Having thus brought down the account of the services of the two
Battalions in India, and of the companies of those Battalions which
formed the Camel Corps, to the end of the Mutiny, I now resume the
account of the movements of the other Battalions, which, in order not
to interrupt the narrative of the operations in India, I had left
aside.
The 1st Battalion moved from Glasgow to Newcastle-on-Tyne by rail on
September 24, 1858, detaching four companies to Sunderland.
On October 9 Lieutenant-General Sir Harry Smith, Colonel-Commandant
of the Battalion, inspected it; and after the inspection and march
past in the barrack-square, took them to the open ground near the
barracks, where he put them through several rapid manœuvres. On their
returning to the barracks, forming them in square, he addressed them
as follows:
‘Riflemen: I have had you out, and have given you some rough
handling; but I find that I cannot take either Colonel Somerset or
yourselves by surprise. I did this to see if the old stuff was still
awake, for I saw that you could go steadily when you marched past in
the square. This is the only Regiment or Battalion in which I took my
place in the ranks. Your assistance at the Cape--in fact, in three
quarters of the globe I have fought with you, and I always found you
worthy of the green jacket. There is no one here who has soldiered
so long as I have--fifty-three years. Your hardships (which I heard
of) in the Crimea; your comrades now in India; your doings in the
Peninsula, when you still wore the green jacket; and, since that,
in all quarters where fighting was to be done; your officers--your
everything, in fact--will never be forgotten.’ He then desired the
men to let him get out of the square; observing that he well knew he
never could get into it if they wished to prevent him.
The following letter was addressed to Sir Harry Smith by the
Adjutant-General of the Forces:
‘Horse Guards, November 2, 1858.
‘Sir,--I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your
highly favourable and creditable report for the second period of
the current year upon the 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade.
‘The General Commanding-in-Chief deems the absence of crime very
remarkable; and desires me to express his satisfaction at your
finding your old Corps so worthy of you; and further requests
that you will assure Colonel Somerset and all the officers that
they have merited His Royal Highness’ warmest commendation.
‘(Signed) W. F. FOSTER, D.A.G.
‘Lieutenant-General Sir H. Smith, Bart., G.C.B.,
‘Commanding Northern District.’
Colonel Somerset having been appointed to the Staff, Lord Alexander
Russell became Lieutenant-Colonel, and assumed command of the
Battalion on December 17.
During the stay of the Battalion at Newcastle, the officers and men
received the Turkish War Medal for service in the Crimea.
The 4th Battalion at Chichester, having between January 1 and March
31 received 161 recruits, and 102 volunteers from the Militia, had
attained a strength of 34 sergeants, 18 corporals, 15 buglers,
and 649 privates. On April 19 they proceeded from Chichester to
Shorncliffe, and were quartered in that camp.
This Battalion was at first armed with the common or long Enfield
rifle; but in June of this year received the short Enfield and sword.
Having received a further increase of 86 recruits, and 24 volunteers
from Militia regiments, they embarked in August for Malta, having
then a strength of 756 non-commissioned officers and privates.
The Head-quarters, with eight companies, proceeded from Shorncliffe
to Portsmouth by rail on August 11, and embarked on board the
‘Urgent’ troop-ship, and landed at Malta on the 22nd.
Two companies embarked at Portsmouth on board H.M.S. ‘Perseverance’
on the 13th, and reached Malta on August 25. The remaining two
companies forming the Depôt proceeded to Winchester, and were
attached to the Depôt Battalion there.
On May 6, 1859, the 1st Battalion was moved by rail from Newcastle
and Sunderland to Portsmouth, where it arrived on the afternoon of
the 7th, and occupied quarters: Anglesey barracks, two companies;
Colewort barracks, two companies; Cambridge barracks, three
companies; Clarence barracks, three companies.
The 4th Battalion remained at Malta, moving its quarters in September
from Lower St. Elmo barracks to Fort Ricasoli.
On March 27, 1860, the 1st Battalion removed by rail from Portsmouth
to Aldershot, and occupied huts in the North Camp.
On which occasion the following order was issued by Major-General the
Hon. Sir James Y. Scarlett, K.C.B.:
‘Portsmouth, March 26, 1860.
‘His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief, having ordered the
1st Battalion Rifle Brigade to be removed from this garrison
and district to Aldershot, Major-General Sir James Scarlett
cannot allow the Corps to quit his command without doing them
that justice which is due to them, in expressing his great
regret in parting with them, and offering his best thanks to
Lieutenant-Colonel Lord Alexander Russell, and the officers and
the men under his command, for the orderly and soldier-like
conduct of the Battalion during the period they have served in
this garrison (excelled by no Corps in smartness in the field
and in quarters). The conduct of both officers and men has been
such as to make their departure felt as a great loss, both in a
military and a social point of view. They carry with them the
best wishes of the Major-General wherever their duty may lead
them; and he believes his feelings towards them are shared by
both the civil and the military members of the garrison and the
district.
‘By order,
‘(Signed) J. C. THACKWELL, A.A.G.’
Their old companion-in-arms, Sir Harry Smith, having died in London
on October 12, was succeeded as Colonel-Commandant of the Battalion
by their former Lieutenant-Colonel, Major-General Sir George Buller,
K.C.B.
The 2nd Battalion remained at Lucknow till January 3 in this year,
when they marched _en route_ for Delhi by the following route:
Jan. 3 to Bunteerah 10 miles.
4 ” Nawabgunge 12 ”
5 ” Oonao 13 ”
6 ” Cawnpore 12 ”
Here they halted until the 19th, when, being relieved by the 52nd,
they marched for Subathoo, to which station their destination was
changed:
Jan. 19 to Kullianpore 8 miles.
20 ” Chobeepore 8 ”
21 ” Poorah 12 ”
22 ” Urrowl 13·3 ”
23 ” Meeran-ke-Serai 9·5 ”
24 ” Goorsuhagunge 13·3 ”
25 ” Chubramow 14·5 ”
27 ” Bewar 13·3 ”
28 ” Sultangunge 14·6 ”
29 ” Kurrowlee 8·3 ”
30 ” Mullown 12 ”
31 ” Eytah 11·1 ”
Feb. 2 ” Bhudwas 12·5 ”
3 ” Secundra Rao 9·2 ”
4 ” Akburabad 10·3 ”
6 ” Allygurh 13·6 ”
7 ” Somnagunge 14·2 ”
8 ” Khoorja 13·4 ”
9 ” Chorla 8 ”
10 ” Secundrabad 10·3 ”
11 ” Dadree 10·1 ”
12 ” Gazeeoodeenuggur 11·4 ”
13 ” Delhi 12·4 ”
They halted at Delhi till the 18th, when, resuming their march, they
proceeded to Allypoor 10·6 miles.
Feb. 19 to Raie 10 ”
20 ” Lursowlee 11·2 ”
21 ” Sumalka 10·4 ”
22 ” Paneeput 11·4 ”
23 ” Gourrunda 9·6 ”
24 ” Kurnal 11·1 ”
26 ” Bootanah 10·6 ”
27 ” Peeplie 8·7 ”
28 ” Shahabad 13·3 ”
29 ” Umballa 13 ”
Leaving the left wing, 5 companies under Lieutenant-Colonel Fyers,
at Umballa for target practice, the Head-quarters marched on March 2
for Subathoo, where they arrived on the 7th; and where the left wing
joined them on the 30th. The Battalion had thus made a march of more
than 440 miles, from Lucknow to Subathoo.
Here they remained until December, when, marching in three divisions
on the 4th, 6th, and 12th, they arrived at Umballa on the 8th,
13th, and 16th respectively, and were there stationed for musketry
instruction and target practice.
The 3rd Battalion remained at Agra during the whole of this year.
The 4th Battalion remained at Malta during this year.
In the latter part of this year the Regiment received a cloth shako
of a new pattern, that known by the name of the ‘Albert shako’ being
discontinued.
The 1st Battalion left Aldershot by rail on the afternoon of April
9, 1861, for Liverpool, where they embarked for Dublin, which they
reached on the 10th, and landing on the 11th occupied Richmond
barracks.
On the 29th they marched by route to Naas, and thence on the next day
to the Curragh camp.
During their stay at the Curragh they marched to Dunamase near
Maryborough; where they encamped, using the ‘_tentes d’abri_’ for the
first time, and returned to the Curragh on the next day.
On September 17 the Battalion left the Curragh, marching that day
to Naas, and on the next to Dublin, where they re-occupied Richmond
barracks.
During the time the Battalion was in the garrison of Dublin, a
question arose as to the Castle guard, which is mounted at the
residence of the Lord Lieutenant, when furnished by the Rifle Brigade
carrying a colour. One of the colours of regiments of the line is
‘trooped’ and carried by this guard; but the Rifle Brigade having no
colours, the attempt to make the subaltern for guard carry it was of
course resisted. Sir George Brown, who then commanded in Ireland,
though he had served many years in the Regiment, wished to insist on
the colour being carried. But the officer commanding the Battalion
referred the matter to His Royal Highness the Colonel-in-Chief; and
in consequence the following memorandum was issued from the Horse
Guards June 10, 1861:--
‘His Royal Highness the General Commanding-in-Chief has received
the commands of the Queen to notify that Her Majesty is pleased
to dispense with the use of colours when guards of honour or
guards over the Royal person are furnished by Regiments which do
not ordinarily carry colours.
‘By command,
‘(Signed) J. YORKE SCARLETT, A.G.’
The American ship ‘San Jacinto’ having boarded the Royal Mail Packet
‘Trent’ and forcibly removed Messrs. Mason and Slidell, Commissioners
from the Southern Confederate States proceeding to London and
Paris, the Government, having resolved to demand reparation for
this outrage on the British flag, ordered a force to proceed to
Canada for the defence of that country in the event of a war. The
Battalion was therefore ordered on December 4 to hold itself in
readiness for active service, and having been inspected on the 7th
by Major-General Ridley, embarked on the 11th at the North Wall,
Dublin, in two divisions on board the ‘Windsor’ and ‘Trafalgar,’
under the command of Lord A. G. Russell, for Liverpool. They arrived
there on the following day and were immediately transferred to the
hired steam-ship ‘Australasian.’ Their strength being
Field-officers Captains Subalterns Staff Staff-Sergeants
3 10 21 6 5
Sergeants Buglers Corporals Privates Total
38 16 37 738 874
At 7 P.M. on December 13 the ‘Australasian’ started, with orders
to make the passage of the St. Lawrence, if possible; which was,
however, doubtful in consequence of the ice in the depth of winter.
They had fair weather till the 23rd, when they sighted Cape Race.
But at midnight it came on to blow a gale, with snow, or rather ice,
falling so thick that it was impossible to see a foot before them.
The ‘Australasian’ continued tacking all the 24th, and at midnight
it was found she was off the southern coast of Anticosti. The
captain now declaring that he was averse to trying to enter the St.
Lawrence in such weather, it was resolved (after consultation with
the commanding officer and the officer of the Royal Navy on board) to
make for Halifax, which, after a dangerous passage between Cape Ray
and St. Paul’s Island, they reached at midday on the 26th.
During the voyage each man was supplied with warm clothing.
On December 14 the lamented death of Field Marshal His Royal Highness
the Prince Consort, Colonel-in-Chief, took place at Windsor Castle.
He was succeeded by Field Marshal Lord Seaton; who, though not a
Rifleman, had as colonel of their old comrades of the Light Division,
the 52nd, and as commanding a brigade in the Peninsula and at
Waterloo, fought beside the Riflemen in many actions.
The 2nd Battalion returned to Subathoo, marching from Umballa on
March 11 and arriving at Subathoo on the 16th.
The 3rd Battalion marched from Agra on March 6 for Bareilly, where
they arrived on the 21st and occupied quarters.
The 4th Battalion continued at Malta, changing their quarters from
Fort Ricasoli to Fort Manoel, Valetta, on March 27.
By order dated Horse Guards, January 22, 1862, it was intimated that
the Queen “desiring to perpetuate the remembrance of her beloved
Husband’s connection with the Rifle Brigade, and feeling sure that
it will be gratifying to the Corps to have the name of one who, as
its Colonel-in-Chief, took such deep and constant interest in its
welfare, had been pleased to command that it should in future bear
the designation of ‘The Prince Consort’s Own Rifle Brigade.’”
The 1st Battalion did not disembark at Halifax, and after
remaining there a week in order to coal the ship, left it in the
‘Australasian,’ on January 1, 1862; and, after encountering another
severe gale and snowstorm in the Bay of Fundy, reached St. John’s,
New Brunswick, on the 3rd at two P.M. and immediately landed, and
occupied quarters in the permanent barracks. The heavy baggage
was left in store at St. John’s; but the Battalion proceeded in
detachments of five officers and about 100 men daily from the 6th to
the 14th. They were conveyed in sleighs: one for the officers, one
for every eight men, and two for rations, ammunition and baggage. The
men received a field ration. Previous to starting they had breakfast
and half their meat; at the midday halt a pint of tea and half the
ration of grog; the remainder of their ration on their arrival at
the halting place for the night. They were dressed in great-coats,
fur caps and mocassins, with the accoutrements outside the coat: the
pouch being in front for the convenience of sitting in the sleighs;
the cape of the great coat being turned up, and tied with a woollen
comforter outside. Over all a blanket with a hole cut for the head as
a ‘poncho.’
The first day’s journey was from St. John’s to Fredericton, 60 miles.
The second, Fredericton to Tilley’s Hotel, Dumfries, 29 miles.
The third, Tilley’s to Woodstock, 32 miles.
The fourth, Woodstock to Florenceville, 23 miles.
The fifth, Florenceville to Tobique, 23 miles.
The sixth, Tobique to Grand-Falls, 24 miles.
The seventh, Grand-Falls to Little-Falls, 36 miles.
The eighth, Little-Falls to Fort Ingall, 37 miles.
The ninth, Fort Ingall to Rivière-du-Loup, 42 miles.
The men were placed at night in such rooms or shelter as the halting
places afforded, lying down on pine branches. Very great hospitality
was manifested by the scattered inhabitants. Owing to the precautions
taken no casualty occurred, save a few slight cases of frost-bite.
One being that of Captain Playne, who, as well as two other officers
who had recently joined from the Battalions in India, specially felt
the extreme cold.
From Rivière-du-Loup, each detachment proceeded on the following
morning by the Grand Trunk railway to Montreal, where the Battalion
was assembled and occupied the College which had been given up by the
Roman Catholic Bishop for the use of the troops.
The Head-quarters of the Battalion, consisting of 5 companies, left
Montreal by special train at 8.45 A.M. on January 31, and arrived at
Hamilton, Canada West, at 4.30 P.M. on the succeeding day, and were
received with a perfect ovation by its inhabitants. The left wing
followed, leaving Montreal on February 10 and arriving at Hamilton on
the next day.
As there were no barracks at Hamilton the Battalion was quartered in
four different stores which had been hired for their occupation. The
overland journey from St. John’s to Hamilton was completed without
the loss of a single man. This is most creditable to the Riflemen, as
numerous agents of the United States offered them many temptations to
desert.
The 2nd Battalion continued at Subathoo, sending detachments of
two and three companies at a time to Umballa for musketry training
during the months of December 1861, and January and February of this
year. These having all returned the Battalion was again concentrated
at Subathoo at the end of March, and continued there during the
remainder of the year.
The 3rd Battalion continued at Bareilly, detaching one company to
Loohoo Ghât on March 13.
The 4th Battalion remained at Malta during the whole of this year.
The Colonel-in-Chief, Field Marshal Lord Seaton, died on April 17,
1863, and was succeeded by General the Right Hon. Sir George Brown,
who had, as Lieutenant-Colonel, commanded the 2nd Battalion for
seventeen years.
By a General Order, dated ‘Horse Guards, September 3, 1863,’ Her
Majesty the Queen, in commemoration of the services of the Rifle
Brigade in Her Majesty’s Indian dominions, was graciously pleased to
command that the word ‘Lucknow’ should be borne on the appointments
of the Brigade.
The 1st Battalion remained at Hamilton during this year, its
establishment being reduced on April 1 to--
Field Officers Captains Subalterns Staff Sergeants Buglers
3 12 24 5 58 25
Corporals Rank and File
50 750
On February 2 the 2nd Battalion marched from Subathoo, and arrived at
Delhi on the 20th.
Three companies, under Captain F. Seymour, marched from Delhi to
Meerut on November 22, and returned to Delhi on December 4.
The 3rd Battalion marched from Bareilly on January 15 (the detachment
from Loohoo Ghât having previously rejoined), and formed part of the
Governor-General’s escort at Agra on the 30th, and then marched to
Umballa, where it was inspected by the Commander-in-Chief in India on
March 30; after which it proceeded to Meon Meer, arriving there on
April 16.
In the latter part of this year some of the tribes on the
north-western frontier, between British India and Afghanistan,
manifested a disposition to be troublesome; they made incursions into
our territory, and pillaged some villages. A force under Sir Neville
Chamberlain was therefore sent up to chastise them. Unfortunately,
the difficult nature of the mountain passes, and the warlike nature
of the tribes occupying these hills, proved insuperable obstacles to
the troops originally sent forward. Reinforcements were required;
and with this object the regiments at some of the adjacent stations
were despatched to the frontier under Sir John Garvock. The 3rd
Battalion was in consequence sent up to occupy the place of one of
these regiments. Accordingly they left Meon on November 25, and
proceeded to Googerat, which they reached on December 1. On the 4th
they arrived at Jhelum, on the 18th at Rawul Pindee, and on the 19th
reached Hoti Murdan, a frontier fort situated beyond the Indus. About
the middle of December Sir John Garvock, in two engagements, had
completely defeated the offending tribes to the north, and had (as
it was supposed) terminated this frontier war. The Riflemen of the
3rd Battalion, therefore, not unnaturally concluded that their long
and rapid march had been, so far as fighting went, to no purpose, and
that they should return without having fired a shot. At any rate,
they expected to eat their Christmas dinner at Hoti Murdan in peace.
But on that very morning of the 25th, at three o’clock, they were
startled by hearing the bugle sound for ‘Orders.’ They were to march
at once for Shubkudder, another of the frontier forts, pushed up,
indeed, to the very border of our north-eastern boundary. The Mohmund
tribe had shown signs of disquiet, and had not long before made an
incursion to Shubkudder, and killed an officer of Irregular Cavalry,
who attempted with a party to cut them off before they could return
to their mountains. The Battalion started at once, and marched on
Christmas Day eighteen miles to their camping-ground at Nowshera. On
the 26th they made a double march of twenty-four miles to Peshawur,
and on the 27th reached Shubkudder, after a march of twenty-one
miles, where they encamped. The Fort of Shubkudder is situated at
the foot of a spur of the Bajour mountains, in a fork formed by the
junction of the Lundye river with the Cabool, and not very far to the
north of the Khyber Pass.
On the 30th the Mohmund tribes were seen assembling on the low hills
which bound the plain, and advancing in considerable numbers. They
did not, however, on that occasion come down from their mountain
fastnesses; but the spies reported that an attack might be expected,
as they had sworn to engage the force at Shubkudder.
Accordingly, on January 2, 1864, they were seen from the fort, early
in the morning, descending the mountain paths, and collecting on a
ridge about two miles off. Colonel Macdonell, who was in command of
the force, sent Colonel Ross with a company of Riflemen and one of
Ghoorkas, to occupy a village about 800 yards in front of the fort,
to endeavour to entice them down. They accepted the invitation, and
were soon seen creeping down from the hills in twos and threes;
taking cover under every bank and inequality of the ground. They
opened fire, which mostly whistled over the heads of the Riflemen,
who returned it, probably with better effect. Meanwhile their main
body came down towards our left, and planted their standards on a
mound about 1,000 yards off. Colonel Macdonell, seeing that they were
not disposed to come on, sent a small body of cavalry[317] and some
skirmishers to turn their right. Three guns were sent to the left of
the village and opened on them. They could not stand their fire; the
flags soon disappeared from the mound, and the Mohmunds retreated in
a disordered crowd. Then the remaining companies of the Battalion,
with Ross’s party and the Ghoorkas, formed a long line in extended
order, and with the guns, advanced across the plain, and followed the
retreating enemy over the ridge and to a valley beyond. There the
cavalry charged from the left right into them, and completed their
defeat. The Riflemen gave them a hot fire as they ascended the passes
into their hills. Whilst the cavalry and guns withdrew, the Battalion
retired in alternate lines of skirmishers; but the enemy were so
disorganised and disheartened that they made no attempt to disturb
their retreat. On reaching the plain, the Riflemen closed; and they
reached their camp at dusk. The Mohmunds occupied an extent of some
two miles from right to left, and are supposed to have numbered about
7,000.[318]
The 4th Battalion left Malta on September 17, and landed at
Gibraltar on the 21st, where they were inspected on December 18 by
Major-General Sir Robert Walpole, K.C.B., who had so long served in
the Regiment, and under whose command the Riflemen had often fought
in India.
The 1st Battalion moved by rail on May 31, 1864, from Hamilton to
Kingston, where they arrived on June 1 and were quartered, seven
companies in Tête-de-Pont barracks, and three companies at Fort Henry.
During the stay of the Battalion at Kingston the men were allowed
freely to boat on Lake Ontario, restrictions which had formerly
been placed on the troops through fear of desertion being removed
by the commanding officer, in perfect confidence in the loyalty of
the Riflemen. Every company had a boat; and excursions on the lake
and boat races were common among the men. Nor was this confidence
misplaced, no desertions having, by this means, taken place.
Previous to leaving Hamilton the following Brigade-order was
received:--
‘Toronto, May 28, 1864.
‘Major-General Napier cannot allow the 1st Battalion of the P.
C. O. Rifle Brigade to leave his district without conveying to
Colonel Lord Alexander Russell, the Officers, Non-commissioned
Officers, and Privates, his unqualified approbation of the good
conduct of the Regiment, during the time they have been serving
under his command in Canada West. Major-General Napier has often
served with the 1st Battalion, and in bidding them farewell for
the present trusts that he may at some future period have the
Regiment once more under his command.
‘By order,
‘(Signed) J. E. HALL.
‘Major of Brigade.’
On September 8 and 9 the Battalion embarked at Kingston in two
divisions on board the steam-boats ‘Banshee’ and ‘Grecian,’ and
proceeded to Montreal, where they arrived on the 9th and 10th, and
occupied quarters in the Victoria barracks. Where they were inspected
on the 19th by Lieutenant-General Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B.,
Commanding British North America.
Colonel Julius Glyn, C.B., assumed command of the 2nd Battalion
at Delhi on January 18, Colonel Hill having been appointed to the
command of a brigade.
The Head-quarters marched from Delhi on March 26 to Meerut, where
they arrived on the 29th. The left wing followed on April 1, and
arrived at Meerut on the 4th.
We left the 3rd Battalion at the Camp of Shubkudder, after the fight
of January 2. They remained there until the middle of February, when
they moved to Rawul Pindee, where they arrived on the 15th. In about
a month they left Rawul Pindee, and marching by Khairabad and Akorah,
reached Peshawur on the 20th, and there occupied quarters.
On December 30 they moved to Nowshera, where they arrived on January
1, 1865.
The 4th Battalion remained at Gibraltar during the whole of the year.
In September Whitworth rifles were issued to the men of this
Battalion, forty short Enfields being retained for the use of the
sergeants.
The 1st Battalion continued in quarters at Montreal, where on
March 9, 1865, a letter was received, of which the following is an
extract:--
‘Horse Guards, February 15, 1865.
‘The resistance of the men of the 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade to
the great temptations held out to them to desert has elicited the
expression of His Royal Highness’s highest commendation.’[319]
On May 2 the Battalion embarked at Montreal in the steamboat
‘Europa,’ and proceeded to Quebec; and arriving there the following
day, occupied the citadel.
The Battalion having been inspected by Major-General the Hon. James
Lindsay, a letter was received, which contained the following
approval:--
‘Horse Guards, August 11, 1865.
‘The Duke of Cambridge has received with much pleasure
Major-General the Honourable James Lindsay’s very favourable
account of the 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade, which His Royal
Highness desires may be highly commended, more particularly for
the shooting.’
The 2nd Battalion remained at Meerut during the whole of the year.
On January 1 the 3rd Battalion arrived from Peshawur at Nowshera,
and occupied quarters until December 13, when they left it for Rawul
Pindee, where, arriving on the 19th, they occupied quarters.
The 4th Battalion embarked at Gibraltar on board the ‘Himalaya’
troop-ship on July 7 for Canada; and arrived at Point Levis on
the 22nd, where they were encamped, and employed in erecting
fortifications until October; on the 19th of which month they
proceeded to Montreal, and occupied quarters in the Victoria barracks.
In this year the Regiment lost its Colonel-in-Chief, Sir George
Brown, G.C.B., who died at Linkwood, Morayshire, on August 27. His
remains were interred in the Cathedral burial-ground at Elgin on the
31st, being borne to the grave by five old Riflemen, who had served
under him.
He was succeeded by Field-Marshal Sir Edward Blakeney, G.C.B., who
had never served in, nor been connected with the Regiment.
The 1st Battalion remained in the citadel of Quebec during the whole
of the year 1866.
On June 9 a railway-van, containing 2,000 pounds of ammunition, on
its way from Quebec to Kingston, under charge of a sergeant and a
guard of the Battalion, was discovered to be on fire on reaching
Danville Station. It had been ignited by a spark from the engine. The
van was immediately shoved down the line away from the station, and
the alarm given. The people living in the vicinity fled from their
houses, in fear of the explosion. Private Timothy O’Hea of this guard
ran down to the van, forced open the door, removed the covering from
the ammunition, discovered the source of the fire, ran for water,
and extinguished it. A braver or more daring act it is impossible
to imagine. A subscription was immediately set on foot, and a purse
handed to the brave Rifleman; and he subsequently received the
Victoria Cross for this courageous act.
On October 14 occurred the great fire at Quebec; and the Riflemen
took a very active part in endeavouring to suppress it, to save life,
and to rescue property from the flames. One man of the Battalion,
named William Berry, distinguished himself by rescuing a child from
a house, which the engineers were about to blow up, to prevent the
extension of the fire. The train had been laid; and the fuse was
already burning, when this brave man rushed in, and brought out the
child in safety. For this gallant act Berry was recommended for the
Victoria Cross; and though he did not obtain it, he was specially
mentioned in General Orders issued at Montreal on May 7, 1867.
The 2nd Battalion continued at Meerut until November 2, when it moved
_viâ_ Ghazeeabad, to Agra, where it arrived on the 5th, and was
encamped during the durbar held by the Governor-General, Sir John
Lawrence; till December 1 to 5, when it proceeded in detachments, by
rail, to Fort William, Calcutta.
The 3rd Battalion continued at Rawul Pindee until the 1st, when
they were employed in the construction of a road from Murree to
Abbottabad. This work continued till November 5, and on the 10th they
returned to Rawul Pindee.
The Battalion, having been ordered to be increased by 128 privates,
received volunteers from the 34th, 51st, 97th and 98th Regiments.
The 4th Battalion, continuing at Montreal, detached three
companies, with the band, to Ottawa on May 21, and they continued
to be quartered there during the stay of His Excellency the
Governor-General.
On the Fenians from the United States crossing the frontier into
Canada, two companies proceeded from Montreal on June 2 to St.
John’s (Canada East), and were joined there by a company from
Chambly, and were encamped at St. John’s till the 9th; when, being
reinforced by the Head-quarters, consisting of four companies, under
Major Nixon,[320] they proceeded by rail to St. Armand, and were
about to encamp, when Lieutenant Acland,[321] who in the disguise
of a _habitant_ had gone amongst the Fenians, brought word that a
considerable party of them had crossed the Canadian boundary. A small
force, with two guns, to which Captains Norris’[322] and Moorsom’s
companies were attached, started to find them; but the Fenians
seem to have had intelligence of their approach; for although the
guns, escorted by a company of Riflemen, pushed on at a trot, they
disappeared in the wood, or crossed the boundary. On Major Nixon,
with the rest of the force, coming up, he led the skirmishers through
some thick wood and cedar-swamp, and some shots were fired. A few
Fenians, half-starved and partly armed, were taken prisoners. As it
was then near evening, Colonel Elrington ordered the force back to
St. Armand; but Moorsom’s company was sent to Freligsburgh, about 11
miles from St. Armand. On arrival there, they found that the town
had been sacked by the Fenians, and it was with some difficulty
that the Riflemen obtained any provisions. This company returned
to St. Armand on the 10th, but was again detached on the 15th to
guard a block-house, in which the Fenian prisoners were confined, at
Phillipsburgh, on Lake Champlain.
The whole of these companies, except one which proceeded to Chambly
for musketry instruction, returned to Montreal on June 19.
On January 30, 1867, the 1st Battalion received the Snider
breech-loading rifle.
The Battalion proceeded on June 10 across the St. Lawrence to
Point Levis, leaving one company at Quebec. They encamped at Point
Levis, and were employed during the summer in the construction of
fortifications at that place.
On October 7 Head-quarters and two companies moved by rail to Ottawa,
the remaining companies returning to Quebec. On November 20, however,
two of these companies joined the Head-quarters at Ottawa.
The 2nd Battalion, having embarked at Calcutta on board H.M.
Troop-ship ‘Jumna,’ proceeded to Suez. And re-embarking at Alexandria
on board H.M. Troop-ship ‘Crocodile,’ disembarked at Portsmouth on
November 23, and proceeded at once by rail to Devonport, and occupied
quarters.
The 3rd Battalion, being still at Rawul Pindee, on May 1 a working
party of 238 privates, under a field officer, were employed, as
in the preceding year, on the road from Murree to Abbottabad, and
rejoined Head-quarters at Rawul Pindee on November 3.
On January 4 the 4th Battalion at Montreal received the
breech-loading short Snider, in place of the Whitworth rifle.
On September 5 the Battalion left Montreal, and on the next day
embarked on board the Troop-ship ‘Serapis,’and started for England.
They arrived at Portsmouth on the 17th, and disembarked on the 18th,
five companies with Head-quarters proceeding to Chichester, and
three companies to Winchester, whence the Depôt companies joined
Head-quarters. The Battalion made but a short stay in the south
of England; for on December 23 the three companies at Winchester,
with one from Chichester, moved to Weedon. And on the 26th the
Head-quarters and remaining six companies followed, arriving at
Weedon on the next day. Three companies were detached to Leeds, and
one to Northampton.
The Head-quarters of the 1st Battalion continued at Ottawa during the
year 1868, where the companies remaining at Quebec joined on June 6.
In consequence of the proceedings of the Fenians in the United
States, one company of the Battalion proceeded to Coburg on October
1, and was followed by two other companies on the 5th.
The 2nd Battalion continued at Devonport during the whole year 1868.
On January 10 the 3rd Battalion left Rawul Pindee, and began its
march to Moradabad and Seetapore. The left wing marched into quarters
at Moradabad on March 14, and the right wing and Head-quarters at
Seetapore on the 30th.
On November 30 the left wing, under Captain Moore, left Moradabad,
and marched into quarters at Dinapore on December 14.
The 4th Battalion continued at Weedon, Leeds and Northampton, and
furnished yet another detachment of one company to Warwick on January
14. The company at Northampton, however, joining Head-quarters at
Weedon on February 7.
On May 21 the Head-quarters and five companies proceeded to Chester,
and were quartered in the Castle; and the detachments from Leeds and
Warwick joining the company left at Weedon formed the left wing, and
were quartered there.
The Colonel-in-Chief, Sir Edward Blakeney, died on August 2, and the
Regiment had the honour of receiving as his successor General His
Royal Highness Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, who was appointed
Colonel-in-Chief August 3.
The 1st Battalion, continuing at Ottawa, on March 1 and 15, 1869,
furnished parties of 200 men each time to dig out the mail-trains
imbedded in snow between Montreal and Ottawa, the _employés_ of the
railway being insufficient for that purpose. The men carried their
rations with them on these occasions.
On August 5 one company, and on the 17th a second company, proceeded
by steamboat to Montreal on detachment. They were followed by the
remainder of the Battalion in two divisions on September 9 and 10.
On October 8 His Royal Highness Prince Arthur joined the Service
companies at Montreal, having been appointed Lieutenant on August 3.
On the 24th five companies of the 2nd Battalion, under the command
of Lieutenant-Colonel Walker, embarked at Plymouth on board H.M.S.
‘Urgent’ for Portsmouth, and on arrival there marched to Aldershot,
_viâ_ Bishop’s Waltham and Alton.
And on the 14th the Head-quarters embarked on board H.M. Troop-ship
‘Simoom,’ and arriving at Portsmouth, on the 16th, proceeded by rail
to Farnborough; and marching to Cove Common, there encamped until the
23rd, when they occupied huts in the North Camp at Aldershot.
On July 14 the Battalion marched to Chobham, forming part of a flying
column, under Major-General Sir Alfred Horsford. They encamped
there that night, and on the next day marched to Bushy Park, and
encamped. Having taken part in a review at Wimbledon, they returned
to Aldershot by the same route, and reached it on the 22nd, having
taken part in a sham fight.
On August 18 the Battalion, forming part of a flying column under
Colonel Elrington of the 4th Battalion, marched to Bramshill Park,
and encamped there; they remained there during the 19th, and on the
20th returned to Aldershot, having taken part in a sham fight on
Hartfordbridge Flats on their way. On October 1 the Glengarry cap was
taken into wear, in place of the forage cap.
On January 7 the right wing and Head-quarters of the 3rd Battalion
left Seetapore; and arriving at Dinapore on the 19th, marched into
quarters on the 20th, and joined the left wing, which had arrived
there from Moradabad in the previous month.
On May 17 two companies of the left wing of the 4th Battalion at
Weedon left that station, proceeding by rail to Bicester, and thence
marching by Oxford, Wallingford, and Reading to Aldershot, where
they arrived on the 20th. Two other companies followed on June 2,
proceeding by the same route, and (with the fifth company, which
proceeded by rail, and joined them at Reading) arrived at Aldershot
on the 5th.
The Head-quarters and right wing of this Battalion marched from
Chester to Birkenhead on May 31; and embarked there on board the
‘Urgent’ Troop-ship for Portsmouth, where they landed on June 4, and
proceeded to Farnborough. From whence they marched to Cove Common,
where the Battalion encamped.
The Battalion was thus reunited for the first time since its arrival
in England, its detachments having been widely separated; and for
more than a year its two wings having been stationed 120 miles from
each other.
This Battalion, as well as the 2nd, formed part of the flying column
to Bramshill Park, mentioned above.
On September 4 the Battalion removed from the camp at Cove Common,
and occupied quarters in the Permanent barracks at Aldershot.
On April 1, 1870, the establishment of the 1st Battalion, then, at
Montreal, was reduced to
Field Officers. Captains. Lieutenants.[323] Staff. Staff-Sergeants.
4[324] 10 14 3 9
Sergeants. Buglers. Corporals. Privates.
40 21 40 460
On July 7 one company proceeded on detachment to Hochelaga.
On August 30 two companies proceeded, by the steamer ‘Montreal,’
to Quebec, and embarked on board H.M. Troop-ship ‘Tamar’ on the
following morning. And on the 31st the Head-quarters and remaining
companies, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Manningham Buller,
embarked at Montreal on board the steamboat ‘Quebec’; and arriving at
Quebec, went on board the ‘Tamar,’ which started in the evening, and
anchored a few miles down the river at nightfall. On the following
morning she proceeded on her course; but owing to heavy fogs and
bad weather on September 3, did not get clear of the Gulf of St.
Lawrence until the next day. After which the weather was favourable
during the voyage, which ended on the 16th, when the ‘Tamar’ arrived
at Portsmouth about ten A.M. Here orders were received to proceed to
Gravesend, and at three P.M. she started, arriving there at midday
on the 17th. But the Battalion did not disembark until the 19th
(Monday), when they landed, partly in the ship’s boats, and partly
in a small steamer; and proceeded at once to Woolwich, where they
occupied the Royal Marine barracks.
On August 24 the establishment of the Battalion was increased to 760
privates, other ranks remaining as before.
The 2nd Battalion remained in the North Camp, Aldershot; and on
February 1 was equipped with the valise instead of the knapsack.
On August 4 the Battalion marched (forming part of a flying column,
under Major-General Dalrymple White) to Bramshill Park, where they
encamped. And, as in the previous year, after remaining the next day,
marched back to Aldershot on the 6th. On the intervening day the
infantry of the column were put through a very pretty field-day by
Colonel Elrington, of the 4th Battalion.
On August 24 the establishment of this Battalion was raised from 570
to 870 privates.
On the 30th the Battalion left Aldershot, and proceeded by rail to
Dover, where they arrived the same afternoon, and were quartered,
Head-quarters and five companies in the South-front barracks, and the
remaining five companies (under Lieutenant-Colonel Walker) in the
Castle Hill fort.
The following letter was communicated by Major-General Russell,
Commanding at Dover, to Colonel Glyn:
‘Horse Guards, August 31, 1870.
‘Sir,--I am directed by the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief to
inform you that the Lieutenant-General Commanding at Aldershot
has reported that the 2nd Battalion Rifle Brigade marched out
with great regularity and sobriety, and maintained the high
character of the Corps whilst in this command. And I am to
request that you will have the goodness to inform the officer
commanding the Regiment of His Royal Highness’ satisfaction at
receiving so favourable a report.
‘I have the honour, &c., &c.,
‘(Signed) J. HOPE GRANT, Q.M.G.
‘Major-General Russell, &c., &c.,
‘Dover.’
On November 12 the left wing of the 3rd Battalion, under the command
of Major Maclean, left Dinapore by rail for Allahabad, followed by
the Head-quarters and right wing, under Colonel Ross, _en route_ for
Bombay; where they arrived on the 21st, and embarked on board H.M.
Troop-ship ‘Euphrates.’ On the 30th they arrived at Aden, and two
companies disembarked at Steamer-point. On December 1 the remainder
of the Battalion disembarked; and they were stationed, two companies
at Steamer-point, two at Isthmus position, and the remainder of the
Battalion in cantonments.
The 4th Battalion continued to occupy quarters in the Permanent
barracks, Aldershot.
On August 4 they formed part of the flying column, with the 2nd
Battalion, which proceeded to Bramshill Park, and returned to
Aldershot on the 6th.
They moved from Aldershot to Shorncliffe by rail on August 31.
In November this Battalion was again broken up, four companies
proceeding to Chatham on the 11th, for duty in that garrison.
The 1st Battalion continued to occupy the Marine barracks at
Woolwich; and on February 1, 1871, the number of privates was again
altered, being reduced to 560.
On May 23 the Battalion was inspected by His Royal Highness the Duke
of Cambridge.
On August 2 they proceeded by march-route to Wimbledon; on the next
day to Hounslow, on the 4th to Chobham, and on the 5th to Aldershot,
where they encamped on Cove Common. On each of these days they had
encamped at their halting-places.
They remained here till September 12, when (taking part in the autumn
manœuvres of that year) they marched to Chobham ridges; on the 13th
to Chobham; and were employed in constructing field-works on the
14th. On the next day they marched to Pirbright; and after pitching
camp proceeded to the Hog’s-back and remained on outpost duty for the
night. On the 16th they marched to Chobham ridges and remained there
during the next day, Sunday; on the 18th they moved to Chobham and
were encamped there till the 21st, when they returned to Cove Common
and were encamped on their former ground.
During this time the Battalion daily took part in sham fights, and
encamped at night, and in fact acted as in an actual campaign.
On September 27 the Battalion marched to Farnborough and proceeded by
rail to Dover, and was quartered in the Shaft barracks.
The 2nd Battalion at Dover on February 1 had its establishment
increased from 870 to 920 privates.
On September 26 the Head-quarters and three companies marched from
Dover to Shorncliffe, and on the 29th three other companies followed,
and the remaining four companies on October 2, and were there
quartered.
The Service companies of the 3rd Battalion, under the command
of Major Maclean, embarked at Aden on December 7, on board H.M.
Troop-ship ‘Serapis,’ and arrived at Portsmouth on the 30th.
The 4th Battalion continued at Shorncliffe, with four companies at
Chatham; and on July 22 furnished another detachment of a company to
Upnor Castle.
The Head-quarters and remaining five companies moved from Shorncliffe
to Chatham on August 1; furnishing detachments to the Isle of Grain
and to Gravesend.
At the commencement of the year, 1872, the head-dress of the Regiment
was changed; the fur-busby with a bag being substituted for the shako.
[Illustration:
Plate V.
RIFLE BRIGADE, 1871.]
On the recovery of His Royal Highness the Colonel-in-Chief from
his dangerous illness in the winter of 1871-2, Sir George Buller,
Colonel-Commandant, addressed the following letter to the Comptroller
of His Royal Highness’s household:
‘23 Bruton Street, Berkeley Square, March 5, 1872.
‘Sir,--I have the honour by the desire of Lieutenant-Colonel
Manningham-Buller, and the officers of the 1st Battalion Rifle
Brigade, to request you will be pleased to lay before His Royal
Highness the Prince of Wales, Colonel-in-Chief of the Rifle
Brigade, their most respectful and sincere congratulations on the
recovery of His Royal Highness from His late dangerous illness,
and in which congratulations I beg to add that I most cordially
concur.
‘An unavoidable delay has occurred in the transmission of this
address of the officers of the 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade in
consequence of the letter on this subject having been sent to my
house in London, and not forwarded to me, by error.
‘I have the honour to be,
&c. &c. &c.,
‘(Signed) GEORGE BULLER.
‘General, Colonel-Commandant 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade.
‘General Sir William Knollys, K.C.B.
&c. &c. &c.’
To which the following gracious reply was received:
‘Marlborough House, Pall Mall, March 9, 1872.
‘Sir,--I have the honour to inform you that in compliance
with your request, I have laid before the Prince of Wales,
Colonel-in-Chief of the Rifle Brigade, the congratulations
which you have been good enough to forward of Colonel
Manningham-Buller, and the officers of the 1st Battalion Rifle
Brigade, on His Royal Highness’s recovery from His late dangerous
illness, with your own cordial concurrence in them.
‘His Royal Highness requests you will accept for yourself and
convey to Colonel Buller and the officers under his command His
sincere thanks for their congratulations, and assures you how
gratifying it is to His Royal Highness to receive them.
‘I have the honour to be,
&c. &c. &c.
‘(Signed) WILLIAM KNOLLYS,
‘General.
‘General Sir George Buller, G.C.B., Colonel-Commandant
1st Battalion Rifle Brigade.’
On May 1 the establishment of the 1st Battalion was further reduced
to 520 rank and file.
On May 25 the Battalion was inspected by Field-Marshal His Royal
Highness the Duke of Cambridge.
The Battalion remained at the Shaft barracks, Dover, during the whole
of this year.
The 2nd Battalion at Shorncliffe on May 1 received orders to reduce
its establishment from 49 to 47 sergeants; 21 to 19 buglers; and from
850 rank and file to 820.
On August 16 Head-quarters and eight companies of the Battalion,
under command of Major Stephens (Colonel Glyn having been selected
to command a brigade) proceeded by rail to Aldershot, in order to
take part in the autumn manœuvres. On their arrival they encamped
on Cove Common until the 26th, when they marched to Hazeley Heath
and encamped. On the 27th they marched to Silchester, passing by
Strathfieldsaye, where they marched past the monumental statue of
their great Colonel-in-Chief, Arthur, Duke of Wellington. On the
28th they marched to Greenham Heath, where they halted next day,
and on the 30th proceeded to camp near Wilton. On the following day
they marched to camp at Rushall Park, where they remained till the
commencement of the manœuvres on September 4.
But on August 24 the two companies of the Battalion remaining at
Shorncliffe, with the women, children and baggage, were conveyed by
train from Shorncliffe to Dover and embarked on board H.M. Troop-ship
‘Tamar,’ and arrived at Kingstown on the 29th, whence they proceeded
on the same day by rail to Birr, there to await the arrival of the
Battalion.
On September 4 the Head-quarters marched from Rushall Park to
Stapleford, where they encamped until the 8th, during which time
they were employed on outpost duties, and daily took part in
sham-fights at Wishford, Steeple-Langford and Wiley. On the 9th
they marched to Darrington-field. On the 10th they took part in the
defence of the river Avon, and on the 12th were in the march past,
which concluded these autumn manœuvres.
During this time the Battalion was always encamped, as mentioned in
the autumn manœuvres of the preceding year. They also furnished their
regimental transport, having received waggons and field equipment
at Woolwich, where a party of about 60 men with two officers had
proceeded, after being instructed by the Land Transport Corps.
On September 13 the Battalion marched from Darrington-field to
Salisbury, and thence proceeded by train to Portsmouth, where they
embarked in the evening, six companies on board H.M. Troop-ship
‘Orontes’ and two on board H.M. Troop-ship ‘Jumna,’ for conveyance to
Ireland.
On the 16th they disembarked at Kingstown and proceeded by train to
Birr, detaching a company and a half to Nenagh; a company to Roscrea;
and half a company to Portumna.
But the regimental transport marched from the camp at
Darrington-field, by Andover, Basingstoke, Guildford, and Epsom to
Woolwich, where they arrived and handed over equipment on the 25th.
On the next day they marched with the horses to Aldershot, where they
arrived on the 28th and remained till October 12, when they returned
to Woolwich, arriving on the 16th; and after giving up the horses to
the Control department were attached to the Army Service Corps at
Woolwich till the 23rd. They embarked on that day on board the ‘Lady
Eglinton,’ and joined the Battalion on the 28th.
The 3rd Battalion, which had arrived from India on December 30, 1871,
landed at Portsmouth on January 1, and occupied quarters in the
Clarence barracks, and was joined by the Depôt companies from Chatham.
On February 27, 14 officers and 599 of other ranks of the 4th
Battalion, under command of Colonel Elrington, proceeded from Chatham
to London, to take part in the thanksgiving for the recovery of His
Royal Highness, the Colonel-in-Chief.
In June Colonel Elrington, who had formed the Battalion, and
commanded it from its formation, retired on half-pay; and Colonel
Ross, C.B., succeeded to the command.
The Head-quarters with eight companies removed from Chatham to
Blandford by rail, and took part in the autumn manœuvres.
The Battalion being destined for Ireland, the remaining two
companies embarked at Sheerness on August 24, on board the ‘Orontes’
Troop-ship, and landed at Kingstown on the 28th, and proceeded to
Richmond barracks.
At the conclusion of the autumn manœuvres the Head-quarters marched
from camp near Amesbury to Salisbury on September 14, and thence
proceeded by rail to Portsmouth and embarked on board the ‘Jumna’
Troop-ship. They landed at Kingstown on the 16th and marched to
Dublin, where for the remainder of the year they occupied Richmond,
Ship-street, and Linen-hall barracks.
The 1st Battalion proceeded by rail from Dover to Aldershot on June
5, 1873, and were encamped on Rushmoor bottom until July 28, when
they occupied quarters in the Permanent barracks.
On June 24 the Battalion proceeded by rail to Egham, and thence
marched to Windsor Park and took part in a review before Her Majesty
and the Shah of Persia. On this occasion His Royal Highness the
Colonel-in-Chief marched past in the uniform of the Regiment, at
the head of the Battalion. After the conclusion of the review they
returned by the same route to their camp at Rushmoor which they
reached about ten P.M.
The 2nd Battalion remained at Birr, occasionally relieving the
detachments; and in June the establishment was reduced from 820 to
700 rank and file.
On July 31 the Battalion and the detachments proceeded by rail to
the Curragh for the autumn manœuvres, and encamped. The Battalion
returned to Birr on August 29, replacing the detachment at Portumna,
the others being discontinued.
On September 3 the Battalion received orders to prepare for service
on the Gold Coast of Africa, in the expedition against Ashantee under
Sir Garnet Wolseley.
Colonel Glyn having been appointed Adjutant-General of Auxiliary
Forces in Ireland, Lieutenant-Colonel Warren took command of the
Battalion.
On November 13 they were inspected by Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas
Steele, K.C.B., previous to embarkation; and on the next day they
received definite orders to hold themselves in readiness to embark on
any day after the 16th.
Accordingly, on the 21st, the Battalion proceeded by wings, by
railway from Birr to Cork. The left wing, under the command of Major
J. Plumtre Glyn, started from Birr at three in the morning of that
day; and the right wing, under Major Stephens, at half-past three for
Cork, where they were to embark. Colonel Warren and the Staff of the
Battalion accompanied the left wing.
The climate of the Coast of Africa necessitating the disuse of their
European clothing, the men and officers were provided with two grey
frocks, a pair of grey tweed trousers, a pair of duck trousers, two
flannel shirts, two flannel belts, a pith helmet with _puggaree_
attached, and a pair of canvas gaiters.
On arrival at Cork they embarked on board the Troop-ship ‘Himalaya,’
and sailed at four in the afternoon. The officers who embarked were:--
_Lieutenant-Colonel_ Warren; _Majors_, Stephens and Plumtre Glyn;
_Brevet-Majors_, Nicholl and Sotheby; _Captains_, Slade, Dugdale,
Somerset, Robinson, Cary and H. Lascelles; _Lieutenants_, the
Honourable T. Scott, Stopford-Sackville,[325] Maberly,[326] Taylor,
Hopwood, the Honourable A. Grosvenor, Thompson, (_Adjutant_),
Harrington, Smyth,[325] the Honourable J. Constable-Maxwell,[325]
Prideaux-Brune, Parke and Turnor; _Sub-Lieutenants_, the Honourable
Otway Cuffe, Sherston, the Honourable E. Noel and the Honourable H.
O’C. Prittie.
Captain Harvey (_Paymaster_), Quarter-master Stanley, Surgeon-Major
Wiles and Surgeon Macrobin.
The ‘Himalaya’ arrived at Funchal, Madeira, on the 27th. Here they
found in garrison at Funchal one of the regiments of Caçadores which
had been brigaded with them sixty years before in the Peninsula.
After coaling, the ‘Himalaya’ started on the evening of the same day,
and reached St. Vincent on December 1, whence after coaling again,
she started on the 2nd, and arrived at Cape Coast Castle on December
9. Here nothing was ready for their reception; and it was decided
that the ‘Himalaya’ should put to sea again until the end of the
month. Accordingly, on the 13th she started on a cruise. To be thus
for three weeks longer cooped up on board ship under a tropical sun
was a sore trial to the soldiers. However everything was done that
could be done to amuse the men, and relieve the monotony of their
enforced and unexpected cruise. A newspaper was started, readings and
theatricals were extemporised, and a _quasi_ band which had been got
up (the band of the Battalion having been left at the Depôt) played
daily. At last on December 30, the ‘Himalaya’ arrived at Cape Coast
Castle, and the Battalion was allowed to disembark.
In the meanwhile Captain Robinson had been appointed Brigade-Major
to Brigadier Sir Archibald Alison, commanding a brigade; and Captain
Cope, who had been detailed for the Depôt, started on December 4 in
the ‘Sarmatian’ (which took out the Brigadier and the 42nd Regiment),
and having arrived at Cape Coast Castle on the 17th, awaited the
arrival of the Battalion, and took over Captain Robinson’s company on
its landing.
On July 19 the 3rd Battalion left Portsmouth by rail-road for Exeter,
and on arrival there encamped at Duck’s Marsh, about two miles and a
half from that station, until the 21st; on which day they proceeded
by route march to Maiden Down; on the next to Merripit Hill, and on
the 23rd to Yannaton Down, Dartmoor, encamping each day at their
halting-places. They took part in the autumn manœuvres, being in the
brigade commanded by Colonel Lord Alexander G. Russell.
On the conclusion of the manœuvres, this Battalion was present at the
review and march-past at Roborough Down on August 22, before His
Royal Highness, the Colonel-in-Chief. At its conclusion they marched
seven miles to Plymouth, whence they proceeded at ten o’clock the
same night, _viâ_ Exeter, to Winchester, and arriving there on the
morning of the 23rd, occupied barracks; detaching, on December 13,
three companies to Portsmouth, who were quartered in the Clarence
barracks.
The 4th Battalion continued in Dublin; but were concentrated from the
various quarters they occupied, in the Royal barracks in July.
Having received orders to embark for India, the Depôt and Service
companies were formed, and transfers made and received to complete
its establishment for foreign service (886 non-commissioned officers
and privates). And on October 19 and 20 the Service companies
proceeded by rail to Queenstown and embarked on the 21st in the
‘Jumna.’ They started on the 22nd and arrived at Bombay on November
23. They landed on the 24th and 25th, and proceeded by rail to
Deolalee.
From Deolalee they moved on November 28 and 30, and following day to
Umballa, and on arrival occupied quarters there.
On March 12, 1874, the 1st Battalion proceeded by rail-road from
Aldershot to London, in order to be present at the entry of the
Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. They lined Regent Street during the
progress of the Royal procession, and returned to their quarters at
Aldershot in the evening.
On May 19 this Battalion was present at a review and march-past
before the Emperor of Russia. The brigade to which they were attached
was composed of three Battalions of the Regiment (the 1st, 2nd, and
3rd), and one of the 60th, and was commanded by Major-General Lord
Alexander Russell, their former Lieutenant-Colonel.
After taking part in the summer drills of this year, during the month
of June, this Battalion proceeded to the forts on the Gosport side
of Portsmouth harbour, which they occupied from July 3 and 4 until
November 20, when they moved to Winchester, on the embarkation of the
2nd Battalion for Gibraltar, and were there quartered.
FOOTNOTES:
[317] Colonel Macdonell had with him at Shubkudder three troops of
the 7th Hussars and some Native Cavalry.
[318] ‘Colonel Ross’ letters.’ While this sheet is passing through
the press, a letter has been received by the Officer Commanding the
3rd Battalion, informing him that a Medal will be granted for this
action: a tardy recognition of the services of the Battalion, more
than twelve years after the occurrence.
[319] I may add the following extract from a letter to a former
officer of the Regiment from an officer then serving in America: ‘The
only regiment which did not lose any men by desertion was the Rifles.
Indeed, you have great reason of being proud of your Corps.’
[320] Colonel Elrington was in command of the whole force employed.
[321] Lieutenant F. G. Dyke Acland, died Aug. 24, 1874.
[322] Captain William Norris, died January 1874.
[323] Four of the Lieutenants were on Ensign’s pay.
[324] The Colonel-Commandant is included.
[325] Volunteered from the 3rd Battalion, to complete the number of
officers required.
[326] Volunteered from the 1st Battalion.