Chapter II: Part 2

What possible good to any branch of the services could have arisen from this Easter Monday review is hard to see! It appeared to be only a waste of time and money; and by encouraging the volunteers to go to such, and to join in a general scramble called manœuvring, was prejudicial to discipline and respect for authority. If the reviews are held in large towns, such as Brighton, Dover, Portsmouth, &c., whole brigades of volunteers hang about, often for hours, from the time of arrival until the general assembly shall sound, meanwhile none the better for public-house entertainments and want of occupation; then are marched through streets to the ground selected--a march past, and a sham fight, in which firing and confusion are prominent features, as instruction could not there be given, and utter ignorance of the very outlines of skirmishing and attack by the majority of men, are only too visible. This done, and the enemy defeated, the majority, hot, dirty, and probably very hungry, resume their places in the train to return to London or far further away, perhaps wondering for what purpose they had been brought so far, or if real war was thus conducted! The minority obtaining leave of absence remain behind, and many, now free from all supervision and control, do the grand service to which they belong no little injury by drunkenness and debauchery.

On the 20th July the battalion assembled for their first encampment on Warminster Down; the ground selected being between the old coach road over Salisbury Plain leading from Bath to Salisbury and the town itself, perhaps about two miles from Warminster--a magnificent undulating spot with room for manœuvring on a large scale, but waterless, thereby necessitating every drop of that precious liquid being brought up in carts from the town, making a huge item in the expenses of holding a camp on the healthy and somewhat lofty downs of Wiltshire.

The camp was pitched and struck by old soldiers from the regular army, and the catering both for officers and men was undertaken by Messrs. Fort of Bath, the men messing together in a very large tent. It was well done, albeit costly, but there was not sufficient experience as yet gained by the committee of management to allow them to venture on a less expensive method of providing for the wants of so many.

A very excellent selection of standing orders was compiled by the officer commanding the battalion, and these with a few additions have yet remained in force. The following extract from them as referring to the camp about to be established is herewith given:--

Standing Orders for Camp.

The 1st Bugle will sound at 5 0 a.m.
" 2nd " " 7 0 a.m.--Morning parade, setting-up drill, &c.
8 0 a.m.--Men's breakfasts.
9 30 a.m.--Pickets and guard-mounting.
10 0 a.m.--Officers' instruction in mess tent.
10 45 a.m.--Comdng. Officer's parade.
1 0 p.m.--Men's dinners.
3 0 p.m.--Comdng. Officer's parade.
7 0 p.m.--Men's supper.
9 0 p.m.--Tattoo.
10 0 p.m.--Lights out.

The officers messed together, taking their meals at about the same time as those ordered for the men.

To the battalion generally the camp proved to be a kind of perpetual picnic, good eating and drinking, with very little sleeping, but plenty of hard work. It was not intended to be child's play, but a lesson in drilling and discipline, and so far as volunteer rules and regulations, combined with tact and temper, allowed, this was carried out; but it was beyond human skill to make all obedient to one will, to insist upon punctuality on parade, that lights were out at the time ordered, and that strict silence reigned throughout the camp until the rouse sounded. Men might mean well, and doubtless did not intend to defy authority, but with a canteen ever open, and the liquor to be had almost for the asking, no little injury was inflicted on discipline. It may be necessary for a certain amount of drink to be purchaseable where large bodies of men assemble, but when these are brought together to do a special work, and to learn obedience to all orders received from those in authority, drinking booths, whether termed canteens or clubs, are destructive of discipline, and tend to incapacitate the men from doing that which was intended they should do. Moreover it is not good, either for the man himself--only too often a mere lad of 17--that when not on duty he should find no other recreation provided than is afforded by a huge public-house with its rows of tables and seats, where the drink, the song, the profanity, and the uproar grows faster and more furious as the day advances. It is not in the canteen that respect for officers and authorities is learned. The best non-commissioned officers, and men who are wide awake and cautious, on picket or sentry, are not from canteen frequenters. The canteen in the regular army and militia is a fruitful source of misery to the many, however well conducted it may be, but when open at all hours, from daybreak to last post, in a volunteer encampment, subject only in reality to the mere licensing laws of the country, it is little else than a curse. If necessary for merely supplying beer, &c., let the canteen tent be at least one mile from the camp. Of course there were very many amusing incidents occurring in the camp, few more so, perhaps, than those in connection with guard and sentry duties. These had to be learned _ab initio_, and as the learners were often utterly ignorant of the rudiments of drill, the explanations as given were scarcely understood. "Your front" was a tremendous difficulty, and to challenge properly perhaps more abominable. The reliefs were not carried out quite regularly as the night advanced, and posts were deserted by sentries to know the reason why relief did not arrive. Sitting was found to be as cheap as standing, and a pipe on the sly in the pale moonlight a great relief to the monotony of sentry go.

Mr. Calvesfoot, generally useful man at Baredown Farm, having walked about the magazine tent until tired, orders his arms, and lounging in an easy and not ungraceful attitude, awaits his relief; being quite happy with himself and the world in general, beer and beef agreeing with him immensely.

"Hallo! Is that what you call doing sentry?" suddenly demands a voice, which arouses him from his reverie, and in which he recognizes that of Squire ----, the captain of the day, and the officer commanding the corps to which the delinquent belongs.

"I was a looking after ye, captain. I thought you'd come some time and look I up," was the reply, said with charming naïveté.

"What are your orders?" asks the subaltern of the day from a youthful volunteer, supposed to be guarding the precious water-carts, but occupied in quarrelling with the cook, who had neglected the men on duty in the guard tent to which he belonged.

"To watch them waterbutts, sir, but seeing this'un I came away for a minute to let him know as we aint to be forgotten," replied the sentry.

There were, besides these, various tales told of out-of-the-way occurrences, such as tricks played off upon sentries, and the very queer views the men had of a sentry's duty. Going on sentry to the Wiltshire man was not the like of going to drill. There, at drill, he had to hold his head up, hold his tongue, and turn right or left at a moment's notice, whenever somebody shouted out a word of command; but here, after the corporal had left him, and said some stuff about looking after the camp, observing his front, and saluting officers, he had only to walk up and down a certain distance or stand still should he prefer it. After all, it was only a make believe, and "he warnt goin' to be made a vool on."

"Why don't you look sharper, sentry? Not one of those fellows to your left have passes; coming into camp at this time of night!" said an old hand, drawing the attention of the sentry to some few men leisurely passing across his beat into camp.

"Aint they though?" inquires Johnny, and proceeds to stop them and to demand the passes which each produces; meanwhile a goodly multitude of young rascals without passes, slip in among the tents unknown to our sentry, and have dodged being absent at roll call.

Another sentry story will suffice. It is a pouring wet night and the corporal starts on relief duties.

Corporal to relief, on approaching the cooking department, where are carts and ovens scattered about, "Relief, halt. Where's the sentry?" "Doan't know. Doan't zee un," said the man whose turn to be relief had come. "Didn't ask you," savagely retorted the corporal, and raising his voice, shouted out to the missing sentry, adding, "Where have you got to?" "Here," said a voice from under a waggon, a few yards inside the beat. "Here! Call under a waggon, here! Come out this instant. The colonel will let you know about this to-morrow," exclaimed the angry corporal, as the dripping man crept from under the shelter of the cart, and humbly apologized for being there; giving, as an excuse, "That he hadn't no greatcoat, that it poured 'wuss' enough to wet him through; and that them 'chimbleys and things' could be seen just as well from under the cart as 'where you said I was to stand.'"

Allowing leave to be absent from camp was always a difficulty. Tommy Vol is pretty nearly as bad at shirking parade and exceeding leave as Tommy Atkins. Getting up at cockcrow and doing extensive motions, or drilling without arms under the adjutant, is not to his taste, and if he can have a sick parent or a fair excuse for asking that his attendance in camp may be excused for a day, he quickly avails himself of it.

To show the difficulty the following is given. The captain, with orderly-sergeant and colour-sergeant, very busy over company books and registers, as the morrow is to be the inspection of the battalion, and all books and returns in the adjutant's office by 10 a.m. Private Smith darkens the tent doorway and, respectfully saluting, asks if he might have leave for to-morrow to go home.

"Certainly not. Couldn't think of it. Inspection to-morrow. Why do you want it?" asks the captain, and knowing the man, feels assured there must be good cause. "Please, sir, the missus writes and says as how the young heifer has calved and be mighty bad, and there beant none thereabouts as can do her any good, and so she wants me to come at once." Of course the leave must be granted and the column "absent with leave" enlarged.

Adjutants, fresh to the work, young lieut.-colonels, and probably martinet inspecting officers, watch this column with great dislike and think it unnecessarily large; but after they have served some time, and become acquainted with the officers and non-commissioned officers of companies, and learn that men whose retention of a situation, daily subsistence, and domestic calls, are often dependent on their being present, will not be so ready to condemn those giving leave for being too easily persuaded.

The weather was magnificent during the whole week, and on the 24th the battalion was inspected in camp by Colonel R. Bruce; the honorary colonel, the Marquis of Bath, being present on parade, and a very large number of onlookers from the county families and neighbourhood generally; the officers giving a handsome luncheon to some two hundred guests at the termination of the review, and having a camp fire later on.

The muster at the inspection was 532 of all ranks, and the following remarks were made by the inspecting officer: "I find you much improved in steadiness on parade, your drill has been well performed, and having a camp has improved you in every way." Colonel Bruce then added that he hoped next year to inspect them again in a regimental camp, either at Warminster or elsewhere, and that as these camps were very expensive, but most useful, he hoped that the necessary funds would be forthcoming somehow. After the inspection the hon. colonel, the Marquis of Bath, gave a dinner to the officers and men, and next day the camp broke up, and all returned to their various head quarters. This year an officers' mess and wine fund was formed, and on the 20th, 21st, and 22nd August the annual meeting of the Wilts County Rifle Association was held at Salisbury, Captain Knox, V.C., being umpire. On the 27th August the prizes were given away in the Palace Grounds at Salisbury by Miss Bathurst, daughter of Sir Fredk. Bathurst, who was president of the association for the year.

The annual returns of efficients and non-efficients of the corps comprising the battalion for the year ending November, 1868, were as follows:--

+---------------------------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+ | Corps. | A | B | C | D | E | +---------------------------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+ |Staff | 16 | 15 | 1 | 16 | 15 | |1st Corps, Salisbury | 200 | 109 | 18 | 127 | 102 | |2nd Corps, Trowbridge | 159 | 127 | 2 | 129 | 108 | |6th Corps, Maiden Bradley | 100 | 70 | 1 | 71 | 67 | |8th Corps, Mere | 100 | 55 | 12 | 67 | 44 | |9th Corps, Bradford | 100 | 74 | 8 | 82 | 52 | |10th Corps, Warminster | 159 | 102 | 32 | 134 | 90 | |13th Corps, Westbury | 100 | 71 | 12 | 83 | 63 | |14th Corps, Wilton | 159 | 50 | 30 | 80 | 48 | | +------+-----+-----+-----+-----+ | Grand Total of Battalion | 1093 | 673 | 116 | 789 | 589 | +---------------------------+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+

A Maximum Establishment. B Efficients. C Non-Efficients. D Total Enrolled. E Total Efficients Extra.

The year 1869 commenced with a meeting of the officers of the battalion at Warminster, and it was therein settled that the regimental camp should be held this year at Salisbury, in the first week of August. Meetings were subsequently held to consider details, and to ascertain how far it was possible to make these camps less costly.

The Mayor of Portsmouth having intimated a wish that a field day in conjunction with the regular army on Southsea Common should be organized, a meeting of officers commanding volunteer battalions in the neighbouring counties took place at Portsmouth, which resulted in a field day on some scale being held at Southsea Common on the 26th April. There were present about 3000 of the regular army, and perhaps 5500 of the Volunteer Force; to which the 1st Administrative Battalion Wilts contributed nearly 500 of all ranks. After a march past, an attack on the forts and outworks round the town (which do not now exist) was made; but probably it was unsuccessful, as guns were conspicuous by their absence on the part of the attackers, and no fire being returned from the embrasures showed that either there was no one at home, or that we as an enemy were held somewhat in contempt. It spoke well for the stuff of which volunteer battalions are composed, that on the 1st Wilts Administrative Battalion assembling at the place appointed for them in the town of Portsmouth, they were proved and then dismissed, with orders to reassemble at the same place and in the same order two hours later, the arms being piled and a few men detailed as caretakers over them. Before the expiry of the two hours, each man was in his place, sober, and brushed up, and after a while was marching towards Southsea Common.

On the 2nd August the Second Regimental Camp commenced at Salisbury, or rather on Homerton Down, ground very inferior for the purpose to that at Warminster. The local companies pitched the camp, thus saving some small expense, but the catering both for officers and men was contracted for as at Warminster previously, Mr. Ward, of "The White Hart," being the contractor. The weather was not all that could be desired, and the proximity of two towns, such as Salisbury and Wilton, no advantage: however, good resulted, and at the inspection of the battalion by Colonel R. Bruce, on the termination of the camp, he expressed himself satisfied with the steadiness of the men, the way the drill was performed, and attributed the general improvement in discipline and drill to this camp, which he hoped would be every year repeated. The camp was struck and packed soon after daybreak next day, and after breakfast all returned homewards.

The expense of this camp was £543, and was partly met by subscriptions amounting to £458--the travelling allowance of 4_s._ per man, sanctioned by the War Office to all corps not within a certain distance of the head quarters, being taken to make up the difference, thus creating an additional expense to the officers and supporters of corps coming from a distance, as having to meet their own travelling expenses. The muster at inspection showed 554 of all ranks.

It was determined by the committee for camp management, assembling at Warminster on the 4th March, 1870, that the regimental camp should be held in the first week of August at Warminster, on the downs, but that as a means of lessening the expenses several important alterations should be made. The time spent in camp should be less. The volunteers to enter on Tuesday, and break up on Saturday; that they should be supplied with rations, and each corps make its own arrangements for the cooking of the same, and that the pitching and striking of the camp should be done entirely by themselves.

On the 3rd August the battalion assembled in camp, and without further aid than that supplied them through the knowledge of camp details by the commanding officer and regimental staff, succeeded in a very short time in pitching the camp most correctly. The rations consisted of 1-1/4 lb. of meat, 1/2 lb. of potatoes, 1 lb. of bread, some tea and sugar, and six-pence the day beer money. All were satisfied, and the arrangement was found to answer far better than formerly.

On the 5th, the battalion was inspected by Colonel Peel, who, after pointing out a few faults in the keeping of distances, both in line and skirmishing, expressed himself as being very well pleased, not only with the way the drill had been performed, but with the camp generally, and should make a favourable report. The numbers present at the inspection were 507 of all ranks.

The officers gave the usual luncheon to the county families at the termination of the inspection, and the next day, very early in the morning, the tents were struck, blankets, palliasses, pegs, &c., counted and packed, and by 8 a.m. very little beyond straw, paper, and débris marked where 500 men had been so long encamped.

The expenses of the camp were £230, and the subscriptions towards meeting this but £161, making the normal deficit.

The novelty of camp was beginning to wear out, and the attendance daily at parades less numerous than could have been wished. The regiment was not in reality getting all the good anticipated. The canteen, as ever, broke in upon punctuality and discipline. Beer and boon companionship showed themselves at afternoon parades, and at roll call. Silence and lights out after last post were not preserved. Leave was too often applied for, and far too many only put in an appearance on the day of inspection.

The _Army List_ for 1871 was as follows:--

The Marquis of Bath, _Honorary Colonel_. J.F. Everett, _Lieut.-Colonel_. T. Clark and C. Penruddocke, _Majors_. R.D. Gibney, _Adjutant_. William Fawcett, _Quartermaster_. Charles Bleeck, _Surgeon_. John M. Cardell and _J.S. Seale_, _Assist. Surgeons_.

1st Corps, Salisbury.

William Pinckney, _Captain_. George Smith, _Captain_. W.J. Wilton, _Lieut._ E.F. Kelsey, _Lieut._ F. Hodding, _Ensign_. , _Ensign_. T.E. Lee, _Assist. Surgeon_. Revd. R.G. Swayne, _Hon. Chap._

2nd Corps, Trowbridge.

W.P. Clark, _Captain_ (_Comdt._). E.P. Stancomb, _Lieut._ W.P. Clark, Junr., _Ensign_. G.C. Tayler, _Assist. Surgeon_. Revd. H. Meyer, _Chaplain_.

6th Corps, Maiden Bradley.

, _Captain_. T.K. Harding, _Lieut._ E.S. Jefferys, _Ensign_. Wm. N. Marshall, _Hon. Assist. Surgeon_. Revd. R. Rowley, _Hon. Chaplain_.

8th Corps, Mere.

G. Troyte-Bullock, _Captain_. E.A. Card, _Lieut._ , _Ensign_. C. Rumsey, _Assist.-Surgeon_. Revd. C.H. Townsend, _Chaplain_.

9th Corps, Bradford.

, _Captain_. William Adye, _Lieut._ E.M. Davis, _Ensign_. Revd. W.H. Jones, _Hon. Chap._

10th Corps, Warminster.

John Scott, _Captain_. H. Ingram, _Lieut._ H.J. Wakeman, _Lieut._ T. Ponting, _Ensign_. J. Flower, _Assist. Surgeon_. Revd. Sir J.E. Philipps, Bart., _Hon. Chaplain_.

13th Corps, Westbury.

R.L.H. Phipps, _Captain_. , _Lieut._ Samuel T. Stafford, _Ensign_.

14th Corps, Wilton.

, _Captain_. C.R. Clay, _Lieut._ William Allen, _Ensign_. P.J. Bennett, _Assist. Surgeon._ Revd. D. Olivier, _Chaplain_.

The usual regimental camp was entered this year (1871) on Homerton Down, near Salisbury, assembling on the 4th August, and to a certain extent answered its purpose. The battalion being divided into wings, one half battalion, under the command of Major Clark, was detailed to make a night attack on the camp protected by the remaining half battalion, under Major Pinckney, Lieut.-Col. Everett being umpire. The attacking party were successful; as the camp, extending over a wide space on the top of a hill, with corn fields, thick gorse, and bye-paths surrounding it, could not be defended against or repel a combined attack on any face with so weak a garrison. A feint, ultimately turned into a real attack, succeeded, and numbers decided the victory.

On the 9th the battalion was inspected in camp by Colonel Peel, who, as before, expressed himself satisfied with the progress all were making in drill, and attributed the proficiency shown in acquiring the new system of drill to the battalion being altogether in a camp, and to the zeal of individual members.

As before, a luncheon was given by the officers to the county; and next day having struck tents, packed stores, &c., the battalion was marched to Salisbury, and was dismissed to its various head quarters.

This year, Mr. Poynder, of Hardropp Park, Chippenham, in addition to numberless other prizes given to The County Rifle Association for the annual competition, offered the sum of £10 to the best drilling and really efficient company of each battalion: No. 1 Company and No. 10 Company alone entering for competition in this battalion, Major Hallowes and Captain Collis of the 25th King's Own Borderers acting as umpires. After a prolonged competition in drill, in which both acquitted themselves wonderfully accurately and evenly, it was decided in favour of the 10th Company, Warminster, that company having a larger number on the parade ground.

The Expenses of the Camp were £399. Subscriptions £253. Camp Allowance £93.

Leaving a large deficit to be met by the travelling allowance. By the resignation of the commission of junior major, held by Major Penruddocke, Captain W. Pinckney was promoted to the rank of field officer, and W.H. Laverton, Esq., was appointed captain in the 13th Corps at Westbury.

There was a battalion parade held at Warminster on the 1st April, 1872, and the officers dined together at the mess afterwards, when it was agreed that the battalion should join the autumn manœuvres, to be held in the county and in Dorsetshire in August. It was plain that a short space of time spent in camp with regulars would be of great benefit to all, and the system of punctuality and implicit obedience to orders demanded in such a camp would produce corresponding results hereafter. There were very many arrangements to be made, as the assistance from Government, beyond promising rations such as were served out to all the troops, was nothing at all. Some old great-coats were to be lent, but little else. A committee, working under the lieutenant-colonel commanding, and having the advice and assistance of one of the most energetic and far-seeing of men, in Quartermaster Wm. Fawcett, brother of the late Mr. Fawcett, M.P., left nothing undone, and on the departure of the battalion from Salisbury for Blandford, where they detrained and marched into camp, there was not found to be anything omitted.

Early in the year the vacancy in the command of the 14th or Wilton corps was filled up by the appointment of the Earl of Pembroke as captain; and as that officer immediately attached himself to the Guards, and afterwards to a regiment of the Line, so as to learn his duties, the addition of his lordship to the officers of the battalion was a very great advantage.

The battalion mustered at Blandford nearly 400 of all ranks, without the band (this luxury not being brought), and they were met a short distance away from their camp by the band of the 50th Foot, brigaded with them; the men of which regiment had previously pitched the battalion camp. Thus by their forethought, and desire to be friendly and helpful, relieved an inexperienced lot from what would have been an irksome job, and most probably not done at all according to regulation or to the satisfaction of the authorities.

Whether the exigencies of the service required it, or whether the marching in of the battalion from Blandford, the attendance at church parade next day, or the smartness of guards and pickets, satisfied the officers in command, is unknown; but without any test as to knowledge or fitness, the regiment joined in a field day early on Monday, the 2nd September, under the command of Colonel the Honble. Arthur Hardinge, C.B., commanding the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division; to which brigade the 1st Administrative Battalion Wilts Rifle Volunteers was attached. In the afternoon the whole southern army marched past the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge, and next day the battalion, as forming part of the brigade commanded by Colonel Hardinge, took part in the defence of a position at Critchell attacked by a much larger force. The victory was unmistakeably gained by Colonel Hardinge, and apparently was obtained by the simple expedient of allowing himself to be attacked in front, the only vulnerable point; his flanks being protected by rising ground and dense woods, previously considered to be impassable by either party. After some hours of skirmishing, short advances in line, and refusing tempting opportunities, the attack was brought to an end, and umpires declared the victory to have been gained by the officer commanding the 2nd Brigade.

Not improbably, if the services of the volunteers were hastily required, whole battalions would be at once called into action, and there would be as little testing of their knowledge of manœuvring, or even of the use of the rifle, as in these instances. A fortnight of these divisional and brigade drills might make such men handy and tolerable skirmishers, but nothing more. The steadiness required in a retreat, deployments under heavy fire, or when suddenly attacked by cavalry, would be wanting, and a victorious army on the slightest check become thoroughly disorganized. Instructions as to any drills, more especially in those touching upon the defence of positions, guard duties, pickets, and individual action could not be given on service; and the absence of a fair knowledge of such matters might entail ruin on the whole force employed. One thing it most certainly would do--bring a great diminution of strength in battalions. The very bravery, contempt or ignorance of danger, and incapability of self-defence, would decimate the half-taught volunteer battalions.

The 1st Administrative Battalion, Wilts, saw much bloodless service whilst attending these autumn manœuvres, and learnt how wars were won, but whether the future tense can be used is not for the writer to say, he only thinks not. The Battle of Codford was a terrible battle on paper, and doubtless, with the aid of good district maps, admirably contrived so that both sides should win, or that defeat was unlikely. Science and skill were to be the deciders of this great battle, not murder and panic. Trout streams of varying depths, from inches to feet, were to be considered rivers, with bridges here and there broken down by artillery or blown up, so as to delay progress. Walls and roadside buildings, loop-holed, demanded either delay, or a detour through fields or swamps to recover the high road, and artillery were so artfully posted as to be unknown and unseen until the hail of shot and shell swept away at least a brigade from among the many advancing, heedless of consequences. These contretemps have occurred in real warfare. There was a surprise at Moodkee, something worse at Ferozeshah; bayonets and bravery versus entrenchments and mistakes at Subraon; and a defeat at Chillianwallah, all in India; but these happened in days when skill was not so much considered, and when weapons of destruction and arms of accuracy were quite in their infancy. The Crimea had taught us something; the Mutinies, China and Cape wars, more; and the result of the short, but cruel war, between France and Germany, too recent for its lessons to be forgotten. Besides all this, what were these autumn manœuvres got up for, but to teach troops how to fight skilfully, and their commanders to practically acquire a knowledge of strategy and tactics?

The valley dividing the great ridge, or Grovely Wood, and through which valley somewhat lazily meandered the Wiley Brook, was the scene where much of the conflict occurred. Farm houses, cottage gardens, and water-meadows, half concealed in alder bushes, and low jungle, well aiding the attack of the bold northern army on the position behind Grovely Wood, and the great ridge taken up by the southerners. In vain did the enemy's artillery vomit forth smoke and imaginary shot and shell from copse and half-hidden points of advantage. The southerners were not to be scared, but commencing the offensive, poured down upon the devoted enemy through the paths of the Great Ridge Wood, and covered by a cloud of skirmishers, drove the enemy from the valley, dividing the positions of the two forces. Artillery answers artillery, and cavalry, careless of consequences, chase skirmishers over the meadows. Now the strategy, or _previous_ arrangements of the south begin to tell, and gradually the attackers withdraw to their stronghold across the great river Wiley, there in their turn to be attacked.

Perhaps the strategical part was over, and tactics required modification; or, it may have been that the lessons in the "New Primer," reduced to greater simplicity from the German edition on the subject of warfare, were omitted for the occasion; however, what-ever was the cause, the minor matters of "bridges blown up," "this part of river unfordable," "this house is loop-holed," &c., were treated with the contempt deserved, and men, flushed with victory, risked their all in running through "unfordable" streams, passing over "blown-up bridges," or hugging highways whose sides were lined with "loop-holed" cottages or outhouses. It was no time to stop and consider these trifles, losing valuable half hours over the restoration of a bridge, or moving far away to a flank so as to avoid the discharge from loop-holed barn or house. The heights of Codford, crowned with artillery and armed men, bid defiance as they rose above the high road leading to Salisbury, and to take these was to gain the victory.

"Deploy! Deploy!" was the word of command, and brigades extended into line at the base of the steep hillside, firing volley after volley into it, preparatory to commencing the ascent. Then came the storm, and, amid a hail of bullets of imagination, a smother of hot powder, hotter and thicker from its uncommonly close delivery, a jeer as from an over-confident enemy, the brave 2nd Brigade struggled up the slippery, moss-grown chalk hill, and staggering with over-exertion, breathless, and disorganized, on reaching the summit, fearlessly attacked the defenders' right, and claimed a victory. There was a pause. The bugles rang out the "Cease fire," and whilst north and south were wrangling among themselves as to blunders made, the umpire's decision was given for the southern army, and parting company, both forces returned to their camps.

The war ended not here. Yet another encounter took place between the northern and southern armies before the time arrived for the 1st Administrative Battalion, Wilts, to return homewards. It tried the marching powers of the volunteers, and appeared to have in it a definite object and a definite plan; and so far as opening out the road to London, or to somewhere in that direction, it was decidedly successful. The flank of the northerners resting on Wishford, was turned, and there could be no doubt of the inability of the centre and right to share the glory, even had they come to the aid.

The Grovely Wood, or Great Ridge as it is termed, was an advantage to the southern force. It extended for many miles continuous with their right flank, and enabled them at any time to use its various openings for the purpose of raiding the valley of the Wiley, or for obtaining information of any changes occurring in the camp of the enemy, posted on the higher ground between Codford and Wishford. On the 7th September, the battle of Wishford took place, and was commenced by a large portion of the southern army (using the Great Ridge as a screen) making a detour to the eastward, and then, when clear, crossing the Wiley lower down at Wilton, and attacking in force the left flank of the enemy at the time resting on the undulating ground above the village of Wishford. The attack was irresistible, and to all appearances unexpected; the numbers of the attackers being in excess of the defenders, and no help from centre or flank being given. Indeed this portion of the northern army had been kept fully employed during the time occupied by the flank movement of the southerners, by frequent attacks on it made by the troops holding Great Ridge and the intervening valley of the Wiley; so that probably their being attacked in force on the left was a surprise, and doubtless a defeat.

It was a very hard day's work, beginning any short time after daybreak, lasting until nearly sunset, and it required a man to be the sternest of disciplinarians not to enter fully into the satisfactory feelings of H.M. Guards, when, some time before the finish of the day, they were told by their commanding officer to lie down. "Smoke, if you like," added the hardened man, as he expressed himself grateful to the cocked hat putting him and his regiment out of action till the battle was over. Misguided man; he had perhaps despised his enemy, or on some hill, somewhere, artillery were massed, and would play havoc among his men, and for these he had not allowed. "You should have reduced your front, sir," said he of the cocked hat, with withering sarcasm in his tone, adding, "You are out of action until the battle is over."

"Thank God! Lie down, my men," was the impenitent reply of that colonel.

Tired, hungry, and footsore, the battalion marched back again to Wilton, and there, whilst the train was preparing by which they should return homewards, they were hospitably entertained by Captain the Earl of Pembroke, a proceeding certainly not anticipated earlier in the day, by the noble host, or his hungry guests.

The following extract from Battalion Orders, dated 21st September, 1872, is given:--

"Lieut.-Colonel Everett has much pleasure in notifying to the battalion under his command, that he has received a letter from Major-General the Hon. A.E. Hardinge, C.B., lately commanding the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division Southern Army, in which he desires the Lieut.-Colonel 'to express to the regiment his entire approval of its discipline, and his appreciation of the zeal and efficiency shown by all ranks during the time they were under his command at the late autumn manœuvres.'"

Thus ended the one week attached to the regular army, and more good was obtained from it by the battalion than might have been expected. In no regimental camp can the same strict obedience to any order be insisted on or carried out. The absolute and complete silence in camp after "lights out," and that lights are out, is a great point gained; the clipping of the wings of those rejoicing in proclaiming dawn, and forcing such early birds to remain all still within their tents, until the bugle note gives freedom; the punctuality on parade, fitness of arms and uniform, respectful salute, and self-respect, are among the many things acquired by being brigaded with regulars.

There was a regimental camp held the next year, 1873, on Warminster Down, at which the attendance was not so large and continuous as could be desired. It commenced on Monday, 4th August, breaking up early on Saturday, the 9th, but much was against work and discipline. The first two days were bitterly cold and wet, preventing parades, and either detaining the men in their tents or filling the canteen marquee. A moment's cessation of the downpour and the bugle summoned a parade, but there it ended, and once again tents and canteen were occupied. These two days' wet undid much of the good received from the camp with the regulars, of the previous year.

On Friday the 8th, the battalion was inspected by Colonel Parish, C.B., commanding the 38th Depôt at Devizes, who expressed himself as satisfied; and after the usual luncheon given by the officers to the county and visitors, the prizes won at the Wilts County Rifle Association were given away by Lady Folkestone on behalf of the Earl of Pembroke, who was president of the association for the year. The field state at inspection only showed a total of 484, but the reason for this falling off is not difficult to discover. One company situated at Mere, on the borders of Dorsetshire, had great expenses entailed upon them in attending camps or battalion drills, and were to a great extent dependent on one large landholder for support, and as expenses increased and supplies decreased, so was it with numbers and efficiency, and twenty-five, all told, was now the strength of the 8th Corps. No. 6 Corps, a body of men second to none for regular attendance, fair knowledge of drill, discipline, and general set up, were also conspicuous by their absence. They were almost entirely composed of tenants on the estate of the Duke of Somerset at Maiden Bradley, having been raised and commanded by the eldest son of his Grace, and on his resignation, again were commanded by another son, Lord St. Maur; whose untimely death, near Bombay, in an encounter with a wounded bear, created a vacancy, which vacancy was filled up by the promotion of Lieutenant H.B. Festing, agent to the Duke of Somerset. The influence of this officer latterly was not favourable to the support of the corps; and being agent to the Duke, gave him both influence and power. Gradually the attendance at squad and adjutant's drills diminished, and on this occasion of a camp and inspection, none put in an appearance, consequently the corps was ineffective, and ceased to exist, not only to the regret of the officers and men of the battalion generally, but to many of the company.

The Expenses of the Camp were £190 Subscriptions £120

The _Army List_, for 1874, was thus:--

The Marquis of Bath, _Honorary Colonel_. J.F. Everett, _Lieut.-Colonel_. T. Clark and W. Pinckney, _Majors_. R.D. Gibney, _Adjutant_. W. Fawcett, _Quartermaster_. C.J. Bleeck, _Surgeon_. L.L. Seale, _Assist. Surgeon_.

1st Corps, Salisbury.

George Smith, _Captain_ (_Comdt._). , _Captain_. E.F. Kelsey, _Lieut._ F. Hodding, _Lieut._ T.E. Lee, M.B., _Assist. Surgeon_. Revd. R.G. Swayne, _Hon. Chap._

2nd Corps, Trowbridge.

W.P. Clark, _Captain_ (_Comdt._). E.P. Stancomb, _Lieut._ W.P. Clark, Junr., _Lieut._ J.H. Foley, _Lieut._ W.J. Mann, _Lieut._ G.C. Tayler, M.B., _Assist. Surg._ Revd. H. Meyer, _Hon. Chaplain_.

8th Corps, Mere.

G. Troyte Bullock, _Captain_. E.A. Card, _Lieut._ W.N. Marshall, _Lieut._ C. Rumsey, _Assist. Surgeon_. Revd. H.B. Townsend, _Chaplain_.

9th Corps, Bradford.

William Adye, _Captain_. C.M. Davis, _Lieut._ T.W. Dunn, _Lieut._ Revd. W.H. Jones, _Hon. Chap._

10th Corps, Warminster.

John Scott, _Captain_. H. Ingram, _Lieut._ H.J. Wakeman, _Lieut._ T. Ponting, _Lieut._ J. Flower, _Assist. Surgeon_. Revd. Sir J.E. Philipps, Bart., _Chaplain_.

13th Corps, Westbury.

William H. Laverton, _Captain_. J.P. Hall, _Lieut._

14th Corps, Wilton.

The Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery, _Captain_. C.R. Clay, _Lieut._ William Allen, _Lieut._ T.J. Bennett, M.D., _Assist. Surg._ Revd. D. Olivier, _Hon. Chaplain_.

Easter Monday was fixed upon for a battalion drill, on the high ground above Warminster, and the attendance was fairly good. There being no hastening away to catch trains, or any sufficient reason for the parade being otherwise than really instructive, advantage was taken of the circumstance by the lieut.-colonel in command, and it was the fault of those who were so patiently and carefully drilled, if some knowledge of manœuvring was not acquired. It was bitterly cold, but dry. The officers messed together at the "Bath Arms," preparatory to the various companies entering the train for their respective head quarters.

On Friday the 31st July, 1874, the battalion assembled at Salisbury, and marched to its camping ground on Homerton Down, and after one week's good honest work, were inspected by Colonel Parish, C.B., commanding the depôt. The inspecting officer expressed himself as gratified with the way the drill had been performed, and of the arrangements in camp: but he was extremely so at the result of a sudden alarm, given at 9.45 p.m. on the previous night, when he happened to be in the camp, no previous intimation of such being likely to occur, having been even hinted to any officer or man.

Within ten minutes of the "alarm" every officer and man was in his position, and the roll call was answered faithfully. It spoke well for the discipline of the battalion, and elicited the following remarks from the inspecting officer in the order issued to the battalion on its inspection next day:--

"A sudden alarm in camp last night showed the effect of good discipline; the whole battalion turned out most creditably and took up their position as well as any regiment of regulars or others could have done. This is a good proof, if any were needed, of the benefit of camp life. The inspecting officer will be able to make a most favourable report on all he has seen, and congratulates the regiment on having so admirably exerted itself and so well upheld the credit of the county forces, &c., &c." The numbers on parade at inspection were 457. The expenses of the camp amounted to £292, met by subscriptions, letting canteen, and Government camp allowance to the extent of £232.

In the year 1875, Major W. Pinckney resigned the position of major in the battalion, and Captain the Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery of the Wilton Company accepted the vacant commission; Assist.-Surgeon Bennett of the Wilton Company being appointed junior assistant surgeon to the battalion. In No. 1 Corps, Salisbury, Lieut. Kelsey was promoted to be captain, and A.H. Lush and G.W. Hamilton Gordon appointed lieutenants; Captain Troyte Bullock resigning his commission in the 8th Corps, Mere.

On Easter Monday a battalion drill was held at Warminster, but sleet, hail, and rain were against much being done. The attendance was good. At the mess dinner afterwards held, previous to the time of departure of the battalion, it was arranged for the annual camp to be held on the downs as usual, and this took place on the 2nd August; the regiment marching in only 177, though each day showed an improvement in attendance.

At the inspection the field return exhibited 553 of all ranks, and the way the drills were performed, and increased steadiness of all, called forth much commendation from the inspecting officer.

This year saw the extinction of another company attached to the battalion--No. 8 Corps--its head quarters at Mere. It was raised in 1859 through the influence of the Chafyn Grove family at Zeals, and commanded for some time by Captain Chafyn Grove, Grenadier Guards, and at his death supported, or rather kept efficient, through the influence and pecuniary support of Miss Chafyn Grove, of Zeals House. This being withdrawn, the numbers making themselves efficient became gradually less, and this year saw the battalion reduced to six corps, with their head quarters at Salisbury, Trowbridge, Bradford, Warminster, Westbury and Wilton.

If proof were wanting of the value of influence and support from county families to corps forming part of what was then termed an Administrative Battalion, this and Maiden Bradley are good instances. Had it not been for help both personally and by money from the nobility and gentry of counties, few, if any, county corps could have been raised at all, nor could they have existed six months. To prevent the total collapse of the Volunteer Force the Government of the day came tardily and unwillingly to their assistance, giving with a niggard hand, but demanding much in return. To meet these demands always was, and ever has been, a source of difficulty and expense to officers and men; and where these had not the command of funds there was no possibility of the corps becoming sufficiently efficient. A capitation grant, insufficient to cover the expenses of uniform, accoutrements, rents, practice grounds, targets, and fair wear and tear; a camp allowance very far below the expense incurred, and limiting the numbers attending; travelling expenses calculated on an idea that giving up a day's work and performing walking feats worthy of the best professionals was a common pursuit among country folk--made the support of corps such as Mere and Bradley a difficult matter, and resulted in their extinction. In both these corps, good officers and non-commissioned officers, added to a great number of men, and these of a very valuable class, have been lost to the State.

A summary of annual returns ending 1st November, 1875, is herewith given:--

1st Administrative Battalion Wiltshire Rifle Volunteers.

Summary of Annual Returns, 1st November, 1875.

KEY TO COLUMN HEADINGS: No. of Corps. A Maximum Establishment. B Efficients. C Non-Efficients. D Total Enrolled. E Officers. F Sergeants. G Percentage of Efficients to Total Strength. H +---------------+-----------------------------+---------------+-----+ | | | Certificates | | | | | of | | | Head Quarters | | Proficiency. | | | of +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-------+-------+-----+ | Corps. | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | +---------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-------+-------+-----+ | Salisbury | 1 | 200 | 162 | 11 | 173 | 3 | 8 | 94 | | Trowbridge | 2 | 200 | 168 | 20 | 188 | 4 | 8 | 89 | | Bradford | 9 | 100 | 59 | 6 | 65 | 2 | 4 | 91 | | Warminster | 10 | 159 | 100 | 16 | 116 | 3 | 6 | 86 | | Westbury | 13 | 100 | 60 | 5 | 65 | 1 | 3 | 92 | | Wilton | 14 | 100 | 77 | 6 | 83 | 2 | 4 | 93 | | Staff | | 13 | 12 | 1 | 13 | 3 | | 92 | +---------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-------+-------+-----+ | | | 872 | 638 | 65 | 703 | 18 | 33 | 91 | +---------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-------+-------+-----+

(Signed) Robert Dwarris Gibney, _Captain,
Adjutant 1st A.B. Wilts Rifle Volunteers_.

The Expenses of the Camp for 1875 were £208 Subscriptions £67 Camp Allowance £59

On the 17th April, 1876, a battalion drill took place at Warminster, and afterwards at a mess dinner arrangements were made for holding the usual annual regimental camp on Warminster Down, and accordingly on Monday, 7th August, the various corps assembled at Warminster. The "marching in" state was 228. The weather being threatening, no time was lost in getting tents up, and this was done none too soon, for the rain fell heavily and continued to do so more or less during the encampment; Captain Hume, of the 45th Regiment, acting frequently as adjutant owing to the ill health of Captain Gibney.

A wet camp is never very satisfactory--the canteen takes too much the place of the parade ground; and it was so now: the lessons in "lights out" and silence in camp from that time until the first bugle, taught at the autumn manœuvres, being forgotten.

The inspection return showed 553 on parade, the same number as in the previous year, but the attention given to orders and general movements of the men on the parade ground was somewhat below former years. Certainly the camp this year was decidedly not quite a success. The cold squally weather drove many home on leave, and kept all from work; so that the day of inspection saw numbers crowding in from the district, and not a few, although they had been present all the camp, very ignorant of their duties. However, the inspecting officer was satisfied, and repeated his observations of previous inspections.

At the conclusion of the parade, the battalion formed three sides of a square facing towards a dais, when the prizes won by members of corps at recent competitions were presented to the successful competitors by Mrs. Everett, wife of the lieut.-colonel commanding the battalion.

The usual Easter Monday drill for 1877 was held at Warminster on the 2nd April, and the usual annual camp was held at Homerton Down, Salisbury. The day of entering being a Bank Holiday, the afternoon was given to sports, and many a hard struggle at the tug of war came off between companies during the course of the afternoon. Perhaps, at this particular exhibition of strength or pulling powers, the Wilton Corps won oftenest, though Warminster run them very closely.

Next day work began in earnest, and with it the rain; thereby making everybody useless and uncomfortable. The inspection took place on the 8th, conducted by Colonel Parish, C.B., commanding the depôt; but as continual hail-storms and rain broke up the parade very frequently, and necessitated the inspector and his aide taking shelter in the Grand Stand, it was somewhat hard for him to say how evolutions were performed; however, Colonel Parish was satisfied, and said so.

After some hours the weather cleared, and the prizes won at the County Rifle Meeting were given away by the Countess of Pembroke and Montgomery.

The Expenses of this Camp were £362 Subscriptions £10 Camp Allowance £57

Leaving a very serious deficit to be made up somehow among these would-be defenders of the country or their friends.

Among the officers resigning their commissions, or lost to the battalion through the age clause or some other hard and fast rule being applied, was that of Captain J. Scott, commanding the 10th, or Warminster Corps, the _Army List_ for 1878 not having that among the number of names as belonging to the 1st Administrative Battalion Wilts Rifle Volunteers. To this officer's generosity, zeal, and shrewd common sense, the Warminster Corps were much indebted, and he was one who could be ill spared from the battalion. John Scott, of Warminster, was well known all round, and had become a feature in the battalion, more especially in the regimental camp. Hard-working, genial, though rough of speech, doing his own duty thoroughly, and decidedly interested in such being done by all--Captain Scott was very much missed by being absent from the camp assembled at Warminster on Friday, the 2nd August, 1878.

The inspection took place on the 7th, the field state showing 637 as being present, and the attendance throughout the week having been each day fairly equal. The result was decent drilling at the inspection. The officer performing this duty was Colonel Jordan, C.B., who expressed himself as being altogether very much satisfied with the way the battalion executed the movements it was called upon to perform. Colonel Jordan said that he "had seen many battalions of volunteers, but a prettier little battalion than this of Wiltshire he had not seen. The smart and tidy appearance of the men, and the condition of the arms and accoutrements, reflected the greatest credit on all the officers and non-commissioned officers of the battalion, &c."

The rain setting in before nightfall prevented the usual al-fresco entertainment of singing round the great camp fire. It poured in torrents, making the camp wet and miserable, and as the tents were too wet to be struck, and expense was a consideration, the battalion later on marched down to Warminster, leaving the camp standing, and each corps proceeded homewards. To strike these tents, pack stores, and guard the ground during the continuance of the deluge was a new source of expense to the battalion.

The Expenses of the Camp were £300 Subscriptions £30 Camp Allowance earned £106

Leaving more than the usual deficit.

There being a war scare, and it appearing probable that the country might be engaged, the following order was issued by the commanding officer, as being a subject for the consideration of a committee of officers assembled for another purpose:--"The committee will consider in what manner the battalion could best offer its services to the country in case of its being engaged in a foreign war, and to ascertain what might be the average strength of the battalion available for permanent garrison duty."