities
expressed themselves satisfied with the day's performance.

The Hampshire Mounted Rifles under Colonel Bower exhibited some pretty
skirmishing at this review. Men and horses were all well trained and
thoroughly understood their work. Colonel Bower here showed how useful
an adjunct mounted infantry would be in the event of invasion.

The annual inspection of the regiment took place at Warminster Down in
the month of August., Colonel Bruce being the inspecting officer.

On the 1st January 1868,--the officers of the regiment appeared thus in
the _Army List_:--

 The Marquis of Bath, _Honorary Colonel_.
 J.F. Everett, _Lieut.-Colonel_.
 T. Clark and C. Penruddocke, _Majors_.
 R.D. Gibney, _Adjutant_.
 Charles Bleeck, _Surgeon_.
 John M. Cardell, _Assist. Surgeon_.
 J. Fawcett, _Quartermaster_.

1st Corps, Salisbury.

 Wm. Pinckney, _Captain_ (_Comdt._).
 G. Smith, _Captain_.
 W. Pain, _Lieut._
 W.J. Wilton, _Lieut._
 E.F. Kelsey, _Ensign_.
 F. Hodding, _Ensign_.
 J.M. Cardell, _Assist. Surgeon_.
 Revd. R.G. Swayne, _Chaplain_.

2nd Corps, Trowbridge.

 W.P. Clark, _Captain_ (_Comdt._).
 E.P. Stancomb, _Lieut._
               ,_Lieut._
 W.P. Clark, _Ensign_.
 R.S. Seale, _Assist. Surgeon_.
 Revd. J.D. Hastings, _Hon. Chap._

6th Corps, Maiden Bradley.

 H.B. Festing, _Captain_.
 Thos. K. Harding, _Lieut._
 E.S. Jefferys, _Ensign_.
 W.N. Marshall, _Assist. Surgeon_.
 Revd. R. Rowley, _Hon. Chaplain_.

8th Corps, Mere.

           , _Captain_.
 E.A. Card, _Lieut._
 J. White, _Ensign_.
 Chas. Rumsey, _Assist. Surgeon_.
 Revd. C.H. Townsend, _Hon. Chaplain_.

9th Corps. Bradford-on-Avon.

           , _Captain_.
 William Adye, _Lieut._
 E.M. Davis, _Ensign_.
 W.H. Jones, _Hon. Chaplain_.

10th Corps, Warminster.

 John Scott, _Captain_.
 H. Ingram, _Lieut._
 P. Grubb, _Lieut._
 J. Smith, _Ensign_.
 H.J. Wakeman, _Ensign_.
 J. Flower, _Assist. Surgeon_.
 Revd. Sir J.E. Philipps, Bart., _Chaplain_.

13th Corps, Westbury.

 W. Knapp, _Captain_.
 H.W. Pinniger, _Lieut._
 W.H. Laverton, _Ensign_.

14th Corps, Wilton.

Charles Penruddocke, _Captain_. Fred King, _Lieut._ , _Ensign_. P.J.
Bennett, _Assist. Surgeon_. Revd. D. Olivier, _Chaplain_.

The year commenced with a meeting of the officers at Warminster,
followed by a mess dinner, at which it was settled that a regimental
camp should be held at Warminster the first week in August, and that
the commanding officer of the battalion should apply to the southern
division of the county of Wilts for subscriptions so as to defray the
expenses. Accordingly a circular letter was sent out by Lieut.-Colonel
Everett, a copy of which is given:--

  "Proposed Camp for the 1st Battalion of Wilts Rifle Volunteers.

 Greenhill, Warminster,
 _February, 1868_.

  "----. The Lord-Lieutenant of the county has given his sanction
  to the forming of a camp for the 1st Battalion of the Wiltshire
  Rifle Volunteers, which it is proposed should take place in the
  neighbourhood of Warminster in the month of next July.

  "Such a camp, it is considered, would tend considerably to the
  efficiency of the volunteers, by giving them an insight into camp
  life, and some experience of the requirements of actual service, in a
  way that cannot otherwise be obtained.

  "It is felt that, as the volunteers freely give their time in the
  service, they should not be called upon for a further sacrifice in
  providing the necessary funds, and it is to be hoped that the county
  will readily and generously come forward in assisting this object.

  "Contributions will be received by me or by the Secretary, Ensign
  H.J. Wakeman, of Warminster; or can be paid into the camp fund at the
  following banks:--Messrs. Pinckney Brothers, Salisbury; the North
  Wilts Bank at Warminster, Trowbridge, Westbury, and Bradford; as
  also at the Wilts and Dorset Bank, Mere. Such contributions will be
  acknowledged in the county papers.

 "I have the honour to be
     "Your obedient Servant,
       "John F. Everett, _Lieut-Colonel_.

 "_Comdg. 1st. A.B. Wilts Rifle Volunteers._

  "P.S.--As arrangements must be completed speedily, I should feel
  obliged by your informing me at your earliest convenience the amount
  you may be willing to contribute to the above object.--J.F.E."

It was very necessary that the regimental camp should be a complete
success, and to ensure this much anxious thought and time was given
to details by the lieut.-colonel commanding the battalion, as also by
the committee. Meetings of this committee were held at Warminster on
the 5th February, 4th March, 1st, 8th and 13th of April, 13th May,
3rd, 10th and 22nd June, and on the 13th July. The committee had no
precedents to guide them; and the more the necessary arrangements
were considered, the greater appeared to be the difficulties. To make
contracts where there was little certainty, in itself was a hard task,
and it showed how much care and trouble had been given to the subject,
when the camp proved a complete success.

The prospect of a regimental camp, however, did not prevent the
battalion putting in an appearance at the grand review held at
Portsmouth on Easter Monday, where some 25,000 men assembled, the
regulars, and gunboats of the Navy, taking part in the proceedings.
The part in the performance relegated to this battalion was neither
instructive nor interesting. It rather imitated the army of a certain
King of France, by walking up a hill and then walking down again.
Some gunboats took up a position to its front, to drive away which
the battalion descended from its perch to the railway embankment; but
as the tide was receding, the gunboats receded also, doubtless their
departure hastened by the appearance, if not by the fire of the gallant
1st Wilts, which being delivered at something over rifle range would
have been harmless. Then the regiment itself retired and resumed its
position on the hillside, sitting down comfortably awaiting further
orders; which eventually directed them to "fire away" at some supposed
enemy; and having emptied their ammunition pouches, the whole returned
to Fareham station, to be taken homewards.

What possible good to any branch of the services could have arisen
from this Easter Monday review is hard to see! It appeared to be only
a waste of time and money; and by encouraging the volunteers to go
to such, and to join in a general scramble called manœuvring, was
prejudicial to discipline and respect for authority. If the reviews
are held in large towns, such as Brighton, Dover, Portsmouth, &c.,
whole brigades of volunteers hang about, often for hours, from the time
of arrival until the general assembly shall sound, meanwhile none the
better for public-house entertainments and want of occupation; then
are marched through streets to the ground selected--a march past, and
a sham fight, in which firing and confusion are prominent features, as
instruction could not there be given, and utter ignorance of the very
outlines of skirmishing and attack by the majority of men, are only too
visible. This done, and the enemy defeated, the majority, hot, dirty,
and probably very hungry, resume their places in the train to return to
London or far further away, perhaps wondering for what purpose they had
been brought so far, or if real war was thus conducted! The minority
obtaining leave of absence remain behind, and many, now free from all
supervision and control, do the grand service to which they belong no
little injury by drunkenness and debauchery.

On the 20th July the battalion assembled for their first encampment
on Warminster Down; the ground selected being between the old coach
road over Salisbury Plain leading from Bath to Salisbury and the
town itself, perhaps about two miles from Warminster--a magnificent
undulating spot with room for manœuvring on a large scale, but
waterless, thereby necessitating every drop of that precious liquid
being brought up in carts from the town, making a huge item in the
expenses of holding a camp on the healthy and somewhat lofty downs of
Wiltshire.

The camp was pitched and struck by old soldiers from the regular army,
and the catering both for officers and men was undertaken by Messrs.
Fort of Bath, the men messing together in a very large tent. It was
well done, albeit costly, but there was not sufficient experience as
yet gained by the committee of management to allow them to venture on a
less expensive method of providing for the wants of so many.

A very excellent selection of standing orders was compiled by the
officer commanding the battalion, and these with a few additions have
yet remained in force. The following extract from them as referring to
the camp about to be established is herewith given:--

 Standing Orders for Camp.

 The 1st Bugle will sound at  5  0 a.m.
  "  2nd   "          "       7  0 a.m.--Morning parade, setting-up drill, &c.
                              8  0 a.m.--Men's breakfasts.
                              9 30 a.m.--Pickets and guard-mounting.
                             10  0 a.m.--Officers' instruction in mess tent.
                             10 45 a.m.--Comdng. Officer's parade.
                              1  0 p.m.--Men's dinners.
                              3  0 p.m.--Comdng. Officer's parade.
                              7  0 p.m.--Men's supper.
                              9  0 p.m.--Tattoo.
                             10  0 p.m.--Lights out.

The officers messed together, taking their meals at about the same time
as those ordered for the men.

To the battalion generally the camp proved to be a kind of perpetual
picnic, good eating and drinking, with very little sleeping, but
plenty of hard work. It was not intended to be child's play, but a
lesson in drilling and discipline, and so far as volunteer rules and
regulations, combined with tact and temper, allowed, this was carried
out; but it was beyond human skill to make all obedient to one will,
to insist upon punctuality on parade, that lights were out at the
time ordered, and that strict silence reigned throughout the camp
until the rouse sounded. Men might mean well, and doubtless did not
intend to defy authority, but with a canteen ever open, and the liquor
to be had almost for the asking, no little injury was inflicted on
discipline. It may be necessary for a certain amount of drink to be
purchaseable where large bodies of men assemble, but when these are
brought together to do a special work, and to learn obedience to all
orders received from those in authority, drinking booths, whether
termed canteens or clubs, are destructive of discipline, and tend to
incapacitate the men from doing that which was intended they should
do. Moreover it is not good, either for the man himself--only too
often a mere lad of 17--that when not on duty he should find no other
recreation provided than is afforded by a huge public-house with its
rows of tables and seats, where the drink, the song, the profanity,
and the uproar grows faster and more furious as the day advances. It
is not in the canteen that respect for officers and authorities is
learned. The best non-commissioned officers, and men who are wide awake
and cautious, on picket or sentry, are not from canteen frequenters.
The canteen in the regular army and militia is a fruitful source of
misery to the many, however well conducted it may be, but when open
at all hours, from daybreak to last post, in a volunteer encampment,
subject only in reality to the mere licensing laws of the country, it
is little else than a curse. If necessary for merely supplying beer,
&c., let the canteen tent be at least one mile from the camp. Of course
there were very many amusing incidents occurring in the camp, few more
so, perhaps, than those in connection with guard and sentry duties.
These had to be learned _ab initio_, and as the learners were often
utterly ignorant of the rudiments of drill, the explanations as given
were scarcely understood. "Your front" was a tremendous difficulty,
and to challenge properly perhaps more abominable. The reliefs were
not carried out quite regularly as the night advanced, and posts were
deserted by sentries to know the reason why relief did not arrive.
Sitting was found to be as cheap as standing, and a pipe on the sly in
the pale moonlight a great relief to the monotony of sentry go.

Mr. Calvesfoot, generally useful man at Baredown Farm, having walked
about the magazine tent until tired, orders his arms, and lounging in
an easy and not ungraceful attitude, awaits his relief; being quite
happy with himself and the world in general, beer and beef agreeing
with him immensely.

"Hallo! Is that what you call doing sentry?" suddenly demands a voice,
which arouses him from his reverie, and in which he recognizes that of
Squire ----, the captain of the day, and the officer commanding the
corps to which the delinquent belongs.

"I was a looking after ye, captain. I thought you'd come some time and
look I up," was the reply, said with charming naïveté.

"What are your orders?" asks the subaltern of the day from a youthful
volunteer, supposed to be guarding the precious water-carts, but
occupied in quarrelling with the cook, who had neglected the men on
duty in the guard tent to which he belonged.

"To watch them waterbutts, sir, but seeing this'un I came away for a
minute to let him know as we aint to be forgotten," replied the sentry.

There were, besides these, various tales told of out-of-the-way
occurrences, such as tricks played off upon sentries, and the very
queer views the men had of a sentry's duty. Going on sentry to the
Wiltshire man was not the like of going to drill. There, at drill, he
had to hold his head up, hold his tongue, and turn right or left at
a moment's notice, whenever somebody shouted out a word of command;
but here, after the corporal had left him, and said some stuff about
looking after the camp, observing his front, and saluting officers, he
had only to walk up and down a certain distance or stand still should
he prefer it. After all, it was only a make believe, and "he warnt
goin' to be made a vool on."

"Why don't you look sharper, sentry? Not one of those fellows to your
left have passes; coming into camp at this time of night!" said an old
hand, drawing the attention of the sentry to some few men leisurely
passing across his beat into camp.

"Aint they though?" inquires Johnny, and proceeds to stop them and to
demand the passes which each produces; meanwhile a goodly multitude of
young rascals without passes, slip in among the tents unknown to our
sentry, and have dodged being absent at roll call.

Another sentry story will suffice. It is a pouring wet night and the
corporal starts on relief duties.

Corporal to relief, on approaching the cooking department, where are
carts and ovens scattered about, "Relief, halt. Where's the sentry?"
"Doan't know. Doan't zee un," said the man whose turn to be relief had
come. "Didn't ask you," savagely retorted the corporal, and raising
his voice, shouted out to the missing sentry, adding, "Where have you
got to?" "Here," said a voice from under a waggon, a few yards inside
the beat. "Here! Call under a waggon, here! Come out this instant. The
colonel will let you know about this to-morrow," exclaimed the angry
corporal, as the dripping man crept from under the shelter of the cart,
and humbly apologized for being there; giving, as an excuse, "That he
hadn't no greatcoat, that it poured 'wuss' enough to wet him through;
and that them 'chimbleys and things' could be seen just as well from
under the cart as 'where you said I was to stand.'"

Allowing leave to be absent from camp was always a difficulty. Tommy
Vol is pretty nearly as bad at shirking parade and exceeding leave as
Tommy Atkins. Getting up at cockcrow and doing extensive motions, or
drilling without arms under the adjutant, is not to his taste, and
if he can have a sick parent or a fair excuse for asking that his
attendance in camp may be excused for a day, he quickly avails himself
of it.

To show the difficulty the following is given. The captain, with
orderly-sergeant and colour-sergeant, very busy over company books and
registers, as the morrow is to be the inspection of the battalion, and
all books and returns in the adjutant's office by 10 a.m. Private Smith
darkens the tent doorway and, respectfully saluting, asks if he might
have leave for to-morrow to go home.

"Certainly not. Couldn't think of it. Inspection to-morrow. Why do you
want it?" asks the captain, and knowing the man, feels assured there
must be good cause. "Please, sir, the missus writes and says as how
the young heifer has calved and be mighty bad, and there beant none
thereabouts as can do her any good, and so she wants me to come at
once." Of course the leave must be granted and the column "absent with
leave" enlarged.

Adjutants, fresh to the work, young lieut.-colonels, and probably
martinet inspecting officers, watch this column with great dislike and
think it unnecessarily large; but after they have served some time,
and become acquainted with the officers and non-commissioned officers
of companies, and learn that men whose retention of a situation, daily
subsistence, and domestic calls, are often dependent on their being
present, will not be so ready to condemn those giving leave for being
too easily persuaded.

The weather was magnificent during the whole week, and on the 24th
the battalion was inspected in camp by Colonel R. Bruce; the honorary
colonel, the Marquis of Bath, being present on parade, and a very
large number of onlookers from the county families and neighbourhood
generally; the officers giving a handsome luncheon to some two hundred
guests at the termination of the review, and having a camp fire later
on.

The muster at the inspection was 532 of all ranks, and the following
remarks were made by the inspecting officer: "I find you much improved
in steadiness on parade, your drill has been well performed, and having
a camp has improved you in every way." Colonel Bruce then added that he
hoped next year to inspect them again in a regimental camp, either at
Warminster or elsewhere, and that as these camps were very expensive,
but most useful, he hoped that the necessary funds would be forthcoming
somehow. After the inspection the hon. colonel, the Marquis of Bath,
gave a dinner to the officers and men, and next day the camp broke up,
and all returned to their various head quarters. This year an officers'
mess and wine fund was formed, and on the 20th, 21st, and 22nd August
the annual meeting of the Wilts County Rifle Association was held at
Salisbury, Captain Knox, V.C., being umpire. On the 27th August the
prizes were given away in the Palace Grounds at Salisbury by Miss
Bathurst, daughter of Sir Fredk. Bathurst, who was president of the
association for the year.

The annual returns of efficients and non-efficients of the corps
comprising the battalion for the year ending November, 1868, were as
follows:--

 +---------------------------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+
 |          Corps.           |  A   |  B  |  C  |  D  |  E  |
 +---------------------------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+
 |Staff                      |   16 |  15 |   1 |  16 |  15 |
 |1st Corps, Salisbury       |  200 | 109 |  18 | 127 | 102 |
 |2nd Corps, Trowbridge      |  159 | 127 |   2 | 129 | 108 |
 |6th Corps, Maiden Bradley  |  100 |  70 |   1 |  71 |  67 |
 |8th Corps, Mere            |  100 |  55 |  12 |  67 |  44 |
 |9th Corps, Bradford        |  100 |  74 |   8 |  82 |  52 |
 |10th Corps, Warminster     |  159 | 102 |  32 | 134 |  90 |
 |13th Corps, Westbury       |  100 |  71 |  12 |  83 |  63 |
 |14th Corps, Wilton         |  159 |  50 |  30 |  80 |  48 |
 |                           +------+-----+-----+-----+-----+
 |  Grand Total of Battalion | 1093 | 673 | 116 | 789 | 589 |
 +---------------------------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+

 A  Maximum Establishment.
 B  Efficients.
 C  Non-Efficients.
 D  Total Enrolled.
 E  Total Efficients Extra.

The year 1869 commenced with a meeting of the officers of the battalion
at Warminster, and it was therein settled that the regimental camp
should be held this year at Salisbury, in the first week of August.
Meetings were subsequently held to consider details, and to ascertain
how far it was possible to make these camps less costly.

The Mayor of Portsmouth having intimated a wish that a field day
in conjunction with the regular army on Southsea Common should be
organized, a meeting of officers commanding volunteer battalions in
the neighbouring counties took place at Portsmouth, which resulted
in a field day on some scale being held at Southsea Common on the
26th April. There were present about 3000 of the regular army, and
perhaps 5500 of the Volunteer Force; to which the 1st Administrative
Battalion Wilts contributed nearly 500 of all ranks. After a march
past, an attack on the forts and outworks round the town (which do not
now exist) was made; but probably it was unsuccessful, as guns were
conspicuous by their absence on the part of the attackers, and no fire
being returned from the embrasures showed that either there was no one
at home, or that we as an enemy were held somewhat in contempt. It
spoke well for the stuff of which volunteer battalions are composed,
that on the 1st Wilts Administrative Battalion assembling at the place
appointed for them in the town of Portsmouth, they were proved and then
dismissed, with orders to reassemble at the same place and in the same
order two hours later, the arms being piled and a few men detailed as
caretakers over them. Before the expiry of the two hours, each man was
in his place, sober, and brushed up, and after a while was marching
towards Southsea Common.

On the 2nd August the Second Regimental Camp commenced at Salisbury,
or rather on Homerton Down, ground very inferior for the purpose to
that at Warminster. The local companies pitched the camp, thus saving
some small expense, but the catering both for officers and men was
contracted for as at Warminster previously, Mr. Ward, of "The White
Hart," being the contractor. The weather was not all that could be
desired, and the proximity of two towns, such as Salisbury and Wilton,
no advantage: however, good resulted, and at the inspection of the
battalion by Colonel R. Bruce, on the termination of the camp, he
expressed himself satisfied with the steadiness of the men, the way
the drill was performed, and attributed the general improvement in
discipline and drill to this camp, which he hoped would be every year
repeated. The camp was struck and packed soon after daybreak next day,
and after breakfast all returned homewards.

The expense of this camp was £543, and was partly met by subscriptions
amounting to £458--the travelling allowance of 4_s._ per man,
sanctioned by the War Office to all corps not within a certain distance
of the head quarters, being taken to make up the difference, thus
creating an additional expense to the officers and supporters of
corps coming from a distance, as having to meet their own travelling
expenses. The muster at inspection showed 554 of all ranks.

It was determined by the committee for camp management, assembling at
Warminster on the 4th March, 1870, that the regimental camp should be
held in the first week of August at Warminster, on the downs, but that
as a means of lessening the expenses several important alterations
should be made. The time spent in camp should be less. The volunteers
to enter on Tuesday, and break up on Saturday; that they should be
supplied with rations, and each corps make its own arrangements for the
cooking of the same, and that the pitching and striking of the camp
should be done entirely by themselves.

On the 3rd August the battalion assembled in camp, and without further
aid than that supplied them through the knowledge of camp details by
the commanding officer and regimental staff, succeeded in a very short
time in pitching the camp most correctly. The rations consisted of
1-1/4 lb. of meat, 1/2 lb. of potatoes, 1 lb. of bread, some tea and
sugar, and six-pence the day beer money. All were satisfied, and the
arrangement was found to answer far better than formerly.

On the 5th, the battalion was inspected by Colonel Peel, who, after
pointing out a few faults in the keeping of distances, both in line
and skirmishing, expressed himself as being very well pleased, not
only with the way the drill had been performed, but with the camp
generally, and should make a favourable report. The numbers present at
the inspection were 507 of all ranks.

The officers gave the usual luncheon to the county families at the
termination of the inspection, and the next day, very early in the
morning, the tents were struck, blankets, palliasses, pegs, &c.,
counted and packed, and by 8 a.m. very little beyond straw, paper, and
débris marked where 500 men had been so long encamped.

The expenses of the camp were £230, and the subscriptions towards
meeting this but £161, making the normal deficit.

The novelty of camp was beginning to wear out, and the attendance daily
at parades less numerous than could have been wished. The regiment was
not in reality getting all the good anticipated. The canteen, as ever,
broke in upon punctuality and discipline. Beer and boon companionship
showed themselves at afternoon parades, and at roll call. Silence and
lights out after last post were not preserved. Leave was too often
applied for, and far too many only put in an appearance on the day of
inspection.

The _Army List_ for 1871 was as follows:--

 The Marquis of Bath, _Honorary Colonel_.
 J.F. Everett, _Lieut.-Colonel_.
 T. Clark and C. Penruddocke, _Majors_.
 R.D. Gibney, _Adjutant_.
 William Fawcett, _Quartermaster_.
 Charles Bleeck, _Surgeon_.
 John M. Cardell and _J.S. Seale_, _Assist. Surgeons_.

1st Corps, Salisbury.

 William Pinckney, _Captain_.
 George Smith, _Captain_.
 W.J. Wilton, _Lieut._
 E.F. Kelsey, _Lieut._
 F. Hodding, _Ensign_.
           , _Ensign_.
 T.E. Lee, _Assist. Surgeon_.
 Revd. R.G. Swayne, _Hon. Chap._

2nd Corps, Trowbridge.

 W.P. Clark, _Captain_ (_Comdt._).
 E.P. Stancomb, _Lieut._
 W.P. Clark, Junr., _Ensign_.
 G.C. Tayler, _Assist. Surgeon_.
 Revd. H. Meyer, _Chaplain_.

6th Corps, Maiden Bradley.

              , _Captain_.
 T.K. Harding, _Lieut._
 E.S. Jefferys, _Ensign_.
 Wm. N. Marshall, _Hon. Assist. Surgeon_.
 Revd. R. Rowley, _Hon. Chaplain_.

8th Corps, Mere.

 G. Troyte-Bullock, _Captain_.
 E.A. Card, _Lieut._
           , _Ensign_.
 C. Rumsey, _Assist.-Surgeon_.
 Revd. C.H. Townsend, _Chaplain_.

9th Corps, Bradford.

            , _Captain_.
 William Adye, _Lieut._
 E.M. Davis, _Ensign_.
 Revd. W.H. Jones, _Hon. Chap._

10th Corps, Warminster.

 John Scott, _Captain_.
 H. Ingram, _Lieut._
 H.J. Wakeman, _Lieut._
 T. Ponting, _Ensign_.
 J. Flower, _Assist. Surgeon_.
 Revd. Sir J.E. Philipps, Bart., _Hon. Chaplain_.

13th Corps, Westbury.

 R.L.H. Phipps, _Captain_.
             , _Lieut._
 Samuel T. Stafford, _Ensign_.

14th Corps, Wilton.

              , _Captain_.
 C.R. Clay, _Lieut._
 William Allen, _Ensign_.
 P.J. Bennett, _Assist. Surgeon._
 Revd. D. Olivier, _Chaplain_.

The usual regimental camp was entered this year (1871) on Homerton
Down, near Salisbury, assembling on the 4th August, and to a certain
extent answered its purpose. The battalion being divided into wings,
one half battalion, under the command of Major Clark, was detailed
to make a night attack on the camp protected by the remaining half
battalion, under Major Pinckney, Lieut.-Col. Everett being umpire.
The attacking party were successful; as the camp, extending over a
wide space on the top of a hill, with corn fields, thick gorse, and
bye-paths surrounding it, could not be defended against or repel
a combined attack on any face with so weak a garrison. A feint,
ultimately turned into a real attack, succeeded, and numbers decided
the victory.

On the 9th the battalion was inspected in camp by Colonel Peel, who, as
before, expressed himself satisfied with the progress all were making
in drill, and attributed the proficiency shown in acquiring the new
system of drill to the battalion being altogether in a camp, and to the
zeal of individual members.

As before, a luncheon was given by the officers to the county; and next
day having struck tents, packed stores, &c., the battalion was marched
to Salisbury, and was dismissed to its various head quarters.

This year, Mr. Poynder, of Hardropp Park, Chippenham, in addition to
numberless other prizes given to The County Rifle Association for the
annual competition, offered the sum of £10 to the best drilling and
really efficient company of each battalion: No. 1 Company and No.
10 Company alone entering for competition in this battalion, Major
Hallowes and Captain Collis of the 25th King's Own Borderers acting
as umpires. After a prolonged competition in drill, in which both
acquitted themselves wonderfully accurately and evenly, it was decided
in favour of the 10th Company, Warminster, that company having a larger
number on the parade ground.

 The Expenses of the Camp were     £399.
 Subscriptions                     £253.
 Camp Allowance                     £93.

Leaving a large deficit to be met by the travelling allowance. By
the resignation of the commission of junior major, held by Major
Penruddocke, Captain W. Pinckney was promoted to the rank of field
officer, and W.H. Laverton, Esq., was appointed captain in the 13th
Corps at Westbury.

There was a battalion parade held at Warminster on the 1st April, 1872,
and the officers dined together at the mess afterwards, when it was
agreed that the battalion should join the autumn manœuvres, to be held
in the county and in Dorsetshire in August. It was plain that a short
space of time spent in camp with regulars would be of great benefit to
all, and the system of punctuality and implicit obedience to orders
demanded in such a camp would produce corresponding results hereafter.
There were very many arrangements to be made, as the assistance from
Government, beyond promising rations such as were served out to all
the troops, was nothing at all. Some old great-coats were to be lent,
but little else. A committee, working under the lieutenant-colonel
commanding, and having the advice and assistance of one of the most
energetic and far-seeing of men, in Quartermaster Wm. Fawcett, brother
of the late Mr. Fawcett, M.P., left nothing undone, and on the
departure of the battalion from Salisbury for Blandford, where they
detrained and marched into camp, there was not found to be anything
omitted.

Early in the year the vacancy in the command of the 14th or Wilton
corps was filled up by the appointment of the Earl of Pembroke as
captain; and as that officer immediately attached himself to the
Guards, and afterwards to a regiment of the Line, so as to learn his
duties, the addition of his lordship to the officers of the battalion
was a very great advantage.

The battalion mustered at Blandford nearly 400 of all ranks, without
the band (this luxury not being brought), and they were met a short
distance away from their camp by the band of the 50th Foot, brigaded
with them; the men of which regiment had previously pitched the
battalion camp. Thus by their forethought, and desire to be friendly
and helpful, relieved an inexperienced lot from what would have been an
irksome job, and most probably not done at all according to regulation
or to the satisfaction of the authorities.

Whether the exigencies of the service required it, or whether the
marching in of the battalion from Blandford, the attendance at church
parade next day, or the smartness of guards and pickets, satisfied the
officers in command, is unknown; but without any test as to knowledge
or fitness, the regiment joined in a field day early on Monday, the 2nd
September, under the command of Colonel the Honble. Arthur Hardinge,
C.B., commanding the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division; to which brigade the
1st Administrative Battalion Wilts Rifle Volunteers was attached. In
the afternoon the whole southern army marched past the Prince of Wales
and the Duke of Cambridge, and next day the battalion, as forming part
of the brigade commanded by Colonel Hardinge, took part in the defence
of a position at Critchell attacked by a much larger force. The victory
was unmistakeably gained by Colonel Hardinge, and apparently was
obtained by the simple expedient of allowing himself to be attacked in
front, the only vulnerable point; his flanks being protected by rising
ground and dense woods, previously considered to be impassable by
either party. After some hours of skirmishing, short advances in line,
and refusing tempting opportunities, the attack was brought to an end,
and umpires declared the victory to have been gained by the officer
commanding the 2nd Brigade.

Not improbably, if the services of the volunteers were hastily
required, whole battalions would be at once called into action, and
there would be as little testing of their knowledge of manœuvring,
or even of the use of the rifle, as in these instances. A fortnight
of these divisional and brigade drills might make such men handy and
tolerable skirmishers, but nothing more. The steadiness required in
a retreat, deployments under heavy fire, or when suddenly attacked
by cavalry, would be wanting, and a victorious army on the slightest
check become thoroughly disorganized. Instructions as to any drills,
more especially in those touching upon the defence of positions,
guard duties, pickets, and individual action could not be given on
service; and the absence of a fair knowledge of such matters might
entail ruin on the whole force employed. One thing it most certainly
would do--bring a great diminution of strength in battalions. The
very bravery, contempt or ignorance of danger, and incapability of
self-defence, would decimate the half-taught volunteer battalions.

The 1st Administrative Battalion, Wilts, saw much bloodless service
whilst attending these autumn manœuvres, and learnt how wars were
won, but whether the future tense can be used is not for the writer
to say, he only thinks not. The Battle of Codford was a terrible
battle on paper, and doubtless, with the aid of good district maps,
admirably contrived so that both sides should win, or that defeat was
unlikely. Science and skill were to be the deciders of this great
battle, not murder and panic. Trout streams of varying depths, from
inches to feet, were to be considered rivers, with bridges here and
there broken down by artillery or blown up, so as to delay progress.
Walls and roadside buildings, loop-holed, demanded either delay,
or a detour through fields or swamps to recover the high road, and
artillery were so artfully posted as to be unknown and unseen until
the hail of shot and shell swept away at least a brigade from among
the many advancing, heedless of consequences. These contretemps have
occurred in real warfare. There was a surprise at Moodkee, something
worse at Ferozeshah; bayonets and bravery versus entrenchments and
mistakes at Subraon; and a defeat at Chillianwallah, all in India;
but these happened in days when skill was not so much considered, and
when weapons of destruction and arms of accuracy were quite in their
infancy. The Crimea had taught us something; the Mutinies, China and
Cape wars, more; and the result of the short, but cruel war, between
France and Germany, too recent for its lessons to be forgotten. Besides
all this, what were these autumn manœuvres got up for, but to teach
troops how to fight skilfully, and their commanders to practically
acquire a knowledge of strategy and tactics?

The valley dividing the great ridge, or Grovely Wood, and through
which valley somewhat lazily meandered the Wiley Brook, was the scene
where much of the conflict occurred. Farm houses, cottage gardens, and
water-meadows, half concealed in alder bushes, and low jungle, well
aiding the attack of the bold northern army on the position behind
Grovely Wood, and the great ridge taken up by the southerners. In vain
did the enemy's artillery vomit forth smoke and imaginary shot and
shell from copse and half-hidden points of advantage. The southerners
were not to be scared, but commencing the offensive, poured down upon
the devoted enemy through the paths of the Great Ridge Wood, and
covered by a cloud of skirmishers, drove the enemy from the valley,
dividing the positions of the two forces. Artillery answers artillery,
and cavalry, careless of consequences, chase skirmishers over the
meadows. Now the strategy, or _previous_ arrangements of the south
begin to tell, and gradually the attackers withdraw to their stronghold
across the great river Wiley, there in their turn to be attacked.

Perhaps the strategical part was over, and tactics required
modification; or, it may have been that the lessons in the "New
Primer," reduced to greater simplicity from the German edition on the
subject of warfare, were omitted for the occasion; however, what-ever
was the cause, the minor matters of "bridges blown up," "this part
of river unfordable," "this house is loop-holed," &c., were treated
with the contempt deserved, and men, flushed with victory, risked
their all in running through "unfordable" streams, passing over
"blown-up bridges," or hugging highways whose sides were lined with
"loop-holed" cottages or outhouses. It was no time to stop and consider
these trifles, losing valuable half hours over the restoration of a
bridge, or moving far away to a flank so as to avoid the discharge
from loop-holed barn or house. The heights of Codford, crowned with
artillery and armed men, bid defiance as they rose above the high road
leading to Salisbury, and to take these was to gain the victory.

"Deploy! Deploy!" was the word of command, and brigades extended into
line at the base of the steep hillside, firing volley after volley into
it, preparatory to commencing the ascent. Then came the storm, and,
amid a hail of bullets of imagination, a smother of hot powder, hotter
and thicker from its uncommonly close delivery, a jeer as from an
over-confident enemy, the brave 2nd Brigade struggled up the slippery,
moss-grown chalk hill, and staggering with over-exertion, breathless,
and disorganized, on reaching the summit, fearlessly attacked the
defenders' right, and claimed a victory. There was a pause. The bugles
rang out the "Cease fire," and whilst north and south were wrangling
among themselves as to blunders made, the umpire's decision was given
for the southern army, and parting company, both forces returned to
their camps.

The war ended not here. Yet another encounter took place between
the northern and southern armies before the time arrived for the
1st Administrative Battalion, Wilts, to return homewards. It tried
the marching powers of the volunteers, and appeared to have in it a
definite object and a definite plan; and so far as opening out the
road to London, or to somewhere in that direction, it was decidedly
successful. The flank of the northerners resting on Wishford, was
turned, and there could be no doubt of the inability of the centre and
right to share the glory, even had they come to the aid.

The Grovely Wood, or Great Ridge as it is termed, was an advantage
to the southern force. It extended for many miles continuous with
their right flank, and enabled them at any time to use its various
openings for the purpose of raiding the valley of the Wiley, or for
obtaining information of any changes occurring in the camp of the
enemy, posted on the higher ground between Codford and Wishford. On the
7th September, the battle of Wishford took place, and was commenced
by a large portion of the southern army (using the Great Ridge as
a screen) making a detour to the eastward, and then, when clear,
crossing the Wiley lower down at Wilton, and attacking in force the
left flank of the enemy at the time resting on the undulating ground
above the village of Wishford. The attack was irresistible, and to
all appearances unexpected; the numbers of the attackers being in
excess of the defenders, and no help from centre or flank being given.
Indeed this portion of the northern army had been kept fully employed
during the time occupied by the flank movement of the southerners, by
frequent attacks on it made by the troops holding Great Ridge and the
intervening valley of the Wiley; so that probably their being attacked
in force on the left was a surprise, and doubtless a defeat.

It was a very hard day's work, beginning any short time after daybreak,
lasting until nearly sunset, and it required a man to be the sternest
of disciplinarians not to enter fully into the satisfactory feelings of
H.M. Guards, when, some time before the finish of the day, they were
told by their commanding officer to lie down. "Smoke, if you like,"
added the hardened man, as he expressed himself grateful to the cocked
hat putting him and his regiment out of action till the battle was
over. Misguided man; he had perhaps despised his enemy, or on some
hill, somewhere, artillery were massed, and would play havoc among his
men, and for these he had not allowed. "You should have reduced your
front, sir," said he of the cocked hat, with withering sarcasm in his
tone, adding, "You are out of action until the battle is over."

"Thank God! Lie down, my men," was the impenitent reply of that
colonel.

Tired, hungry, and footsore, the battalion marched back again to
Wilton, and there, whilst the train was preparing by which they should
return homewards, they were hospitably entertained by Captain the Earl
of Pembroke, a proceeding certainly not anticipated earlier in the day,
by the noble host, or his hungry guests.

The following extract from Battalion Orders, dated 21st September,
1872, is given:--

"Lieut.-Colonel Everett has much pleasure in notifying to the battalion
under his command, that he has received a letter from Major-General
the Hon. A.E. Hardinge, C.B., lately commanding the 2nd Brigade, 1st
Division Southern Army, in which he desires the Lieut.-Colonel 'to
express to the regiment his entire approval of its discipline, and his
appreciation of the zeal and efficiency shown by all ranks during the
time they were under his command at the late autumn manœuvres.'"

Thus ended the one week attached to the regular army, and more good
was obtained from it by the battalion than might have been expected.
In no regimental camp can the same strict obedience to any order be
insisted on or carried out. The absolute and complete silence in camp
after "lights out," and that lights are out, is a great point gained;
the clipping of the wings of those rejoicing in proclaiming dawn, and
forcing such early birds to remain all still within their tents, until
the bugle note gives freedom; the punctuality on parade, fitness of
arms and uniform, respectful salute, and self-respect, are among the
many things acquired by being brigaded with regulars.

There was a regimental camp held the next year, 1873, on Warminster
Down, at which the attendance was not so large and continuous as could
be desired. It commenced on Monday, 4th August, breaking up early on
Saturday, the 9th, but much was against work and discipline. The first
two days were bitterly cold and wet, preventing parades, and either
detaining the men in their tents or filling the canteen marquee. A
moment's cessation of the downpour and the bugle summoned a parade, but
there it ended, and once again tents and canteen were occupied. These
two days' wet undid much of the good received from the camp with the
regulars, of the previous year.

On Friday the 8th, the battalion was inspected by Colonel Parish,
C.B., commanding the 38th Depôt at Devizes, who expressed himself
as satisfied; and after the usual luncheon given by the officers to
the county and visitors, the prizes won at the Wilts County Rifle
Association were given away by Lady Folkestone on behalf of the Earl
of Pembroke, who was president of the association for the year.
The field state at inspection only showed a total of 484, but the
reason for this falling off is not difficult to discover. One company
situated at Mere, on the borders of Dorsetshire, had great expenses
entailed upon them in attending camps or battalion drills, and were
to a great extent dependent on one large landholder for support, and
as expenses increased and supplies decreased, so was it with numbers
and efficiency, and twenty-five, all told, was now the strength of
the 8th Corps. No. 6 Corps, a body of men second to none for regular
attendance, fair knowledge of drill, discipline, and general set up,
were also conspicuous by their absence. They were almost entirely
composed of tenants on the estate of the Duke of Somerset at Maiden
Bradley, having been raised and commanded by the eldest son of his
Grace, and on his resignation, again were commanded by another son,
Lord St. Maur; whose untimely death, near Bombay, in an encounter
with a wounded bear, created a vacancy, which vacancy was filled up
by the promotion of Lieutenant H.B. Festing, agent to the Duke of
Somerset. The influence of this officer latterly was not favourable to
the support of the corps; and being agent to the Duke, gave him both
influence and power. Gradually the attendance at squad and adjutant's
drills diminished, and on this occasion of a camp and inspection, none
put in an appearance, consequently the corps was ineffective, and
ceased to exist, not only to the regret of the officers and men of the
battalion generally, but to many of the company.

 The Expenses of the Camp were   £190
 Subscriptions                   £120

The _Army List_, for 1874, was thus:--

 The Marquis of Bath, _Honorary Colonel_.
 J.F. Everett, _Lieut.-Colonel_.
 T. Clark and W. Pinckney, _Majors_.
 R.D. Gibney, _Adjutant_.
 W. Fawcett, _Quartermaster_.
 C.J. Bleeck, _Surgeon_.
 L.L. Seale, _Assist. Surgeon_.

1st Corps, Salisbury.

 George Smith, _Captain_ (_Comdt._).
             , _Captain_.
 E.F. Kelsey, _Lieut._
 F. Hodding, _Lieut._
 T.E. Lee, M.B., _Assist. Surgeon_.
 Revd. R.G. Swayne, _Hon. Chap._

2nd Corps, Trowbridge.

 W.P. Clark, _Captain_ (_Comdt._).
 E.P. Stancomb, _Lieut._
 W.P. Clark, Junr., _Lieut._
 J.H. Foley, _Lieut._
 W.J. Mann, _Lieut._
 G.C. Tayler, M.B., _Assist. Surg._
 Revd. H. Meyer, _Hon. Chaplain_.

8th Corps, Mere.

 G. Troyte Bullock, _Captain_.
 E.A. Card, _Lieut._
 W.N. Marshall, _Lieut._
 C. Rumsey, _Assist. Surgeon_.
 Revd. H.B. Townsend, _Chaplain_.

9th Corps, Bradford.

 William Adye, _Captain_.
 C.M. Davis, _Lieut._
 T.W. Dunn, _Lieut._
 Revd. W.H. Jones, _Hon. Chap._

10th Corps, Warminster.

 John Scott, _Captain_.
 H. Ingram, _Lieut._
 H.J. Wakeman, _Lieut._
 T. Ponting, _Lieut._
 J. Flower, _Assist. Surgeon_.
 Revd. Sir J.E. Philipps, Bart., _Chaplain_.

13th Corps, Westbury.

 William H. Laverton, _Captain_.
 J.P. Hall, _Lieut._

14th Corps, Wilton.

 The Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery, _Captain_.
 C.R. Clay, _Lieut._
 William Allen, _Lieut._
 T.J. Bennett, M.D., _Assist. Surg._
 Revd. D. Olivier, _Hon. Chaplain_.

Easter Monday was fixed upon for a battalion drill, on the high ground
above Warminster, and the attendance was fairly good. There being no
hastening away to catch trains, or any sufficient reason for the parade
being otherwise than really instructive, advantage was taken of the
circumstance by the lieut.-colonel in command, and it was the fault of
those who were so patiently and carefully drilled, if some knowledge
of manœuvring was not acquired. It was bitterly cold, but dry. The
officers messed together at the "Bath Arms," preparatory to the various
companies entering the train for their respective head quarters.

On Friday the 31st July, 1874, the battalion assembled at Salisbury,
and marched to its camping ground on Homerton Down, and after one
week's good honest work, were inspected by Colonel Parish, C.B.,
commanding the depôt. The inspecting officer expressed himself as
gratified with the way the drill had been performed, and of the
arrangements in camp: but he was extremely so at the result of a sudden
alarm, given at 9.45 p.m. on the previous night, when he happened to
be in the camp, no previous intimation of such being likely to occur,
having been even hinted to any officer or man.

Within ten minutes of the "alarm" every officer and man was in his
position, and the roll call was answered faithfully. It spoke well for
the discipline of the battalion, and elicited the following remarks
from the inspecting officer in the order issued to the battalion on its
inspection next day:--

"A sudden alarm in camp last night showed the effect of good
discipline; the whole battalion turned out most creditably and took up
their position as well as any regiment of regulars or others could have
done. This is a good proof, if any were needed, of the benefit of camp
life. The inspecting officer will be able to make a most favourable
report on all he has seen, and congratulates the regiment on having so
admirably exerted itself and so well upheld the credit of the county
forces, &c., &c." The numbers on parade at inspection were 457. The
expenses of the camp amounted to £292, met by subscriptions, letting
canteen, and Government camp allowance to the extent of £232.

In the year 1875, Major W. Pinckney resigned the position of major in
the battalion, and Captain the Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery of the
Wilton Company accepted the vacant commission; Assist.-Surgeon Bennett
of the Wilton Company being appointed junior assistant surgeon to the
battalion. In No. 1 Corps, Salisbury, Lieut. Kelsey was promoted to be
captain, and A.H. Lush and G.W. Hamilton Gordon appointed lieutenants;
Captain Troyte Bullock resigning his commission in the 8th Corps, Mere.

On Easter Monday a battalion drill was held at Warminster, but sleet,
hail, and rain were against much being done. The attendance was good.
At the mess dinner afterwards held, previous to the time of departure
of the battalion, it was arranged for the annual camp to be held
on the downs as usual, and this took place on the 2nd August; the
regiment marching in only 177, though each day showed an improvement in
attendance.

At the inspection the field return exhibited 553 of all ranks, and the
way the drills were performed, and increased steadiness of all, called
forth much commendation from the inspecting officer.

This year saw the extinction of another company attached to the
battalion--No. 8 Corps--its head quarters at Mere. It was raised in
1859 through the influence of the Chafyn Grove family at Zeals, and
commanded for some time by Captain Chafyn Grove, Grenadier Guards, and
at his death supported, or rather kept efficient, through the influence
and pecuniary support of Miss Chafyn Grove, of Zeals House. This being
withdrawn, the numbers making themselves efficient became gradually
less, and this year saw the battalion reduced to six corps, with their
head quarters at Salisbury, Trowbridge, Bradford, Warminster, Westbury
and Wilton.

If proof were wanting of the value of influence and support from
county families to corps forming part of what was then termed an
Administrative Battalion, this and Maiden Bradley are good instances.
Had it not been for help both personally and by money from the nobility
and gentry of counties, few, if any, county corps could have been
raised at all, nor could they have existed six months. To prevent the
total collapse of the Volunteer Force the Government of the day came
tardily and unwillingly to their assistance, giving with a niggard
hand, but demanding much in return. To meet these demands always was,
and ever has been, a source of difficulty and expense to officers
and men; and where these had not the command of funds there was no
possibility of the corps becoming sufficiently efficient. A capitation
grant, insufficient to cover the expenses of uniform, accoutrements,
rents, practice grounds, targets, and fair wear and tear; a camp
allowance very far below the expense incurred, and limiting the
numbers attending; travelling expenses calculated on an idea that
giving up a day's work and performing walking feats worthy of the
best professionals was a common pursuit among country folk--made the
support of corps such as Mere and Bradley a difficult matter, and
resulted in their extinction. In both these corps, good officers and
non-commissioned officers, added to a great number of men, and these of
a very valuable class, have been lost to the State.

A summary of annual returns ending 1st November, 1875, is herewith
given:--

1st Administrative Battalion Wiltshire Rifle Volunteers.

Summary of Annual Returns, 1st November, 1875.

 KEY TO COLUMN HEADINGS:
 No. of Corps.                               A
 Maximum Establishment.                      B
 Efficients.                                 C
 Non-Efficients.                             D
 Total Enrolled.                             E
 Officers.                                   F
 Sergeants.                                  G
 Percentage of Efficients to Total Strength. H
 +---------------+-----------------------------+---------------+-----+
 |               |                             | Certificates  |     |
 |               |                             |      of       |     |
 | Head Quarters |                             | Proficiency.  |     |
 |      of       +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-------+-------+-----+
 |    Corps.     |  A  |  B  |  C  |  D  |  E  |   F   |   G   |  H  |
 +---------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-------+-------+-----+
 | Salisbury     |   1 | 200 | 162 |  11 | 173 |     3 |     8 |  94 |
 | Trowbridge    |   2 | 200 | 168 |  20 | 188 |     4 |     8 |  89 |
 | Bradford      |   9 | 100 |  59 |   6 |  65 |     2 |     4 |  91 |
 | Warminster    |  10 | 159 | 100 |  16 | 116 |     3 |     6 |  86 |
 | Westbury      |  13 | 100 |  60 |   5 |  65 |     1 |     3 |  92 |
 | Wilton        |  14 | 100 |  77 |   6 |  83 |     2 |     4 |  93 |
 | Staff         |     |  13 |  12 |   1 |  13 |     3 |       |  92 |
 +---------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-------+-------+-----+
 |               |     | 872 | 638 |  65 | 703 |    18 |    33 |  91 |
 +---------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-------+-------+-----+

 (Signed)      Robert Dwarris Gibney, _Captain,
                  Adjutant 1st A.B. Wilts Rifle Volunteers_.

 The Expenses of the Camp for 1875 were   £208
 Subscriptions                             £67
 Camp Allowance                            £59

On the 17th April, 1876, a battalion drill took place at Warminster,
and afterwards at a mess dinner arrangements were made for holding
the usual annual regimental camp on Warminster Down, and accordingly
on Monday, 7th August, the various corps assembled at Warminster. The
"marching in" state was 228. The weather being threatening, no time was
lost in getting tents up, and this was done none too soon, for the rain
fell heavily and continued to do so more or less during the encampment;
Captain Hume, of the 45th Regiment, acting frequently as adjutant owing
to the ill health of Captain Gibney.

A wet camp is never very satisfactory--the canteen takes too much the
place of the parade ground; and it was so now: the lessons in "lights
out" and silence in camp from that time until the first bugle, taught
at the autumn manœuvres, being forgotten.

The inspection return showed 553 on parade, the same number as in
the previous year, but the attention given to orders and general
movements of the men on the parade ground was somewhat below former
years. Certainly the camp this year was decidedly not quite a success.
The cold squally weather drove many home on leave, and kept all from
work; so that the day of inspection saw numbers crowding in from the
district, and not a few, although they had been present all the camp,
very ignorant of their duties. However, the inspecting officer was
satisfied, and repeated his observations of previous inspections.

At the conclusion of the parade, the battalion formed three sides of a
square facing towards a dais, when the prizes won by members of corps
at recent competitions were presented to the successful competitors by
Mrs. Everett, wife of the lieut.-colonel commanding the battalion.

The usual Easter Monday drill for 1877 was held at Warminster on
the 2nd April, and the usual annual camp was held at Homerton Down,
Salisbury. The day of entering being a Bank Holiday, the afternoon was
given to sports, and many a hard struggle at the tug of war came off
between companies during the course of the afternoon. Perhaps, at this
particular exhibition of strength or pulling powers, the Wilton Corps
won oftenest, though Warminster run them very closely.

Next day work began in earnest, and with it the rain; thereby making
everybody useless and uncomfortable. The inspection took place on the
8th, conducted by Colonel Parish, C.B., commanding the depôt; but as
continual hail-storms and rain broke up the parade very frequently,
and necessitated the inspector and his aide taking shelter in the
Grand Stand, it was somewhat hard for him to say how evolutions were
performed; however, Colonel Parish was satisfied, and said so.

After some hours the weather cleared, and the prizes won at the
County Rifle Meeting were given away by the Countess of Pembroke and
Montgomery.

 The Expenses of this Camp were £362
 Subscriptions                   £10
 Camp Allowance                  £57

Leaving a very serious deficit to be made up somehow among these
would-be defenders of the country or their friends.

Among the officers resigning their commissions, or lost to the
battalion through the age clause or some other hard and fast rule
being applied, was that of Captain J. Scott, commanding the 10th, or
Warminster Corps, the _Army List_ for 1878 not having that among the
number of names as belonging to the 1st Administrative Battalion Wilts
Rifle Volunteers. To this officer's generosity, zeal, and shrewd common
sense, the Warminster Corps were much indebted, and he was one who
could be ill spared from the battalion. John Scott, of Warminster, was
well known all round, and had become a feature in the battalion, more
especially in the regimental camp. Hard-working, genial, though rough
of speech, doing his own duty thoroughly, and decidedly interested in
such being done by all--Captain Scott was very much missed by being
absent from the camp assembled at Warminster on Friday, the 2nd August,
1878.

The inspection took place on the 7th, the field state showing 637 as
being present, and the attendance throughout the week having been each
day fairly equal. The result was decent drilling at the inspection. The
officer performing this duty was Colonel Jordan, C.B., who expressed
himself as being altogether very much satisfied with the way the
battalion executed the movements it was called upon to perform. Colonel
Jordan said that he "had seen many battalions of volunteers, but a
prettier little battalion than this of Wiltshire he had not seen. The
smart and tidy appearance of the men, and the condition of the arms and
accoutrements, reflected the greatest credit on all the officers and
non-commissioned officers of the battalion, &c."

The rain setting in before nightfall prevented the usual al-fresco
entertainment of singing round the great camp fire. It poured in
torrents, making the camp wet and miserable, and as the tents were
too wet to be struck, and expense was a consideration, the battalion
later on marched down to Warminster, leaving the camp standing, and
each corps proceeded homewards. To strike these tents, pack stores, and
guard the ground during the continuance of the deluge was a new source
of expense to the battalion.

 The Expenses of the Camp were £300
 Subscriptions                  £30
 Camp Allowance earned         £106

Leaving more than the usual deficit.

There being a war scare, and it appearing probable that the country
might be engaged, the following order was issued by the commanding
officer, as being a subject for the consideration of a committee of
officers assembled for another purpose:--"The committee will consider
in what manner the battalion could best offer its services to the
country in case of its being engaged in a foreign war, and to ascertain
what might be the average strength of the battalion available for
permanent garrison duty."

The result was, that it should offer its services as a battalion; and
that, provided pay and the usual allowances were passed, about 150 men
could be permanently guaranteed for general duty. The annual return, as
made up from the returns of corps, showed the effects of the war fever.
In 1877, the total efficients were 598, but in 1878 they rose to 704.

Early in the year 1879 there was the usual Easter Monday battalion
drill at Warminster, and later on the officers messed together and made
arrangements for a regimental camp, to be held at Warminster on the
4th August. It was a wet camp--almost every day rain--thereby limiting
the duration of parades, and the attendance; but discipline was well
preserved, and good resulted to the battalion at large.

On Thursday, the 7th August, His Royal Highness Prince Leopold, at
that time living in the neighbourhood, honoured the officers, and
their wives and friends, with his company at luncheon. He was received
by the commanding officer and the other officers at the entrance to
the mess tent, a guard of honour being on duty meanwhile. His Royal
Highness afterwards attended the afternoon parade, receiving a royal
salute, followed by the marching past him of the battalion. On the 8th
August, the battalion was very closely inspected by Colonel Bythesea,
commanding 38th Depôt, showing a total on parade of 589. The battalion
did fairly well, but the constant wet was against their working smartly
in any loose formations, where individual knowledge, or really common
sense, is brought into play. The "attack" would not have hurt any
but the attackers. Colonel Bythesea remarked that it would be gross
flattery on his part to say that everything which he had witnessed on
that occasion was perfect, and he need hardly tell them, that in many
particulars there was ample room for improvement. The unfavourable
state of the weather, of course, had interfered considerably with the
work of the camp, and might account for one or two of the shortcomings
which he had noticed. He was especially pleased with the state in which
he found the camp, and great credit was due to the battalion on this
account.

 The Expenses of the Camp amounted to £318
 Subscriptions                         £30
 Camp Allowance                       £117

This year brought with it the retirement of Major T. Clark, an officer
of very long standing, not only in the battalion but in the Volunteer
Force generally; he having held the commission of a captain in the
Trowbridge Rifle Corps from the latter end of the year 1859 until
promoted major in the year 1862--at that time there being only one
major in the battalion. The long connection of this officer with the
battalion, his constant attendance at battalion drills, camps, and
reviews, and the frequency of his being in command of the battalion,
had made him so thoroughly a part of it that it was some time before
his absence could be fully realized. His genial hospitality, kindness
of heart, and willingness to overcome difficulties, made him loved
and respected by all knowing him well. At an age when most men begin
very much to appreciate the comforts of home, and indeed to whom it
is necessary that exposure to sudden changes of weather be none too
frequent, Major Clark joined the volunteers, and from that time for
twenty years did he give not only his time but very liberally from his
means to the furtherance of the movement. Major Clark knew and did his
duty, and endeavoured to make others do the same. It was through county
and other gentlemen, such as Major Clark, taking commissions which
helped so much to make the Volunteer Force not only respectable, but to
respect itself, and it ever will be so. The Volunteer Force, excepting
when embodied and directly under the command of a general officer,
can never be held together by the rules and regulations of the Army.
The position of the non-commissioned officers, often large traders,
shop-keepers, men of business, &c., and of the rank and file, fathers
of families, small farmers, shop assistants, school-masters, attorneys'
clerks and small tradesmen, preclude their being all governed by
one hard and fast rule and managed accordingly. If the Volunteer
Force, more especially that part of it, whether artillery, cavalry or
infantry, where the majority of the men are country folk, are to be
kept up in numbers and to be an inexpensive but useful addition to the
army generally, then the officers, especially the field officers of
battalions, must be selected men--men of fair wealth and good county
position. W.H. Fowle, Esq., was appointed to the vacant majority.

 Head Quarters, Warminster,
 _1st November, 1879_.

1st Administrative Battalion, Wiltshire Rifle Volunteers. Summary of
the Annual Return.

 KEY TO TABLE HEADINGS:
 No. of Corps.                               A
 Maximum Establishment.                      B
 Efficients.                                 C
 Non-Efficients.                             D
 Total Enrolled.                             E
 Officers.                                   F
 Sergeants.                                  G
 Percentage of Efficients to Total Strength. H
 +---------------+-----------------------------+---------------+-----+
 |               |                             | Certificates  |     |
 |               |                             |      of       |     |
 | Head Quarters |                             | Proficiency.  |     |
 |      of       +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-------+-------+-----+
 |    Corps.     |  A  |  B  |  C  |  D  |  E  |   F   |   G   |  H
 +---------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-------+-------+-----+
 | Salisbury     |  1  | 200 | 152 |   1 | 153 |   5   |   11  |  99 |
 | Trowbridge    |  2  | 200 | 192 |  15 | 207 |   4   |   10  |  93 |
 | Bradford      |  9  | 100 |  59 |   3 |  62 |   1   |    4  |  95 |
 | Warminster    | 10  | 160 |  84 |   0 |  84 |   2   |    7  | 100 |
 | Westbury      | 13  | 100 |  91 |   7 |  98 |   2   |    4  |  93 |
 | Wilton        | 14  | 100 |  79 |   2 |  81 |   3   |    5  |  98 |
 | Staff         |     |  15 |  10 |   0 |  10 |   1   |    0  | 100 |
 |               +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-------+-------+-----+
 |               |     | 875 | 667 |  28 | 695 |  18   |   41  |  98 |
 +---------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-------+-------+-----+

 (Signed)       Robert Dwarris Gibney, _Major,
                    Adjutant 1st A.B. Wilts Rifle Volunteers_.

There was no Easter Monday battalion drill for 1880, but a committee of
officers assembled on the 12th April at Warminster to audit accounts
and to make arrangements for the year.

On the 31st July, 1880, the battalion mustered in Salisbury and marched
to the racecourse, there to be encamped. The muster was good and the
weather favourable, so much was learned, and none could complain that
spare time hung heavily on them. The battalion was closely inspected
by Colonel Bythesea, commanding 38th Depôt, on the 6th August, and
certainly did well, though the roughness of the weather and high wind
rendered "orders" difficult to catch. The numbers on the parade were
559 of all ranks; not a few of these, selfish as to what might result,
or wrapped up in the belief that they were sufficiently well-drilled
to pass inspection, had not put in a previous attendance during the
whole encampment. At the conclusion of the inspection Colonel Bythesea
remarked "That he had had an opportunity of seeing them unofficially
the day previously, and was then very much pleased with their drill,
more so indeed than on the present occasion. He might tell them that
this was owing to the fact of the men in camp yesterday having been
there since the first day, thereby continuously learning, and making
the battalion to appear to greater disciplinary advantage than it did
to-day. Many of the men who were on the inspection parade this day
only arrived in the morning, not having attended previously." After
a pause he added, "A week's camp did them undoubted good, and next
year he hoped to see an appreciation of this fact in a larger and
more continuous attendance thereon, under their able and energetic
commanding officer, Colonel Everett, than whom none was more earnest
in the welfare of the battalion." The inspecting officer concluded his
remarks by pointing out how well the "attack" drill under Major the
Earl of Pembroke had been carried out, and trusted that more attention
might be given to "individual efficiency." The camp was struck and
despatched early on the morning of the 7th, and all returned to the
various headquarters.

 The Expenses of the Camp were                     £401
 Subscriptions received                             £35
 Camp Allowance from Government                    £349
 The Capitation Grant obtained for Efficiency for
   the Battalion was                              £1133

In aid of the battalion funds a grand bazaar was held on the 6th and
7th October, 1880, in Wilton Park, by the kind permission of the Earl
and Countess of Pembroke and Montgomery. The opening day was worse
than wet--a heavy downfall of rain, such rain as precluded the hope of
purchasers, much more distant visitors. Amidst the damp and gloom the
various stalls, laden with really very beautiful, rare, and valuable
articles, were decked out in their brightest, and stall-keepers peered
through the downpour for customers. Here and there damp people showed,
and if not only intent on using the large sale tent for shelter, might
invest a trifle; but it looked bad for the disposal of saleables, and
the bargains were much confined to mutual dealings. His Royal Highness
Prince Leopold and the Marquess of Bath were amongst the patrons.
The patronesses were the Marchioness of Bath, the Marchioness of
Westminster, the Countess of Pembroke, the Countess of Nelson, Lady
Arundell of Wardour, Lady Antrobus, Lady Gertrude Bouverie, Lady Ellen
Gordon, Lady Theodore Guest, Lady Doreen Long, Lady Lilian Paulet, Lady
Octavia Shaw Stewart, Lady Trafalgar, Lady Charles Wellesley, Mrs.
Moberley, Mrs. Penruddocke, Mrs. J.P. Edwards, Mrs. M.K. Marsh, Mrs.
Fane Benett Stanford, Mrs. Fane de Salis, Mrs. Alfred Seymour, &c. The
stalls were held by the Marchioness of Bath, Mrs. Everett, Mrs. Gibney,
Mrs. Kelsey, Mrs. Hadding, Mrs. W.B. Clark, Mrs. Stancomb, Mrs. Wakeman
and Mrs. Ponting; Major Gibney undertaking the gallery of illustrations
and shooting gallery.

Towards the latter part of the day the weather somewhat improved, and
fair faces and importunity relieved the visitors from being embarrassed
with riches. Raffles, shooting galleries on a small scale, were in full
swing, and helped to swell the day's receipts. Next day, as regards
rain, there was not any; fine, but very wet under foot. Nevertheless,
the company of sightseers were numerous, and stall-keepers did a good
business; but it was evident that many had come to buy, and spent their
money without stint. The object was a good one; and at inspections and
other times few there were of any position in the county who had not
accepted hospitality from the battalion. Altogether, thanks entirely to
the generosity and consideration of the Earl of Pembroke, the bazaar
was a success; and with the amounts received from the two bazaars
subsequently held at Warminster and Trowbridge, realised the very
handsome sum of £400.

The _Army List_ for 1881 no longer recognised separate corps. The whole
volunteer force was consolidated, and the 1st Wilts Rifle Battalion was
thus, January 1881:--

 _Honorary Colonel._
 Bath, Marquis of.

 _Lieutenant-Colonel._
 Everett, J.F.

 _Majors._
 Pembroke and Montgomery, Earl of.
 Fowls, W.H.

 _Captains._
 Clark, W.P.
 Laverton, W.H.
 Adye, W.
 Kelsey, E.F.
 Stancomb, E.P.
 Wakeman, H.J.
 Hodding, F.

 _Lieutenants._
 Clark, W.P., Junior.
 Mann, W.J.
 Ponting, T.
 Hall, N.P.
 Allen, W.
 Gordon, Hamilton G.W.
 Flower, T.
 Clark, T.H.
 Wilson, R.A.
 Wilson, G.N.
 Pinniger, H.D.

 _Adjutant._
 Gibney, R.D. (_Hon. Major_).

 _Quartermaster._
 Fawcett, W.

 _Surgeons._
 Bennett, T.J.M., M.D.
 Tayler, G.C., M.B.
 Lee, F.F., M.B.

 _Acting Surgeon._
 Hinton, J.

 _Chaplains._
 Jones, Revd. W.H.
 Philipps, Revd. Sir J.E., Bart.
 Olivier, Revd. D.
 Meyer, Revd. H., M.A.
 Cowley-Brown, Revd. G.J.

The officers met at Warminster on the 30th March, 1881, to make
arrangements for the year, auditing accounts, and to consider how best
it would be to act so that the battalion might attend at the Royal
Review to be held, later on at Windsor.

On the 9th July the various companies left their headquarters at some
unearthly hour in the morning, and marching to various stations on the
Great Western Railway, between Salisbury and Trowbridge, were picked
up by the special train and proceeded onwards to Slough. Here they
detrained, and were hastily proved and equalised; no time being lost
in this, as each company had brought with it a "present state," which
was given over to the adjutant on entering the train, and numbers of
companies with their strength, arranged by him previous to reaching
their destination; the strength of the battalion on the occasion being
599. The total number of volunteers present were 52,000.

There were a good many difficulties to contend with previous to the
battalion leaving for Slough. The railway company appeared to be
undecided as to their charges, and somewhat exacting as to where
trains should stop so as to pick up companies. To these magnates,
railway directors, it seemed but a little matter whether a volunteer
regiment or company marched a few additional miles out and home to
join a train which could, but would not, pull up at a nearer station.
Then the feeding arrangements were decidedly precarious; and as men
leaving home about 3 A.M., and not returning until about the same hour
next day, all wearing tight uniforms with little room to stow away
provisions, would be hungry, it was necessary to ensure a supply of
food. Contractors in London had agreed to meet the want, but something
at the last moment occurred to upset the arrangement, and on the day
previous to starting this battalion found itself unprovided for. It
was a very serious consideration. The men, scattered all over the
county, had been given to understand that provisions would be found on
the ground, and there was no time to alter previous arrangements; but
Quartermaster W. Fawcett was a man of resources, and between travelling
and telegraphing overcame the difficulty.

It was necessary to have meat and drink for six hundred hungry men on
the morrow by noon in Windsor Park, and Mr. Fawcett met the difficulty
by hiring a medium-sized furniture van, in which beer, wine, bread,
cheese, and pasties of pig's flesh (said to be) for about one thousand
individuals were stowed away (the pasties making were the night's work
for half the cooks at Salisbury), and the van with its contents placed
upon a truck and conveyed with the regiment to Slough. Here horses,
previously telegraphed for, were found, and when all was ready the
feeding van followed the battalion into the Royal demesne of Windsor,
causing it to be, after all, far better provisioned than many hailing
much nearer home. Hungry men are not very particular, but the pasty
was----

The day was very fine, and the review a complete success. Among the
thousands of volunteers wandering about the Park (being dismissed on
arrival until the assembly should sound) not one case of the slightest
impropriety occurred. It was a grand sight; so many citizen soldiers
drawn up in column, and afterwards marching past their sovereign; held
together, as her defenders, by no stern military codes. The love of
country, respect for law and order, had made these, and four times
these, study the art of war; and now one quarter of the whole, drawn
from all parts of her kingdom, assembled to do her honour. God grant
that their services may be never required for sterner purposes.

The following general order by H.R.H. the Commander-in-Chief was
published:--

 "Windsor,
 "_10th July, 1881_.

  "The Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief having received the Queen's
  commands to express the gratification and pleasure with which Her
  Majesty yesterday reviewed so large a force of her volunteer troops
  in the Great Park at Windsor, and Her Majesty's entire satisfaction
  with the soldier-like appearance and bearing of all ranks, His Royal
  Highness desires, without delay, to notify Her Majesty's commands to
  the forces.

  "The troops reviewed consisted of 96 battalions, besides the Royal
  Naval Artillery and the Honourable Artillery Company, the whole
  composing upwards of 52,000 officers and men, representing the
  volunteers of England and Wales.

  "The concentration and subsequent disposal to their homes of so
  large a body in so short a time would have been impossible without
  proper subordination and strict obedience to orders, and judging
  by the punctual performance of the railway service as well as
  by his own observation of the battalions from the time of their
  arrival to the close of the Review, His Royal Highness is satisfied
  that the discipline and endurance of all ranks would do credit to
  troops employed on permanent service, and are worthy of the highest
  commendation.

  "The Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief was most favourably impressed
  with the military bearing of the officers and men, both on and off
  parade; and His Royal Highness begs to thank the volunteers of
  all ranks, the general staff officers of the force, the medical
  officers attached to the field hospitals, and the staff officers
  for railway service for the accurate and successful performance of
  their respective duties. His Royal Highness's thanks are also due to
  the railway authorities for their hearty co-operation and untiring
  exertions, without which so large a concentration of troops could not
  have been effected.

 "By command,
 "C.H. Ellice, _Adjt.-General_."

On the 23rd July the Lord Mayor of London entertained the commanding
officers of all the volunteer battalions represented at the Review at
Windsor on the 9th July, at a banquet in the Mansion House; Colonel
J.F. Everett, as representing this battalion, was among his Lordship's
guests.

Notwithstanding the battalion having been present so recently at
the Review in Windsor Park, the usual regimental camp was held. It
commenced on the 30th July at Warminster, and the annual inspection
took place on the 5th August; Colonel Bythesea, commanding 38th Depôt
Brigade, being the inspecting officer; the numbers present on parade
being 573. After the inspection Colonel Bythesea made the following
remarks to the battalion. "He was glad to have an opportunity of
meeting them for the third time, and was very much pleased at their
appearance and the creditable way in which they had performed their
duties. They had turned out clean and in good order, all their
appointments and clothing being very good." After saying it was not his
duty to always complain, the inspecting officer proceeded to remark on
the want of attention to little things which should be amended. "In
yesterday's drill, as also to-day, there was shown to have been a want
of attention to both company and squad drill, and yet for the correct
execution of manœuvres a knowledge of these drills was essential;"