Chapter IV: Part 4

The formation of the various corps of South Wilts into a battalion with its head quarters at Salisbury, and that city very often used as a meeting-place for all the corps on battalion occasions, was perhaps rather advantageous to the headquarter companies, enabling them to practise field movements, and to acquire more knowledge of battalion manœuvres than other corps, and at less cost; but it is doubtful after all. The dispersion of other companies in the midst of a battalion drill in order to get to railway stations affected them too, and perhaps a quiet battalion instruction parade on the cricket ground, with four companies in single ranks of twenty or twenty-four men each, was more effective and instructive. The Market Hall made an excellent covered-in place to teach aiming drill or squad, but was too cramped and supplied with articles of machinery, &c., &c., to make it thoroughly available for company drill. The streets of the market place then, as the short evenings of autumn or the dark nights of winter came on, had to serve the purpose, and drilling became a tremendous difficulty. Imagine one hundred men in uniform marching through a dense mass of the _genus_ street boy at every twist or turn they took, and every order, as given by instructor, captain, or sergeant, echoed and re-echoed by these detestable small boys. To attempt any drills where firing (sham) would be shown, such as volley or independent firing, &c., &c., was the signal for more than usual activity and interest in the proceedings being shown by the tormentors. With "P'sent," down fell a wriggling mass in the mud, each shamming to have been shot, and only rising and running to the flanks as the good-natured riflemen moved forwards. What were the police about? The police at that day cared not to interfere in these matters, and a rifleman was too new a thing to be appreciated or protected.

Owing to the want of any lists of attendance, target practice records, or extensive cuttings from the local papers, it is a very hard task for any one to show what occurred in the early days of this corps. It appears to have shown a strength of 121, forming two companies at the Clarendon Park Review so far back as September, 1860; the officers present being Captain Commandant Jacob, Captain Beverley Robinson, Lieut. Pinckney, Lieut. Sir E. Poore, Bart., Ensign Hussey, Ensign Fisher, Assist.-Surgeon Cardell, and Quartermaster Smith. At the first inspection of the newly formed battalion, which took place on the downs above Warminster, under Major G. Hume, Inspector of the District, the corps mustered within one of the same strength, viz. 120, Captains Robinson and Hussey, Lieutenants Fisher, Smith and Wyndham Payne, with C. Brown, J. Brown, and Assist.-Surgeon Cardell, being the officers present. About this number the corps remained for some years, gradually increasing both in efficiency and discipline. The force had become established, regimental camps were formed, more system prevailed, and men undertaking the duties of volunteer privates better understood what would be demanded from them, and reflected accordingly. The enthusiasm had died out, but the spirit of determination that the country should not again be left to ignorant self-defence was as strong as ever, and as corps became more consolidated, so did the members, both officers and others, fluctuate less. With all this, there was after awhile throughout the battalion a slow but steady increase of members; and the Annual Returns of corps composing the 1st Wilts Rifle Battalion show that, in November, 1869, the Salisbury corps had a total enrolled of 156, of these 150 being efficients and only six non-efficient. In 1873, at an inspection parade held at Warminster, they mustered a total of 112. Again, in 1875, at another inspection, they had present 125; though of these 25 were belonging to the band, fairly drilled men perhaps, but of whose proficiency in anything beyond a musician's duty no test was made. However, the band was and is a necessity for a rifle battalion, and to some extent for a company detached. Both Salisbury and Trowbridge corps furnished the men required for the battalion band, hence at inspections an undue proportion of these corps appeared to be bandsmen. In the instance above, Trowbridge also contributed 21 men out of her muster of 143 to the band. At one time in the volunteer epoch, the bands were somewhat too numerous; "five-and-twenty fifers and five fighting men" was not altogether unknown at a muster; but time has changed all this.

The Annual Returns for 1875 show a total enrolled of 173, of whom 162 were efficients. In 1878, the return is 180, with 176 efficients. The attendance in camp for inspection in 1877 was 138; and again in 1881, 168, Captains Kelsey and Hodding being in command.

The rifle range of the Salisbury corps was at some distance from the city, on the London Road, and was a particularly difficult range at which a good score could be made. The ground undulated somewhat, and at each range was subject to varying currents of wind; a knowledge of these and their vagaries was a necessary ingredient in the formation of a steadily good shot at Salisbury Rifle Ranges. Practice is said to make perfect, and certainly much practice and attention to detail turned out very many good shots in No. 1 corps. Among the officers might be named Smith, Fisher, J. Brown, C. Brown, Hodding, Kelsey, Harris, Wilton, Wilson; and among the non-commissioned officers and rank and file, the name is legion. Without mentioning all or even one-half the number of those who have been large prize holders, the names of Butler, Wheaton, Manns, Watson, Barnett, Robbins, Calkin, Perris, &c., &c., are famous.

Prize-winning commenced early, as a Company Order, issued on the 19th September, 1861, by Lieutenant Fisher, commanding the corps, directs the band to assemble at the railway station to do honour to Sergeant Butler, who had won at the county meeting held at Devizes the challenge cup, value £50, and a silver salver, whilst Sergeant Wilton of this corps had proved himself to be the best shot of the meeting at 200 and 300 yards, five rounds and Hythe positions, £10 being his reward. Again in 1862, when the Rifle Association of the county held the meeting at Salisbury, we find the Salisbury corps holding their own against all comers, and the Challenge Cup so closely disputed that there was a tie between Sergeant Wilton, 1st corps; Private Hitchcock, 7th Wilts, 2nd Battalion; and Sergeant Neate, 7th Company, 2nd Battalion. The shooting off was in favour of Sergeant Wilton, and amidst the acclamations of almost all present, the chief prize was declared to be yet held by a member of the Salisbury Rifle Corps, and with it the salver offered by the Mayor and Corporation of the City. An unpleasant incident occurred, which may serve to show how servile was the following of Hythe rules. The right to possession of the Challenge Cup by Sergeant Wilton was disputed, inasmuch as he had used his second finger instead of the fore wherewith to press the trigger, and was not crowned with the bays until he had satisfied some of the committee and the umpire, that owing to an injury he was unable to use the fore-finger. "_Tantas componere lites._" Imagine in these days raising such an objection! Sergeant Butler won several valuable prizes, shooting at long ranges, 400, 500, 600, and 700 yards, five shots at each distance, and succeeded in scoring a hit for every shot--a total of 20 hits and 45 points. Among the officers, Lieutenant Fisher of this corps won the Ladies' and other prizes. At another county meeting held at Warminster, the shooting of some of the 1st corps was below their usual quality, or perhaps that of others was of a higher standard. The President's Prize places Sergeants Butler and Wilton at 26 points each, and the winning score at 32; the winner being the gentleman shooting a tie with Sergeant Wilton on a former occasion, Sergeant Neate, 7th corps, 2nd Battalion. The change among officers since Mr. Jacob first took the command has been great. Probably, Captain Hodding, at that time a corporal, alone remains. The corps has furnished three majors to the battalion--Captain Jacob on the first formation in 1861, Captain Pinckney in 1872, and Captain Kelsey in 1885. That the Salisbury Rifle Corps, now A and B Companies of the 1st Battalion Wiltshire Volunteers, has increased in numbers and efficiency is shown by a reference to "Returns" of a recent date. In 1886, the Annual Return, dated 1st November, 1886, gives--A Company, 92 efficients, 9 non-efficients; B Company, 99 efficients, 6 non-efficients. Total, 190 efficients and 15 non-efficients; and at a bayonet exercise competition held in camp in August, 1887, the challenge cup was won by A Company, Salisbury.

2ND CORPS (TROWBRIDGE) WILTS RIFLE VOLUNTEERS.

C & D Companies.

Among the earliest of the towns in Wiltshire to move in the formation of a rifle corps must be enumerated that of Trowbridge. A large manufacturing town, it felt how serious a matter would be even an attempt at an invasion of our shores, and without unnecessary delay the raising of a rifle corps was determined upon. It commenced by the formation of a Rifle Shooting Club among some of the tradesmen; but that this would not meet the occasion soon became evident, and in August 1859, a public meeting was called for the purpose of raising a rifle corps, collecting subscriptions, and considering details. The business habits of the leading gentlemen of the town made them act with deliberation, and perhaps it was the delay caused by the consideration of all matters affecting the permanency of the future corps which placed it as No. 2 in the county. It may be so, but at the same time it obviated constant alterations and correction of mistakes.

It was plain that however good at obtaining bull's-eyes on a target a man might be, still he fell very far short of what would be required in a modern rifleman. The troops which an enemy engaging in the invasion of this country would bring, must be selected men, and if opposed by riflemen, held together without knowledge of drill and discipline, but merely acting on the spur of enthusiasm, would scatter such as is chaff before the wind. Elderly landholders were content to entrust the defence of the country to gamekeepers, with perhaps a sprinkling of poachers, as being equally good shots; and some (the military especially) could only see there was nothing like leather, and that troops not trained by the regulations for the army, and drilled exactly as are line and militia, would be worse than useless.

The first meeting, held at the office of Mr. J.G. Foley, with Thomas Clark, Esq. of Bellefield, in the chair, appointed a committee to canvass the town for volunteers; and Mr. J. Pattison of Bridge House was nominated as secretary. At the second meeting it was seen that a goodly number of names had been enrolled, and that others were ready to join. The meeting then arranged that a corps for Trowbridge should immediately be formed, and that Mr. Thomas Clark of Bellefield be recommended to Her Majesty for the commission of captain.

Subscriptions towards meeting the various wants of the new corps came in from every quarter; Mr. Walter Long of Rood Ashton, Mr. W. Stancomb, and Mr. T. Clark each contributing fifty pounds, whilst sums of smaller amount but yet munificent were received from other gentlemen and the tradesmen generally. All were enthusiastic in the matter.

In the first week of December 1859, Mr. T. Clark received information from the Lord Lieutenant of the County that Her Majesty had accepted the services of those offering, appointing him as captain, with one lieutenant, one ensign, and 100 men of all ranks. The officers recommended for the commissions of lieutenant and ensign were Mr. W.P. Clark and Mr. J.G. Foley.

Constant and regular drills now gave the new corps plenty of occupation. Drill sergeants from the militia and retired veterans from the line were obtained, and fathers of families with their sons, independent gentlemen, tradesmen, and mechanics, despising snow and sleet, pouring rain, and muddy streets, were to be seen at nightfall, with rifle over the shoulder, and not improbably a very heavy stick in hand, just by way of strengthening the muscles of the forearm, wending their way to the place of drill; there to be kept uncomfortable for at least a quarter of an hour for not raising the toes sufficiently off the ground in the "right about turn," or to be pointed at as unworthy of being enrolled as a defender of his country, when the necessary delay of several minutes between the words "two" and "three" in the second position of the musketry exercise made his arm shake like an aspen leaf, and his rifle to wabble ("warble" more probably) in a most unsatisfactory manner. Sergeant Swipes was a great man on these occasions; he knew how things ought to be done and would have them done. There were none there to say he didn't, or any to dispute his right, so gentlemen drilled on night after night, hoping eventually to be able to complete the circle of "about" without staggering as if half tipsy, and to hold out the rifle if "three" was yet longer in being shouted out.

A detachment of the Antrim Rifles were at this time stationed in the barracks, and from them every assistance and kindness was received. The officers took great interest in the corps, supplied drill sergeants, attended themselves at some of the drills, and as all improved in knowledge of what was necessary, often allowed the corps to do battalion drill with their two companies commanded by Major Bruce.

About this time, through the exertions of Mr. Walter Long of Rood Ashton, a sub-division of the Trowbridge corps was raised at Steeple Ashton, of which Mr. W. Stancomb took command; but soon after resigning was succeeded by Mr. George Temple. However, the whole had but a short life. The men were few, the country wild, and regular attendance at drill almost impossible, so it was broken up.

It will not be out of place here to say what then was meant by raising and supporting a rifle corps, and how great the enthusiasm and patriotism of both men and women must have been when they submitted to give so much and receive so little. In the movement ladies were most enthusiastic and helpful, contributing by gifts of money, uniforms, shooting prizes, and in holding bazaars. To the Government of the day not one shred of praise or thanks are due. They never moved in the matter until very late in the day, and then only to intimate to the Lord Lieutenants of counties that corps might be raised, provided that they met the terms of this letter, which simply said that every expense, even to finding arms--stipulating only for these to be of the same bore--should be borne by the newly formed corps, and that in the event of their services being required, pensions as in the line for wounds, &c., would be sanctioned.

Perhaps it was as well that the authorities did not give more definite orders, if one is to judge by this letter. They, however, did one good thing, they appointed officers immediately under their own command as Inspectors and Assistant Inspectors--men fresh from the Crimean and Indian Mutiny campaign, who had not only seen service, but had received other impressions than those gathered in the barrack square; and to their common sense, judgment, patience, and willingness to be guided by circumstances, may be attributed the good qualities of the officers and men composing the volunteer force. Names need not be given, these will live in the memory of more than one.

It was impossible that an army such as the volunteer force had now become could go on for ever spending their own money and begging for more to keep them efficient; and so demand after demand was made on the War Office for assistance; but it was not until they saw that it was the people's force, and was supported in its claims by landed gentry and people having detestable influence in Parliament, that this help was sanctioned, and a starvation allowance voted; and as a certain increased amount of efficiency was demanded in return, the volunteer force at once became part of the defensive organization of the country. The Court had earlier shown an indefinite recognition of the force, as it had sanctioned the appearance of the officers at a special levée. The officers appearing at the same from Trowbridge were Captain Thomas Clark, Lieut. W.P. Clark, Ensign J.G. Foley, and Assist.-Surgeon Seale. The modesty of their uniform as compared with the wonderful compositions surrounding could hardly have given the facetious among the crowds ranging St. James' Street an opportunity of making remarks. Dark grey cloth, with red facings, fitting well to the body, a small chaco and ball, with black belts, left little to be desired. Perhaps the proximity of the Antrim Rifles at the barracks had something to do with this and many other things.

At the Royal Review in Hyde Park the only corps of volunteers representing the county was that of Trowbridge, and their general appearance and smartness obtained approval. If "Well done, Wiltshire!" "Well done, Trowbridge!" sung out by many in the crowd, is worth recording, this was repeated more than once.

To enable the Trowbridge Corps being present at the Royal Review in Hyde Park, it had to hire brakes, and by starting not very long after midnight from Trowbridge, arrive at the Great Western Railway Station at Chippenham, so as to meet the special train leaving there at daybreak for London. Perhaps "Well done, Wiltshire!" "Well done, Trowbridge!" was not such undeserved praise when these men of Wilts passed the Queen, and it is remembered that soon again they would be on their travels, and not be home before the break of another day; and to this may be added few, if any, of them absent from their work at the mills. The corps also attended at the review held in Clarendon Park, near Salisbury, and again at Durdham Downs, above Bristol, coming in for its share of abuse in discharging rifles because other corps did the same when three cheers for Her Majesty the Queen were demanded. Doubtless the crime was great, and proved at once that men who could fire without orders, or contrary to the musketry regulations as laid down for the British army, could never be otherwise than a rabble, and were unfitted to be trusted with arms. However, Trowbridge, and indeed the rest of the sinners, survived their iniquity, and No. 2 Corps put in an appearance at several subsequent general assemblies of the volunteers.

It was not the fault of the volunteers that only too often at these reviews the manœuvring was bad, fire wild, and confusion great. Orders were almost always badly conveyed, the general staff selected for the occasion quite ignorant of tactics or the movement of large bodies, and brigades, with their composing regiments, left to be guided by volunteer officers, themselves only beginners in the very outlines of drill. The War Office were content to look on. They were told the force would melt away of itself, and perhaps hoped and believed it would; but it did not, though now that the war fever had diminished the supporters were fewer, and the expenses greater on officers and men, and it was fully time that assistance should be given by the Government. Pressure was brought to bear, and as certain allowances were granted, it was necessary to guard the same. The demand to be recognised more fully as part of the British army, and the quality presenting itself, at length made the War Office consent to these corps being formed into battalions and with paid Adjutants and Sergeant Instructors brought into one system of governance and discipline.

The first necessity was to change the uniforms. It was painful to some, doubtless. The brilliant silver and grey of corps had to yield to the more sombre pattern of the Rifle Brigade. Elegant shoulder belts, with buckles of the beadle pattern, were replaced by shiny black, bare of ornament. Tunics of the Noah's Ark cut lessened their skirts, and pith helmets were bowed out. Trowbridge was not long in accommodating itself to the new state of things, and helped not a little by its discipline to make the task of amalgamation and uniformity less difficult to those appointed to carry out the same.

In conjunction with the rest of the corps composing the battalion, the Trowbridge companies (now two) attended various assemblies for united battalion drills held in different parts of the county, as also elsewhere for reviews, the chief of these being at Durdham Downs, Clifton, Lansdown, Bath, Portsmouth, Portsdown, Royal Review, Windsor, 1881, Jubilee Review at Aldershot in 1887, and the Autumn Manœuvres which were carried on in Wiltshire and Dorsetshire in 1872. At all Regimental Camps, No. 2 Corps mustered in strength, and perhaps had a larger average attendance daily than other corps composing the battalion; but this they were bound in honour to show, inasmuch as the date and place of assembly was arranged so as to meet the peculiar position of the corps.

To the uninitiated the expression "peculiar position" may need explanation. It would yet seem to do so to War Office authorities, commanding officers, inspecting officers, depôt commanders, and adjutants. These gentlemen are much given to treat every company composing a battalion of volunteers alike, and judging all by one, comment on non-attendances and want of skill at target practice or on parade. Now in a county battalion no two companies are similarly situated, and can give an equal attendance on drill or other instructions. One company has its members scattered over an area of twenty miles, the centre of such area being little more than a village, and serving as head quarters. To these head quarters no railway runs, nor is there anything beyond the floor of a barn obtainable for drill purposes in bad weather. The target practice ground is inaccessible, and terribly exposed. There are no resident gentry to help the funds of the corps or to offer prizes for best drills or best shots, and all the expenses incurred beyond those met by the dole received from the War Office comes down on the two or three officers attached, perhaps the village attorney and the doctor, who as Captain and Lieutenant have undertaken the thankless office of commanding and keeping up the company. Another company lives in clover; its head quarters are in a good town: the officers are wealthy and popular, and the townspeople proud of their men and the band. The practice ground is close at hand, the armoury large, with drill-yard attached, and all expenses incidental to attendance at regimental camps, autumn manœuvres, and reviews on a large scale, immediately met. It is easy for such a company to be efficient, and it is still more easy for an inspecting officer, with his beloved barrack square dangling before his eyes, to select this company as a criterion, and _ex uno disce omnes_. The Trowbridge companies are composed chiefly of mill hands, and so defined is the work of the mill among the numerous hands employed, that in many instances the withdrawal of two or three of these from a single machine will delay the completion of an order for an indefinite period. A battalion drill at 2 p.m. simply means all work in that part of the mill where these men now gone to the drill are employed must cease; and when these attendances at drills are demanded for days at a time, as is the case with a regimental camp or at autumn manœuvres, indeed any man, excepting perhaps an Army fossil or a War Office clerk, could see that so serious a demand on the hands of mill-owners or employers of labour generally, must be met by special arrangements, and thus it was with the Trowbridge Rifle Corps. The mills were overhauled and repaired generally in the month of August, and so this time was selected for holding the Regimental Annual Camp.

The assistance received in supporting the corps was great from all at and about Trowbridge, the ladies being foremost in helping on the movement by giving prizes to be shot for, and by holding stalls at bazaars, &c., by which undress uniforms, hand instruments, &c., &c., were purchased, but which could not be found with the paltry allowance received from the War Office. The want of covered spaces in which to drill in bad weather, or indeed to find any place at all for such a purpose out of doors, excepting the damp field, muddy roadside, or barrack yard, was felt considerably. Public rooms or offices offered certain advantages, but had many drawbacks, and it was not until Major Thos. Clark, promoted to field rank by the death of Major Jacob at Salisbury, munificently met the difficulty, that this want was removed.

Entirely at his own expense, Major Clark erected a hall large enough for every purpose, and after a while the Rifle Volunteers of Trowbridge found themselves welcome in a most comfortable and substantial building, in which all squad and, to a certain extent, company drills could be performed, their arms and accoutrements properly cared for, and additional rooms, where roaring fires in winter, the morning and other newspapers, a fair library, and bagatelle table, made members of the corps, off drills, rest and be thankful. Once a year outsiders were admitted, for a consideration, to witness the distribution of prizes, or perhaps the performance of theatricals, the members of the corps being the actors and entertainers. "Mrs. Jarley's Waxworks," and other incidents equally well got up and done, to say nothing of the witty prologues written on every occasion by Sergeant A. Wilkins, will long be remembered.

Among his earliest efforts are these recited by Lieut. Stancomb:--

"To give that pleasure is the rifle band, So let everybody here quite understand, That without _stocks_ the funds can't keep supplied With instruments and music, if we tried. The band has got the brass, but not the tin, So please to help us out by sending in."

Then again, referring to the Oxford Corps at autumn manœuvres:--

"The Oxford University were there, Those noble swells, turned cooks, the sight was rare, To see them cut their meat and put their pots on, Good judges they of beef, just come from Oxon."

The amalgamation of the various corps into a battalion occurred in 1861, and found many of the companies well advanced in drills. Indeed, at the first inspection of the whole at Warminster by Major Hume, Assistant Inspector of the district, he remarked on the very great advance in the knowledge of drill each company had made. On this occasion the Trowbridge Corps mustered 72 of all ranks, Captain T. Clark, in command, and Lieutenant W.P. Clark being the only officers. Major Jacob was in command of the battalion, and by his skill in manœuvring the regiment, and his evident knowledge of the meaning of certain movements, not only drew forth encomiums from the inspecting officer, but even at this early date of the Volunteer Force showed that the military were not the only ones capable of commanding armed men, and that drilling regiments, companies, or squads could be managed by civilians. Soon after this, to the great regret not only of the volunteers of his own corps, No. 1, at Salisbury, but to that of others in the battalion, and to all in Wiltshire, knowing the man and his worth, Major Jacob was called away by death, the result of an injury received in stepping from a boat. His place as major in the battalion was taken by the officer commanding the Trowbridge Corps, who as senior major of the battalion retired in the year 1879. The command of the company was taken by Lieutenant W.P. Clark, and Mr. E.P. Stancomb promoted from sergeant to the ensigncy. Shortly after this Mr. Foley resigned his commission as lieutenant, and Mr. W.P. Clark, jun., was appointed ensign in the place of E.P. Stancomb promoted.

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 in this 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 Corps at 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 the meets 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 uninteresting articles, 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 attack should 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 often necessitated 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.