CHAPTER XV._The History of the Rifle Brigade (the Prince Consort's Own) Formerly the 95th

We left the 2nd Battalion on board the ‘Himalaya’ at Cape Coast

Castle. On January 1, 1874, ‘rouse’ sounded soon after midnight, and

the parade was at 1.20 in the morning. The left wing, consisting

of four companies (17 officers and 352 men), landed in surf boats,

the first company reaching the shore at a quarter after three, the

fourth company in about a quarter of an hour afterwards. The whole

disembarkation occupied about forty minutes, and elicited the warm

approval of the Brigadier, Sir Archibald Alison. The companies fell

in immediately on landing, and at once marched for Inquabim, seven

miles, which they reached about half-past six; the Battalion heading

the advance up the country.

The right wing, consisting of the remaining four companies (16

officers and 300 men) disembarked at about the same hour on the

morning of the 2nd, and started for Inquabim, which they reached

about half-past five. On this march no men fell out. On their arrival

they found an excellent encampment of bamboo huts, 65 men being in

each hut.

The left wing had on this day preceded them to Accroful, another

march of seven miles, to which the right wing proceeded on the

3rd, starting at half-past four, and arriving at half-past six,

without a man falling out. On this day the left wing advanced to

Yancoomassie-Fanti.

On the 4th the right wing, starting at the usual hour of half-past

four, marched to Yancoomassie-Fanti, a distance of about ten miles

and a quarter, where they arrived at eight o’clock. Not a man fell

out; but the climate began already to tell on some of the officers,

two of whom had to be carried during this day’s march. The left wing

had marched to Mansu; and it may suffice, once for all, to state that

they preceded the march of the right wing by one day.

On the 5th the right wing started at a quarter to four, and after a

fearfully hot march of eleven miles reached Mansu at eight. The road

was hilly, the weather extremely close, and four men fell out during

the march.

It is well known that it is supposed that horses, mules and animals

of carriage or draught will not live in the climate of this part

of Africa. This idea is perhaps exaggerated. But its existence

caused inconvenience to the mounted officers of the Regiment. Major

Stephens, who was in command of the right wing, was obliged to

content himself with a donkey, which had been brought up to Accroful

by an officer of the Staff.

From Yancoomassie an officer with the Quarter-master-Sergeant started

somewhat before the companies, to take over the camping ground. The

sergeant started first, but soon returned with a tale that, in the

darkness of the morning and of the woods, he had seen a monstrous

beast which he took for a rhinoceros; that he had at first intended

to shoot it, but had, on the whole, considering the size and probable

fierceness of the animal, determined to retire. However, reinforced

by the officer who was to accompany him, he started again. Both were

determined; both held their revolvers ready to bring down the wild

beast which barred the way. But when they came to the corner at

which they were to find him, they stalked not a rhinoceros,--but the

Major’s charger.

On the 6th the right wing started at twenty minutes after three, and

after a very cool and pleasant march of eleven miles, reached Sutah.

On the 7th, having a long march before them, they started at

half-past two in bright moonlight. The road was for the first four

miles very bad, being across swamps, over which a path had been made

of small trees laid down. The cooks had been sent on about six miles

to Faisoowah to prepare breakfast, and the men were glad after this

fatiguing march to find cocoa and biscuit ready for them. Resuming

their march they found the remainder of the road good; the men

marched well, and stepped out cheerfully; and they got into their

camp at Yancoomassie-Assin at seven. The distance was about thirteen

miles.

The right wing halted at this camp until the 19th. The left wing

also halted for some days at Barracoo, to which they had marched

on the 7th. During this time the Riflemen were engaged in clearing

the bush and in other fatigue duties in the mornings and evenings.

The desertion of the native carriers, the only means of transport,

increased, and threatened serious evil; and the Riflemen were

ordered when on sentry over them to have their rifles loaded, and,

if necessary, to shoot any carriers attempting to desert. Owing to

this halt probably, and the want of interest and activity to the men,

fever and dysentery, the scourges of the climate, began to make their

appearance.

As it was found that the camp at Barracoo was from its situation

particularly unhealthy, the left wing marched on the 17th to Prahsu,

a distance of seven miles.

But the right wing did not leave Yancoomassie-Assin till the 19th,

when starting at five in the morning they reached their camp at

Barracoo at half-past eight. They found it the worst camp they had

hitherto occupied; the huts very small, and the position, as has been

above stated, very unhealthy. Seventeen men of these four companies

were sent back, mostly ill with fever, and they found at Barracoo

seven men of the other wing who had been left behind sick.

On the 20th the right wing marched to Prahsu, and the whole Battalion

was once more reunited. On their march they heard in the front what

they believed to be the report of three cannon, and much wondered

why they should be fired. On arrival they found that these were the

report of three volleys fired over the grave of Captain Huyshe of the

1st Battalion. He had died the day before of fever and dysentery.

The left wing of the Battalion was at Prahsu, and paid the last sad

honours to his remains.

He was a man of great promise, and a most well-informed as well as

talented officer. The early part of his career had been in the 83rd

Regiment, from which he exchanged into the Rifle Brigade. He had

accompanied Sir Garnet Wolseley in the expedition to the Red River

in 1870, and had written an interesting account of it.[327] He had

entered the Staff College, and after a few months’ study there, had,

on the Ashantee Expedition being determined on, been offered the

post of Deputy-Assistant Quartermaster General of the force, which he

most gladly accepted. He had come to the Gold Coast with Sir Garnet

Wolseley in September. He had started from Cape Coast with diarrhœa,

had exposed himself a good deal to the weather in surveying and

sketching country; and dysentery and fever supervened and carried

him off. His talents, his fund of information, his sweetness of

disposition, and his gentlemanly manners had endeared him to his

brother officers, who have erected a handsome memorial to him in the

Cathedral of Winchester; but to none more than to the writer of these

lines.[328]

Hitherto the Battalion had found at their camping, or rather halting

stations, huts built of bamboo, and thatched with plantain or palm

leaves. The men’s huts contained about seventy men; those of the

officers were, of course, smaller. In all of them were bedsteads,

constructed of bamboo, keeping the sleepers about two feet from the

ground.

On the 21st the Battalion crossed a narrow bridge, which had been

made across the Prah, here about eighty yards wide, and marched to

Essiaman, about thirteen miles and a half. Cocoa had, however, been

prepared for them at Attobiasse, about half-way. The morning was very

dark when they started; but it was cooler, the bush much more open,

and the road good. On their arrival, they no longer found the huts

which had been prepared for them on the other side of the Prah. At

Essiaman the men were in long open sheds, covered with palm leaves,

while the officers built themselves shelters of bushes and _tentes

d’abri_, in which they could sling their field-hammocks.

On the 22nd, starting at half-past five, the Battalion marched

to Accrofoomu, about fourteen miles, which they reached about a

quarter to eleven. Some fourteen men fell out, mostly from fatigue;

for the heat was excessive and the march long. The sheds here were

insufficient to accommodate the Battalion; so that lean-tos had to

be built and tents pitched. As at Essiaman, the officers had to

construct huts for themselves.

On the 23rd they started at a quarter to six, and marched to Moinsey,

at the foot of the Adansi hills, a distance of about eight miles. It

was a pleasant march, for the road was good, the bush much more open,

and the air cooler. There were no huts nor sheds, and the men had to

build them.

The next day they started at the same hour, and ascended the Adansi

range. The ascent, which is steep, occupied about half an hour. They

halted at the top, and saw the sun rise over the trees below, while

the mists hanging between the hills had the appearance of lakes.

Resuming their march, they passed through Quisah, a large village

about five miles on the way, deserted by the Ashantees. They arrived

at Foomanah at about nine. This was a considerable town, containing

the house or palace of the King of Adansi. The men and officers were

quartered in the so-called houses, built of yellow baked clay, and

rather resembling ovens with roofs over them. In some of them were

found dead bodies.

An envoy from the King of Ashantee had here met Sir Garnet Wolseley;

and the Battalion, with the Naval Brigade, paraded at five in the

afternoon, and lined the road north of the town, by which he was to

return to Coomassie, the ranks facing inwards.

They halted at Foomanah till the 29th. But on the 25th the Battalion

was inspected by Sir Garnet Wolseley, and on the 26th Major Nicholl’s

company formed part of a reconnaissance in force to the village of

Kiang Boassu, about four or five miles to the front, where Ashantee

tom-toms had been heard the day before. The Riflemen on this

reconnaissance were under the command of Major Stephens. They started

at a quarter to six, and returned soon after nine. The Ashantees

fired on them; they returned the compliment, killed two Ashantees,

and made two prisoners, besides burning the village.

As usual during a halt, sickness again appeared. Captain Slade was

sent down to the coast on the 28th, seriously ill from dysentery, and

Lieutenant the Honourable Thomas Scott took command of his company.

On the 29th the Battalion paraded at half-past five, and marched to

Ahkankuassie, a distance of about ten miles. Here the men built huts

for themselves; while the officers, or some of them, found houses in

the village. But these were filthy places, and overrun with lizards.

The Battalion furnished an outlying picquet, Major Sotheby’s company,

at Adadwassie, about a mile and a half in advance of Ahkankuassie.

Rations were served out for the following day, which the men were to

carry on the march.

On the 30th the Battalion moved forward to Insarfu, passing through

Adadwassie, where the picquet joined them. The distance to Insarfu

was only about four miles, and the Riflemen reached it about ten

o’clock, having formed the rear-guard of the European brigade.

It being generally expected that the Ashantees would make a stand

on the next day, and that there would be a fight, the Captains of

the Battalion were assembled at the Commanding Officer’s quarters,

to receive instructions for the operations of the morrow. It was

explained to them that they were to form the rear face of a hollow

square, in which formation the Commanding General intended to

advance. Nor was this, they were informed, to be considered less the

point of honour than the front, as the tactics of the Ashantees were

to envelop the flanks and fall upon the rear. At evening parade these

orders were explained by the Captains to the Riflemen, who listened

with interest and eagerness to the information. Rations for the

next day were issued. The men were camped under _tentes d’abri_ in

quarter-distance column in a plaintain ground; the officers, some of

them, built huts near their men; some found shelter in the houses in

the village, which, if less filthy than those at Ahkankuassie, were

only a fraction of a degree nearer cleanliness.

On the 31st the Battalion paraded at twenty minutes after six, and

about half-an-hour afterwards marched from Insarfu. The 42nd led,

the Rifle Brigade forming the rear of the hollow square or order of

battle, which was thus disposed:--

+--------------------------------------------------------------+

| 42nd extended | guns | 42nd extended |

| ---------- | I I | ---------- |

| supports | | supports |

| | | |

| Naval | | Naval |

| Brigade. | | Brigade. |

| | | | | |

| | | | | |

| | Staff | |

| | | |

| | 23rd F. | |

| +----------+ |

| Russall’s | | Wood’s |

| Natives. | | Natives. |

| | | | | |

| | | | | |

| | R.B. +----------+ Reserve | |

| | | |

| | (Path | |

| | | |

| | from | |

| ---- ---- ---- | | ---- ---- ---- |

| sections | Insarfu) | in support |

..................... | | ....................

| |

Rifle Brigade | | in skirmishing order

After advancing about a mile and a half, firing was heard in

front, the 42nd having engaged the Ashantees, who were posted on

ground rising from a muddy stream, which flowed through a swampy

ravine. The action commenced about eight; but it was not till more

than an hour and a half later that the Riflemen became engaged.

Then Major Nicholl’s company was sent to the right column, under

Lieutenant-Colonel Wood, and Major Sotheby’s and Captain Cope’s

companies were extended on the east and south-east of Egginassie,

fire having been opened by the enemy from the bush in that direction.

The bush was dense and thick; consisting of great cotton trees, with

a high undergrowth, and interlaced everywhere with creepers, so that

the men could not see more than fifteen or twenty yards before them,

and had often to cut a way with their swords. Sotheby’s left touched

the Bonnymen of the right column, while the connection between his

right and the road or path was kept up by Cope’s company,

who entered the bush, and threw his right back to the road. These

companies were exposed to a heavy fire; and Lieutenant Sherston, one

of Sotheby’s subalterns, was very severely wounded through the right

shoulder. Captain Cary was sent up to support a native company of the

left wing on the left of Egginassie; but on Major Stephens reporting

to Sir Garnet Wolseley that there was a gap between the left and

centre columns, which ought to be filled, Lieutenant Taylor, with

part of Cary’s company, was sent to fill it up; while Captain Cary

himself with the remainder moved towards the left flank, to support

the native troops, which were hard pressed. Captain Lascelles was

directed by Sir Garnet Wolseley to take his company to occupy some

heights to the north of Egginassie, and so to connect Wood’s natives

with the path. He passed through the bush, which had been partially

cleared round the village by the Engineer labourers, and took up this

position, extending three sections, and keeping the fourth in support

under Lieutenant the Honourable E. Noel.[329]

[Illustration:

ACTION OF AMOAFUL

31^{st} Jan^y 1874.

_Drawn by B. Major C. W. Robinson, Rifle Brigade._

E. Weller, _Litho._

_London, Chatto & Windus._

]

_To face Plan of Battle._

BATTLE OF AMOAFUL.

ABOUT 10.30 A.M.

_DETAILED DESCRIPTION._

CENTRE COLUMN.

The 42nd carrying the enemy’s main position north of the swamp.

Rait’s artillery in action. 23rd in support.

_Rifle Brigade._--No. 1 company in action in the clearing to the

east of the path (with the Right Column). No. 3 company leaving

Egginassie to support the 42nd. The remainder in action around

Egginassie.

RIGHT COLUMN.

Naval Brigade engaged in the clearing east of the main path.

(Lieut. Knox’s rockets playing into a hollow to the north-east.)

Wood’s Regiment in action round Egginassie.

LEFT COLUMN.

Russell’s Regiment has taken the heights west of Egginassie.

Col. M’Leod, with the Naval Brigade, is cutting his way to try

and connect with the Centre Column.

RIFLE BRIGADE COMPANIES.

1. Nicholl; 2. Sotheby; 3. Somerset; 4. Dugdale; 5. Lascelles; 6.

Cope; 7. Slade (Scott); 8. Cary.

Soon afterwards Sir Archibald Alison, who was in the front with

the 42nd, asked for ‘a support of half a Battalion of Rifles.’ The

half-Battalion being, as we have seen, ‘otherwise engaged,’ Captain

Somerset’s company was sent forward by the road or path to him.

Starting at the double, this company advanced to the swamp about half

a mile in front, where Sir Archibald had fought his way with the

42nd. Here Somerset found Sir Archibald Alison, with the detachment

of the 23rd Fusiliers, awaiting his arrival. The company was posted

here to keep up communication with the rear, and to advance when

required. Sir Archibald crossed the marsh with the Fusiliers, and

advanced towards Amoaful. Somerset’s company remained in this

position till nearly the close of the day, keeping communication

with the Fusiliers, who were some hundred yards to their north, and

furnishing occasional escorts to staff officers passing along the

path. Somerset’s men were exposed to the fire of Ashantees, who,

creeping up to the edge of the bush, discharged their pieces at them.

By this fire Lieutenant Smyth was wounded in the thigh, and two

other Riflemen were hit. But the Riflemen soon silenced this annoying

fire; Sergeant Bills especially making good use of his rifle.

But before Captain Somerset’s company had moved up to the front,

about twenty Riflemen had been detached from it, and attached to

Major Nicholl’s company, which, as we have seen, was on the right,

supporting the Naval Brigade and the native levies under Colonel

Wood. By noon the Ashantees had been driven from the ridge which

they occupied beyond the stream, their camp had been taken, and the

village of Amoaful carried by the 42nd Regiment. The direction of the

combat was now changed; and, as far as the front and left faces of

the square formation were concerned, it had terminated, and the fire,

which had been kept up without cessation from eight in the morning,

was now lulled. But about one it began again, and the brunt of the

fight now fell on the Riflemen; for the Ashantees, pursuing their

usual tactics, swept round and fell on the right flank and rear,

attacking the village of Egginassie on the north-east.

About one o’clock the fire was renewed. Captain Cope’s company was

sent into the village, and lined one side; and Captain Cary, with a

portion of his company, was sent through Egginassie, and extended to

the east of it. This attack of the Ashantees was most determined;

they came up in numbers, and were shot down by the Riflemen. The din

was tremendous. Besides volleys and file-firing, and the heavy report

of the Ashantee guns, tom-toms, horns, and the yells of the Ashantees

and of the native troops, made the bush and all the surroundings

hideous. In this fire a man of Cary’s company was shot in the face by

a slug fired by an Ashantee in a tree; but two of his comrades soon

brought his assailant down, and killed him. After about an hour of

this work, during which the Ashantees kept up a fire as continuous

and heavy as it had been during any part of the fight, their fire

slackened. Then an advance was made by Major Sotheby’s and Captain H.

Lascelles’ companies, and part of Captain Cary’s. The line advanced

towards the north-east up the valley; and pivoting on the left,

bringing up the right, moved forward to the edge of a clearing, which

had been made by the right column. ‘This was admirably executed.

Skirmishing as quietly and steadily as if on parade, the men of the

Rifle Brigade searched every bush with their bullets, and in five

minutes from the commencement of the advance the Ashantees were in

full and final retreat.’[330]

The Ashantees having been thus driven from the high ground to the

northward of Egginassie, Captains Lascelles’ and Cary’s companies

were withdrawn; and passing by their left, regained the main path,

and by it the village of Egginassie, which they at once began to

entrench and fortify; the other portion of Cary’s company, which had

been detached under Lieutenant Taylor, being called in to assist in

this work.

But the day was not over for the Riflemen. Hardly had the firing

lulled about Egginassie, when heavy firing was heard in the rear. A

large force of Ashantees, sweeping round from the west, had attacked

Quarman, about a mile to the south, on the line of communication,

which was held by a detachment of the 2nd West India Regiment, and

a few Europeans, under Captain Burnett, of the 15th Foot. Captain

Dugdale’s company, which formed the rear-guard of the Battalion, was

at once ordered to Quarman, and on the way was somewhat exposed to

the fire of the detachment there, who did not know of his approach

to relieve them, and whose bullets whistled over the heads of the

Riflemen as they passed through some low ground on the way. The

bush had been cleared round Quarman, and Dugdale at once extended

his company, and drove the Ashantees who were attacking it back

into the bush with considerable loss. He then entered the village,

and being senior officer assumed the command. The position was very

important, for it connected the front at Egginassie and Amoaful with

Insarfu. Soon after Dugdale had entered Quarman, Captain Slade’s

company, under Lieutenant the Honourable T. Scott,[331] joined him.

The attack was soon renewed; the Ashantees now not venturing into

the clearing, but firing from the surrounding bush. This attack had

just been repulsed, when Major Sotheby with his company reached

Quarman. He had started from Egginassie, escorting a long train of

hammocks containing wounded, and also some wounded men who were able

to walk, and had passed through Quarman on his way to Insarfu, when

he heard firing in his rear. Colonel Colley, who was passing through

Quarman at this time, directed Captain Dugdale to take his company

out; who, marching about half a mile towards Egginassie, and turning

into the bush, outflanked the Ashantees, and fired several volleys

which effectually drove them off. Major Sotheby, finding that Quarman

was again attacked, turned back when near Insarfu. His bearers flung

down the wounded, and fled into the village. Colonel Colley was

also attacked as he was bringing up a convoy from Insarfu. As soon

as Dugdale knew of this attack, he detached Scott with his company

to help him. The enemy occupied the side of the path and kept up a

heavy fire, wounding two of Scott’s men. However, he kept up the

fight till after six; when, as it was getting dark, Dugdale recalled

him to Quarman, which these two companies occupied during the night.

Thus Dugdale had saved and retained this important post, connecting

the front with Insarfu, whence the supplies were to be drawn, and to

which the wounded were to be escorted.[332]

Major Sotheby, finding that it was considered of importance that

ammunition should be conveyed to the front from Insarfu, left that

place about eight in the evening with his company, and having some

carriers with him picked up some of the baggage abandoned by the

cowardly bearers, and having parked it at Quarman, reached Egginassie

at eleven at night. Here the Head-quarters and, on Sotheby’s arrival,

six companies of the Battalion were camped. For Somerset’s company

had been about six o’clock withdrawn from the marsh to higher ground

in the rear, and had, with Nicholl’s company, rejoined the Battalion

about eight, while Cary’s, Lascelles’, and Cope’s companies, after

their fight, were employed in clearing the bush about Egginassie.

This was very hard work. The men and officers had no food but

the biscuit and sausage issued the day before, which they carried

in their pockets. But happily there was no hot sun, so that the

Riflemen were able to clear a considerable space, and to throw up a

breast-work. Three officers, Major Stephens, Lieutenants Smyth and

Sherston, and 6 Riflemen, were wounded on this day.

* * * * *

The main position of the Ashantees on this day was at the camp on

the ridge north of the stream, which was carried by the 42nd; and

they had other advanced positions and smaller camps on the right and

left of the path by which the troops advanced. Their design seems to

have been, while holding their main position, to turn the flanks and

attack the rear. Directly the advance was made on the main position,

the Ashantees attacked in strength against the left; failing in

this they fell on the right, and made a furious effort to get to

Egginassie and so to establish themselves in rear. Foiled at all

these points, they attempted to capture Quarman, and cut the line of

supplies. This attack was repelled by Captain Dugdale and his company.

Though the central column forced the Ashantee camp and took the

village of Amoaful, and so had the most conspicuous share in

the events of the day, yet before the fight was over almost all

the troops were engaged more or less; the Riflemen heavily and

successfully before the close of it.

* * * * *

Six companies, as I have said, camped at Egginassie, Captain

Lascelles’ company being on outlying picquet; and two occupied

Quarman.

During the night a panic took place among the native carriers, for a

native sentry on outpost duty having fired his piece about four in

the morning, the carriers were terrified. One officer was awakened

by these cowards jumping over him; another sleeping in a hammock was

overset by them. They knocked down the piled rifles, and were running

in every direction in abject and contemptible terror. At last order

was restored.

On February 1 the six companies of the Battalion at Egginassie were

extended to line the road from that village to Insarfu (the 42nd

continuing the line from Egginassie to Amoaful) in order to allow

supplies to be brought up from Insarfu to the front. On the same day

the village of Becqua was destroyed by some of the other troops.

In this affair the Battalion was to have been employed; but orders

had been given to Colonel Warren as soon as he had assembled his

six companies at Egginassie to ascertain if there was any force of

Ashantees in the bush near the road between Quarman and Insarfu, and

if they were found, to clear the bush with his Riflemen. No enemy

were there; but in consequence of this delay, the Battalion did not

reach Amoaful till after one o’clock, at which hour the expedition to

Becqua had started. Part of the 42nd were therefore substituted for

the Riflemen.

On their arrival at Amoaful they remained under arms in the broad

street or central place until the destruction of Becqua was

ascertained. Then they were dismissed; and, after assisting in

burying the dead Ashantees, encamped.

On the 2nd the Battalion advanced; Lord Gifford and his scouts

preceding with some native troops, Captain Cary’s company guarded

Captain Rait’s guns, and Captain Lascelles’ company was in support.

These formed the advanced guard under Colonel M’Leod. The Battalion

followed, Captain Somerset’s company forming an escort to Sir

Archibald Alison. The other regiments brought up the rear. They

moved off between six and seven o’clock, and soon came up with the

rear of the Ashantees, on whom the native troops immediately opened

fire, but with so little effect that Colonel M’Leod halted them

and brought up Cary’s company to the front. But the enemy made no

stand, merely firing wildly and then flying. The road was strewed

with food, clothing, and weapons, evidencing the precipitate flight

of the enemy. On the march, Cary’s company still leading, the

Riflemen passed through three villages and a camp all deserted by the

Ashantees; though in some fires still burning and cooking materials

at hand showed how short a time they had been abandoned. As a flank

attack was not unlikely, Somerset’s company was extended and searched

the forest paths on each side of the road. Sir Archibald Alison, as

whose escort they had acted, signified through Captain Robinson,

his Brigade-Major, his marked approval of the way in which they had

skirmished, and of the individual intelligence of these Riflemen.

The Battalion reached Aggemamu, a distance of eight miles, about

three in the afternoon, and halted there.

But Cary’s and Lascelles’ companies were pushed on about two miles

and a half to the village of Adwabin, which they occupied.

Sir Garnet Wolseley having resolved to take on his forces to

Coomassie as a flying column, determined to leave his baggage at

Aggemamu, and to make that place a temporary base, through which his

communications might be kept open with the rear. The Battalion was

therefore ordered to find a captain to take charge of this post, and

the duty fell to Captain Cope. At Aggemamu the roads to Coomassie

bifurcate; one leading to the right or east, and one the longer, but

it was reported the best road, forking to the left. This Sir Garnet

resolved to follow.

‘The importance of Aggemamu could scarcely be overestimated.

From it two roads led to Coomassie, by the longer of which we

were about to march, disregarding the shorter or easternmost of

the two. It was of course of vital importance that the point at

the junction of the roads should be securely held, as a base

for our flying column, and as a point of support upon which, if

necessary, to fall back.’[333]

Lieutenants Bell and Hare, with native labourers, were engaged in the

evening of this day, under the superintendence of Captain Home, in

making a clearing round Aggemamu.

Sir Garnet Wolseley having thus determined to push on to Coomassie

without _impedimenta_, enquired of the soldiers on this evening

whether, as it might take six days to advance to Coomassie and to

return to Aggemamu, and there were but four days’ rations in hand,

they were willing to do the six days’ work on four days’ rations. The

response was a unanimous assent. The General told them at the same

time that they might probably get a fortnight sooner to the coast by

this sacrifice than if they halted at Aggemamu for further supplies

to come up. Eventually one day’s additional ration of preserved meat,

biscuit, and tea, came up.

On the 3rd the Battalion started at half-past five, Major Nicholl’s

company leading, and on reaching Adwabin, the advanced guard, with

which were Cary’s and Lascelles’ companies which had passed the night

there, were pushed forward. They soon felt the enemy, with whom they

became engaged about half-past eight. The first point at which he

made a decided stand was in a hollow through which flowed a stream, a

tributary of the Ordah. The overloaded guns of the Ashantees carrying

high, they chose positions, as in this case, below the attacking

force. They were in cover behind a large fallen tree from which they

kept up a heavy fire. Nicholl’s company was sent forward to reinforce

the two companies already with the advance. On the road was a gun

with an escort of part of Lascelles’ company and some natives. On the

left of the road was the remainder of Lascelles’ company and Cary’s;

further on the left was Nicholl’s company, part advanced beyond

the stream and part on its left bank. Lieutenant the Honourable T.

Scott’s company was afterwards moved up in support, and these four

companies were hotly engaged at this point, when about noon a flag

of truce came in, and the firing ceased on our side, though the

Ashantees continued their fire and actually wounded a native while

the envoy was being passed to Head-quarters. However, his mission was

fruitless, and he was very soon passed beyond the front. The fire was

then renewed, and eventually slackened after lasting for about five

hours. The advance then pushed on followed by the other troops; but

the progress was slow; for the Ashantees, finding we could beat them

fighting in the bush, now tried ambuscades, and a good many men were

thus wounded. The other troops followed the advanced guard, which

about three o’clock in the afternoon reached the bank of the river

Ordah, here about three feet deep and forty yards wide. Here they

hutted themselves; Captain Dugdales company being on picquet.

In this affair eight Riflemen were wounded. The men carried their

great-coats, which they found an incumbrance in skirmishing in the

bush, and on the next day they were handed over to the carriers.

Colonel M’Leod, who commanded the advance, praised the manner in

which Cary’s company had fought on this day.

Some captive Ashantees had stated that 10,000 of the enemy were

around, and every precaution was taken to protect the camp from a

sudden assault. A chain of sentries was posted at twenty yards apart

at about 100 yards from the camp. A tremendous thunderstorm came on

about six in the evening and lasted till two in the morning. The

Riflemen had indeed built huts; but as no banana, plantain, or palm

leaves were at hand to thatch them, they afforded a very insufficient

shelter against the storm. However a cask of rum was brought in about

three, and a ration of that spirit helped to revive the soldiers,

while fires were lit to dry their clothes.

Meanwhile the Engineers and blue jackets had been busy in making a

narrow bridge over the river, which was ready for their advance in

the morning.

Accordingly, about seven in the morning of the 4th, the force

crossed the bridge; the advance was led by some native troops; a gun

with some rockets followed, with three companies of the Battalion;

Captain Cope’s commanded in his absence at Aggemamu by Lieutenant

Stopford-Sackville, Captain Slade’s under Lieutenant the Honourable

T. Scott, and Major Sotheby’s. This advance was under the command

of Colonel M’Leod. The rest of the troops followed, the remaining

companies of the Battalion leading. Soon after passing the bridge the

native troops became actively engaged. But as the native soldiers

were firing wildly and ineffectively, Colonel M’Leod halted them, and

passed Sackville’s company through them to the front, and ordered

him to extend to the right of the road. The gun was also brought up

with Scott’s company in support on the road. As the first company was

extending two or three men were wounded. One, Brown, was badly hit in

the side, but refused for some time to go to the rear, and went on

skirmishing. The road or path rose from the river, and after running

for some distance along a ridge with ravines on each side, descended

again, and finally rose to the village of Ordahsu. The gun having

been brought up was fired up the road and into the bush on each side.

It was advanced gradually by the native bearers as ground was gained,

the Riflemen in support lying down on each side of it while it was

in action, and then with it resuming the advance. Colonel M’Leod

had asked for and obtained a reinforcement of three companies of the

Battalion, and Captain Cary’s company was extended in the bush on

the right of Sackville’s. Sotheby’s company was also sent by Colonel

M’Leod into the bush on the left of the road.

Major Stephens with Scott’s company pushed steadily on by the road,

one section of this company supporting the gun. At last they reached

the clearing which surrounded the village of Ordahsu. ‘Then the

Rifles gave a cheer, and with a sudden rush cleared the way to the

open, and carried the village without a check.’[334] This was Scott’s

company, or part of it; and Lieutenant Harington, with the remainder,

swept round the edge of the clearing, and having thus outflanked the

Ashantees in the village, also rushed into it. The village was held

by fifty or sixty of the enemy, who fought bravely, and were most

of them killed. Major Stephens, with Scott and his portion of the

company, passed through the village and to the edge of the clearing

beyond it where the Riflemen lying down kept up a constant fire on

the enemy. Sackville also brought up his company, one section being

still with the gun, and as Scott’s party had purposely left the road

clear the gun made good practice to the front. It was afterwards

taken forward beyond the village to where Major Stephens, with Scott

and his party, were, and a heavy fire of shell and of rockets was

kept up. The Ashantees here made a most determined resistance, coming

up to the very edge of the clearing and discharging their pieces.

Sackville shot one with one of the men’s rifles. Meanwhile Major

Sotheby was steadily advancing through the bush on the left of the

road, and soon came up on the left of Scott’s company. Here Private

Taylor of Sotheby’s company observed a chief and two other Ashantees

in a tree about fifteen yards from him. He shot one man, and the

other fled into the bush. The chief tried to hide himself in the

leaves, and brought up his piece to his shoulder; but Taylor was too

quick for him, and rushing up, ran him through with his sword before

he could fire. For this act of valour Taylor received the medal for

gallant conduct in the field.

Cary’s company had at the same time been advancing on the extreme

right, and was engaged in keeping back the Ashantees who were

pressing on to the east of the village. This company was afterwards

moved over to the left of the village, and the ground between it and

Sotheby’s on the extreme left was occupied by Captain Somerset’s

company; which, as well as Major Nicholl’s, Captain Lascelles’, and

Captain Dugdale’s, had been pushed on to Ordahsu.

It was now after eleven, and a halt was ordered, in order (it is

said) that the baggage might be brought up to the village, and

disposition made for its defence. But the enemy, who had been

held or driven back until then, at once made a fresh and furious

attack, rushing up as before to the very edge of the bush, shouting

and yelling, and opening a very heavy fire. The Riflemen who were

standing in the village or sheltering from the sun under the trees

were at once extended, Dugdale’s company on the right, and Nicholl’s

on the left of the village.

Sir Archibald Alison, considering that it would take too much time

to withdraw the Riflemen from the bush round the village, and that

as the enemy were making a vigorous attack it would be difficult to

do so, brought up the 42nd to the front by the road the Riflemen had

won, and were still guarding. The leading companies of the Riflemen,

on seeing the 42nd advancing, sprang up, believing that a general

advance was to be made, and were most anxious to push forward; but

they were stopped by Colonel M’Leod, who advanced with his own

regiment, the 42nd. But little more was done. The Ashantees had had

enough of it; and though the 42nd received some fire by which a few

men were wounded, the enemy made no further stand in the front.

Scott, with his company, followed the 42nd. And Lascelles and

Sackville also advanced. And the firing about Ordahsu gradually

ceased.

In these five hours’ fighting the Battalion had 17 men wounded. Four

officers were also hit: Major Sotheby in the face, Sackville in the

leg, Scott on the right breast, and Surgeon Wiles. Sergeant-Major

Stretch was also slightly wounded. But these officers, not wishing

to add up a great list of casualties or to parade their wounds, were

not reported as wounded, but went on with their work. One Sergeant

(Sumner) was missing. In the hard fighting between the river and

Ordahsu he had sent two men to the rear with a wounded comrade; and

probably in the gap thus formed in extended order the Ashantees had

rushed in and killed him. He was never afterwards heard of.

Sir Archibald Alison, in a dispatch dated Ahkankuassie, February 9,

1874, thus speaks of the conduct of the Battalion at Ordahsu: ‘This

was the first day upon which (with the exception of one company)

I had the pleasure of seeing the Rifle Brigade in action under my

orders. It is needless for me to speak of the steadiness and high

discipline of the Rifle Brigade; but I must express my satisfaction

at the way in which they were handled by Lieutenant-Colonel Warren,

and under him by Major Stephens and Major Glyn.

‘On every occasion when I had an opportunity of seeing it, I had to

remark on the excellent way in which the company officers commanded

their companies.’

The Riflemen were much fatigued by their five or six hours’ hard

and incessant fighting under an African sun, and hungry too; for

only a little biscuit had been served out, and few of them had had

a meat ration the day before. But Coomassie was to be reached, and

they pressed on from Ordahsu. Two rivers were forded in the way,

and at the entrance of the town the road was through a marsh, and

was covered with filthy water. At last Coomassie was entered about

half-past five. Many Ashantees were hanging about, watching the

entrance of the English force, but they offered no resistance.

Indeed, their courage did not then seem great. For the Battalion on

marching in had formed quarter-distance column. When they were to

wheel into line, of course they opened out to company-distance on the

leading company. But this simple parade manœuvre struck terror into

the surrounding Ashantees, who ran back as the rear companies retired.

When the line was formed, Sir Garnet Wolseley rode to the front,

and three cheers were given for the Queen, which added wings to the

flight of the gazing Ashantees. It was now nearly dark, and after

the ceremony, the Riflemen were dismissed, and quarters told off

to them, with orders not to leave their quarters, and to be ready

to turn out at a moment’s warning. A meat ration was served out,

but many of the Riflemen were too tired to cook it. Captain Cary’s

company, made up to a hundred men by Riflemen of Captain Somerset’s

company, formed a guard over the King’s palace. Captain Brackenbury

was the staff officer appointed to accompany Captain Cary with orders

for this guard. ‘Some idea,’ he says, ‘of the size of the building,

and of its irregularity, may be gained from the fact that we posted

thirteen sentries in such positions that they were only just able to

protect all the inlets to the building. After having apparently been

all round the building once, we again marched round to see whether

a sentry could not be economised; and though in one place we were

enabled to remove one, we found that the whole of a long gallery,

evidently the women’s quarters, had been omitted, and we had to place

another at the entrance of this. The guard of 100 men was placed in

the great central court.’[335]

Captain Dugdale was the prize Commissioner on behalf of the European

troops, and he and the other Commissioners worked all night in

securing what articles of value they could find in the palace, or the

carriers at their disposal enabled them to remove. Here were found,

among other curious and costly articles, the gold masks, of which the

2nd Battalion subsequently purchased and possess one.

In the course of the night fires broke out in two or three places

in Coomassie, which were kindled by the native followers, who were

prowling about and plundering. Many of the Riflemen were turned out

to assist in putting out these fires, and were engaged from two till

four in the morning in assisting the Engineers to pull down houses

and to extinguish the flames. This was hard work on the soldiers

after their hard fight and march of the day before. One section of

each company was ordered not to take their belts off, but to be

ready to turn out instantly in case of an attack. In the course

of the night the palace guard captured an Ashantee chief, who was

endeavouring to escape with gold dust, nuggets, and jewels about him.

On the 5th the Battalion paraded at ten o’clock in the street of

Coomassie. The wounded were sent down, escorted by Cope’s company,

under Lieutenant Sackville, and some native troops.

On the 6th the Battalion paraded at half-past six, and marched out of

Coomassie about an hour afterwards. The palace was to be blown up,

and the town burned. As soon as the Engineers reported that all was

ready at the palace, the guard of the Rifle Brigade was marched off,

with orders to rejoin its Battalion, and orders were given for the

palace to be blown up.

Heavy rains had now set in. The marsh at the entrance of the town was

knee deep, and the rivers, trifling streams on the march up, were

now wide torrents, five feet deep in mid-channel. The Engineers made

a bridge with a felled tree, but the men had often to wade, almost

waist deep. On arrival at Ordah about three in the afternoon, the

bridge was found to be submerged some two or three feet deep, and the

Riflemen had to wade across it. This was so slow a process that the

rear companies did not get over till six. The Battalion then camped

on the ground it had occupied on the 3rd.

They started at a quarter-past six on the morning of the 7th, and

marched to Aggemamu. The stream before entering this village had been

bridged over by Captain Cope, and steps had been cut by him in the

steep path ascending from it.

We left him detailed to the charge of Aggemamu on the 2nd. He had

with him 17 sick or weakly Riflemen, and 15 sick men of the other

regiments, 100 native troops, 50 or 60 labourers, under a sergeant

of Engineers, a few native police, and 5 officers. But the men were

so ill, that had he been attacked, he could barely have mustered 20

Europeans fit to fight. As soon as the force had marched, he set

to work to make his post defensible. He pulled down the greater

part of the village, keeping only a small square of houses, which

he loop-holed; and built small redoubts and a kind of redan at

the fork of the roads, in which he placed his native soldiers. He

brought the baggage into his enclosure, and, indeed, used some of it

in building his defences. In levelling the outside of the village,

the native labourers most foolishly, and in direct violation of his

orders, set fire to some houses. The fire came raging towards the

intrenchment; but he happily succeeded in making a gap, and thus

saving the stockade and the baggage from the flames. Scouts informed

him that the Ashantees were in force all round, and that he would

most probably be attacked. After the troops had left, he heard heavy

firing in front, and his patrols brought in a prisoner, who stated

that the king would fight at Kasie.

On the 4th he still continued his work of fortifying his post. No

news came to him from the front, but heavy firing was heard to the

north and north-west. Five prisoners were brought in. On the 5th

he went on with his work, and sent some of his blacks out into the

woods to gather plantains for food, thus utilising them as outposts;

for on the approach of an enemy they would have fled back, and given

the earliest intimation of danger. He was short of rations too, and

was obliged to keep his men on half-rations. He had another cause of

anxiety, besides being without any intelligence from the front: that

though the road was clear to the rear, no convoy of provisions came

up; and he feared the troops on their return from Coomassie might

find Aggemamu unprovisioned. He sent out a reconnaissance of 30 men,

under Lieutenant de Hoghton, 10th Foot, who went three miles along

the right-hand road, and brought in a good deal of corn. They burned

a large village, but saw no Ashantees.

At last, in the middle of the night between the 5th and 6th, Colonel

Colley came in from the front, ‘in thunder, lightning, and in rain,’

with intelligence of the proceedings of the last three days. This

was the first communication Cope had received from the front since

the troops left Aggemamu on the morning of the 3rd. It was a most

anxious time; but his exertions were rewarded, for ‘Sir Garnet on his

return complimented Captain Cope much on the measures he had taken

for defence; and added that they were so good that he could not have

wished him better fortune than to have been attacked.’[336]

‘We found,’ says Colonel Brackenbury, ‘that a perfect fortress had

been constructed by Captain Cope, which would have defied the attacks

of an army. In the execution of his duty he had spared no person and

no thing; and we shall not soon forget the despairing face of one

non-combatant officer, who with tears in his eyes complained that

his baggage had been built into the fortification, and that he was

told he could not have it out.’[337]

In the same way Mr. Henty observes, ‘I found [Aggemamu] changed

beyond recognition; the whole place, in fact, having been levelled

with the ground, except the principal group of houses, which had upon

the way up been used as Head-quarters. These had been loop-holed, and

formed an interior citadel, which could have been defended by the

garrison had the breast-work round the village been carried.’[338]

On Colonel Colley’s information that the force was on its way back,

Captain Cope set his people to build huts for the troops.

On the same day his company came in as escort to the wounded, and on

the 7th proceeded to Biposu, and on the 8th to Ahkankuassie. On that

day he started from Aggemamu with the Naval Brigade; and leaving them

at Amoaful, pressed on and joined his company at Ahkankuassie. This

was a march of about eighteen miles, a long one in that climate.

On the 11th he crossed the Prah. And on the 12th reached Barracoo

with his convoy, who were thence to proceed by forced marches to

Cape Coast, while he was ordered to take his company down by the

regular marches by which they had come up to this point. Accordingly

he reached Cape Coast at about half-past eight on the morning of

the 19th, and at once embarked in surf-boats, and got on board the

‘Himalaya’ at half-past nine, where his company awaited the arrival

of the Battalion.

They had moved from the camp at the Ordah as I have stated on the

7th, and marched to Aggemamu; whence, after a few hours’ halt,

Captain Somerset’s company was sent forward as an escort of sick to

Amoaful. But the convoy being large, and the progress slow, night

fell while they were still some miles from Amoaful. And the road

being bad, and the night very dark, great difficulty was experienced

in getting through the forest.[339]

On the 8th the Battalion left Aggemamu, and proceeding by daily

marches, with the same halting or camping-stages as on going up the

country, reached Cape Coast Castle at six in the morning of the 22nd,

where they embarked immediately on board the ‘Himalaya.’ The whole

Battalion, with its baggage, was on board by half-past seven. The

total strength of the Battalion on embarkation (including Captain

Cope’s company, which was already on board) was 22 officers, and

408 non-commissioned officers and private Riflemen, of whom only 16

officers and 277 of other ranks were reported as ‘fit for duty.’[340]

The casualties of the campaign may be thus summarised:

+-------------------------------------------+----------+-------------+

| | | Non-comm- |

| | | issioned |

| | Officers | officers and|

| | | privates. |

+-------------------------------------------+----------+-------------+

| Landed at Cape Coast Castle, fit for duty | 33 | 652 |

| Wounded | 3 | 30 |

| Died of wounds | | 2 |

| Admitted in hospital while on the Coast | 22 | 298 |

| Invalided to England | 3 | 47 |

| Left sick on board the ‘Victor Emmanuel’ | | 42 |

| Left sick at Gibraltar | | 48 |

| Died on passage home | | 3 |

| Landed in England | 27 | 483[341] |

+-------------------------------------------+----------+-------------+

Nor is this statement by any means a perfect record of what the

Battalion suffered from this deadly climate. After their return to

England, and even after their arrival at Gibraltar, many officers and

men suffered from the effects of their African campaign, and some men

died.

* * * * *

On the 23rd the ‘Himalaya’ sailed for England at six in the morning.

On March 4 she arrived at St. Vincent, where she remained till the

7th. On the 16th the green clothing was taken into wear again, and on

the next day the ‘Himalaya’ arrived at Gibraltar. Here the Battalion

was welcomed by Major-General Somerset, an old Rifleman, who came

off to see them, and during their stay showed them every attention.

They left Gibraltar on the 20th. These stoppages had been made, and

the rate of speed diminished purposely, in order not to bring the men

from so hot a climate into the coldest portion of an English spring.

However, the ‘Himalaya’ reached Spithead about half-past two in

the morning of the 26th. She came into harbour in the forenoon;

the crews of the various ships manned the yards and cheered, their

bands playing ‘Ninety-five.’ The Battalion landed at the Dock-yard

Wharf about half-past one, many officers of the 1st Battalion (then

stationed in the Gosport Forts) and some old Riflemen being assembled

to greet them. They marched thence through streets decorated with

flags, and every disposable expression of welcome, to the Governor’s

Green,’ where they were welcomed by Lieutenant-General Lord

Templetown, Commanding at Portsmouth, the Mayor, and others. Thence

they marched to the station, where a repast had been provided for

them. They left by special train for Winchester, where an ovation

awaited them. A welcome from the Mayor and Corporation at the railway

station; streets decorated with every flag, flower, and allusive

ornament that could be put into requisition; and escorts of County

Yeomanry and City Volunteers.

On the 28th the Battalion was inspected by His Royal Highness the

Duke of Cambridge, who expressed himself much satisfied with the

appearance of the Battalion. After they had marched past and formed

square, His Royal Highness addressed some kind words to them;

congratulating them on their conduct in the field and on their

endurance on the march to and from Coomassie, adding that from what

he then saw of their appearance, he considered that they were even

now fit to go anywhere.

On the 30th the Battalion proceeded to Windsor, where the troops

which had been employed in the Ashantee expedition were reviewed by

Her Majesty the Queen. The Prince of Wales (Colonel-in-Chief) and

His Royal Highness Prince Arthur met the Battalion at the Windsor

Station, and in a few kindly words the Colonel-in-Chief welcomed the

Battalion home. His Royal Highness marched past at the head of the

Battalion. Sir Archibald Alison also addressed the Riflemen, and

complimented them on the soldierlike qualities they had shown in the

field while under his orders. The Battalion returned to Winchester

that night at nine by rail.

Sir Archibald Alison issued the following order on resigning command

of the Brigade. After stating that he had amply complimented the

42nd Regiment in an order on board the ‘Sarmatian’ on his return

voyage, he proceeds: ‘Before now taking leave of the other regiments

of the Brigade, he desires to express to Lieutenant-Colonel Mostyn,

commanding 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers, and to Lieutenant-Colonel

Warren, commanding 2nd Battalion Rifle Brigade, his appreciation of

the gallantly displayed by their regiments in the field, and his

perfect satisfaction with the excellent conduct which characterised

them in camp and on the line of march. No words of his could convey

more to these regiments than that, in his opinion, they fully

sustained at Amoaful and Ordahsu, and throughout the campaign, the

historical reputation with which they entered it. In resigning his

connection with the Brigade, the Brigadier-General desires to express

his warm acknowledgment of the consistent support he has received

from all ranks.’

An order was also received from His Royal Highness the Field-Marshal

Commanding-in-Chief, conveying Her Majesty’s approval of the conduct

of her troops engaged on the Gold Coast.

On May 16 Sergeant Armstrong and Private Taylor received the Medal

for distinguished conduct in the field from the hands of the Queen at

Windsor; the former for having with some unarmed natives repelled an

attack, and having himself killed two Ashantees on February 2, in the

advance from Amoaful; and Taylor for his gallant conduct at Ordahsu,

which I have already mentioned.

On May 19 the Battalion, consisting of 20 officers and 493 of other

ranks, left Winchester at half-past five in the morning, by rail

for Aldershot, and took part, with the 1st and 3rd Battalions, in a

review before the Czar of Russia. They returned to Winchester the

same evening, arriving at ten o’clock.

On October 24 the Battalion was armed with the Martini-Henry rifle.

They received orders to prepare for embarkation for Gibraltar, and

two companies were selected to form the Depôt.

On November 7 Captain Dugdale’s company embarked on board Her

Majesty’s Troop-ship ‘Tamar’ for Gibraltar. And on the 16th and 17th

the remaining companies of the Battalion embarked at Portsmouth on

board Her Majesty’s Troop-ship ‘Simoom,’ and sailed for Gibraltar,

where they arrived on the 24th, and on disembarkation were encamped

at the North front until the 28th, when they moved to Buena Vista

barracks, and were there quartered.

The total strength on disembarkation was 18 officers, 40 sergeants,

40 corporals, 17 buglers, and 585 private Riflemen.

The 3rd Battalion moved from Winchester and Portsmouth by rail-road

on March 13, and occupied quarters in the Permanent barracks with the

1st Battalion. They took part in the summer drills held this year in

June and July, and were encamped at Woolmer forest from the 20th to

the 29th of the latter month. During the June drills the Battalion,

with the 1st Battalion, one of the 60th, and a Militia battalion,

formed a brigade commanded by Lord Alexander Russell.

The 4th Battalion remained at Umballa during this year, with the

exception that, in consequence of an outbreak of fever at Umballa,

they were moved out under canvas to camp at Jundlee, and afterwards

nearer Umballa, from November 18 to December 12.

On February 24 and 25 they had been inspected by Major-General Percy

Hill, and on August 8 by Lord Napier of Magdala, Commander-in-Chief

in India.

The 1st Battalion continued at Winchester during the year 1875,

moving to Aldershot for the summer manœuvres.

The 2nd Battalion remained at Gibraltar during the whole of the year.

Lieutenant-Colonel Nixon, commanding the 3rd Battalion, died

near Aldershot on March 31, 1875. He had served in the Regiment

twenty-eight years, and had accompanied the 2nd Battalion to the

Crimea and India, and I have recorded his services and gallantry

at Cawnpore and Lucknow, and with the Camel Corps, and the approval

of those in command which they elicited. He was deservedly and

universally esteemed by his brother officers, and his sudden

premature death excited sincere regret. His funeral on April 5, at

Hale Church, near Aldershot, was attended not only by the officers of

the 1st Battalion, who also sent their band from Winchester, but by

many old Riflemen. He was succeeded in the command of the Battalion

by Lieutenant-Colonel Maclean, who was promoted from Senior Major.

This Battalion, after taking part in the summer drill and manœuvres

near Aldershot in the months of June and July, including a review

and march-past for the Sultan of Zanzibar before his Royal Highness

the Prince of Wales, left Aldershot on July 27 for Chatham, where it

occupied St. Mary’s barracks, detaching (in November) one company to

Upnor Castle.

The 4th Battalion left Umballa on March 3 for Delhi, where it

arrived on the 13th, and formed part of the Governor-General, Lord

Northbrook’s, camp, during the durbar held there. It returned to

Umballa on the 30th.

On the approach of the visit of the Prince of Wales to India, the 4th

Battalion again marched from Umballa on November 26, and arrived at

Delhi on December 8, in order to take part in the manœuvres to take

place there during the Prince’s stay. While His Royal Highness the

Colonel-in-Chief was at Delhi, the Battalion furnished a personal

guard of honour of 100 men; and on his visit to Agra a similar guard

of honour accompanied him. After the review and march-past on January

12, 1876, the Prince gave a dinner to the men of both his regiments,

the 10th Hussars and the 4th Battalion, on the 16th, and dined at the

mess of the Battalion on the 13th.

The 1st Battalion left Winchester by rail-road on June 6, 1876, and

embarking at Portsmouth on board the ‘Simoom’ Troop-ship, started on

the same day for Dublin, where they arrived on the 9th, and occupy

the Royal barracks, having a present strength of

Officers. Sergeants. Buglers. Corporals. Privates.

33 46 18 40 758

The 2nd Battalion remain at Gibraltar, their strength being

Officers. Sergeants. Buglers. Rank and File.

33 39 17 624[342]

The 3rd Battalion left Chatham by rail-road on July 26, and proceeded

to Shorncliffe camp, where they occupy quarters. Their strength on

July 28, when inspected by Colonel the Hon. F. Thesiger, commanding

that camp (who had served in the Regiment), being:--

Officers. Sergeants. Buglers. Rank and file.

30 45 19 528

On the conclusion of the manœuvres and the departure of the Prince

of Wales from Delhi, the 4th Battalion returned on January 27 to

Umballa, where they continue to be stationed; their strength being on

the 1st October

Officers. Sergeants. Buglers. Corporals. Privates.

34 49 17 40 801[342]

On October 7, 1876, His Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught, who

had served upwards of four years in the 1st Battalion as Lieutenant

and as Captain, and had left it in April 1874, took command of that

Battalion at the Royal barracks, Dublin, as Lieutenant-Colonel.

On October 31 it was notified that Her Majesty had been graciously

pleased to permit the word ‘Ashantee’ to be borne on the plates of

the pouch-belts.

I have thus inadequately recorded the services of the Regiment,

which as the Rifle Corps, as the 95th, and as the Rifle Brigade,

has, in the seventy-five years of its existence, served in the field

in Spain, Portugal, France, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Germany, and

Russia; in South and Western Africa; in North and South America; and

in Asia. In these services it has been engaged in 22 General Actions,

30 Lesser Combats, 11 Sieges or Assaults of fortified places, and

in skirmishes and affairs of posts too many to enumerate. In them

it has won the commendation of all those commanders under whom it

has served. Nor have its discipline and conduct in quarters in more

peaceful times less elicited the approbation of Generals who have

commanded the stations it has occupied. And if I have not always

recorded this, it is because I have been unwilling to load my pages

with what no Rifleman can doubt, and what can scarcely interest any