Among the officers of the Wiltshire Rifle Volunteers accepting the offer of fourteen days' musketry instruction at the School of Musketry, Hythe (entirely to be at their own expense) was Captain (Major) T. Clark of this company. At the same time there were present at the school from the battalion the Marquis of Bath, Captain Charles Penruddocke, and Captain Pickwick. The course was the longer one epitomized, and answered its purpose well. Indeed, absolute experience makes it no exaggeration to say that almost as much good, so far as the use of the rifle is concerned, and to teach the same, was obtained inthis short course as from the longer of two months' duration. It scarcely requires an officer to be detached from his regiment for two months, so that he may learn how to do position drill, hold his rifle straight, strike the bull's-eye, or do skirmishing, volley, or independent firing. All this, and everything besides, including register-keeping, lecturing, brown mixture, and even laws of motion, to say nothing of mean deviation and attraction of gravity, could be equally well and probably more thoroughly taught at the headquarters of a regiment than at the more pretentious place. If an adjutant can be made at home, and as such directs and instructs, so at least can be the musketry instructor. The Trowbridge Rifle Corps possessed among themselves very many good shots, but among these Sergeant Graham stood pre-eminent. His shooting was uniformly good, and at the Wimbledon Meeting of 1863 he stood second in all Great Britain for the Queen's Prize, his magnificent shooting leaving it doubtful until his last shot at the distance of one thousand yards as to whether he or Sergeant Roberts, 12th Shropshire, would be the winner. At an early part of the day Sergeant Roberts had concluded his firing at all the ranges, leaving the wonderful score of 65 to be exceeded by any disputing his claim to victory. Sergeant Graham's time for attendance at the targets was later on in the day, but his 24 at 800 yards against Sergeant Roberts's 23 showed him to be a dangerous competitor. At 900 yards the scores were Sergeant Roberts 26, Sergeant Graham 24. At 1000 yards the score of 16 made by Roberts had to be beaten, or at any rate could be tied, but it was not to be: much depended upon the value of the last shot to be made by Sergeant Graham; a bull's-eye would tie with the winner, and not a little was the excitement shown by the onlookers, amongst these being Lord Elcho and General Hay, as to what would occur. Coolly but resolutely the aim was taken, but a centre left Sergeant Roberts undisturbed in his honours, and the high score of 64, obtained at the longest ranges by thoroughly even shooting, proved Sergeant Graham to be among the best shots in the Army. In contests with neighbouring corps the 2nd Wilts simply held their own, perhaps as often defeated as winning. In challenging the 9th Corpsat Bradford-on-Avon on 12th October, 1861, in the first match they were defeated by 14, Sergeant Graham making the score for Trowbridge 12, and Sergeant Thomas 15, whilst for Bradford Captain Pickwick scored 13, and Private Scutt 14. In the return match the shooting of both Captain Pickwick and Sergeant Graham was thoroughly bad, and Bradford won by a few points.
The officers as well as non-commissioned officers and very many of the privates were above the average at the targets, and at county as well as at local meetings have made good scores, Major Clark at one time holding his own fairly well against such men as Sergeant Thomas, Sergeant Graham, and Sergeant Bailey, and a host of other sergeants and men. The rifle range of the corps is at a long distance from the armoury, and as this distance, nearly four miles, requires a lift being given to the men detailed for class firing, it forms a heavy item in the demand on the funds of the corps for conveyances. The range itself is now improved, but could never have been considered good or very safe, extending as it does over several grass meadows, intersected by roads and paths, divided by hedgerows, and well perambulated by cows and sheep; the butts, or fagot erection, sufficiently thick, but scarcely broad or high enough to ensure safety.
It may not be out of place here to give the scores made by officers and others of this company from the period when the Enfield muzzle-loader was the weapon and two to five hundred yards the usual distances. In looking back on those days many may think that the shooting was bad and men have improved very much since; but put it in another light, that the rifle has very much improved. The introduction of breechloading obviated the necessity for using either a very tight-fitting bullet—its shape, more especially point and sides, grooved and injured by ramrod—or else an easy-fitting bullet supposed to expand itself equally into the rifle grooves on the explosion of the powder at its base. A little mental calculation will show that under such circumstances no two bullets would keep the same trajectory fired by the steadiest of shots. The bruised head or jagged base would cause deviation sooner or later, and the longer the distance the greater certainty of this apparent contradiction. The cartridge and loading at the breech overcame this difficulty, and all that remained to be done was to lower the trajectory and find out the best size for bore of rifle, and the weight and balancing power of the projectile used.
In 1863 we find that at ranges 200 and 500 yards with five rounds at each range, Corporal Marshman, missing once, scored 28, whilst Colour-Sergeant Graham, also missing once, scored 27, but Ensign Stancomb, hitting each shot, scored 25, but in the Challenge Cup given by the ladies of Trowbridge, at ranges 200, 300, 500, and 600 yards, five rounds at each range, with only two misses, Colour-Sergeant Graham won the Cup with a score of 45, Private Reddrop, shooting as well, scoring 44. Again on another occasion, at 200 and 400 yards, five rounds at each distance, Colour-Sergeant Graham and Private Reddrop, making no misses, scored respectively 33 and 31.
In 1869, at a distribution of prizes in Hill's Hall, Major T. Clark gave a short epitome of the history of the corps since it was first raised in 1859, showing the improvement made in every way during the ten years that had elapsed. There were prizes given not only for skill in open competition, but for class firing, attendances at drills, and proficiency in drill. Later on, in 1873, in a challenge between Trowbridge and Devizes, seven shots at 200, 500, and 600 yards, Trowbridge won, scoring 488 as against 393, Private Hart, of Trowbridge, scoring 58, and Corporal Ruddle 54, being several points higher than any made by their opponents. Again, in competition with Melksham, seven shots at 200, 500, and 600 yards, the Trowbridge scored 264 as against Melksham 391; but in the return match, the following week, the tables were reversed, and Trowbridge scored 410 as against 381. In 1879 the Trowbridge were considerably beaten by the Devizes Company, the score of the first being but 417, against that of Devizes amounting to 477. The last record we will give is in September, 1885, at their own butts, Stranger's Corner, Sevrington, distances 200, 500, and 600 yards, seven shots at each distance. Colour-Sergeant T. Hill won the Challenge Cup with a score of 71, with Private Frank Long making 70.
During the years that have passed since the formation of the corps many and great changes have occurred, more especially among the officers and non-commissioned officers. On the occasion of Captain T. Clark becoming major in the battalion his place was taken by his brother, Lieutenant W.P. Clark, and to this officer, in conjunction with Captain, now Hon. Major E. Stancomb, the corps is very much indebted. Probably none in the corps have attended so many drills of all sorts and kinds as Hon. Major W.P. Clark. Wet or fine, hot or cold, this officer was ever to be seen at the fore. In camp none more anxious for the welfare and orderly behaviour of those under his command, or willing to give every assistance in his power towards carrying out petty, but nevertheless very troublesome and necessary details; but the Regulations are inexorable, and a certain clause forced Hon. Major W.P. Clark to retire into private life. In Hon. Major E. Stancomb he has a worthy successor, and doubtless for many a long day yet will C and D Companies of the 1st Battalion Wilts Volunteers do their duty to their Queen and country.
No. 6 CORPS. HEAD QUARTERS, MAIDEN BRADLEY.
This company was differently circumstanced from any in the battalion. It was raised from among the tenants of the Duke of Somerset, and was composed of men of a good position socially, and, as a rule, of means. The duke's eldest son, Earl St. Maur, originated and commanded it, taking as a model the system of the Irregular Cavalry of India; but Irregular Cavalry, whether in England or India, are expensive articles, and if to be permanent, beyond plenty of spare time and enthusiasm in all connected therewith, require either Government support or a long private purse for dipping into. So long as the war-fever lasted, the tenant farmers found time and means to assemble at the head quarters and learn the supposed duties of mounted infantry, for that was what the corps were in reality; but the game was getting expensive, the French would not come, the men were not quite so keen as formerly, and farming was more profitable, so attendances and numbers fell off, and gradually the cavalry element disappeared, leaving a nondescript infantry, possessing a system, a dress, and even a drill, peculiarly their own.
The account of the origin and final extinction of this fine corps will be given almost verbatim, as furnished to the writer of this battalion history by Mr. Styles Jefferys, one of the duke's tenants, this gentleman having been appointed a sergeant in the first instance, and at the time of the breaking of the corps held the rank of lieutenant. He was only one of many in this corps, and any connected with the Volunteers having outlying companies, such as were Maiden Bradley and a portion of the 8th Corps at Mere, can understand how much is lost to a battalion by the extinction of officers and men of this sort.
The hunting element was strong in both these corps, more especially in the Maiden Bradley, and had to be considered as regards fixing drills and other matters. Most of the farms were either in or bordering upon themeets of the Blackmoor Vale foxhounds, and at Warminster were the kennels of the South Wilts, the Lieut. Colonel commanding the battalion being the master, so drilling and hunting had to be combined if anything like a muster was desired. Some of the best to attend at the roadside inn on a winter's evening for a two hours' dose of squad or position drill were men who had been in the saddle all day; but the men really liked drill, and considered it as a duty to be present. As an instance of the willingness with which these Wiltshire men attended drills, and of the sort of individuals composing some of the outlying corps, the author offers the following story. It is of course one of many similar ones occurring in the history of the early formation of rifle corps throughout any of the wilder counties of Great Britain. However, it shows the stuff the men were made of, and also perhaps the necessity for tact and temper in the adjutant.
It had been agreed upon between the adjutant and the captain commanding the 6th Corps, that as a certain day was a general holiday, there should be a drill at the head quarters about midday, it appearing this hour was more suitable than any for the majority to attend. The adjutant was to ride over from Warminster and take breakfast, and some water-colouring was to be done between that meal and the time of assembly. As proposed, so carried out, and on the appointed day, a bleak December morning, the adjutant, mounted on his best, started away for the captain's abode, there to find him at breakfast sure enough, but in pink, and evidently intent on hunting instead of drawing or drilling.
"I forgot all about the drill. Bother it, we can't have it. The hounds meet at Knoyle, so we haven't a moment to spare. Every fellow will be there, and you must come." This was the explanation; and the appearing of the adjutant at the meet in uniform being the only substantial objection, it was overcome by borrowing coat, waistcoat, and hat, the uniform long boots and dark pantaloons remaining; albeit the rig-out was none of the neatest or best-fitting, as the captain was a few sizes taller than the adjutant; but it answered its purpose, and throwing goose-step, turnings, wheelings, and odd files to the limbo prepared for such uninterestingarticles, the breakfast was hastily swallowed and the two set out for Knoyle.
The Blackmoor Vale is a fine hunting country, and none residing thereabouts, having a bit of horseflesh to call their own, but do a bit of hunting, and as a consequence few of No. 6 Corps were absent. However, nothing was said about the drill, and a fox being found down in the bottom, away we went. Straight riding and a firm seat was wanted, the country selected being heavy, with double ditches and banks, pleasingly interspersed with oak rails, or stakes and bounds. A moment's breathing in the woods of Fonthill, and on again, killing at last almost on the highway leading to Frome.
"This isn't drill, Mr. Jefferys," said the adjutant to one of the best sergeants a volunteer corps ever possessed, as that officer touched him on the back with his hunting whip, whilst the two splashed into the mud making soft the landing from a drop leap.
"Law, no, sir. We've forgotten all about it," was the reply, and in another moment we joined the few in at the death. There were excuses and apologies, and by the time these were done and the fox eaten, Sir R——, the very taciturn master, remounted, and calling off the hounds, proceeded at a sharp trot in an opposite direction. With the view of finding another fox, many of the field followed, and as Sir R—— rode straight, there was more than one obstacle overcome and fall received, observing which, and that they were mistaken in following him, he called out, "Shan't hunt any more to-day. Kennels," and continued his route, whilst all whose homes were elsewhere pulled up somewhat disgusted. The disappointed Englishman had his growl, and as we retraced our steps towards the Frome road Lieutenant Harding proposed "a drill after all, as we are," and with an echo from Captain Festing and the high approval of the adjutant, "Across country to the Bradley Inn" was given, and before half-an-hour had expired, with daylight just sufficient to conceal blundering, some thirty broad-shouldered men in tops and breeches, bespattered with mud, and fall-marks plentiful, fell into the ranks and did an hour's very hard drill. This finished, and remounting, all returned home.It was in consequence of the feeling of national insecurity pervading people's minds at the time, that in October, 1859, an inquiry was sent through the Estate Office to the tenantry and others by Earl St. Maur, eldest son of the Duke of Somerset, whether they would be willing to form a volunteer corps under him for defensive purposes, and if so, who would be willing to join. A favourable response was given, and a number of names sent in as willing to join the "Maiden Bradley Irregulars."
A meeting was called at the Somerset Arms, Maiden Bradley, to take the matter into consideration, and to provide funds for the necessary equipments. The meeting was numerously attended, and its object most enthusiastically supported, so much so, that in the course of a few days a sum of between £400 and £500 was raised, and as many as seventy names of men enrolled as willing to serve. In the absence of Earl St. Maur, through illness, Michael J. Festing, Esq., agent to the Duke of Somerset, took the chair, and a committee was formed for the purpose of carrying out the views of the meeting; Earl St. Maur to be President of the Committee, Michael J. Festing, Esq., Treasurer, Admiral Festing, Harry B. Festing, Esq., Messrs. Harding, S.E. Jefferys, &c., being members.
Soon after this date, Earl St. Maur having become better, and reports received, another committee meeting was called at the same place, and there it was explained by Earl St. Maur to those members who had enrolled themselves for service, the idea and purpose for which such a corps should be formed. He represented that in the undefended state of our coast, our difficulties in India, the menacing attitude of France, with its immensely increasing armaments, &c., the country was in a very critical situation, and liable to be invaded any day; therefore it was the duty of every Englishman to do the best he could for the defence of our hearths and homes; and acting on these principles as a party of countrymen, many of whom possessed good horses which they could and did ride fairly straight across country, and also having a knowledge of the country to be defended, his idea was, that the corps in case of emergency or attackshould act in the forefront of the defending force, keeping touch with them, harassing the enemy as much as possible, and at the same time being the eyes and ears of the defenders.
To carry out this idea practically it was shown that as many men as could be mounted were to act individually and collectively, having the dismounted portion of the corps to retire upon for support if such should be necessary. The mounted men were to be armed with the then new Westley-Richards repeating carbine or Colt's revolver combination of carbine and pistol; but this was never done. However, a start had to be made, and a parade of the corps was held at Maiden Bradley, the men falling in in Brice's Field to the amount of some seventy or seventy-two in number. There was deep snow upon the ground, and all were on foot. On the roll call being replied to, it was found that about thirty members could ride horses of their own, such as they frequently used for the purpose of hunting. The ages were between thirty-five and forty, indeed only two men being over forty, and one a lad of eighteen. Three were married men, and the average height somewhat exceeded five feet nine inches—tall and big men all. The corps was formed almost entirely of tenants or sons of tenants on the Duke of Somerset's estate at Maiden Bradley, Witham Friary, Silton, a solitary individual from Hill Deveril, and a few young gentlemen pupils of the Rev. Geo. Brown at Maiden Bradley.
The corps was started in October, 1859, but was not legally enrolled until the spring of 1860, its composition, character, and other matters creating delays and difficulties; but was eventually sanctioned under the title of the 1st Wilts Mounted Rifles and 6th Wilts Rifle Volunteers. It will be seen that this corps, with its imposing start and quality for immediate usefulness, contained in its formation the germs of early decay. It was very expensive, and it was doubtful whether, as the present men moved away to other farms or occupations, others would take their place, and certainly the pupils of Mr. Brown would be constantly leaving. The officers first appointed were: Earl St. Maur, Captain; the Hon. J. Ogilvy, Lieutenant; and H.B. Festing, Esq., Ensign;Sergeant Stickler, late of the Guards, Drill Instructor; T.K. Harding and S.E. Jefferys, Sergeants, with Sergt.-Major Latham, of the Somerset Yeomanry, Instructor in Mounted Drill. The head quarters were fixed at Maiden Bradley; but the corps was divided into three squads or divisions; the first being at Maiden Bradley; the second at Witham Friary, Somersetshire, five miles distant from head quarters; and the third at Silton in Dorsetshire, seven miles away from the head quarters. Squad drills were arranged to be held as often as convenient at the three places, but to be fixed for a general muster assembling once a month alternately at Bradley, The Friary, and Silton. The rifle range was at Long Knoll, Maiden Bradley—a good range, extending 1100 yards, and very safe. The uniform was a blue-grey serge blouse, sleeves buttoning tightly to the wrist, with scarlet collar; the trousers were loose and baggy, of the same colour and material; the mounted men wearing long Napoleon boots, the dismounted black leather gaiters with knee-caps. The accoutrements consisted only of a waist-belt with elongated frog or simple frog for mounted or dismounted, and on this belt were two pouches, one to be worn in front, the other behind; the belt itself being brought together with a clasp, on which was placed a scroll describing the corps—"The Maiden Bradley Irregulars." The head was protected by a grey felt helmet, somewhat similar to those worn in the present day, but without spike or ornament. The Government long Enfield rifle and bayonet was the arm used by the corps, but for the mounted men a curved sword of Indian pattern was substituted for the bayonet, and hung suspended from the waist-belt by the elongated frog, thus being made quite useless, as its position precluded the weapon being drawn from the scabbard, excepting with the greatest difficulty, and the hilts were all too small for men with large hands. The men rode on their own hunting saddles, but were supplied with double-reined bridles as also with leading reins, so as to allow of one man taking charge of several horses whilst the riders were skirmishing. At first the rifles were all kept in the armoury at the head quarters, but this was found to be a mistake. They were not properly looked after, so got out of condition, and oftennecessitated the men appearing on parade without arms, as the sergeant in charge could never know how many to send to the distant rendezvous. Afterwards, each man was made responsible for his own weapon, a careful examination of the rifle being made by the commanding officer at each drill. An amusing incident with reference to this occurred soon after the order had been given by Lord St. Maur, the captain, "that each man should come provided with a small piece of white rag, wherewith the cleanliness of his rifle could be tested." "Examine arms," was the order, and each produced his bit of rag, but one poor youth, much cared for by an aged female relative, thought to carry out his captain's orders very thoroughly, and produced from his pouch a piece of linen, neatly folded, and the size of a large handkerchief. This, of course, caused a titter to pass down the ranks, which changed to a roar of laughter as Lord St. Maur, observing the cause, coolly remarked, "I ordered you to bring with you a piece of clean rag, but I did not wish to deprive you of your bed sheet."
In the spring of 1860 Earl St. Maur resigned the command, which was afterwards taken up by his brother Lord St. Maur, and in accordance with instructions received the corps proceeded to Warminster, some six miles distant, to be inspected by Colonel G. Hume, Assistant-Inspector of Volunteers. Colonel Hume complimented the men warmly on their fine physique, patriotism, &c., but in pointing out their faults told them that the loose guerilla character of their drill was not at all in accordance with his instructions, and he would see the corps again at its own head quarters in the course of a few weeks. This he did and was better satisfied.
In consequence of this incident and of an increased knowledge of what was required, it was evident that the corps could not work under its present organization, but was in reality useless, and that if it was to exist at all, it must accommodate itself to circumstances, and be placed under the same regulations as other corps in the county. However, nothing was done, and in September, 1860, it put in an appearance at the review of the volunteers held in Clarendon Park; and though much admired and commented upon for stalwart bearing and physique, yet thedress and organization created a great deal of ridicule. In the spring of 1861, Lieutenant the Hon. E. Ogilvy had resigned, and many of the mounted men following his example, it was resolved to reorganize the company, so the horses were dispensed with, and from that time it became simply the 6th Corps Wilts Rifle Volunteers. The flimsy serge uniforms had become shabby, and so a new uniform of good cloth was provided. Tunic and trousers of light grey, facings scarlet, accoutrements retained, silver chevrons for sergeants, and the helmets rebound with white leather, and a silver crown resting on a scarlet cushion placed in front. A silver bugle was presented to the corps by the ladies, and so that a more systematic style of target practice should be carried out, Colour-Sergeant Styles E. Jefferys proceeded to the School of Musketry at Hythe. The officers at this time were Captain Lord Edward St. Maur, Lieutenant H.B. Festing, and Ensign F.K. Harding.
On the formation of the 1st Administrative Battalion Wilts Rifle Volunteers, out of all the rifle corps raised in South Wilts, it was seen that the widely extended area from which this corps was drawn would become a source of difficulty and expense. The time occupied, the distances to be travelled, and the whole expense devolving on the men themselves, together with affairs of one district not coinciding with others, would make, and did make, general musters for a battalion drill anything but a sinecure. Besides these causes, the enterprising spirit of the age constantly drew away some of the best men, necessitating their places being filled by others from a lower social scale, who, though equally good men in the ranks, were not so well able to bear these expenses. In 1864 the helmet was discarded and replaced with a neat shako and ball.
The Silton property having been sold, the squad drilling there, and of course continuing to be members of the 6th or Maiden Bradley Corps, were politely requested to transfer their allegiance to the 8th or Mere Corps, which was short of numbers; so for the future many of these men were lost to the Bradley Corps. Indeed this was a most serious injury to the 6th Corps, simply cutting off a wing.
Troubles continued to thicken. In December, 1865, Captain Lord Edward St. Maur was killed in India in an encounter with a bear which he had wounded, and for some time the corps continued to be without a captain, it being desirable to obtain a gentleman who could command not only with his voice but his purse, the funds having become very low and the incidental expenses everlastingly increasing. The uniform, head-dress, belts, all to be changed; rifle green and helmets to be worn. However, in 1867 a great effort was made, and the "redivivus" was sounded. It was hoped that with the aid of the Government grant and strict economy the corps might yet rub on. Lieut. H.B. Festing accepted the captaincy; Ensign Harding the lieutenancy; and Colour-Sergeant S.E. Jefferys was appointed ensign. But once more the social scale had to be lowered, so as to keep up the required numbers, and several of the best class of agricultural labourers were enrolled, good in themselves and excellent in the ranks, but not such as could be taken from their day's work, either on their own account or that of their employers, and general musters for reviews and drills were being constantly demanded.
The corps attended the first camp at Warminster Down in 1868, and also was present at that held on Homerton Down, near Salisbury, the next year, and were present at the various reviews at Lansdowne, Salisbury, Wilton Park, &c., seldom appearing in less strength than twenty-five files, exclusive of officers and supernumeraries. These attendances entailed a great expense, some of it coming out of the general fund, but much from private resources. In September, 1869, Earl Seymour, heir to the dukedom and originator of the corps, died, leaving the estate without direct heir, and consequently with diminished interest in keeping up the company; Captain H.B. Festing withdrew from the command, and the muster-roll had become far below that required; so a meeting was called, at which it was determined that the officers should tender their resignations and an application be made for the disbandment of the corps. The accounts were all wound up, and on the completion and passing of these the 6th Corps 1st Administrative Battalion Wilts Rifle Volunteerswas finally dissolved, ceasing to appear in theArmy Listafter the early part of 1873.
The silver bugle was left in safe keeping, so that in case of another "war's alarm" it might be ready when wanted, and the Maiden Bradley Rifle Corps be once again enrolled among the gallant men of Wilts willing and anxious to serve their Queen and country.
It may not be out of place before bringing this to a conclusion to tell something about the good shooting of many in the corps. At public meetings, perhaps, the members were not numerous, but good shooting was to be seen on the practice ground on Bradley Knoll. Col.-Sergeant S.E. Jefferys won the County Challenge Cup, Bronze Medal of N.R.A., the Etruscan Vase presented by the Mayor and Town Council of Salisbury in 1864, the Fonthill Challenge Cup, open to the county, being won in three competitions out of four, Mr. F.H. Poynder's 50-guinea Vase at Warminster in 1866; later, competing for the Officers' Prize, presented yearly by F.H. Poynder, Esq., Mr. Jefferys carried away the Challenge Centre piece, to be held for the year, and a Silver Claret Jug to be retained; Lady Charlotte Watson Taylor's "Prize for Officers" also fell to his share. Corporal T. Jefferys, his brother, won the County Challenge Cup, Bronze Medal of the N.R.A., and Silver Tea Service presented with it in 1869. The winners of other than public prizes are not mentioned.
Thus ends the history of a thoroughly good corps. It perished from want of support, but scattered as were the members all over the county, its existence from the first was problematical.
No. 8 CORPS. HEAD QUARTERS, MERE.
Unfortunately records of the early proceedings connected with the raising of this company are not to be found; and whether the usual public meetings were held and the neighbourhood asked for subscriptions as a preliminary business, with the subsequent formation of committees of management and drawing up rules, &c., as was customary generally, is not shown. On the Groves, of Zeals House (whose estates, including the town of Mere, bordered on those of the Duke of Somerset), appears to have fallen almost all, if not quite all, of the trouble and expense of raising and equipping this corps. The heir to the dukedom of Somerset had raised and equipped a very fine body of men from his father's properties at Maiden Bradley and Silton, and not improbably this led the young squire of the adjacent property to attempt the same thing, more especially as knowing that he could get advice and valuable assistance from his neighbour and friend, Lord Seymour, the captain of the newly-raised corps of rifle volunteers, with their headquarters at Maiden Bradley.
It is very clever now in people to discover that in a neighbourhood such as Mere and Bradley there was too sparse a population from which to form and keep up two rifle corps, and that to have always sixty efficients on your roll entailed the necessity for very many more useless appendages being within hail. The young squire of Zeals House, at that time just obtaining a commission in the Guards as ensign and lieutenant, managed, without much difficulty, from among his tenants and the tradesmen and mechanics of the small town of Mere, to get together the required number wherewith a company or corps could be formed; and, as is shown by letters, asked Lord Seymour to advise him on what next was to be done, as he was anxious that all should be performed well and quickly. At the time the possibility of invasion was never doubted, and those knowing the horrors of being invaded, or after thought and consultation, sawhow exposed and really unprotected we were, dreaded losing the time necessary for the proper training and equipping of the new force through the red-tapeism and prejudices of War Office subordinates. Then, as now, the navy was our great stand-by, and was our first, and with the regulars abroad, our only line of defence; the militia being, generally speaking, too ill-trained to be quite reliable. We have now improved our regulars, militia, and added a huge multitude of fairly-instructed volunteers. We have, too, a navy more powerful than any other single nation, but other peoples have increased and improved their armies, and as regards their navies and mercantile marine have advanced as much if not more than ourselves, and things which were doubtfully possible thirty years ago may now be, comparatively speaking, not a very difficult matter to realize.
In 1859 we were pushed hard by the mutinies in India, had scarcely recovered from the effects of the Crimean War, and the reduction of our forces to a peace establishment, and knowing our unprepared condition, the nation then, through the voice of Parliament, insisted on information from the Government of the day as to how we really stood, and in the event of prevailing reports becoming true, in what manner they were prepared to meet the emergency; the stereotyped answer being received, "that in due course of time all would be arranged, and that the departments were in perfect order, having worked hard, and were working most judiciously and economically," the country took upon itself to see things in their proper light, and knowing that invasion was possible, raised the Volunteer Force.
That Volunteer Force we still retain. They have become a well-trained, reliable, and very valuable body of men, but fitted only for garrison duties. The infantry are clothed and equipped but for the day—having neither boots nor underclothing, and in too many cases stamina, such as would enable them to undergo one week's exposure in bad weather or in winter before an active and terribly resolute enemy. The artillery are without guns, and ignorant of the use of field guns, nor have they the means of moving light guns or guns of position, even had they all been instructed in their use. The broken reed of trustingto neighbouring farmers, brewers, omnibus proprietors, &c., for horseflesh is sure to fail. It cannot be otherwise. On a sudden call all would be brought together, new to their work and new to each other. Men, drivers, horses, with harness and equipments probably obsolete, not unlikely rotten, and fitting so badly as to produce nothing but pain and galls. One day's march means two days' halt under such circumstances. If the fleet were badly beaten in the Mediterranean, or even in the eastern seas, the demand for assistance would be made on the home authorities and the number of vessels guarding the Channel considerably diminished, weakened, or rendered powerless by a call for their services elsewhere; in other words, thecompletecommand of the Channel lost, and this being so, invasion is not only possible, but most probably would occur. A few heavily-armed vessels as guard-ships, and with less than two hundred thousand tons of shipping at the enemy's disposal, one hundred thousand men could be landed with ease, perfectly equipped and ready for action on very many parts of our shores. The voyage is short, large steamers, probably of low power but adapted for troops, and various other vessels would be obtained without difficulty; and, as before observed, with the command of the Channel no longer in English power, would again and again repeat the voyage, not improbably with impunity, or at best with feeble opposition.
To oppose these, what have we? Literally nothing. The attack on our shores or the defeat of our fleet is not likely to occur at the onset of the war. It would be later on, when all of our regulars have been despatched to India, Egypt, and perhaps the Colonies, and when the best of the militia, both artillery and infantry, have been detailed for garrison duty at Gibraltar, Malta, &c., leaving this country to be defended by the rawest of recruits raising for the regular army, a few militiamen, terribly out at elbows in every way, and the volunteers, without commissariat, without hospital arrangements, without fully-trained officers, without a sufficiency of good and useful clothing from boots upwards, and not improbably without repeating rifles and a sufficiency of ammunition. Add to this, artillerymen without guns, or knowledge of how such are used in the field, horsed fromthe plough, cabs, carts, omnibuses, &c., and it is not too much to say that to oppose the advance of an enemy, once landed, on London or elsewhere, we have nothing to bring. Brave men enough, but mere bravery is foolery in modern warfare. Skill and perfect arrangements are now necessary to secure victory, and as the demand for the service of our volunteers would be sudden, so would they be unprepared for the task before them. All, all, sick or well, well skilled or badly drilled, shod in slippers or serviceable boots, would be hurriedly summoned, and not improbably, without test or examination of any sort, time not allowing it, would be confronted with the enemy; and after one week's exposure to fighting constantly, picket duties, and camping out, die off like flies. However, this is a digression, and we will return to the raising and training of the 8th or Mere Corps of Wiltshire Rifle Volunteers. The excuse for having left the path must be that our present time strangely resembles that of 1859, when we, the people, were left to our own resources, and by prompt action staved off or, as far as we know, absolutely knocked the idea of a successful invasion on the head. It is our duty now, as then, to look matters boldly in the face; to calculate all the pros and cons of the case, and not be led astray from what we in our hearts believe to be necessary, and should be done, regardless of the money it may cost, or of giving umbrage either to political parties or neighbouring nations.
So far then as can be gathered, the greater part of the difficulty of raising the 8th Corps fell upon its future commander, Chafyn Grove, Esq., of Zeals House. His friend and neighbour, Lord Seymour, had got together an excellent body of men from the tenants of his father's property on the Maiden Bradley and Silton estates; and, with the experience of Lord Seymour to guide him, it is not surprising that Mr. Grove should have resolved to try and raise an equally useful and good corps from Zeals. It only required men and money, and these being obtainable, Mr. Grove addressed his neighbour with regard to what was next to be done. The advice and guidance asked for was promptly given, and right sensible advice was it that emanated from the future heirto the dukedom of Somerset. Lord Seymour foresaw events, and told the young squire of Zeals how his wishes could be carried out. He let him see plainly, that it was and probably would be an expensive experiment, and that so far from the Government of the day giving assistance, they would offer obstructions. At Mere were a goodly number of recruits to be found, and also from the men employed on the property and among the tenants; but the majority of these were too poor to be able to afford the expense incidental to the loss of time in attending drills, or finding anything for themselves. Patriotism they had plenty of, but it required to be supported by anybody's purse excepting their own, and patriotism, like other valuable articles, diminishes under difficulties.
In a letter, dated 2nd January, 1860, addressed by Mr. Grove to Lord Seymour, we find that the young squire of Zeals is just in the first throes of volunteer corps raising. He has got the men, and asks advice regarding colour and prices of uniform and accoutrements, and in reply, is not only warned against being misled by cheap advertisements of these articles, but is let into the secret that before his recruits can be accepted, he must satisfy the Government that he has provided all that is necessary for their future efficiency; which now no longer entailed finding a rifle or gun of some sort or another for each man, as rifles and bayonets would be found by the War Office; but included a practice-ground, with targets, &c., of at least two hundred yards in extent, an armoury, safe from attack, and an armourer to look after the arms, a magazine safe and secure, and various other matters, all of which would cause delay and be most vexatious. Lord Seymour says: "You have told me nothing about your rules, excepting about entrance fees. I am improving my first set, and I strongly urge this as a rule: 'That all gentlemen wishing to join as volunteers send in their names and the amount they intend to subscribe to the funds,' their becoming members being left to the committee's approval."—Adding, after some explanations, "Unless the committee keeps the power of admittance or non-admittance into the corps in their own hands, it is, in fact, pledged to dress and equip anynumber of men who may pay two shillings and six-pence, and obtain for it three or four pound's worth of clothing."
Again Lord Seymour observes: "The demands on the general fund will be very heavy. In Devonshire, I am told, the ammunition alone costs 10s.per man a year. Believe me, a small number of men, well equipped, is the most promising beginning for a company. You say your uniform will only cost 48s.per man, including belts. Certain outfitters offer these things, but somehow they manage to make the price higher later on. Lord Elcho's 28s.suit may have been made as an advertisement. Neither he nor anyone else will get a serviceable suit for that money. 10s.belts are bad. All I have seen allow the cartridges to rattle about in the front pouch."
A few days after this, certain rules were sent to the Lord Lieutenant of the County by Mr. Grove for approval, and were sanctioned, as "nearly approaching those recommended by the Government," and at the same time the sender was informed, that the commission of Captain would be given to him, and eventually an inspector sent down to see that the place selected is "eligible for exercise, and to ascertain the fitness of the man appointed for the custody of the arms."
As the inspector was long in coming, and theGazettesilent as to his promotion, Mr. Grove again addressed his lordship on the cause; but the reply, dated the 20th April, gave him to understand that there had been no unnecessary delay in his being gazetted, in the acceptance officially of the corps, or of the despatch of the inspecting officer; but there had been much extra work in the departments, and "the acceptance of the services of No. 8 Corps of Wiltshire Rifle Volunteers was only communicated to the Lord Lieutenant 'on the 16th of this month.'"
Captain Chafyn Grove was told to select two gentlemen for the commissions of Lieutenant and Ensign, and after various further delays, theGazetteinformed the public that William Chafyn Grove, Esquire, was to be Captain, E.A. Card, gentleman, to be Lieutenant, and John White, gentleman, to be Ensign, in the 8th Corps Wilts Rifle Volunteers—Head quarters, Mere. Among the earliest to join as members of the corps were, Messrs.Alford, Barnes, Baker, Burpitt, Cards, Careys, Cowards, Cole, Dowding, Farthing, Foot, Green, Glover, Jupes, Keates, Landers, Larkam, Maidments, Mitchells, Markey, Merriman, Meaden, Perrett, Pillinger, Randall, Read, Roberts, Rogers, Seymour, Sharp, Tilt, Toogood, Topp, Waters, White, Wickham. The corps was formed, drilled, and had attended one or two neighbouring assemblies before its officers appeared in theGazette, and was in good order and strength when called upon as one of the corps or companies to make up the 1st Administrative Battalion Wilts Rifle Volunteers. The musters for company-drill, held at least once a week at the head quarters, Mere, were well attended, and the target practice not neglected: but it was with Mere, as with the company at Bradley, a difficult matter for all to attend regularly at drills, as the distances of men's homes from Mere, the head quarters, was often great, and entailed no little expenditure of time, trouble, and only too often absolute money out of pocket on the volunteer himself.
It was these ever-increasing expenses in attending home drills, battalion drills, general assemblies, and camps which ultimately caused many corps to die out. The initial expenses of an individual or of a committee, in raising such a body of men, finding practice-grounds, targets, ammunition, clothing, accoutrements, &c., were heavy, and were willingly met; but when it came to men being away from their work for a week at a time in camp, or autumn manœuvres, or hiring wagons, and paying very large railway fares five or six times in the year, the scattered corps began to get few recruits, and gradually fell off in efficiency and numbers. Owing to the death of its founder and captain, W. Chafyn Grove, Esq., much of the needful support was gone, and notwithstanding every exertion was made by his family to revive the company, yet little was the success. The addition of the Silton estates to the Zeals properties added a few more men, but they served unwillingly. Their hearts were with their first love, the corps which they had helped to raise, the 6th, with its head quarters at Maiden Bradley, and so, after a while, their advent was of little account, and No. 8 Corps resumed its fading aspect.
Lieutenant Card and Ensign White did their best to keep the company together, and, at no little expense to themselves and others, succeeded in bringing a fair number of men to battalion drills and local reviews. Troyte Bullock, Esq., accepted the vacant commission of Captain, and attached himself to the Guards with a view of acquiring a knowledge of the various drills and practices recently introduced, and commanded the company on the occasion of its last attendance at camp, and such portions of it as proceeded to the autumn manœuvres, held on the borders of Wilts and Dorset, taking part in the various defeats and victories, and being left ingloriously with his men to guard a haystack, whilst the divisions pushed on to complete the victory over the northern army at the battle of Wishford.
It was useless to contend against fate, and the 8th Corps, with its head quarters at Mere, ceased to exist in 1878, just two years later than that which witnessed the same disaster in the 6th Corps, with its head quarters at Maiden Bradley.
9THCORPS. BRADFORD-ON-AVON.
The rifle movement, now general throughout Great Britain, was showing itself in the quaint old town of Bradford-on-Avon. Some towns and cities in the county, and indeed some villages in the country, had advanced further in corps-making than had the men of Bradford; but perhaps nothing beyond a low number in the county rifle volunteers was lost by it, but very much experience gained, and needless expense avoided. Doubtless, in 1859, there was no time to be lost in putting the country into a state of defence, and making some arrangements by which an advance of an enemy into the heart of the land should be stayed, even if a landing on the shores could not be prevented. It was plain, very plain, and all the more from becoming so suddenly, that if the vapouring of the French turned into a reality, and war was declared, the country was quite unprepared for such. Her army at home reduced to a handful, with the greater portion of it in India crushing out mutiny; the militia, where not embodied, weak, badly officered, and really untrained; and the navy in a transition state, between wood and iron, sailing and steam. It was no good shutting one's eyes to the fact: the country was terribly open to invasion; and as the invaders were not likely to send any but their best and most efficient soldiers to attempt the subjugation of that country whose word was law to almost the whole world, it behoved every citizen to aid, either in means or person, in the defence of his home. It was no time to tax the Government or Governments with having thrown dust in the eyes of the people, and said all was well when things were very far from being so, and that not only were the army, navy, fortifications, and all appertaining thereunto, amply sufficient to meet any demands made upon them, but that economies ought to be practised. The people of Great Britain had to do then what they have to do now, to take things as they find them, and, liking it or disliking it, set about putting their house in order.
It was harder in 1859 to say what was best to be done than it is now. Money and labour can overcome much of the present difficulties, but then the only thing to do was to raise an army, and that army on the very shortest notice to be such as not only could be trusted with the national defence, but be able to co-operate with the regulars in the defence of their native land. Some advocated the training of gamekeepers, and sportsmen generally, with, we suppose, a small sprinkling of poachers to keep upesprit de corps, others were for arming every old pensioner, and not a few for purchasing the services of foreigners, as was done in the early wars with Napoleon, and more recently in the Crimea. Danger was at the door: for years prognosticated, and for as many pooh-poohed, or denied altogether; and now that it was so near, it found none so weak and wavering, none so helpless and unwilling to meet the emergency, as the individuals causing it. They simply stood by, wringing their hands, and left each and all to arrange as they best could, provided it cost the State nothing.
Notwithstanding the backwardness of the Government and their inability to see the absolute necessity of immediate action by raising some force less long in making efficient, and of a different class in life to regulars or militia, the country commenced with the greatest activity; and as rifle corps had been decided upon as both useful and dependable, few towns of any size but had such forming. In Wiltshire some progress had been made in the movement at Salisbury, Trowbridge, Malmesbury, Devizes, &c., and now Bradford followed suit by calling a public meeting on 19th December, 1859, "for the purpose of promoting the formation of a local volunteer rifle corps."
E. Edmonds, Esq., was unanimously called to the chair, and was supported by most of the influential gentlemen of the neighbourhood and others residing in the town. On the platform were the Right Hon. T. Sotheron Estcourt, M.P., R.P. Long, Esq., M.P., Rev. W.H. Jones, Vicar, Rev. J. Wilkinson, Rev. W. Popham, Rev. E.D. Whigfield, Captain Rook, Captain Pickwick, Dr. W. Adye, A. Adye, Esq., G. Forster, Esq., W. Beavan, Esq., J. Gee, Esq., T. Taylor, Esq., Mr. Neal, and others. After a veryenthusiastic speech from the chairman, Captain Rook moved that the rifle movement of the country he supported, and Mr. Forster, of Holt, in seconding the motion, offered his services in any way by which they could be rendered most useful. Mr. Sotheron Estcourt, Mr. A. Adye, Captain Pickwick, and Mr. Richard Long, of Road Ashton, spoke on the occasion, and finally a committee of management to collect subscriptions and to make the necessary arrangements was appointed, and the following subscriptions were announced: The Earl Manvers, £50; the Right Hon. T. Sotheron Estcourt, M.P., £10 and the equipment of five men; Walter Long, Esq., M.P., Road Ashton, £10; the Rev. Edward Brown, of Farley, £5.
Subscription books were issued, and gentlemen undertook to canvass the town, special books being kept for ladies willing to assist in raising the rifle corps. These prove, as indeed was exhibited all over the country, that ladies were most earnest in the matter, and their five-pound notes, guineas, and lesser subscriptions helped not a little to start the good cause. In one of the Bradford collectors' books, in which the ladies are asked to subscribe towards the purchase of uniforms, a sum of nearly £20 is put down; and in another, where it is pointed out that a certain band requires uniforms to enable it to join the rifle corps, no less a sum than £43 12s.is entered.
There was another meeting held on the last day of December, 1859, and there, as was generally done elsewhere, after finding that sufficient names had been enrolled to form a company, they proceeded to elect the officers of the company—not being aware that the election of officers to command men is contrary to certain rules and regulations. The committee could recommend for the position of captain a gentleman to the Lord Lieutenant, and this gentleman, if appointed captain, could again recommend certain gentlemen as subalterns. The result of this electing officers was, that Mr. Edmonds, of Berryfield House, was selected as captain, with Captain Pickwick and Mr. Forster, of Holt, as subalterns. Captain Pickwick having been in the regular army and having seen service at the Cape, besides knowing a soldier's work well, at once refused to serve in a subordinate capacity, and that under a civilian; so Mr. Edmonds resigned, and ultimatelyCaptain Pickwick was appointed to the command of the company, with Mr. Forster as lieutenant, and Mr. A. Beavan ensign. Among the first appointed non-commissioned officers were, as sergeants, E. Neale, Cursen, E. Scrine, J. Poole, with D. Hole, T. Butterworth, G. Hallet, as corporals. However, changes had to be made; and whilst Wm. Adye, Esq., M.D., was appointed hon. assist.-surgeon, and the Rev. J. Jones, M.A., chaplain to the corps, Messrs. Applegate and Geo. Adye were promoted sergeants to fill existing vacancies.
The first meeting of the corps for drill purposes was on the 24th January, 1860, at Mr. Spackman's dyehouse, and as every man thought it necessary to come armed with a gun of some sort, and also as with this gun (perhaps an old flint musket of the Georges' time, or a flimsy single-barrel sparrow-killer) he was to go through the manœuvres and platoon, and appear in the ranks generally, the teaching of musketry must have been utter foolery, and the movements of our Bradford volunteers somewhat ludicrous. However, these like other volunteers survived the ridicule, and notwithstandingPunch's"Who shot the dog?" and the wondrous wit displayed by street boys, or by those disliking the movement, but whose position and education should have taught them better, drilled steadily on, and on the 17th May made their first appearance before the public in full uniform, doubtless to the gratification and admiration of themselves and relatives.
The drills were to be seven in the week as squad drills, viz., on Tuesdays and Fridays twice, and on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays once, thus meeting the convenience of most members of the corps. These drills were well attended, and by the time the Government long Enfield muzzle-loading rifles were sent down in the early part of June, the 9th Corps had fully mastered the outlines of company drill, and dined together soon after on the occasion of more correct enrolment being carried out.
Becoming more assured, they now paraded with their band and drilled in public, and had the usual church parades and class sermon; then marching over to the neighbouring town of Trowbridge, they were instructed in the outlines of battalion drill by Major Lawson.
The men of the 9th Wilts not being aware that eventually rifles would be supplied to them by the Government, and being anxious to compete for prizes with other corps, in many instances from an early date they had provided themselves with weapons, generally Enfields, of the usual bore and shape, and with these constant practice was being made at the ranges; so that by the summer, when challenges between corps were frequent, and prize meetings being held, not a few of the officers and men had become good shots and held their own wherever they entered. The ground selected as a practice ground was an easy one to shoot over, the steep turfy hill against which the targets were placed forming an excellent background; but by whom the said range was passed as a rifle range deponent sayeth not. He could not have been to Hythe, or had much notion of the erratic flight of an elongated projectile, or of the difficulty even the best-drilled soldiers in the service find in avoiding accidents, where your line of fire extends across sundry footpaths, a canal, and a railroad. That there were no accidents is attributable more to good luck than good guidance. The shorter ranges across the canal were tolerably secure. A red flag, much shouting, and an occasional despatch of one of the squad to the dangerous point managed to stay man, woman, or child from running into danger, and informed the cursing bargee of his being cared for; but when it came to long distances, where shouts and signals were unheeded, or where the height of the trajectory was deemed safety sufficient, then came a question as to whom was the sanction of this being used as a range due.
The Great Western Railway Company evidently for very many years troubled themselves not about such trifles as bullets through their carriages, for on the edge of the line was a firing point, where,of course, the firer was able to check himself instantly should an express or other very fast train or engine suddenly cloud his vision. Be all this as it may, the corps both drilled well and shot well, and from an early date up to the present time sent forth steady and good shots. Amongst these may be numbered Assist.-Surgeon, afterwards Hon. Major, Wm. Adye, winner of the Officers' Challenge Cup at Devizes, silverclaret jug, various vases, &c., Sergeant George Adye, Sergeant Neale, Corporal Davis, Privates Scutt, Reddrop, Merrett, Chas. Adye, Wallman, &c.
At most of the reviews and at all battalion drills, the Bradford Corps have put in an appearance, and as a rule mustered well in proportion to their strength. Their first appearance at any large gathering was at the review held in Clarendon Park, Lord William Paulet commanding, in September, 1860. They mustered forty strong, Captain Pickwick, Lieut. Forster, and Ensign Beavan being the officers, and were attached to the battalion commanded by Major G. Hume, Assistant Inspector of Volunteers. In November of the same year they were inspected by Major G. Hume in the Broad Field, and out of the sixty men on the muster-roll, exclusive of band, fifty-four rank and file presented themselves on parade. All the officers were present, and the inspecting officer complimented them upon the way they drilled, and upon the soldier-like look of the company; some twenty men of the Trowbridge Corps, under Captain Clark and Lieut. Clark, kindly keeping the ground during inspection. The year 1861 saw all these scattered corps made into a battalion, with one lieutenant-colonel, one major, one adjutant, as the staff thereof, and from this date the attendances of corps beyond their own head quarters was limited, and certain arrangements made by which drill attendance could be verified, and more correct returns of efficiency and strength sent up to Government, on which a capitation grant might be founded. There were some brilliant ideas exhibited by the War Office authorities as to the expenditure of this grant. The adjutant was to combine paymaster- and interferer-general with his other duties, and only pay the amount earned by a corps to that corps on its showing an exact voucher for every item, and as the grant could be carried to accounts past or present, it was hard work for the secretaries of companies to get one item which would fit in exactly for the whole grant earned, and in the adjutant's hands, or to make half-a-dozen smaller items to do the same thing, so vouchers were made up to suit the purpose. In other words, a cooking process was required to enable a corps to receive its dues.
The uniform selected by the Bradford Corps was an excellent one—of course fitting the body too tightly; but this screwing in a man's waist and throttling him with a stock was considered the proper thing to do, and even yet has a value in some elderly gentleman's view of the smart soldier. In olden times a man was supposed to carry in a knapsack on his poor back all that was necessary, and that the protection of any particular part of the body from heat, cold, or wet was making him into a mollycoddle; so they sent him to Canada and India with a shoddy coat buttoned across the chest, and sloping off into two tails in the cutaway style, and bade him wear for six months in the year woollen trousers, nice and long, so as to cover his hideous ankle boots and to pick up the dirt, and for the other six months, ducks, as these washed. The Rifle Movement ended these and various other absurdities. When officers commanding battalions and companies discovered that things wore out quicker than necessary, that other things were only an unnecessary expense, and that the men themselves observed much latitude in the regulations, then they appointed committees to consider matters, and adapted the clothing and very many other things connected with drills and target-practices to the change brought over the whole military system by the introduction of arms of precision. Freedom of action, greater mobility, more self-reliance, and a thorough knowledge of his weapon and skirmishing, was a volunteer discovery, and after a while the drill, if not the dress; but the whole organization of the British army has been changed and improved. The mud-colour with red facings of No. 9 corps, with a neat shako, was, and is, if made of a looser fit and knickerbockers instead of trousers, the proper colour and cut for a rifleman's wear. The black of the Rifle Brigade and the term Rifles being utterly absurd, as all are now Rifles, and of all colours the most visible, near or far away, the black bears away the palm. With this battalion, as all had to be of one colour, it was well not to adopt any colour in use by other corps, but the day will come when the black will be discarded, and perhaps then the mud-colour or khakhee of the Guides in India will be selected. The helmet is a bad headpiece, rolls about, cannot be laid on, and is hotand clumsy. The straight-peaked low kepi gave greater shade to the eyes for aim-taking, and was smarter-looking and far easier kept on in going through woods, low jungle, &c., than the spiked invention from Germany. At the first inspection of corps as a battalion, which took place at Warminster on 7th November, 1861, by Major Gustavus Hume, Assistant-Inspector of the Volunteers, this company mustered fifty-nine; Captain Pickwick in command, with Lieut. Forster, Ensign Beavan, and Hon. Assistant-Surgeon Adye. All did well, and the inspecting officer gave them great credit for doing so well with so short a time for training. A very heavy hailstorm coming on did not improve the drill, and few were sorry when the trains arrived at the station by which they could return home. The 7.15 train saw Trowbridge, Bradford, and Westbury corps returning, but those lower down the line had far longer to wait. It was ever thus for a battalion drill; the trains never fitted in, and whilst some part of the battalion would arrive at midday to parade at 3 p.m., another could not be present until past the drill hour. If a late hour was fixed for the general assembly then the hurry to catch the last train made a general scramble to be off break up the parade.
The ladies of Bradford were nothing behind their sisters elsewhere in helping forward the Rifle Movement, and by bazaars, county and local prize-giving for shooting encouraged very many of the men to practise careful shooting. The earliest record of a subscription being got up from the ladies of Bradford for this purpose is in September, 1861, when Mr. T. Taylor and Mr. J.C. Neale were the collectors. The money obtained allowed of a handsome silver cup being purchased, and smaller sums distributed in prizes. The distances were short, but they were beginners, and allowance had to be made for blundering. The terms being easy, though the entrance as a competitor depended on his subscription to the funds of the corps, so, with or without knowledge, a majority of the company appeared at the targets. The highest scores made at the two distances selected, viz., 200 and 300 yards, were those of Sergeant Neale, total 13, Private Reynolds 13, Charles Adye 13, W. Mager 12. The whole day was occupied in the business, and the band,with refreshments, helped to break the monotony, for it must have been monstrous stupid for onlookers, these many hours of blundering. Being Britons, a dinner at "The Swan" was necessary to mark the occasion, and there, with Captain Pickwick in the chair, supported by Mr. Forster, Mr. Beavan, and Assistant-Surgeon Adye, and various other gentlemen not immediately connected with the corps, each proposed the health of another, and drank "The Ladies" with great enthusiasm.
It will not be here out of place to show how great is the improvement in shooting now-a-days. Formerly the values of a hit were very high, three being obtainable for one shot, and yet here is the result. To quote from the local trumpeter, "at 300 yards most beautiful shooting throughout."
The riflemen of Bradford could do better than that now.
Again, at even lesser distances it seems that men such as Captain W. Adye, Sergeant G. Adye, Sergeant Davis Privates Scutt, Chas. Adye, &c., at 150 and 200 yards, seven rounds each range, half targets, hits and points added, 25, 34, 38, 33, 40, 33 were the highest scores.
In October, 1861, a challenge was sent to the neighbouring corps at Trowbridge, to be shot off on the Bradford ground; five rounds at 200 and 400 yards, twelve on each side. The highest score on the occasion was made by a Trowbridge man, Private Thomas, he making 15, not once failing to hit the target. On Bradford side, Captain Pickwick, with one miss, made 13, and Private Scutt, without missing, scoring 14. The match was won by Bradford by 14 points. On the return match, shot off on the Trowbridge practice ground, Bradford again proved the winners by 9 points. The shooting was bad on both sides, Private Scutt of Bradford, with no misses and 15 points; Private Thomas of Trowbridge, one miss and 13 points; Private Packer, no misses and13 points, being the only men doing even tolerable practice.
The Bradford Corps next year challenged those of Melksham, twelve picked men to be on each side, 200 and 400 yards, five rounds at each distance, hits and points; and Bradford were victorious by 39 points, Sergeant Wheeler of Melksham, without missing, making a score of 22, and Private Young, with one miss, a score of 21, whilst Sergeant G. Adye, without missing, scored 24, Private Wallman 27, Reynolds 22, and Captain Pickwick 21.
At the county meeting held about the same time none of the Bradford men won prizes. Many shot well, but with the magnificent shooting of Messrs. Ward, 5th Wilts; Butler, 1st Wilts; Graham, 2nd Wilts; Fisher, 1st Wilts, to become a prize-holder was a very difficult thing. However, Private Scutt showed that he, as well as many others in the 9th Corps, knew how to use a rifle. Soon after this Lieut. Forster tendered the resignation of his commission, and Mr. A. Beavan was promoted to the vacancy, and afterwards William Adye, Esq., M.D., resigning the hon. assistant surgeoncy, was appointed ensign vice Beavan promoted.
The review at Durdham Down, near Bristol, was attended by this corps, with Captain Pickwick and Ensign Adye as officers, three sergeants, and forty-one rank and file. Not improbably they joined in the volley firing, so terribly destructive of all discipline and tradition, indulged in by most of the volunteers on this occasion, excepting of course by the virtuous few who, upon becoming aware that to do such a thing was held in holy horror by cocked hats, hastened to let the British public know, through the local papers, that not only were they innocent, but knew a soldier's duty too well to be caught thus napping. Later on, with the other corps composing the battalion, they were present at Lansdown, near Bath, Portsmouth, Portsdown, Windsor, Jubilee Review at Aldershot in 1887, and at the Autumn Manœuvres in 1872. At every regimental camp the corps mustered well, and struggling with very many difficulties, have kept up their numbers and efficiency. To their late Captain, Hon. Major William Adye, they are much indebted, as indeedto his family generally for constant support and useful help. Among the earliest to join the corps were Dr. Wm. Adye and his brothers George and Charles, all of whom worked with a will in the cause, and set an example to many of punctual attendance at drills and obedience to all orders received. Dr. Adye, resigning the assistant surgeoncy and becoming ensign, eventually commanded the company, retiring as hon. major in 1886, whilst George and Charles Adye both became sergeants, and for the many years they remained in the corps had very few their equals, either in knowledge of all drills or at the targets as steady and reliable shots. On Captain Pickwick retiring from the post of captain, his place was taken by a gentleman living in the neighbourhood, Buonaparte Wise, Esq., but his remaining with the company was brief. He did not quite understand the men, and it is very certain they did not understand him. He joined too at a wrong time, when financial troubles were more or less prevalent among all volunteer corps, and when a complete change of system was seen to be necessary. Some misunderstanding occurring, led to the resignation of Captain Wise, as also Lieut. Beavan; their places eventually being taken up by the promotion of William Adye, Esq., to be captain, E.M. Davis, Esq., to be lieutenant, and Mr. T.W. Dunn as ensign. The annual returns of effectives in this company have been fairly good. Taking them roughly in an enrolled total of 82, they shewed 74 efficients in 1868. In 1870 the enrolled strength was 77, and efficients 66. In 1875, enrolled 65, efficients 59. In 1878, enrolled 68, efficients 60; and in 1886, enrolled 91, efficients 87. The strength of the company at the annual inspection of the battalion in camp at Warminster in 1886 was thus: One captain, Captain T.H. Clark; one lieutenant, Lieutenant J. Adye; one sub-lieutenant, Lieutenant Barton; five sergeants, one bugler, fifty-five rank and file; total, 64.
No. 10 CORPS. WARMINSTER RIFLE VOLUNTEERS.
It was not until late in the year 1859 that the good people at and near Warminster called a meeting to consider the best methods for raising a rifle corps at Warminster and in its neighbourhood. It was not the custom of Warminster, as a rule, to let other towns go ahead of her in matters of any great moment, and her doing so in a thing of such interest as the defence of the country remains unexplained. She was struggling into being with her rifle corps, when Trowbridge, Maiden Bradley, Salisbury, &c., were well on at target practice and judging distance drills: but she lost nothing by delay—not improbably gained, having thereby avoided some of the mistakes and unnecessary expenses incurred by beginners. The corps raised eventually was numbered 10 in the county of Wilts, and was known at home as the "Jolly Tenth," but in the battalion, and throughout the county generally, as a rifle corps second to none in real efficiency, and both in its officers and men possessing a smartness and cohesion somewhat unusual.
On the 5th December, 1859, the following notice of a public meeting to be held at Warminster was posted in the town and neighbourhood:—
Volunteer Rifle CorpsFor theTown and Neighbourhood of Warminster.A Public MeetingOf the Inhabitants of the Town and NeighbourhoodWill be heldAt the Town Hall, Warminster,On Saturday, the 10th December, 1859,At 3 o'clock in the afternoon,To take into consideration the expediency of establishing and organising a Volunteer Corps, and to make arrangements for carrying the same into effect.(Signed)Bath,H. Thynne,William Temple,Joseph Everett,John Ravenhill,Nath. Barton,John Davis, Junr.,George Temple,H.G. Biggs,Magistrates acting for the Division of Warminster.The Marquis of Bath will take the Chair.
Volunteer Rifle CorpsFor theTown and Neighbourhood of Warminster.A Public MeetingOf the Inhabitants of the Town and NeighbourhoodWill be heldAt the Town Hall, Warminster,On Saturday, the 10th December, 1859,At 3 o'clock in the afternoon,
To take into consideration the expediency of establishing and organising a Volunteer Corps, and to make arrangements for carrying the same into effect.
(Signed)Bath,H. Thynne,William Temple,Joseph Everett,John Ravenhill,Nath. Barton,John Davis, Junr.,George Temple,H.G. Biggs,Magistrates acting for the Division of Warminster.The Marquis of Bath will take the Chair.
In accordance with this notice a large and influential meeting of the inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood was held in the Town Hall, Warminster, on Saturday, the 10th December, 1859, under the presidency of the Marquis of Bath, when it was resolved—
"That it is expedient to organize a volunteer rifle corps for the town and neighbourhood."
The following noblemen and gentlemen were formed into a committee for the purpose of considering the best plans for carrying this resolution into effect: The Marquis of Bath, Lord Henry Thynne, William Temple, Esq., Charles Lewis Phipps, Esq., H. Godolphin Biggs, Esq., Joseph Everett, Esq., John Ravenhill, Esq., Nath. Barton, Esq., John Davis, jun., Esq., George Temple, Esq., and the Rev. A. Fane, Justices acting for the Division of Warminster. Among the many attending the meeting were H.G.G. Ludlow, Esq., John Phipps, Esq., Vere Fane Benett, Esq., Rev. J. Erasmus Philipps, Mr. F.W. Bayly, Mr. Charles Bleeck, Mr. William Davis, Mr. R. Bedford, Mr. Timothy Goodman, Mr. H.P. Jones, Mr. Wm. Morgan, Mr. Martin, Mr. Thos. Pope, Mr. Geo. Pope, Mr. E. Parfitt, Mr. W. Parham, Mr. Thos. Harris, Mr. Haden, Mr. R.E. Vardy, Mr. John Scott, Mr. Vicary, and Mr. Grubb. The meeting was unanimous, and arrangements were made for immediately enrolling members willing to serve. Subscriptions to meet incidental expenses were collected, and within a few days sixty effective members (the minimum number required for enrolment) having volunteered for service, an application was at once made to the Lord Lieutenant of the County requesting his sanction to their being enrolled and on the 1st April, 1860, the corps was enrolled as the "10th Wiltshire Rifle Volunteer Corps," with the Marquis of Bath, as captain, commanding the same.