The 1st Battalion marched from Shorncliffe in three divisions on
December 24, 26 and 28, 1818, for Chichester; and after halting there
for two days proceeded to Gosport, and was quartered there, and at
Haslar barracks.
It remained here till the autumn; when the disturbed state of the
northern parts of the kingdom requiring the presence of a military
force, the 1st Battalion embarked at three or four hours’ notice,
on board the ‘Liffey,’ frigate, and the ‘Hind,’ sloop, on September
18, 1819, and landed at Leith on the 27th; and marching from thence
on the next day arrived at Glasgow, the principal seat of the
disturbance, on the 30th and was quartered in the Infantry barracks.
Here they remained during the rest of the year.
On its arrival in England the 2nd Battalion received orders the very
day after reaching Shorncliffe to march to Hastings; and starting on
November 2, 1818, and halting successively at Romney and Rye, arrived
there on the 4th. Its stay at Hastings however did not much exceed a
month. For marching on December 7, through Hailsham, Lewes, Shoreham,
Arundel, and Chichester, it arrived at Hilsea on December 12. On the
24th of that month it was inspected, previous to embarkation, by
Major-General Lord Howard of Effingham; and on the 26th embarked at
Portsmouth on board the ‘Fame’ and ‘Sir George Osborne’ transports;
and sailing on the 28th arrived at Cove on the 31st; and disembarking
immediately marched to Middleton. And on the day following, January
1, 1819, it marched to Fermoy, and after three days’ halt here, on
the 5th the Battalion proceeded by Mitchelstown, Cahir, Thurles and
Roscrea, and arrived at Birr barracks on the 9th; relieving there the
3rd Battalion which was being then disbanded, and from which the 2nd
Battalion received by transfer on January 11, 213 non-commissioned
officers and privates.
From Birr the Battalion detached two companies to Roscrea, one
company to Maryborough, and smaller parties to Frankford and
Banagher. In August another company was detached to Tullamore, and
three companies under a major to Mullingar. These companies proceeded
to Athlone on February 18, 1820; and three other companies with the
Staff of the Regiment under Lieut.-Colonel Mitchell re-inforced them
at Athlone on the 24th in consequence of the disturbed state of the
country. On this account too the companies at Maryborough and Roscrea
were pushed forward to Loughrea on the 27th; and another company
from Birr followed them there on March 27. Meanwhile, three of the
companies at Athlone had marched to Tuam.
On February 19, in this year, Field-Marshal The Duke of Wellington
was appointed Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment, on the death of Sir
David Dundas. On this occasion the Officers of the Regiment presented
to him the following address:
‘May it please your Grace,
‘We, the Lieutenant-Colonels Commanding, Field-officers, Captains
and Subalterns of the two Battalions of the Rifle Brigade,
beg leave to represent to your Grace with what feelings of
pride and satisfaction we viewed your appointment to be our
Colonel-in-Chief.
‘Assuredly so high a distinction could not fail to make a deep
impression on the minds of any corps in His Majesty’s service;
but we cannot conceal from ourselves that, in the breast of the
majority of us, every sentiment of joy and exultation was in no
slight degree augmented when memory recalled the days of active
service under your Grace’s command, as well in that series of
brilliant campaigns which terminated in the emancipation of the
Peninsula, as during the last grand struggle, which, sealing
the destruction of the common enemy, purchased for Europe
tranquillity and for your Grace the title of its deliverer.
‘Whatever henceforth may be the destinies of this Corps--whether
its exertions shall be for some time confined to the humbler,
less inspiring, but not less imperative duty of protecting our
fellow-citizens against the criminal attempts of flagitious
and designing men in our native country, or whether our
better fortune shall again direct us to the more enviable and
spirit-stirring occupations of foreign war--we entreat your
Grace to believe that the lustre of your high example will
ever be present before our eyes, animating us all, each in
his degree, and within the sphere of his activity, to renewed
exertions; imparting to our humble efforts a character of a
loftier emulation, and teaching us unceasingly to aim at results
not unworthy to be associated with a name which history will
indissolubly blend with the fairest and most enduring triumphs of
a free and independent people.
‘We have the honour to be,
‘Your Grace’s most obedient humble servants,
‘1st and 2nd Battalions Rifle Brigade.
A. NORCOTT, Col. and Lieut.-Col. Com.
D. LITTLE GILMOUR, Lieut.-Col.
J. ROSS, Major and Lieut.-Col.
S. MITCHELL, Major and Lieut.-Col.
J. LEACH, Major and Lieut.-Col.
GEO. MILLER, Major and Lieut.-Col.
W. GRAY, Capt. and Major.
MORGAN BRENT, Major.’[178]
This address was forwarded to the Duke by Colonel Gilmour, then
commanding the 2nd Battalion, with the following letter:--
‘Tuam, May 31, 1820.
‘My Lord Duke,
‘As senior Lieutenant-Colonel of the Rifle Brigade, I have the
honour of forwarding to you a letter from the officers composing
the two Battalions of it, and in doing so I beg leave to express
the high sense I entertain of the honour which has now devolved
upon me, as also to embrace this opportunity of acknowledging the
many obligations personally conferred upon me by your Grace, and
which I beg leave to assure you shall ever be held in my most
grateful recollection.
‘I have the honour to be
&c., &c.
D. LITTLE GILMOUR,
Lieut.-Col., 2nd Battalion Rifle Brigade.’
During the time the 1st Battalion remained at Glasgow, they were
frequently engaged, if not in actual conflict with the insurgents,
yet in repressing acts of violence by the populace of Glasgow and
Paisley, during the political excitement, then known as ‘The Radical
War.’ Thus, among other occasions, I find that on April 2, 1820, the
people of Glasgow, Paisley and the surrounding villages having left
work and assembled for illegal and riotous objects, the Battalion was
under arms from before day-break and posted in St. George’s Square;
but the assemblage dispersed without acts of overt violence.[179]
On the removal of the Battalion from Glasgow, it received, by
District Order dated November 12, 1820, the approbation of
Major-General Reynell, commanding the district, for its conduct ‘upon
those trying occasions when its steady, temperate deportment was so
mainly conducive to the restoration and maintenance of tranquillity
in that populous city.’[180]
A letter from the Provost of Glasgow, dated October 28, conveyed to
Colonel Norcott the approbation of the magistrates of that city of
the conduct of the Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and Privates
of the Battalion, ‘during a period of great anxiety and alarm,’ for
their ‘admirable discipline and propriety of conduct under very
trying and harassing circumstances.’
The 1st Battalion left Glasgow in three Divisions on November
15, 16 and 17, 1820, and arrived at Belfast on the 24th and 27th
and were there quartered, furnishing detachments to Downpatrick,
Carrickfergus, Coleraine, Castle-Dawson, Ballycastle, Dungiven,
Maghera, Newtown-Glens and Ballymoney.
About this time reference was made to the Duke of Wellington as to
the Peninsular actions the names of which were to be borne by the
Regiment, and on December 7, 1820, the Duke addressed the following
letter to the Adjutant-General:
‘Sir,--In returning to you the letter of Colonel Norcott,
commanding the 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade, which I had the
honour to receive from you some time ago, I beg leave to state,
for the Commander-in-Chief’s information, that, according to the
rule to which I have confined myself in recommending regiments
for honorary distinctions, I conceive that the Rifle Brigade
may be permitted to bear on its appointments the following
inscriptions, in commemoration of the distinguished services of
the several Battalions of that Brigade on those occasions, viz.:
Roliça and Vimiera; Busaco; Barrosa; Fuentes de Honor; Ciudad
Rodrigo; Badajoz; Salamanca; Vittoria; Nivelle; Nive; Orthes;
Toulouse.[181]
‘I have the honour to be, &c.,
‘WELLINGTON.’
In compliance with this recommendation an order was issued from the
Horse Guards dated January 4, 1821, directing the names of those
victories to be borne on the appointments.
A further order dated Horse Guards, March 1, 1821, authorised
the Regiment to bear the word ‘Corunna’ on its appointments in
commemoration of its gallantry on January 16, 1809. And a third
order, dated Horse Guards, March 22, 1821, authorised the words
‘Copenhagen’ and ‘Monte Video,’ in commemoration of the distinguished
services of the Corps in the action of April 2, 1801 (its _first_
service at Copenhagen), and of three companies of the 2nd Battalion
at Monte Video in January 1807.
On March 7, 1821, the 1st Battalion marched from Belfast and the
several detached stations, and arrived at Armagh on the 9th, whence
it furnished detachments to Strabane, Lifford, Omagh, Monaghan,
Aughnacloy, Derg-bridge, Gortin, Dungannon, Cookstown and Clones.
On November 13 the Battalion marched from Armagh and the neighbouring
cantonments, and arrived at Naas on the 18th, sending out detachments
to Kilcock, Baltinglass, Maryborough, Philipstown, Wicklow, Carlow,
Glencree, Laragh, Gold-mines, Aughavanagh, Drumgoff and Leitrim, and
subsequently to Athy.
The Head-quarters, consisting only of two companies, marched from
Naas on December 20, and arrived at Kilkenny on the 22nd, where some
of the detachments soon afterwards joined them; and whence they
subsequently sent out detachments to Duncannon Fort and Callan.
The 2nd Battalion having had detachments from Tuam (where
Head-quarters were stationed) besides those before mentioned, at
Kilcurren, Moylagh, Mount Bellew, Cong, and Shrule, moved in two
divisions on April 9 and 10 through Athenry, Loughrea, Portumna,
Nenagh, Limerick, Bruff, Charleville and Doneraile, and arrived at
Fermoy on the 19th where they were quartered; and shortly afterwards
sent out detachments to Youghal, Dungarvan, Mitchelstown, Killorglin,
Ross-Castle, Bantry, Bere Island, Mill Street, Cloyne, Buttevant,
Kilworth, Tralee and Dingle.
On September 15 the Head-quarters, consisting of three companies,
marched from Fermoy, through Clogheen, Clonmel, Callan, Kilkenny,
Carlow and Ballitore, and arrived at Naas on the 22nd, furnishing
detachments to some of the out-stations, which the 1st Battalion
afterwards occupied from the same head-quarter station. On November
12 the Head-quarters of the Battalion returned by the same route
to Fermoy, being relieved at Naas, by the 1st Battalion. On its
arrival at Fermoy on the 18th it sent out detachments to Kildorrery,
Castletownroche, Liscarrol, Newmarket and Mitchelstown; and
subsequently to Kanturk and Doneraile.
The Head-quarters of the 1st Battalion consisting of two companies
marched from Kilkenny on February 3, 1822, (having previously
detached one company to Mitchelstown) and arrived at Fermoy on the
6th, sending out a detachment to Cappoquin. Soon afterwards, some
of the detachments from Kilkenny having joined head-quarters, four
companies marched from Fermoy to Charleville and detached parties
from thence to Kilmallock, Bruree, Kilfinane and Gibbon’s Grove.
The Head-quarters of the Battalion marched from Fermoy on February
16, and arrived at Newcastle on the next day. On this march a most
violent outrage occurred. Some non-commissioned officers’ and
soldiers’ wives preceded the Battalion on three jaunting cars. About
half-past six in the evening of Sunday, the 17th, when about a mile
and a half from Kildorrery, the cars were stopped by about a dozen
men, and some of the women, being seized and dragged off the cars,
were violated by more than one man. Others of them fled from their
assailants and ran back and met the Battalion. For this outrage
three men were tried at the ensuing Cork assizes, and being clearly
identified by the women were found guilty, and executed.[182]
One of the victims of this outrage, the wife of a non-commissioned
officer, was with the Battalion when I served in it. She was flighty;
having lost her senses in consequence of the violence inflicted on
her, and never perfectly recovered. This assault was intended as a
direct affront to the Regiment; for the miscreants enquired whether
any officer’s wife was on the cars; whether there was any ammunition
in them; and on leaving said that they would let the Riflemen know
that they were Captain Rock’s men.
The late hour of the march, and its being on Sunday, show that it
took place in consequence of the disturbed state of the country.
On its arrival at Newcastle the Battalion furnished detachments to
Abbeyfeale, Athea, Drumcollogher, Ruskey, Mount Catherine, Hospital,
Ballygran, Kilmedy and Glenduff.
The Head-quarters of the Battalion marched from Newcastle to
Rathkeale on July 23, and, the former detachments being withdrawn,
sent out parties to Ballingarry, Croome, Shanagolden, Glyn, Youghal,
Askeaton and Kildemo.
Early in the year some of the detachments furnished by the 2nd
Battalion formed part of a moveable column under Colonel Straton, 6th
Dragoons, and two companies of the Battalion marched from Fermoy to
Cork.
On January 24 Colonel Mitchell with a party consisting of Captain
Pemberton and fifty men of his company, a subaltern and a few men of
the 11th Foot, and a few men of the 6th Dragoons, were engaged with a
large body of the insurgents, about a thousand in number, posted on
the hills near Carrigamanus, and completely routed them, some being
killed and wounded, and twenty-two taken prisoners.
On the next day Colonel Mitchell received information from a
magistrate of the County that the insurgents were in force on the
hill of Dasure, and would attack his party on his march from Fermoy
to Macroom. He therefore reinforced his small force with Captain
Macnamara and Lieutenant Woodford’s detachments and Captain Eaton’s
company, with his two subalterns, making his force of Riflemen three
captains, three subalterns, four sergeants and 110 rank and file.
They marched towards Dasure and found the insurgents posted on that
hill, fully a thousand strong, while an equal number occupied the
surrounding hills. As Mitchell’s small party approached, they rushed
furiously down the hill with the object of surrounding them. But
Mitchell had thrown out skirmishers in his front, and to his flanks,
and completely defeated their attempt. They fired a few shots; but
finding that their proposed charge had failed, fled panic-struck,
leaving many killed and wounded (some accounts made the number forty,
others from twenty to thirty) and about thirty were made prisoners.
This attack on the Riflemen was made with a fury and determination
not usual in combats of this kind,[183] and their steadiness and zeal
called forth the warm commendations of Colonel Mitchell.
Two more companies moved at this time to Cork; and parties were
detached thence to Macroom, Inchigeelagh, Firmount, Derry,
Larchfield, Mount-rivers, Warren’s-court and Nettleville.
And on January 27 the Head-quarters of the Battalion marched from
Fermoy to Bandon, leaving the heavy baggage at Cork, and sent out
detachments to Dunmanway, Skibbereen, Rosscarbery, Clonakilty and
Bantry.
At this time a party of the Battalion proceeding in charge of cars
conveying ammunition from Macroom to Bandon was attacked by the
insurgents at Clara Mountain, near Kilmurry; but they were driven off
with the loss of some killed and wounded.[184]
On March 12 the Head-quarters, consisting of one company and some
attached men only, marched from Bandon to Kinsale, the detachments
continuing as before with occasional reliefs and changes; and
additional parties being sent to Crowhowley, Millstreet and
Ballyvourney.
On August 25, 1822, Sir Andrew Barnard, who had been promoted
Major-General from the command of the 1st Battalion on August 12,
1819, was appointed Colonel Commandant of a Battalion.
The 1st Battalion, besides the detachments already mentioned,
furnished parties to Abbeyfeale, Tarbert, Athea and Mountpleasant.
The Battalion marched from Rathkeale and the out-stations in two
divisions on October 25 and 27, 1823, and arrived in Dublin on
November 1 and 3, and occupied Richmond barracks until December 30,
when they moved into the Royal barracks.
Previous to their leaving Rathkeale Major-General Sir John Lambert,
who then commanded the district, issued a district order very
complimentary to the discipline and services of the Battalion during
more than a year and a half, during which it had been under his
command, and stationed in a part of the county of Limerick which had
been in a most disturbed state.
On July 23 the 2nd Battalion marched from Kinsale in two divisions
which arrived at Limerick on the 28th and 30th, being again broken
up in detachments to Newcastle, Glyn, Athea, Drumcolliher, Mayne and
Glenduff, and subsequently to Abbeyfeale and Rathkeale.
The 1st Battalion marched from Dublin in three divisions on September
7, 8 and 9, 1824, and arrived at Belfast on the 16th and furnished
detachments to Downpatrick, Carrickfergus and Ballymena.
The Head-quarters of the 2nd Battalion marched from Limerick on May
29 by Tipperary and Cashel, and arrived at Templemore barracks on
June 1, where they remained until September 6, when they marched by
Mountrath, Monasterevan and Naas and arrived in Dublin on the 9th and
occupied Richmond barracks. Here the detachments left in the county
of Limerick shortly afterwards joined, and the Battalion was at last
re-united; and soon after the 1st Battalion, also re-united, arrived
in the same barracks, and for many months both were quartered in
Dublin.
By an order from the Horse Guards dated April 25, 1825, the strength
of the two Battalions was augmented from eight to 10 companies each,
and those of the 1st Battalion were divided into six Service and four
Depôt companies. This division was carried into effect on July 25;
and on the 28th 29th and 30th the six Service companies embarked at
Belfast for Nova Scotia, on board the ‘Arab,’ ‘Speke,’ and ‘Joseph
Green,’ and arrived at Halifax about September 1, and were quartered
in the South barracks.
The Depôt companies remained at Belfast until August 24 when they
marched for Newry, arriving there on the 26th. After a brief stay
there they marched on September 17, and reached Cavan on the 20th,
where they were quartered during the remainder of the year.
The 2nd Battalion marched from Dublin in four divisions on July
5, 6, 7 and 8, detaching two companies to Cavan, and a party to
Maguire’s bridge. After a three months’ station at Enniskillen, these
detachments having been called in, the Battalion marched in three
divisions, on October 3, 4 and 5, and arrived at Birr on the 10th and
proceeded to Buttevant which they reached on the 16th.
Here the division into Service and Depôt companies took place on
October 25, and on the 27th the six Service companies (leaving the
Depôt at Buttevant) marched to Cork, and were there quartered. The
Depôt on December 12 marched from Buttevant to Kinsale.
During the year 1826 the Service companies of the 1st Battalion
continued to occupy the South barracks at Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The Depôt companies marched from Cavan on March 23, and arrived at
Drogheda on the 25th sending a Captain’s detachment to Dundalk,
another to Trim, and a small party to Kilcock.
On May 4 they marched to Naas, the detachment from Dundalk having
previously rejoined; but the other detachments remained out, and a
party was also detached to Robertstown.
On August 8 the Depôt companies marched from Naas to Dublin, and
occupied George Street barracks; but they returned to their former
quarters at Drogheda, on October 14 sending out detachments to Swords
and Garristown.
On January 10, 11 and 13 the Service companies of the 2nd Battalion
embarked at the Cove of Cork, on board the ‘Vibilia,’ ‘Cato,’ and
‘Sovereign,’ transports, for Malta where they arrived on February 22;
and were placed, four companies in the Lazaretto and two companies
(Head-quarters) in Fort Manuel under quarantine. On receiving
pratique they removed to Fort St. Elmo; where they were quartered,
with detachments at Fort Manuel, Fort Tigné, and a company at Gozo.
During the general election in this year a company from the Depôt
of the 2nd Battalion under Captain Ferguson, stationed at Tralee,
were called out on June 24, in consequence of a riot and attack on
some of Lord Ventry’s tenantry. The Riflemen were ordered to fire,
and five of the rioters were killed and thirteen wounded, many of
them dangerously. At an inquest held on two of the persons killed,
a father and son named Sullivan, a verdict was returned that the
order to fire was ‘unjustifiable and unnecessary.’[185] I do not
know whether any further proceedings were taken; but the conduct of
the Riflemen was approved by the Duke of York, Commander in Chief;
and Sir Herbert Taylor, then Military Secretary, states in a letter
dated July 14, that ‘The cool and determined conduct of Captain
Ferguson, and the detachment of the Rifle Brigade under his orders
at Tralee, appears, from the reports made to His Royal Highness, to
have been deserving of his entire approbation, which he desires may
be communicated to them.’
On January 27, 1827, Major-General Sir Thomas Sidney Beckwith,
K.C.B., who had so long served in the Regiment, and had so gallantly
led it in many a hard-fought field, was restored to its roll as
Colonel Commandant of the 2nd Battalion, Sir Andrew Barnard becoming
Colonel of the 1st Battalion by the death of the Honourable Sir
William Stewart, at his residence, Cumloden, Kirkcudbright, on
January 7.
On July 27, the Service companies of the 1st Battalion moved from the
South to the North barracks at Halifax, and furnished detachments to
Annapolis, Prince Edward’s Island, Windsor, Cape Breton, and York
redoubt.
The Depôt companies of this Battalion marched from Drogheda on
October 9 to Dublin, and on their arrival there were quartered in
George Street barracks.
On the departure of the Depôt from Drogheda the Mayor and Corporation
presented Major William Eeles, who commanded it, with the freedom of
their Corporation, ‘not only as an evidence of their personal regard
for him,’ but also ‘to record their high sense of the gentlemanlike
demeanour of the officers, and steady, soldier-like conduct of the
non-commissioned officers and privates.’
The Depôt companies marched to Kingstown on October 21, and embarked
in the ‘Amphitrite’ and ‘Maria’ transports for Devonport, where they
arrived on the 31st, and occupied Stonehouse barracks.
The Service companies of the 2nd Battalion remained at Malta during
this year; no change beyond the reliefs of detachments taking place
until December 21, when they removed from Cottinera district to the
lower St. Elmo barracks at Valeria, with a small party detached to
Fort Tigné.
The record of this Battalion does not specify the movements of the
Depôt companies; but I find that they were stationed at Clare Castle
in March, and had moved before June to Cashel.
The Service companies of the 1st Battalion remained at Halifax during
the year 1828, the various detachments mentioned in p. 228 rejoining
the Head-quarters in May, June and August.
On July 29 His Royal Highness, the Duke of Clarence (afterwards King
William IV.) on his visit to Plymouth as Lord High Admiral, reviewed
the Depôt companies of both Battalions, with the other troops in
garrison.[186] The day was very unfavourable, the rain falling in
torrents; but His Royal Highness went through the review, which
occupied some hours. Addressing the Riflemen, he traced the history
of the Regiment and its principal deeds of arms from its foundation
(as was his wont on such occasions), concluding with these words:
‘And what more can I say to you, Riflemen, than that wherever there
has been fighting you have been employed, and wherever you have been
employed you have distinguished yourselves?’
Immediately after this review the Depôt companies embarked on board
the ‘Amphitrite’ transport at Devonport, and on the 31st landed at
Gosport, and occupied Forton barracks. On December 21 they furnished
detachments to Tipner and Hilsea.
No change (except the relief of detachments) took place in the
Service companies of the 2nd Battalion, which remained at Malta;
but its Depôt companies were (with those of the 1st Battalion)
at Devonport during the spring and summer; and in September were
stationed at Portsmouth; but before the end of the year returned to
Devonport.
The Service companies of the 1st Battalion remained at Halifax until
October 1829, on the 17th and 18th of which month they embarked in
the ‘Ann,’ ‘Amelia,’ and ‘Wellington,’ transports; and sailing on the
21st, arrived at St. John’s, New Brunswick, where they disembarked
on the 29th and 31st. They immediately furnished detachments to
Fredericton and St. Andrew’s; and on November 7 the Head-quarters
with Captain Hope’s company embarked on board the ‘St. George’
steam-boat, and moving up to Fredericton, occupied the new barracks
with the detachment of the Battalion already there.
On March 13 the Depôt companies calling in the detachments at Tipner
and Hilsea, moved to Cambridge barracks, Portsmouth. On August 11
they embarked on board the ‘Amphitrite’ and disembarked at Dover on
the 13th, where they occupied the Western heights barracks.
The 2nd Battalion remained at Malta during this year, changing its
quarters on December 18 from the St. Elmo to the Floriana barracks.
During the year 1830 the 1st Battalion remained at St. John’s and
Fredericton, New Brunswick; and the Depôt continued in its quarters
at Dover.
The only change in the quarters of the Service companies of the 2nd
Battalion this year was their removal from Floriana barracks to the
Cottinera district on December 20.
The Depôt companies moved about April to Deal and soon afterwards to
Dover, where they were quartered with the Depôt of the 1st Battalion.
No change took place in the quarters of the 1st Battalion during the
year 1831; the Service companies continuing in New Brunswick, and the
Depôt at Dover.
The Service companies of the 2nd Battalion remained at Malta during
the whole of this year, and the Depôt continued at Dover.
Lieutenant-General Sir T. Sidney Beckwith, K.C.B., Colonel Commandant
of the 2nd Battalion, died January 19, 1831, at the Mahabuleshwar
hills, Bombay, of which Presidency he was Commander-in-Chief. He was
the last of the original officers of the Regiment remaining in it.
The Head-quarters of the 1st Battalion with three companies left
Fredericton in two divisions on August 14 and 17, 1832; and the
whole of the Service companies embarked at St. John’s in H.M.S.
‘Winchester,’ and the ‘Arachne’ and ‘Chebucto,’ brigs, on the 21st
and 22nd and disembarking at Halifax, Nova Scotia, were quartered in
the North barracks.
The Depôt companies continued at Dover, furnishing a detachment for
a short period to Shorncliffe.
On February 12 the Head-quarters of the 2nd Battalion with two
companies embarked at Malta for Corfu, where they landed on the 19th,
and on the 23rd the remaining six companies embarked, landing at
Corfu, two on the 1st March and two on the 6th.
On April 6 the Battalion moved to the Island of Vido, sending out
small parties to the Lazaretto Island, Paleo Castrizza, Fano and Paxo.
On August 1 the Battalion returned to Corfu, calling in these
parties; but, shortly afterwards sending out a detachment to
Cephalonia.
The Depôt of the 2nd Battalion remained at Dover.
On April 1 in this year a change was made in the clothing of the
non-commissioned officers and private Riflemen, the coats being made
double-breasted, instead of single-breasted as heretofore; black
horn-buttons being substituted for white metal; and black lace and
chevrons being adopted instead of those before worn by sergeants.
No change took place in 1833 in the station of the Service companies
of the 1st Battalion, which continued to occupy the North barracks at
Halifax.
Early in the year 1833 Captain Horatio Stewart’s Depôt company was
ordered to proceed from Dover by forced marches to Hastings. The
whole of that part of the coast was in a state of great excitement in
consequence of the proceedings of smugglers, who had not long before
had an affray with the coastguard, in which one of the latter was
killed and others wounded. On the arrival of the company at Hastings
the men, after being allowed to rest and refresh themselves for about
an hour, were ordered to fall in, and were divided into parties,
under officers and non-commissioned officers, which were directed
to patrol the beach for many miles in various directions during the
night. This unpleasant duty continued for six weeks; patrolling by
night and target practice by day. This was watched by numbers of the
people; and no doubt the practice made at the target was observed
with good effect by the smugglers and their friends; for no smuggler
was ever met with by the patrols, nor was any attempt made, while the
Riflemen continued at Hastings, to land contraband goods. The company
then rejoined the Depôt.[187]
The Depôt companies, calling in the detachment at Shorncliffe,
marched from Dover to Chatham on April 1, whence they furnished in
June a strong detachment under a Field officer to Gravesend, in aid
of the Civil power. And ‘their excellent conduct,’ and ‘the unceasing
attention of the officers,’ received the thanks of the Mayor in
behalf of the inhabitants.
These companies embarked at Chatham on November 11 on board H.M.
steam-vessel ‘Salamander,’ and arriving at Jersey on the 14th,
disembarked at St. Aubin’s, from whence they proceeded to occupy
quarters in Fort Regent, at St. Helier’s.
The Service companies of the 2nd Battalion were moved from Corfu
to Vido on August 1, sending out detachments to Lazaretto Island
and Fano; but on December 1 returned to Corfu. The Depôt companies
continued at Dover.
In consequence of the breaking out of cholera in the 1st Battalion,
the Service companies were moved from Halifax on August 24, 1834, and
encamped at Sackville, whence they returned to their former quarters
in the North barracks, Halifax, September 30. In this outbreak of
cholera the Battalion lost 31 men, 6 women and 5 children.
The Depôt remained during the whole of this year at Fort Regent,
Jersey.
The Head-quarters of the Service companies of the 2nd Battalion
embarked at Corfu for Cephalonia on October 8, and landed there on
the 9th. Two companies had preceded them on June 20, and two others
on September 26. From hence detachments were furnished to Calamos, to
Ithaca, to Paxo, to Lixuri, to Fort San Georgio and Sta. Euphemia.
About March the Depôt companies removed from Dover to Guernsey.
During the year 1835 no change of quarters took place in either
Battalion or in their Depôts.
The Service companies of the 1st Battalion sailed from Halifax, Nova
Scotia, in the ‘Stakesley’ and ‘Katherine Stewart Forbes,’ on August
20 and 26, 1836, and arrived at Chatham and disembarked on September
15 and 29, and occupied quarters there.
The Depôt companies had sailed from Jersey in the ‘Katherine Stewart
Forbes’ on May 24, and arrived at Gosport on the 28th, where they
disembarked, and were quartered in Fort Monckton till June 17; when
they crossed to Portsmouth, and occupied Forehouse barracks, with
detachments at Tipner and Hilsea.
On August 1 the Depôt companies marched from Portsmouth, through
Chichester, Petworth, East Grinstead, and arrived at Chatham on the
8th to await the arrival of the Service companies; and on their
landing on September 15 and 29, they were again reunited into a
Battalion of ten companies.
No change took place in the quarters of the Service companies of the
2nd Battalion, except the occasional relief of the many detachments
they furnished from Cephalonia. But the Depôt companies in September
embarked at Guernsey for Dover, where they awaited the arrival of the
Service companies, and were reunited with them on their arrival in
June following.
Early in the year 1836 Lieutenant Wilbraham,[188] then Adjutant of
the 1st Battalion, was selected to proceed to Persia, with eight
sergeants of the Rifle Brigade, in charge of two thousand stand of
rifles, intended by the Foreign Office as a present to the Shah on
his accession to the throne. Four of these sergeants, belonging
to the 1st Battalion, were sent out from England; the other four,
belonging to the 2nd Battalion, joined the expedition at Cephalonia,
where their Battalion was then stationed.
Lieutenant Wilbraham was promoted in July 1836 to an unattached
company, and subsequently the local rank of Lieutenant-Colonel was
conferred upon him. For nearly three years he and the eight sergeants
were employed in organising and instructing the Persian troops, but
at the end of that time a rupture took place between England and
Persia, in consequence of the Shah’s advance upon Herat, and they
returned to Europe. The rifles had under one pretext or another
been withheld, as it was foreseen that they would probably be used
against ourselves, but as they were too bulky to be carried, they
were rendered useless by the removal of the locks, which were brought
away.
Of the sergeants who were selected for this duty Sergeant Peter
Macdonald afterwards rose to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, and
retired from the Service in 1865; and Colour-sergeant Johnson, 2nd
Battalion, subsequently became Captain in the 41st Regiment, and died
at Balaclava as Provost-Marshal of the Army.
The 1st Battalion marched from Chatham in two divisions on May 1 and
2, 1837, and arrived at Woolwich and Deptford on the 2nd and 3rd.
Seven companies with Head-quarters were stationed at Woolwich, and
three companies at Deptford.
During the time the Battalion was quartered at Woolwich,
Lieutenant-Colonel William Eeles died in command of it on October 11.
He had served in the Regiment thirty-two years, having been appointed
to it in 1805; and had accompanied it through its Peninsular and
other campaigns, and had been present at Waterloo. He was succeeded
in the command of the Battalion by Lieutenant-Colonel Hope, who had
been promoted after twenty-eight years’ service in the Rifles to the
Lieutenant-Colonelcy of the 21st Fusiliers; and was now brought back
to his old Corps.
On April 8 and 13 the Service companies of the 2nd Battalion
embarked at Cephalonia on board the ‘Parmelia’ and ‘Prince Regent,’
transports, and landed at Dover on June 3 and 13.
And on August 14, 15 and 16 the Battalion marched from Dover to
Portsmouth in three divisions, arriving there on the 24th, 25th and
26th, and detaching one company to Tipner Magazine.
The 1st Battalion embarked in steam-vessels at Woolwich early in
the morning of June 28, 1838, and attended the Coronation of Queen
Victoria. This and the 2nd Battalion lined Piccadilly from Hyde Park
Corner to the corner of St. James’ Street in extended order.
After the procession had returned from Westminster Abbey to
Buckingham Palace the 1st Battalion marched back to Woolwich and
Deptford.
On July 9 the Battalion again embarked in steam-vessels and was
conveyed to London, and took part in the review in Hyde Park on that
day under the command of General, the Marquis of Anglesey, and in
presence of the Queen. Marshal Soult was present at this review.
At its conclusion the Battalion was billeted in the neighbourhood of
Hanover Square until the 11th, when it marched to the Tower of London
and was there quartered. Three or four days after their arrival there
the Battalion was inspected by the Colonel-in-Chief, Field-Marshal
the Duke of Wellington, accompanied by Marshal Soult. They proceeded
down the ranks and inspected the Battalion together.
On June 16, 17 and 18, the 2nd Battalion marched in three divisions
from Portsmouth to Chelsea and was there billeted. And on the 28th
attended the Coronation of Queen Victoria as above stated; and on
July 9 was present at the review in Hyde Park.
On the next day, it moved from Chelsea to Woolwich relieving the 1st
Battalion, and like it, having Head-quarters and seven companies at
Woolwich and three companies detached at Deptford.
The 1st Battalion marched on February 1 and 2, 1839, by wings, from
the Tower to Paddington, and thence proceeded by Railway to Windsor,
where they were quartered in the Infantry barracks.
On March 11 and 12 the left wing of the Battalion marched from
Windsor and arrived at Weedon on the 15th; and they were followed by
the right wing and Head-quarters which left Windsor on the 18th and
arrived at Weedon on the 22nd.
In consequence of the disturbed state of the country, detachments
were furnished by the Battalion to aid the Civil power, to
Birmingham, Nottingham and Warwick; the two former continuing
detached (with occasional reliefs) for about a year; the latter from
July till December. During the chartist disturbances the detachment
at Birmingham was on more than one occasion called out to disperse
the mob. Rioting having more or less continued from the 4th to the
8th July, the detachment was called out on the latter evening, and
took their station in the Bull-ring. Here fighting with the police
took place, and the mob, having got the worst of it, assembled in
the Holloway road. The Riflemen were ordered to disperse them, and
were pelted with stones. Then an order to load and to make ready was
given; but fortunately before they fired, the 4th Dragoon Guards
arrived and dispersed the people, taking many prisoners.
A few days later similar harassing services were required of them.
On July 15 a mob assembled in the evening, in the Bull-ring, and
attacked the houses of several citizens and tradesmen and set some of
them on fire. The mob would not let engines approach, and compelled
the firemen, under pain of death, to take off their horses and
retreat. At this moment a party of 200 Riflemen made their appearance
(accompanied by a magistrate), and under their escort the firemen
brought up, and worked their engines; while the 4th Dragoon Guards
charged the people and cleared the streets.
Among the parties sent out to clear the neighbouring streets was
one consisting of a section commanded by Sergeant Robert Macdonald.
It was arduous work, for the mob assailed them with stones and every
description of missiles. The men became so exasperated under this
provocation (for some were severely hurt) that they could hardly be
restrained from retaliating by attacking their assailants with their
swords, which were fixed on their rifles. Sergeant Macdonald did what
he could to prevent mischief; but in the tumult one or two persons
were killed or died of wounds, and several were wounded. A coroner’s
inquest, however, returned a verdict of ‘justifiable homicide,’
thereby exonerating Macdonald, who was amenable as having been in
command at this post, from all blame.[189]
On the next day, the Riflemen were engaged in patrolling the town;
and in the evening, it having been announced that another chartist
meeting was to be held, they were brought down in force, accompanied
by a Squadron of the 4th and some artillery with guns. The mob did
not care to come into collision with them, and the riots subsided.
On this detachment returning to Weedon, a very strong and favourable
representation was made by the mayor and magistrates of Birmingham
to the Home Secretary of its services and conduct, and of the
indefatigable zeal and humanity with which it had performed the
duties required of it. This was transmitted by the Marquis of
Normanby, then Home Secretary, to General Lord Hill, Commanding in
Chief, and by him to the Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion,
both adding their expression of satisfaction and approval of the
conduct of the detachment.
The following address was also forwarded by the Mayor of Birmingham
to the Commanding Officer:
‘To the Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and Privates of Her
Majesty’s Rifle Brigade, now stationed at Weedon barracks.
‘We, the undersigned the Mayor and magistrates of the borough
of Birmingham, having heard with regret of your intended early
removal from this neighbourhood, cannot permit your departure to
take place without tendering to you this cordial and respectful
assurance of our esteem and gratitude. For a considerable period
during which we were indebted to you for aid and protection, we
had frequent occasions to admire the order, courage and humanity
which marked your performance of some of the most painful duties
which it falls to the lot of a British soldier to fulfil. Nor
can we forget that alike by officers and men these duties, often
dangerous and always irksome, were discharged with uniform
cheerfulness and alacrity.
‘As a very inadequate, though warm and grateful return, allow us
to repeat the expression of our heartfelt thanks and to offer our
best and earnest wishes for your future happiness and welfare.
‘Signed by the Mayor and ten magistrates.
‘Birmingham, April 30, 1840.’
In November 1839, the flint-lock Baker rifle was replaced by the
percussion Brunswick rifle, a supply of which was forwarded from the
Tower to Weedon, together with swords, &c.
The 2nd Battalion marched in two divisions from Woolwich on October 9
and 10, for Windsor and arrived there on the 12th and were quartered
in the Infantry barracks.
On November 1 the Battalion was reviewed in the Home Park by Queen
Victoria.
In consequence of the disturbed state of South Wales, and the attack
on Newport in November, two companies of the Battalion, under the
command of Major Irton,[190] were ordered to march from Windsor on
December 18 to Monmouth, where they arrived on the 28th of that month.
The 1st Battalion remained at Weedon till November 1840, when an
order having been received to prepare for foreign service, the
Battalion was divided into six Service companies and four Depôt
companies.
And on November 9 and 10 the Service companies proceeded by rail-road
to London; and embarked at Deptford on board the ‘Abercrombie
Robinson’ transport for Malta, where they arrived in January
following.
The Depôt companies continued to be quartered in Weedon barracks
during the remainder of the year.
The trial by Special Commission of the ringleaders of the attack on
Newport having concluded, the two companies of the 2nd Battalion
which had been detached to Monmouth, marched on March 2 and rejoined
Head-quarters at Windsor on the 10th of that month.
On May 22 a company of the Battalion marched to Esher to furnish
guards and duties at Claremont, during the Queen’s residence there;
and returned to Windsor on the 25th, and on June 1 a similar
detachment proceeded to Esher, for the same duty, rejoining
Head-quarters on the 5th.
South Wales continuing in a disturbed state, two companies marched
from Windsor to Brecon, one to Pontypool, one to Swansea, and one
to Merthyr Tydvil on August 22, and arrived at their destinations
on September 1 and 2. And on August 24 the Head-quarters marched
to Newport, Monmouthshire, and arrived on September 1; furnishing
additional detachments to Newtown and Montgomery.
On October 26 the detachment at Brecon was broken up, one company
marching to Abergavenny, and the other to Usk.
The Service companies of the 1st Battalion disembarked at Malta on
January 13, 1841, and were quartered at Fort Manuel, with detachments
at St. Salvador and another to the Zabbar gate.
On January 28 the Head-quarters moved to Fort Ricasoli, detaching
another company to St. Salvador. But the Battalion only remained in
these quarters till February 13, when they removed to Isola barracks,
with one company at St. Francis de Paolo, and one at St. Salvador.
On May 7 the Battalion left the Cottinera district, and moved to
lower St. Elmo barracks, with a company detached at St. James’
Cavalier.
The Depôt companies removed from Weedon to Chester Castle on May 5,
and were there quartered until 20th of the same month, when they
proceeded to Liverpool; and embarking for Dublin, arrived there
on the 21st. They disembarked on the following day and occupied
Beggar’s-bush barracks until the 25th when they moved into Richmond
barracks.
On July 10 a detachment of five officers and about a hundred men were
sent to Wicklow, in aid of the Civil power, during an election. They
returned to Richmond barracks on the 23rd.
No alteration of quarters (except the change and relief of
detachments) took place in the 2nd Battalion until August; on the
28th, 30th and 31st of which month the Battalion left its cantonments
in Monmouthshire and in Wales, and was reunited at Bristol
preparatory to embarking for foreign service.
On this occasion an address was presented to the Commanding Officer,
signed by the Mayor of Newport and five other magistrates, commending
the ‘peaceable, orderly and soldierlike manner in which the men had
conducted themselves.’ An address was likewise presented, signed by
five magistrates of Newtown, thanking the detachment there for its
‘efficient assistance in preserving the peace of the town,’ and for
‘protecting the property of many of its inhabitants.’ And another
signed by forty inhabitants (magistrates and tradesmen) testified to
the good conduct of the detachment stationed there.
On September 3 the Battalion was divided into six Service and four
Depôt companies; and on the 9th and 10th (leaving the Depôt companies
at Bristol) the Service companies proceeded by Great Western railway
to Paddington, and thence to Deptford, where they embarked on board
the ‘Abercrombie Robinson’ for Bermuda. They arrived on November 5
and disembarked at St. George’s.
The 1st Battalion remained in its quarters at Malta during the whole
of the year 1842, furnishing detachments to Forts Ricasoli and Tigné.
The Depôt companies marched from Richmond barracks to the
Pigeon-house Fort, near Dublin, on January 20; where they remained
until October. On the 17th of that month the first division marched
for Drogheda through Ashbourne, and on the 19th the Head-quarters
through Balbriggan; and on arrival at Drogheda were quartered, three
companies in Millmount barracks, and one company in Fair Street
barracks.
On May 7 an order was issued from the Horse Guards increasing the 2nd
Battalion to twelve companies, six of which were to be called the
Reserve Battalion. The Depôt companies were therefore increased to
six companies, eighty men having volunteered from the 1st Battalion
to complete them. This was effected at Dover.
The six companies at Bermuda embarked on board the ‘Java’ transport
on July 30, and landed at Halifax, Nova Scotia, on August 12.
On September 6 the Reserve Battalion arrived at Halifax. And in
October the Battalion, thus completed, sent out detachments to Prince
Edward’s Island, Cape Breton, and Annapolis.
Lieutenant-General Sir Dugald Little Gilmour, K.C.B., who had served
in the Regiment nearly twenty years, during many of which he had
commanded the 2nd Battalion, was appointed Colonel Commandant of it
April 25, 1842.
The right wing of the 1st Battalion, recalling the detachments,
embarked at Malta, on board the ‘Boyne,’ transport, on March 2, 1843,
and landed at Corfu on the 6th. The left wing did not leave Malta
till April 1, when it embarked, also in the ‘Boyne,’ and arrived at
Corfu on the 7th. The Battalion furnished detachments to Santa Maura,
Vido, Paxo and Fano.
The Depôt companies continued at Drogheda, whence a detachment of 3
officers and about 70 men marched to Carrickmacross on April 5, in
aid of the Civil power, and rejoined on the 27th.
A detachment consisting of one company proceeded on May 23 to
Dundalk, and occupied quarters, with the cavalry, in the barracks
there. On June 7 it marched to Carrickmacross, to aid the Civil
power, and returned to Dundalk on the 15th. Two months afterwards,
on August 15 it marched to Castle Blaney again to aid the Civil
power; but returned the following day. On September 12 it moved to
Longford, and on the same day another company marched from Drogheda
to Granard; and the Head-quarters of the Depôt followed to Longford
on the 16th, arriving there on the 21st, where they occupied the Line
and the Artillery barracks. In the meanwhile a detachment had been
sent to Trim, to aid the Civil power; and this rejoined at Longford
on October 3.
Detachments were soon afterwards sent out to Athlone and to
Roscommon; and that at Granard was called in.
The numerous detachments, in aid of the Civil power, and the frequent
removals of the Depôt, were caused by the Repeal agitation, which was
at its height during this year; and by the ‘Monster Meetings’ held by
O’Connell at Trim, Roscommon, and other towns.
No change seems to have taken place in the quarters of the 2nd
Battalion during this year, when it continued at Halifax.
The Service companies of the 1st Battalion continued at Corfu
during the year 1844, the only changes in them being the relief of
detachments, and the furnishing an additional one to the Lazaretto.
The Depôt companies marched from Longford on January 8 to Athlone,
where they arrived on the following day, and were soon joined by the
detachment from Roscommon.
The 2nd Battalion continued at Halifax, the detachments at the
out-stations being relieved, by another regiment, and rejoining
Head-quarters in July.
The Service companies of the 1st Battalion remained at Corfu during
the year 1845; the only change in its quarters being the occasional
relief of the detachments.
The Depôt companies marched from Athlone on April 14 and 15, and
arrived in Dublin on the 19th and 21st, and were quartered in
Beggar’s-bush barracks, furnishing a detachment for a short time
to the Pigeon-house fort. The Depôt Head-quarters removed to this
fort on June 2, leaving a small detachment only in the Beggar’s-bush
barracks. But to these barracks the Head-quarters returned on October
27.
The 2nd Battalion remained during the whole of this year stationary
at Halifax.
About the beginning of August 1846 the Service companies of the 1st
Battalion were directed to hold themselves in readiness to proceed
to Jamaica; but very shortly afterwards a letter was received from
Lord FitzRoy Somerset, Military Secretary to the Commander-in-Chief,
stating that the destination of the Battalion was changed; that it
was to be held in readiness to embark for the Cape of Good Hope;
and that steamers were on their way from England to convey it to
Gibraltar.
The Detachments at Lazaretto, Santa Maura and Fano were therefore
immediately called in; and the Battalion prepared for active service.
Shortly before embarkation the Service companies were inspected
by Lieutenant-General Lord Seaton, then Lord High Commissioner of
the Ionian islands, who after witnessing a few battalion movements
ordered square to be formed and thus addressed them:
‘Rifle Brigade, or old 95th, I have known the Regiment more than
forty years and have taken part with them in battles and sieges
in the Peninsular war, and at Waterloo. My old regiment, the
52nd, and the 43rd, formed the famous Light Division under his
Grace the Duke of Wellington, who always led them to victory.
Your Queen and country now call upon you to uphold her honour in
Southern Africa, against hordes of savages; and I feel quite sure
that the Battalion will sustain the undying fame that it gained
in the Peninsula and at Waterloo, and add more laurels to its
wreath. Riflemen, old 95th, I bid you good bye with my heartfelt
and best wishes for you all.’
Lord Seaton also issued a farewell order, highly commending the state
of their discipline and general good conduct, and expressing his
regret at their removal from his command, and his wishes for their
future welfare.
The Service companies were ordered, by letter from the Horse Guards,
July 23, 1846, to embark 560 strong including musicians, and to take
out only 540 rifles and accoutrements; and the supernumerary men and
arms were to be sent to England to form part of the Depôt.
Though the Service companies were thus reduced to 560 men, the total
strength of the Battalion was actually increased by 200 men, by a
Horse Guards order dated March 27, 1846.
On August 21 the Service companies embarked; the Head-quarter
division under Major Egerton[191] in H.M. steamship ‘Retribution;’
and the left wing, under Captain Horsford,[192] in the ‘Terrible;’
and steaming away at once (through the Straits of Messina) arrived at
Gibraltar at twelve P.M. on the 27th and disembarked on the following
day, and occupied barracks.
FOOTNOTES:
[178] ‘Despatches and Correspondence,’ i. 126.
[179] ‘Annual Register,’ lxii. 98.
[180] ‘Record’ 1st Battalion.
[181] ‘Despatches, Correspondence, and Memorandums,’ i. 154. The
Regiment had already been authorised to bear the word WATERLOO on
their appointments, in compliance with a memorandum of the Duke
of Wellington, dated Head-quarters, Paris, November 7, 1815.’
‘Supplementary Despatches,’ Appendix, xiv. 600.
[182] ‘Annual Register,’ lxiv. 67.
[183] ‘Annual Register,’ lxiv. 15.
[184] ‘Annual Register,’ lxiv. 19.
[185] ‘Annual Register,’ lxviii. 105.
[186] The Duke of Clarence had also reviewed the two Depôts on a
previous visit to Plymouth on December 21 preceding.
[187] ‘Personal Narrative of Military Travel and Adventure in Turkey
and Persia,’ by Robert Macdonald, pp. 22-25. The writer, a sergeant
in the 1st Battalion, was selected with his brother Peter Macdonald
to proceed to Persia in 1836. See p. 234.
[188] Now Lieutenant-General Sir Richard Wilbraham, K.C.B.
[189] ‘Personal Narrative of Military Travel and Adventure,’ pp.
286-7.
[190] Lieutenant-Colonel Irton died June 9, 1847.
[191] Colonel Buller (now General Sir George Buller, G.C.B.) had left
Corfu for England before the order to embark arrived.
[192] Lieutenant-General Sir Alfred H. Horsford, G.C.B.