gave a short epitome of the history of the corps since it was first
raised in 1859, showing the improvement made in every way during
the ten years that had elapsed. There were prizes given not only
for skill in open competition, but for class firing, attendances at
drills, and proficiency in drill. Later on, in 1873, in a challenge
between Trowbridge and Devizes, seven shots at 200, 500, and 600
yards, Trowbridge won, scoring 488 as against 393, Private Hart, of
Trowbridge, scoring 58, and Corporal Ruddle 54, being several points
higher than any made by their opponents. Again, in competition with
Melksham, seven shots at 200, 500, and 600 yards, the Trowbridge scored
264 as against Melksham 391; but in the return match, the following
week, the tables were reversed, and Trowbridge scored 410 as against
381. In 1879 the Trowbridge were considerably beaten by the Devizes
Company, the score of the first being but 417, against that of Devizes
amounting to 477. The last record we will give is in September, 1885,
at their own butts, Stranger's Corner, Sevrington, distances 200, 500,
and 600 yards, seven shots at each distance. Colour-Sergeant T. Hill
won the Challenge Cup with a score of 71, with Private Frank Long
making 70.
During the years that have passed since the formation of the corps many
and great changes have occurred, more especially among the officers and
non-commissioned officers. On the occasion of Captain T. Clark becoming
major in the battalion his place was taken by his brother, Lieutenant
W.P. Clark, and to this officer, in conjunction with Captain, now Hon.
Major E. Stancomb, the corps is very much indebted. Probably none in
the corps have attended so many drills of all sorts and kinds as Hon.
Major W.P. Clark. Wet or fine, hot or cold, this officer was ever to
be seen at the fore. In camp none more anxious for the welfare and
orderly behaviour of those under his command, or willing to give every
assistance in his power towards carrying out petty, but nevertheless
very troublesome and necessary details; but the Regulations are
inexorable, and a certain clause forced Hon. Major W.P. Clark to retire
into private life. In Hon. Major E. Stancomb he has a worthy successor,
and doubtless for many a long day yet will C and D Companies of the 1st
Battalion Wilts Volunteers do their duty to their Queen and country.
No. 6 CORPS. HEAD QUARTERS, MAIDEN BRADLEY.
This company was differently circumstanced from any in the battalion.
It was raised from among the tenants of the Duke of Somerset, and was
composed of men of a good position socially, and, as a rule, of means.
The duke's eldest son, Earl St. Maur, originated and commanded it,
taking as a model the system of the Irregular Cavalry of India; but
Irregular Cavalry, whether in England or India, are expensive articles,
and if to be permanent, beyond plenty of spare time and enthusiasm in
all connected therewith, require either Government support or a long
private purse for dipping into. So long as the war-fever lasted, the
tenant farmers found time and means to assemble at the head quarters
and learn the supposed duties of mounted infantry, for that was what
the corps were in reality; but the game was getting expensive, the
French would not come, the men were not quite so keen as formerly,
and farming was more profitable, so attendances and numbers fell off,
and gradually the cavalry element disappeared, leaving a nondescript
infantry, possessing a system, a dress, and even a drill, peculiarly
their own.
The account of the origin and final extinction of this fine corps will
be given almost verbatim, as furnished to the writer of this battalion
history by Mr. Styles Jefferys, one of the duke's tenants, this
gentleman having been appointed a sergeant in the first instance, and
at the time of the breaking of the corps held the rank of lieutenant.
He was only one of many in this corps, and any connected with the
Volunteers having outlying companies, such as were Maiden Bradley and a
portion of the 8th Corps at Mere, can understand how much is lost to a
battalion by the extinction of officers and men of this sort.
The hunting element was strong in both these corps, more especially in
the Maiden Bradley, and had to be considered as regards fixing drills
and other matters. Most of the farms were either in or bordering upon
the meets of the Blackmoor Vale foxhounds, and at Warminster were
the kennels of the South Wilts, the Lieut. Colonel commanding the
battalion being the master, so drilling and hunting had to be combined
if anything like a muster was desired. Some of the best to attend at
the roadside inn on a winter's evening for a two hours' dose of squad
or position drill were men who had been in the saddle all day; but the
men really liked drill, and considered it as a duty to be present. As
an instance of the willingness with which these Wiltshire men attended
drills, and of the sort of individuals composing some of the outlying
corps, the author offers the following story. It is of course one of
many similar ones occurring in the history of the early formation of
rifle corps throughout any of the wilder counties of Great Britain.
However, it shows the stuff the men were made of, and also perhaps the
necessity for tact and temper in the adjutant.
It had been agreed upon between the adjutant and the captain commanding
the 6th Corps, that as a certain day was a general holiday, there
should be a drill at the head quarters about midday, it appearing
this hour was more suitable than any for the majority to attend. The
adjutant was to ride over from Warminster and take breakfast, and
some water-colouring was to be done between that meal and the time of
assembly. As proposed, so carried out, and on the appointed day, a
bleak December morning, the adjutant, mounted on his best, started away
for the captain's abode, there to find him at breakfast sure enough,
but in pink, and evidently intent on hunting instead of drawing or
drilling.
"I forgot all about the drill. Bother it, we can't have it. The hounds
meet at Knoyle, so we haven't a moment to spare. Every fellow will be
there, and you must come." This was the explanation; and the appearing
of the adjutant at the meet in uniform being the only substantial
objection, it was overcome by borrowing coat, waistcoat, and hat, the
uniform long boots and dark pantaloons remaining; albeit the rig-out
was none of the neatest or best-fitting, as the captain was a few sizes
taller than the adjutant; but it answered its purpose, and throwing
goose-step, turnings, wheelings, and odd files to the limbo prepared
for such uninteresting articles, the breakfast was hastily swallowed
and the two set out for Knoyle.
The Blackmoor Vale is a fine hunting country, and none residing
thereabouts, having a bit of horseflesh to call their own, but do a
bit of hunting, and as a consequence few of No. 6 Corps were absent.
However, nothing was said about the drill, and a fox being found down
in the bottom, away we went. Straight riding and a firm seat was
wanted, the country selected being heavy, with double ditches and
banks, pleasingly interspersed with oak rails, or stakes and bounds. A
moment's breathing in the woods of Fonthill, and on again, killing at
last almost on the highway leading to Frome.
"This isn't drill, Mr. Jefferys," said the adjutant to one of the best
sergeants a volunteer corps ever possessed, as that officer touched him
on the back with his hunting whip, whilst the two splashed into the mud
making soft the landing from a drop leap.
"Law, no, sir. We've forgotten all about it," was the reply, and in
another moment we joined the few in at the death. There were excuses
and apologies, and by the time these were done and the fox eaten, Sir
R----, the very taciturn master, remounted, and calling off the hounds,
proceeded at a sharp trot in an opposite direction. With the view of
finding another fox, many of the field followed, and as Sir R---- rode
straight, there was more than one obstacle overcome and fall received,
observing which, and that they were mistaken in following him, he
called out, "Shan't hunt any more to-day. Kennels," and continued
his route, whilst all whose homes were elsewhere pulled up somewhat
disgusted. The disappointed Englishman had his growl, and as we
retraced our steps towards the Frome road Lieutenant Harding proposed
"a drill after all, as we are," and with an echo from Captain Festing
and the high approval of the adjutant, "Across country to the Bradley
Inn" was given, and before half-an-hour had expired, with daylight just
sufficient to conceal blundering, some thirty broad-shouldered men in
tops and breeches, bespattered with mud, and fall-marks plentiful, fell
into the ranks and did an hour's very hard drill. This finished, and
remounting, all returned home. It was in consequence of the feeling
of national insecurity pervading people's minds at the time, that
in October, 1859, an inquiry was sent through the Estate Office to
the tenantry and others by Earl St. Maur, eldest son of the Duke of
Somerset, whether they would be willing to form a volunteer corps under
him for defensive purposes, and if so, who would be willing to join. A
favourable response was given, and a number of names sent in as willing
to join the "Maiden Bradley Irregulars."
A meeting was called at the Somerset Arms, Maiden Bradley, to take
the matter into consideration, and to provide funds for the necessary
equipments. The meeting was numerously attended, and its object most
enthusiastically supported, so much so, that in the course of a few
days a sum of between £400 and £500 was raised, and as many as seventy
names of men enrolled as willing to serve. In the absence of Earl St.
Maur, through illness, Michael J. Festing, Esq., agent to the Duke of
Somerset, took the chair, and a committee was formed for the purpose of
carrying out the views of the meeting; Earl St. Maur to be President of
the Committee, Michael J. Festing, Esq., Treasurer, Admiral Festing,
Harry B. Festing, Esq., Messrs. Harding, S.E. Jefferys, &c., being
members.
Soon after this date, Earl St. Maur having become better, and reports
received, another committee meeting was called at the same place,
and there it was explained by Earl St. Maur to those members who had
enrolled themselves for service, the idea and purpose for which such a
corps should be formed. He represented that in the undefended state of
our coast, our difficulties in India, the menacing attitude of France,
with its immensely increasing armaments, &c., the country was in a very
critical situation, and liable to be invaded any day; therefore it was
the duty of every Englishman to do the best he could for the defence
of our hearths and homes; and acting on these principles as a party of
countrymen, many of whom possessed good horses which they could and
did ride fairly straight across country, and also having a knowledge
of the country to be defended, his idea was, that the corps in case
of emergency or attack should act in the forefront of the defending
force, keeping touch with them, harassing the enemy as much as
possible, and at the same time being the eyes and ears of the defenders.
To carry out this idea practically it was shown that as many men as
could be mounted were to act individually and collectively, having the
dismounted portion of the corps to retire upon for support if such
should be necessary. The mounted men were to be armed with the then
new Westley-Richards repeating carbine or Colt's revolver combination
of carbine and pistol; but this was never done. However, a start had
to be made, and a parade of the corps was held at Maiden Bradley,
the men falling in in Brice's Field to the amount of some seventy or
seventy-two in number. There was deep snow upon the ground, and all
were on foot. On the roll call being replied to, it was found that
about thirty members could ride horses of their own, such as they
frequently used for the purpose of hunting. The ages were between
thirty-five and forty, indeed only two men being over forty, and one
a lad of eighteen. Three were married men, and the average height
somewhat exceeded five feet nine inches--tall and big men all. The
corps was formed almost entirely of tenants or sons of tenants on the
Duke of Somerset's estate at Maiden Bradley, Witham Friary, Silton, a
solitary individual from Hill Deveril, and a few young gentlemen pupils
of the Rev. Geo. Brown at Maiden Bradley.
The corps was started in October, 1859, but was not legally enrolled
until the spring of 1860, its composition, character, and other matters
creating delays and difficulties; but was eventually sanctioned
under the title of the 1st Wilts Mounted Rifles and 6th Wilts Rifle
Volunteers. It will be seen that this corps, with its imposing start
and quality for immediate usefulness, contained in its formation the
germs of early decay. It was very expensive, and it was doubtful
whether, as the present men moved away to other farms or occupations,
others would take their place, and certainly the pupils of Mr. Brown
would be constantly leaving. The officers first appointed were: Earl
St. Maur, Captain; the Hon. J. Ogilvy, Lieutenant; and H.B. Festing,
Esq., Ensign; Sergeant Stickler, late of the Guards, Drill Instructor;
T.K. Harding and S.E. Jefferys, Sergeants, with Sergt.-Major Latham, of
the Somerset Yeomanry, Instructor in Mounted Drill. The head quarters
were fixed at Maiden Bradley; but the corps was divided into three
squads or divisions; the first being at Maiden Bradley; the second at
Witham Friary, Somersetshire, five miles distant from head quarters;
and the third at Silton in Dorsetshire, seven miles away from the head
quarters. Squad drills were arranged to be held as often as convenient
at the three places, but to be fixed for a general muster assembling
once a month alternately at Bradley, The Friary, and Silton. The rifle
range was at Long Knoll, Maiden Bradley--a good range, extending 1100
yards, and very safe. The uniform was a blue-grey serge blouse, sleeves
buttoning tightly to the wrist, with scarlet collar; the trousers
were loose and baggy, of the same colour and material; the mounted
men wearing long Napoleon boots, the dismounted black leather gaiters
with knee-caps. The accoutrements consisted only of a waist-belt with
elongated frog or simple frog for mounted or dismounted, and on this
belt were two pouches, one to be worn in front, the other behind; the
belt itself being brought together with a clasp, on which was placed a
scroll describing the corps--"The Maiden Bradley Irregulars." The head
was protected by a grey felt helmet, somewhat similar to those worn in
the present day, but without spike or ornament. The Government long
Enfield rifle and bayonet was the arm used by the corps, but for the
mounted men a curved sword of Indian pattern was substituted for the
bayonet, and hung suspended from the waist-belt by the elongated frog,
thus being made quite useless, as its position precluded the weapon
being drawn from the scabbard, excepting with the greatest difficulty,
and the hilts were all too small for men with large hands. The men rode
on their own hunting saddles, but were supplied with double-reined
bridles as also with leading reins, so as to allow of one man taking
charge of several horses whilst the riders were skirmishing. At first
the rifles were all kept in the armoury at the head quarters, but
this was found to be a mistake. They were not properly looked after,
so got out of condition, and often necessitated the men appearing on
parade without arms, as the sergeant in charge could never know how
many to send to the distant rendezvous. Afterwards, each man was made
responsible for his own weapon, a careful examination of the rifle
being made by the commanding officer at each drill. An amusing incident
with reference to this occurred soon after the order had been given by
Lord St. Maur, the captain, "that each man should come provided with a
small piece of white rag, wherewith the cleanliness of his rifle could
be tested." "Examine arms," was the order, and each produced his bit
of rag, but one poor youth, much cared for by an aged female relative,
thought to carry out his captain's orders very thoroughly, and produced
from his pouch a piece of linen, neatly folded, and the size of a large
handkerchief. This, of course, caused a titter to pass down the ranks,
which changed to a roar of laughter as Lord St. Maur, observing the
cause, coolly remarked, "I ordered you to bring with you a piece of
clean rag, but I did not wish to deprive you of your bed sheet."
In the spring of 1860 Earl St. Maur resigned the command, which was
afterwards taken up by his brother Lord St. Maur, and in accordance
with instructions received the corps proceeded to Warminster, some six
miles distant, to be inspected by Colonel G. Hume, Assistant-Inspector
of Volunteers. Colonel Hume complimented the men warmly on their fine
physique, patriotism, &c., but in pointing out their faults told them
that the loose guerilla character of their drill was not at all in
accordance with his instructions, and he would see the corps again at
its own head quarters in the course of a few weeks. This he did and was
better satisfied.
In consequence of this incident and of an increased knowledge of what
was required, it was evident that the corps could not work under its
present organization, but was in reality useless, and that if it was
to exist at all, it must accommodate itself to circumstances, and
be placed under the same regulations as other corps in the county.
However, nothing was done, and in September, 1860, it put in an
appearance at the review of the volunteers held in Clarendon Park;
and though much admired and commented upon for stalwart bearing and
physique, yet the dress and organization created a great deal of
ridicule. In the spring of 1861, Lieutenant the Hon. E. Ogilvy had
resigned, and many of the mounted men following his example, it was
resolved to reorganize the company, so the horses were dispensed
with, and from that time it became simply the 6th Corps Wilts Rifle
Volunteers. The flimsy serge uniforms had become shabby, and so a new
uniform of good cloth was provided. Tunic and trousers of light grey,
facings scarlet, accoutrements retained, silver chevrons for sergeants,
and the helmets rebound with white leather, and a silver crown resting
on a scarlet cushion placed in front. A silver bugle was presented to
the corps by the ladies, and so that a more systematic style of target
practice should be carried out, Colour-Sergeant Styles E. Jefferys
proceeded to the School of Musketry at Hythe. The officers at this time
were Captain Lord Edward St. Maur, Lieutenant H.B. Festing, and Ensign
F.K. Harding.
On the formation of the 1st Administrative Battalion Wilts Rifle
Volunteers, out of all the rifle corps raised in South Wilts, it was
seen that the widely extended area from which this corps was drawn
would become a source of difficulty and expense. The time occupied, the
distances to be travelled, and the whole expense devolving on the men
themselves, together with affairs of one district not coinciding with
others, would make, and did make, general musters for a battalion drill
anything but a sinecure. Besides these causes, the enterprising spirit
of the age constantly drew away some of the best men, necessitating
their places being filled by others from a lower social scale, who,
though equally good men in the ranks, were not so well able to bear
these expenses. In 1864 the helmet was discarded and replaced with a
neat shako and ball.
The Silton property having been sold, the squad drilling there, and of
course continuing to be members of the 6th or Maiden Bradley Corps,
were politely requested to transfer their allegiance to the 8th or Mere
Corps, which was short of numbers; so for the future many of these men
were lost to the Bradley Corps. Indeed this was a most serious injury
to the 6th Corps, simply cutting off a wing.
Troubles continued to thicken. In December, 1865, Captain Lord Edward
St. Maur was killed in India in an encounter with a bear which he had
wounded, and for some time the corps continued to be without a captain,
it being desirable to obtain a gentleman who could command not only
with his voice but his purse, the funds having become very low and the
incidental expenses everlastingly increasing. The uniform, head-dress,
belts, all to be changed; rifle green and helmets to be worn. However,
in 1867 a great effort was made, and the "redivivus" was sounded. It
was hoped that with the aid of the Government grant and strict economy
the corps might yet rub on. Lieut. H.B. Festing accepted the captaincy;
Ensign Harding the lieutenancy; and Colour-Sergeant S.E. Jefferys was
appointed ensign. But once more the social scale had to be lowered, so
as to keep up the required numbers, and several of the best class of
agricultural labourers were enrolled, good in themselves and excellent
in the ranks, but not such as could be taken from their day's work,
either on their own account or that of their employers, and general
musters for reviews and drills were being constantly demanded.
The corps attended the first camp at Warminster Down in 1868, and also
was present at that held on Homerton Down, near Salisbury, the next
year, and were present at the various reviews at Lansdowne, Salisbury,
Wilton Park, &c., seldom appearing in less strength than twenty-five
files, exclusive of officers and supernumeraries. These attendances
entailed a great expense, some of it coming out of the general fund,
but much from private resources. In September, 1869, Earl Seymour, heir
to the dukedom and originator of the corps, died, leaving the estate
without direct heir, and consequently with diminished interest in
keeping up the company; Captain H.B. Festing withdrew from the command,
and the muster-roll had become far below that required; so a meeting
was called, at which it was determined that the officers should tender
their resignations and an application be made for the disbandment of
the corps. The accounts were all wound up, and on the completion and
passing of these the 6th Corps 1st Administrative Battalion Wilts Rifle
Volunteers was finally dissolved, ceasing to appear in the _Army List_
after the early part of 1873.
The silver bugle was left in safe keeping, so that in case of another
"war's alarm" it might be ready when wanted, and the Maiden Bradley
Rifle Corps be once again enrolled among the gallant men of Wilts
willing and anxious to serve their Queen and country.
It may not be out of place before bringing this to a conclusion to
tell something about the good shooting of many in the corps. At public
meetings, perhaps, the members were not numerous, but good shooting
was to be seen on the practice ground on Bradley Knoll. Col.-Sergeant
S.E. Jefferys won the County Challenge Cup, Bronze Medal of N.R.A.,
the Etruscan Vase presented by the Mayor and Town Council of Salisbury
in 1864, the Fonthill Challenge Cup, open to the county, being won in
three competitions out of four, Mr. F.H. Poynder's 50-guinea Vase at
Warminster in 1866; later, competing for the Officers' Prize, presented
yearly by F.H. Poynder, Esq., Mr. Jefferys carried away the Challenge
Centre piece, to be held for the year, and a Silver Claret Jug to be
retained; Lady Charlotte Watson Taylor's "Prize for Officers" also
fell to his share. Corporal T. Jefferys, his brother, won the County
Challenge Cup, Bronze Medal of the N.R.A., and Silver Tea Service
presented with it in 1869. The winners of other than public prizes are
not mentioned.
Thus ends the history of a thoroughly good corps. It perished from want
of support, but scattered as were the members all over the county, its
existence from the first was problematical.
No. 8 CORPS. HEAD QUARTERS, MERE.