Historical Records of 66th [South Midland] Field Brigade R.A. [T.A.]
1st Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery Corps.
1st South Midland R.F.A. [Territorial Force]
240th [1st/1st S.M.] Brigade R.F.A. [Territorial Force]
66th [South Midland] Field Brigade R.A. [Territorial Army]
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
All records having been lost during the great war period, the work of collecting and compiling this record of the unit from its formation was undertaken and carried though in the year 1931. The entire work was carried out by Serjeant Major (I.G.) F. Healy - Brigade Regimental Serjeant Major - from the official war diaries filed in the record office and from notes news cuttings and publications as under.
History of the Corps, printed 1885, kindly presented by Major R. L. Austin T.D.
Manual of Drills and Instruction, published by the corps 1900, kindly presented by Colonel C. Corfield T.D.
Notes supplied by Mr. C. Desprez. [an old member of the Corps.].
Manuscript records supplied by Colonel F. K. S. Metford OBE, VD, TD, DL.
Notes supplied by Colonel F. C. Ord C.B. V.D. T.D. D.L.
Manuscript records from 1885 to 1914 supplied by Colonel W.H. Wise V. D.
News cuttings and photographs supplied by C.S.M. H. J. Warren.
Rules of the Corps, history of No 6 Company and news cuttings filed in the Brigade Headquarters Office.
Abbreviations.
I.G. Instructor In Gunnery.
C.B. Commander of the Bath.
O.B.E. Order of the British Empire.
V.D. Victorian Decoration [after 20 years service]
T.D. Territorial Decoration [after12 years service, war service counts double.]
L .l. Lord Lieutenant. [ of the county of Gloucestershire sovereigns appointment]
D.L. Deputy Lord Lieutenant.[ of the county of Gloucestershire sovereigns appointment]
Note all references enclosed with brackets and Italics, within this transcription are the transcribers and do not imply any mistakes or errors at the time of writing of the original document..
Colonel H. B. O. Savile. late Royal Artillery.
1859. Major Commandant 1st Glos. [Bristol] Vol Arty. On formation.
1863. Appointed Colonel to the command of 1st Administrative Brigade, Glos Volunteers. Relinquished command of 1st Corps.
1867. Commanded 1st Ad. Bde and 1st Corps.
1873. Relinquished command and appointed Honoury Colonel.
1910. Relinquished the appointment of Honoury Colonel.
1st Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery Corps.
These circumstances of its original formation.
In September 1859, a circular letter was sent by Lord the secretary Lord Palmerston, the secretary of state for war, to the Lord Lieutenants of candidates to the effect that the government had expressed a decided preference for artillery rather than rifle Corps in maritime neighbourhoods. The Lord Lieutenant of Gloucester the (the Earl of Ducie) thereupon addressed a letter to the Mayor of Bristol, in answer to a requisition made to him by Mr Hirst and others, who had expressed of their willingness to enrol themselves in an Artillery Corps. Informing him that the formation of an artillery Corps with headquarters in Bristol would not only receive official sanction, but would be considered a valuable adjacent to the volunteer force already established.
A meeting was, in accordance, called by the Mayor, and was held on the 12th of November, when Captain H. B. O. Savile, then the Major of the newly formed Rifle Corps, was requested to raise and organize with such a Corps. With the co-operation of those who had already proposed to join, this was soon affected. On the 22nd. November 1859, the secretary of state for war intimidated his approval of the Corps, and on the 21st of December 1859 Major Savile was gazetted Major Commandant and the following were the officers staff in the four batteries which were then formed.
Battery. Captain. 1st Lieutenant. 2nd Lieutenant.
No 1. Henry Grant. Francis Tothill. H. L. Bean.
No 2. F. P. Egerton. Sholto Vere Hare. G. Garrard.
No 3. J. Battersby-Harford. F. Walker - Savage. E. Gore Langton.
No 4. W. Montague Baillie. Charles D. Cave. H. St. Vincent Ames.
Adjutant. William Mc. Adam, late R.A. Surgeon. A.G. Power. Late S.A.S. [medical term: Single Award Schedules ?]
The Corps consisted of two classes. First enrolled members consisting of effective and supernumeraries, and secondly, as, Honoury members, non-effectives; the latter contributing to the funds of the Corps but not being enrolled for service. The batteries consisted of one Captain, one first Lieutenant, one second Lieutenant, four Sgt’s, four Corporals, three trumpeters, and 75 men.
When not on actual service, service members could quit the Corps by giving 14 days notice. Officers paid an annual subscription of three guineas, and other ranks an annual subscription of one dinghy and each member had to find his own clothing, arm and accoutrements which had to be in accordance with the sealed pattern. Fees of honour were paid by officers on a appointment to the clerk of the peace as follows: Major £30, Captain £20, Lieutenant £10, Second Lieutenant five pounds on remainder as paid an entrance fee of five guineas and the annual subscription of £3 guineas, or a donation of £20.
The motto “FIDUS ET AUDAX” [Motto: Fidelity and Audacity or Faithful and Bold.] and the Royal Arms Crest with a gun were adopted. General Sir Richard Dacres, obtained the grant of four 18 pounder smooth bore guns for the Corps whilst commandant at Woolwich.
These guns were originally intended for the Crimea.
The guns arrived at Bristol on the 26th April 1860, in the Brig “ Nautilius” at the quay near Prince Street Bridge and where escorted to the enclosure in front of the Victoria Rooms by the Queen Charlton Troop of the North Somerset Yeomanry under Capt: Haviland, the Bristol rifles under Lieut. Col. Bush and the Bath rifles under Captain Ford. In the evening a Banquet which was attended by 500 was given in the Victoria rooms.
In May 1860, the present Artillery Ground was obtained of long lease from the Society of Merchant Venture, an appeal was made to the public for funds to erect an armoury, stores, sheds etc., in all £1,100 pounds resulted from this appeal.
In 1863 the Bristol ladies by subscription procured Two Whitworth 3 prds, and presented them to the Corps.
The drill Hall was added at a further cost of £1,200 - being built to the plans of Mr C. F. Rumney a member of the Corps, and was opened on the 10th of March 1865.
A band was formed and supported by donation and voluntary subscription, officers of the Corps paid an annual subscription of £2. 2. 0.
The following is an abstract from dressed regulation of the Corps of 1860
Full Dress Officers.
Tunic dark blue cloth, Scarlet collar, cuffs, and edging, trimmed with black cord on breast similar to light infantry, six rows for field officers, 5 for Captain and four for subalterns, with crows feet on back seam. The Australian knot on skirt, and bearing the regulation badges of rank for the Army on the collar in silver and on the cuffs and collar in black braid.
Trousers - and dark blue cloth with starlet strike 1 3/4" wide down the outer seam.
Head Dress - Busby - same as worn by the Royal Artillery with silver instead of gold ornaments.
Sword - Regulation Light Cavalry.
Sword knot.- Brown leather with acorn.
Sword belt. - White patent leather with sling, plate silver.
Pouch - Black patent leather with silver gun on it
Pouch belt - White patent leather two inches wide, with out buckle or ornament.
Undress.
Jacket - plain dark blue double breasted pilot ,reaching two or three inches below point of hips, to be worn with collar turned down (showing scarlet waistcoat), black Silk buttons four each side, no braid on sleeves.
Waistcoat - Scarlet cloth with two lines of black tracing cord round the edge, the outer line plain, the second line in small circles within, and a row of bronze studs down the front, hook and eye.
Trousers - Same as full dress.
Forage cap - Blue cloth band of two inch mohair braid embroidered Silver Grenade in front, French Peak.
Swords and belts - Same as full dress, but the sword belt to be worn under the coat.
*****
Non - Commissioned officers and rank and file.
Full dress. Tunic - Same as officers but without the collar badges. An Austrian knot on the cuff, and three rows of cord on breast.
Distinguishing Badges.
Serjeant - gun and crown in silver on both arms.
Corporals - Crossed swords in silver on both arms.
Trousers - Same as officers.
Head Dress.- Busby, Artillery Patten, with silver ornaments. (Silver grenade and a 12 inch plume of horse hair to be worn in the grenade.)
Sword - Serjeant’s, same as for officers, for rank and file, sword bayonet with steel scabbard, or short sword with steel scabbard.
Sword belt - Sergeant’s as for officers, lion head clasp. For rank and file white patent leather, with frog and snake clasp.
Pouch - Plain black leather.
Pouch belt. - White patent leather.
Gloves - White leather.
Undress.
Jacket - same as for officers, except that the collar is to be lined with scarlet cloth and worn erect when on parade.
Waistcoat - None, except for private use, when the same as officers may be adopted.
Trousers - Same as for dress.
Forage Cap - Serjeant’s, same as officers with German silver grenade.
Rank and file blue cloth, band scarlet, small German silver grenade in front and a French peak.
Swords and Belts - Serjeant‘s Same as full dress, but the sword belt to be worn under the coat. Rank and file, same as full dress, but the pouch belt only to be worn at undress parades.
A regimental shell jacket for serjeant’s and officers of the following pattern has been adopted, vis. Plain dark blue with scarlet collar and edging of black tracing cord, fastened at the breast with hooks and eyes for officers, and black buttons with a crown for serjeant’s (but it is intended for private use, and it not to be worn at commanding officers parades, when the owner has provided himself with the regimental undress jacket).
Cloak - Plain blue Inverness cape lined with white.
Discipline.
The following is an extract from “The Rules Bristol and Gloucestershire Artillery Corps 1859”
That each member absent from either of the parades fixed by the commanding officer, at the time of roll call, shall be fined sixpence; and if absent during the all time of the parade, one shilling; if absent from the commanding officers parade, the fines shall be double; who shall talk, or laugh, or misbehave whilst on parade or under arms, for each offence sixpence; who shall come on parade not uniformly dressed or accoutred after the first muster after being attached to his company 14 days, one shilling. Each member quitting the parade without the leaves of that superior officer present, five shillings.
N. C. O's and gunner’s shall for this obedience of any order, or other disrespectful conduct towards an officer whilst on duty or under arms, for the first offence such some not exceeding 10 shillings, as the commanding officer in his discretion shall inflict.
Changes in Establishment and Designation.
November 1859.
The Corps was designated the 1st Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery Corps. And it consisted of four batteries at Clifton numbered 1 - 4.
August 1860.
A further Battery number five was raised.
November 1863.
The 1st (Clevedon) Somerset Artillery Corps, the No2 ( Newham) and No3 Gloucestershire Artillery Corps was formed with the Bristol Corps into an Administrative Brigade and was designated 1st. Administrative Brigade and Gloucestershire Artillery Volunteers.
No details available for period 1864 -1871.
October 1872.
The No 6 battery was formed at Clifton.
No details available for period 1873 - 1879.
March 1880.
The 1st Administrative Brigade was consolidated into a single Corps with headquarters at Bristol, and designated the first Gloucestershire Artillery Volunteer Corps. The Corps consisted of 720 all ranks and distributed in nine batteries as follows:-
Batteries No 1 to No at 6 Clifton.
Battery No 7 ............ Newham.
Battery No 8 ............ Gloucester.
Battery No 9 ............ Clevedon.
No details available for period 1881 – 1903.
1904.
H.Q. of No13 Battery moved from Bedminster to Gloucester.
No details available for period 1905 - 1906.
1907.
In 1907 the Brigade consisted of 13 batteries, the added batteries being distributed as follows:-
Battery No 10 ................. Portishead. (with a detachment at Bedminster)
Batteries Nos 11 and 12 …. Weston-Super-Mare.
Battery No 13.................. At Bedminster.
1st April 1908.
Under the territorial Force scheme the unit was designated the 1st South Midland Brigade, R.F.A. (T.F.) two batteries being formed at Clifton by the No1 - 6 batteries and the third battery being formed at Gloucester.
An ammunition column was raised with the surplus officers, N.C.O’s. and men in the proportion 2/3rds at Bristol and 1/3rd at Gloucester.
No further details available for period 1909 -1914.
March 1915.
A second line unit was formed and designated 2/1 st South Midland Brigade R.F.A. (T. F.)
Later a third line unit was formed and served with the 3rd Reserve Brigade R.F.A. at Bulford.
May 1916.
17 - 5 - 16. The Brigade became 240 (1/1st. SM) Brigade R.F.A.
18 - 5 - 16. The second line unit became 305 (S. M.) Brigade. R.F.A.
September 1916.
18 - 9 -16. 305 (S. M.) Brigade R. F. A. was broken up in the field.
March 1920.
The Brigade was reformed after disposal and designated the 1st South Midland Brigade R. F. A. (T. F.) with three batteries at Bristol and one at Reading, (formerly Berks. R. H. A.)
September 1920.
23 - 9 - 20. Designation changed to 66th South Midland Brigade. R.F.A. (T.F.) batteries being known as 261, 262, 263, and 264, respectively.
January 1924.
In accordance with the army order No1. 1924, the Brigade became known as 66th (South Midland) Field Brigade, Royal Artillery, (T. A.).
*****
Yearly Records.
1859.
November the 22nd the Corps was established.
December 21st. Major H. B. O Savile, late R.A. was gazetted Major Commandant.
1860.
April 26th. The four 18pr. pounder smooth bore guns, first provided for the Corps, arrived in Bristol; the event been made the subject of a grand volunteer demonstration, followed by a Banquet at the Victoria rooms.
May 15.
Mr. W. McAdam, late R. A. was appointed Captain and Adjutant.
July 21st.
The four 18 pounder, smooth bore guns were removed to Avonmouth, and fired from the first time.
July 23.
Her Majesty showed her a first public recognition of the volunteer movement by holding a grand review of the force in Hyde Park, at which the Gloucestershire
August 8
fifth and battery was added to the strength of the Corps.
September 18.
A review at Gloucester at which the Corps was present.
1861.
December 16th.
Presentation of a testimonial to Major Savile.
December 23rd.
The Corps attended a funeral service held at the Cathedral in memory of the late Prince consort.
A review at Warwick at which the Corps was present.
1862.
June 17th. A review of about 10,000 volunteers was held on the Durham Downs, in which the Corps took part.
1863.
March 7th.
The Corps attended in Hyde Park on the occasion of the public entry of the Princess Alexandra into London.
March 10.
On the occasion of the marriage of take H. the Prince of Wales to the Princess Alexandra, the copy of a letter addressed to the commanding all officer by order of the secretary of state for war.
V/G.A.
" Sir, - I am directed like Col Mc Murdo, C.B. to convey to you, the officers, and non-commissioned officers, and gunners of the first Gloucestershire volunteer artillery Corps, the flanks of the Rt Hon Secretary of state for war from the high standard of efficiency which the Corps is reported to have attained.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant, J. S. F. Dick, Major.
Assistant Inspector.
To Major Savile,
Commanding 1st Gloucestershire Artillery volunteers, Bristol."
Picture of the 1863 battery to be inserted, with Lt. Bean, Capt. Tothill, Lt. Col. Savile, Lt. Hanson,
Capt. and Adjt. McAdam.
1863. Contd.
March 10. The guns of the Corps fired a Royal Salute on Durdham Down.
June 24. Review at Oxford at which the Corps was present.
August 22. Two Whitworth guns purchased by private subscription were presented to the Corps.
November 28.
The Newham, Gloucester and Clevedon Corps were formed into an administrative Brigade with the Bristol Corps. Major Savile appointed to the command of the Brigade with the rank of Lieut. Col.
Lord Glentworth. Late of the rifle Brigade, appointed Major of the Brigade.
1864.
May 28. A review in Hyde Park, at which the Corps was represented.
December 9.
The Corps attended the demonstration at the opening of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and fired a Salute.
1865.
March 18. The drill Hall at headquarters was opened.
May 3. Lord Glentworth appointed Major Commandant of the 1st Corps.
May 29. The practice range was removed from Avonmouth to Portishead.
July 30. A Bazaar and Fantasy Fair was held at headquarters in aid of the building fund of the Corps.
August 2. A review at Wells, at which the field guns were present.
1866.
July 25. A Review and Sham Fight at Lansdown, in which the Corps with its guns took part.
1867.
June 5. The Earl of Limerick resigned the rank of Major Commandant of the 1st Corps.
Lieutenant. Col. Savile reverted to the command of the 1st Corps, in addition to that of the Brigade.
August 17.
A Sham Fight at Cadbury Camp at which the Corps was present.
1868.
April 13. The Review and Sham fight took place at Portsmouth at which the Corps was present.
September. Mr. Midwinter appointed Bandmaster.
October the 31st. C.D. Cave Esq. (Captain) appointed Major of the Brigade in succession to the Earl of Limerick, resigned.
1869.
January 30.
C.D. Cave Esq. (Major) appointed Major of the 1st. Corps in succession to the Lieut. Col. Savile, resigned.
June 19.
A Sham fight at Almondsbury; the hill being defended by the guns of the Corps.
1870.
August. Detachment attended the N. A.A. a camp at Shoeburyness.
1871.
Officers examined for Certificates of Proficiency.
1871. cont.
April 28.
F. Bacon Esq., late R.M.A. appointed Major of the first Corps in succession to Major Cave, resigned.
May 31. Camp formed at Portishead.
In October 1872, "F" battery (later known at No Six Company) was raised by Captain W. M. Webb, who was posted to the command of it. The Whitfield Field guns (the private property of the Corps) were transferred to this company which was worked for a time at a field battery. The company obtained many of its members from amongst the students at the University College and the medical school, the legal profession, the banks and insurance companies this company provided many officers for the Corps in later years.
The Brigade Drum and Fife Band. (Mr. Midwinter Band Master.)
W.O.s and Staff Sgts and Sgts mess (Col. A. Versturme in civilian cloths)
Brigade Drum and Fife Band.
1872.
January 20. Sham Fight at Portishead, and attack of the battery.
February 27. The Corps attended a Thanksgiving service at Clifton church on the recovery of H. R. H. the Prince of Wales.
April 1st. B.L. carbines first issued to the Corps.
August. Two detachments attended the N.A.A. camp at Shoeburyness.
September 25. Major Bacon redesigned his rank in the 1st. Corps.
October. The formation of a 6th battery sanctioned by the Secretary of State for War.
1873.
January 15. Col. Blunt R.A. appointed Major Commandant of the Brigade.
June 12. Camp formed at Portishead June 12th to July 8th.
July 30. Capt. C.W. Jebb, late Lieut. 60th rifles, appointed Major of the Brigade.
August 9.
Lieutenant Colonel Savile resigned, and appointed honorary Colonel. Major Blunt, Brevet Colonel, retired list, Royal (late and Bombay) Artillery, promoted to be Lieut. Colonel.
November 29.
Lecture given by Major Straubenzee, R.A. on "Guns and Garrison Artillery".
December 16th.
A banquet of the Corps was held at the Grand Hotel, Bristol on the occasion of a testimonial being presented to Sgt. Major R. Blackie.
( Sgt Major Blackie's -----------G/Grandson was a member of the 266th (GVA ) O.P. Bty R.A. (V) and have seen the testimonial)
1874.
June 15th - 20th. Camp formed on Brean Down.
1875.
July 31. Three detachments sent to Shoeburyness.
Captain and Adjutant McAdam retires, and is succeeded by Captain J.R.J. Dewar R.A.
October 26. Major Jebb resigned his appointment.
1876.
June 12 to July 3rd. Camp at Portishead.
August 3.
A Detachment sent to Shoeburyness from "F" battery, under the command of Sergt. C. Miller they won a prize value £10, at the 40-pr B.L.R. Gun (Shot) competition. (breech loading rifled)
1877.
January 20. Captain A.H. Versturme, late 59th foot, gazetted Major of the 1st. Corps.
March 14th.
Major A. Versturme appointed Major in the Brigade.
May 9.
G.T. Godfrey - Faussett Esq., late 76th Foot, gazetted Major in the Brigade.
August 25th.
Practice at Brean down with 7 inch. Guns. A detachment sent to Shoeburyness.
1878.
July 12. Visit of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales to Bristol when the Corps formed part of the guard of Honour.
July 17 - 31st. Camp formed at Clevedon. [15 days]
August.
A detachment sent to Shoeburyness, from "F" battery under the command of Sergt. C. Miller they won a prize value 16 Guineas, in the second competition with the 40pr B.L.R. Gun.
November 1.
A Gymnastic class was formed.
1879.
April 30.
Major Godfrey - Faussett resigns his commission.
June. Captain Dewer R.A. Adjutant having been promoted to the rank of Major in the army retires and he is succeeded by Captain C. S. Graham. R.A.
July 12.
A portion of the Brigade under the command of Captain Gardener attended a camp formed at Staddon Heights.
August 2.
Three detachment’s attended you Shoeburyness: that from "F" Battery, under the command of Sergt. A.C. St. Paul won Lord Longford's £10 prize at the 40pr B.L.R. gun (shot) competition.
August 17.
Major Adolphus H. Versturme, gazetted Lieutenant Colonel in command of the 1st. Corps, and also of the administrative Brigade, in succession to Coronel A. Blunt R.A. resigned.
November 14.
Surgeon L. A. Weatherly, attached to the Portishead Battery, delivered a series of interesting ambulance lectures, which were after words published in book form. The gymnastic class re-formed from November to March.
1880.
June 12 to 21. Camp formed at Portishead.
March 10.
Organisation changed from Administrative Brigade to consolidated Corps.
August 7.
Three detachment attended Shoeburyness, that from No1 Battery, Sergt. T. Adams won the third prize in the 40pr. B. L. R. Competition, and from No 6 Battery, Sgt C. Miller the fourth prize in the 64 pr M.L.R. competition.
September.
The formation of a Cadet Corps sanction by the Secretary of State for War.
The gymnastic class reformed from November to February 1881.
1881.
February 28th.
The first parade in uniform of the Cadet Corps for the adjutant’s inspection, and on the 14th of March for its first inspection by the Lieutenant Colonel Commanding the Corps.
April 23.
Col A. Blunt R.A. Late C.O. of the Corps was entertained at mess by the officers and presented with a testimonial. Lectures on professional subjects were given in February, March, and April by the C.O. on " Small Arms", their history and construction" by the adjutant a systematises course of five lecturers on artillery subjects: and by Captain R.N. Barklie and Lieut. D.W. Whitmore officers in the Royal Engineer's, stationed at Bristol (exceeding to request), a lecture, respectively, on " the hasty preparation of a position for defence", and " Telegraphy, and its application in war-time".
July 9.
Grand review of the volunteers by the Queen in Windsor great Park on the occasion of the coming of age of the force: 53, 000 volunteers were present, including the 1st G.V.A. who gained great credit for their general appearance.
September. The range was moved from Portishead and Clevedon, to obtain a land instead of the sea range.
1882.
April 5.
William Francis Nelson, late Captain, and Honoury Major, Royal Artillery, gazetted Major in the Corps.
October 19. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh visited Bristol, the Corps forming a guard of honour.
1883.
August.
The Corps attended at Shoeburyness, winning the Prince of Wales Prize, and that for the 10 - inch competition.
1884.
June 7.
Inspected by Col Sir W. Hamilton commanding R.A. Western District, accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Cuming, commanding A.A. Welsh Division, R.A. Lieutenant Col Bisset, R.A. Captain Coffey, R.A., and others.
July.
The Corps, 100 strong, went into barracks at Plymouth, under Col. Sir W. Hamilton, R.A.
August 2.
Captain L. E. Coker, R.A. appointed adjutant, vice Major C. S. Graham R.A.
August.
The Corps attended at Shoeburyness, wining the House of Lords and Commons Prize.
Major Nelson resigns his commission.
1885.
April 24. Frederick Cusac Ord, late Captain R.A. gazetted Major in the Corps.
Insert picture of Col Ord.
May 23. The Corps went in to camp at Uphill.
Practice was carried out from Brean down Fort with 7 inch7 ton R. M. L. guns.
The Corps at this period was equipped with 64 pr R.M.L. guns on wooden garrison carriages and 40pr R.B.L. Armstrong Guns on travelling carriages.
1886.
The Brigade again encamped at Uphill and practiced from Brean down Fort.
During this period of the existence of the Corps drills work carried out from Easter to Whitsun at 7 - 15 a.m. and 7 - 30 pm. daily except Saturday and Sunday.
The six days annual camp followed at the conclusion of the drills. A large proportion of the drills were devoted to foot drill and Battalion drill in close order was carried out on Saturday afternoons from four to 5pm.
1887.
The Brigade encamped at Uphill. Captain T.H. Yabbicom, O.C. No1 Company was promoted Major.
1888.
The Brigade encamped in the grounds of Clevedon Court, the residence of Sir Edmund H. Elton, Captain Commanding number No 9 Company at Clevedon. Practice was carried out from the battery at Old Clevedon.
1889.
The Brigade camped at Uphill and practised from Brean down Fort.
In December Col. A.H. Versturme relinquish the command and Col. F.C. Ord took over the command of the Brigade.
1890.
Capt. H.O. Vincent was appointed adjutant vice Captain L.E. Coker.
The Brigade camped at Uphill and practiced from Brean down Fort
1891.
Major T.H. Yabbicom was promoted Lieutenant Colonel.
The Brigade camped at Uphill and practiced from Brean down Fort.
1892.
In this year the Brigade ceased to form part of the Bristol Channel Defences and was allotted to the Plymouth Defences.
Camp was held at Egg Buckland Fort Plymouth and practice carried out from Bovisand Fort.
Whilst there the Brigade won the 1st prize in the 40pr. Repository competition of the Military Tournament, open to all Artillery Corps. The detachment selected to represent the Brigade in this competition was in the charge of C.S.M. W.A. Chandler and completed the test in 11 minutes and 15 seconds.
The Brigade was rearmed with 6 inch and 8 inch R.M.L. Howitzers.
1893.
The Brigade encamped at Staddon Heights Plymouth and practiced from there.
Captain C.C. Savile, O.C. No 4 Company and Captain Sir Edmund H. Elton, O.C. No 9 Company were promoted Majors.
General Lord Roberts distributed the Brigade prizes and addressed the Brigade at the Victoria Rooms.
The strength at this time was 39 officers and 900 other ranks. 21 officers held certificates for higher attainments; this was only equalled by the one other unit in the country. As a result of the efficiency attained the Brigade was one of two units in the Western District to form a reserve in the Siege Train Carriage.
1894.
The Brigade camped at Staddon Heights, Plymouth and practiced from there.
1895.
Captain A.C. Currie was appointed Adjutant vice Captain H.O. Vincent. The Brigade camped at Fort Efford Plymouth, and practiced from office and Bovisand Fort.
The Brigade attended a review of the Bristol Volunteers by Major General Sir Richard Harrison K.C.B. C.M.G. R.E. in Ashton Park on the 13th of May.
The volunteer decoration for 20 years service was presented to Col Savile, Col Yabbicom and Captain (Hon. Major) Daniel at this review.
1896.
No camp was held this year owing to an outbreak of smallpox in the county of Gloucestershire.
1897.
The Brigade camped at Staddon Heights Plymouth and practiced there.
Capt. Houldsworth Hunt was appointed Adjutant vice Captain A.C. Currie.
At this period the strength was 813 all ranks.
On the 22nd of June at the Queen Victoria Jubilee celebrations the Brigade was represented by a detachment of three officers and 44 other ranks under the command of Major Whitwell. Her Majesty's, Commeration Medals (silver medal for the officer in charge and Bronze for the senior Non - Commissioned officer) were received.
Col. H. T. Yabbicom resigned his commission with permission to retain his rank and wear the uniform after 38 years with the Corps. 23/111/97.
Captain C.H. Cave and Captain (Hon - Major) J.F.R. Daniel resigned.
1st Gloucester 1D.
Gun Detachment Shoeburyness 1894.
Cpl. Tyte. Sgt. Warren. Sgt. Lowther. Bdr. Hale. Gnr. Balkwill. Cpl. Anderson.
Gnr. Coleman.
Gnr. Nichols. Bdr. Horton.
*****
Winners of Prince of Wales prize, 2nd Howitzer and Scotland cup. 1895.
(total prize £ 140)
C.S.M. Warren. Gnr Betty. Cpl Sage. Cpl Tyte. Cpl Ridler. Cpl Holloway. Cpl Jeffery. Cpl Gross. Gnr Nichols.
Gnr Gould. Capt. H.W.K. Waite C.S.M. Pearce. Cpl. Dunscombe. Gnr. Davies. Sgt Anderson.
Gnr Stevens. Bdr Eyeves. Bdr Horton. SORT NAMES
1898.
The Brigade camped at four Efford Plymouth and carried out practice with howitzers from Bovisand.
The drill was carried out on 8 inch R.M.L. - 70 and 46 cwt howitzers, 6.6 inch Howitzers and 40 pdr R. M. L. guns on 6 foot parapet carriages.
The strength of the Brigade at this time was 797 all ranks.
1899.
The Brigade was rearmed in this year with 60 pounder R.M.L. guns.
On the occasion of the visit of her Majesty Queen Victoria to Bristol 30 officers and 588 other ranks attended the parade.
The Brigade camped at Staddon Heights. Captain M. Whitwell was promoted major and took over command of No1 Company. Lieutenant Woodley was promoted captain and appointed to command No 4 Company.
On the outbreak of the South African War members of the Brigade volunteer for service in the following categories (a) Active Service. (b) Garrison Duty at short notice. (c) A reserve of old members was formed.
1900.
The strength of the Brigade at this time was 1020 all ranks - 1003 of this number being qualified as efficient.
During this year a number of the Brigade transferred to the Imperial Yeomanry and other at units for active service in South Africa.
Two where Bdr and Gnr
Major Weston Stevens O.C. No1 Company retired.
The Brigade camped at Staddon Heights Plymouth.
1901.
Captain and Hon. Major K.F.S. Metford were awarded the Volunteer Long Service decoration.
The annual camp was held at Staddon Heights Plymouth and practice was carried out from Bovisand and Brown Hill.
Ideal weather was experienced for the first part of the week but a lot of heavy rain fell during the remainder of the period.
At this period trained men had to complete 6 drills and recruits 15 drills before camp.
1902.
Under a special army order dated 15- 01 - 1902. The official designation of the Corps became 1st. Gloucestershire R.G.A. (Vols.) Colonel H.B.O. Savile, V.D., honorary Colonel was appointed to be Companion of the Order of the Bath.
No. 1. to No. 6. Coy’s, paraded for Coronation celebrations, one officer (Captain Worth), one Sergeant, and eight men attended the Coronation parade in London of H.M. King Edward.
At this period trained men had to complete 15 drills before camp, recruits had to complete 45 of which 20 had to be completed before camp.
1903.
Two 4.7inch guns were supplied to the Brigade.
Major Wise and C.S.M. Plum awarded Volunteer Long Service Medal.
Captain (D.O.) L. Hegarty, R.G.A. was appointed adjutant vice captain W.H. Houldsworth Hunt R.G.A., 5.5.1903.
The Brigade camped at Staddon Heights on the 31st. May to 6th. June.
C.S.M. J.H. Warren, Gunners Lawrence and Ware, awarded Volunteer Long Service Medal.
The periodical publication " Broad Arrow" printed very complimentary references to the efficiency of the Brigade and the system of drills in use for 40 years i.e. twice daily 7:15 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. (except Saturday evenings and Sundays) for six consecutive weeks, commencing on the first Thursday after Easter, followed immediately by annual camp.
Captain K.F.S. Metford promoted Major.
Lieut. H.W.B. Savile joined from 2nd. East Yorks. ( Vol's).
H. White Smith appointed 2nd Lieut.
1904.
Captain W.H.B. Savile commanded No. 4 Coy. vice Captain Forte.
Captain Forte presented a challenge cup for gun drill (for all ranks below that of Sgt).
Sergeant Light, Bombardier Rice and Gunner Cromwell awarded the Volunteer Long Service Medal.
Major Worth retired.
1905.
The Brigade camped and carried out their annual practice at Plymouth for this year.
1906.
The Brigade camped and practice at Staddon Heights, Plymouth. Practice carried out with 5 inch and 6 inch B.L. Howitzers.
During practice with the 6 inch Howitzers a premature in the bore occurred with a Lyddite Shell (5.6.1906.) The piece was completely separate into two parts and the carriage demolished.
The wheel of the neighbouring gun was also destroyed. The detachment escaped with serious injuries. The premature was caused by sensitive lead priorates formed in the Shell. Four 16 - pounder R.M.L. guns on the field carriages were issued.
6 inch Howitzer Field Gun blown apart.
*****
1907.
The Brigade camped and practice at Staddon Heights, Plymouth with 15 - pounder and 4.7 inch guns.
Captain (Hon. Major.) Wise was promoted Major.
H.M. the King conferred the honour of C.B. on Col. Ord.
The following W. O.’s and N.C.O's on retirement were granted permission to retain their rank and wear the prescribed uniform. Band St., Major Jeffery. C.S.M. H.J. Warren. C.S.M. Ashfield. Sergt. W.J. Hewitt.
1908.
On the 28th of February the Corps held a ball at the Victoria Rooms.
On the 31st of March, the volunteer Force ceased to exist as such and the territorial Force was established by the right Hon. R.B. Haldane, Minister for war.
Under this scheme, members were to be attested and enlisted for four years and the period for camp increased to 15 Days. The territorial Force was organised in 14 divisions modelled on the lines of a division of the regular army.
The Brigade became part of the 7th. District known as the South Midland, which embraced Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.
The total number of troops in the division to be 825 officers, and 20,163 men under the command of Brigadier General H. A. Raitt, C.B. with headquarters at Warwick.
On the night of the 31st the Volunteer Officers held a dinner at the Imperial Hotel, Clifton, and the combined P. O's and Sgts held a dinner at the St Stephen's restaurant, Baldwin Street, to commemorate the termination of the volunteer Force.
During the dinner (at which the Last Post and Reveille were sounded) the Sgts sent a telegram of greetings to the officers, Colonel Ord in replying expressed a wish to meet them all again in the Territorial Force. All ranks of the Bristol and Gloucester companies enlisted.
"H" Battery R.H.A. visited Gloucester and gave a demonstration to arouse interest. They were entertained by the Mayor in the Guild Hall.
The Brigade became known as the 1st South Midland Brigade R.F.A. consisting of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd batteries and an Ammunition Column. (At first the Brigade was designated 2nd to (S.M.) Brigade and the Birmingham Brigade 1st (S.M.) Brigade. R. F. A. (this was changed in accordance with the Brigade's seniority).
The new units were made up as follows:-
The 1st Battery.
Commanded by Captain (Hon. Major) W.C. Swanye.
No 1. Coy: became number one section.
No 2. Coy: became number two section.
No 4. Coy: became number three section.
The 2nd Battery.
Commanded by Major W.H. Wise.
No 3. Coy: became number one section.
No 5. Coy: became number two section.
No 6. Coy: became number three section.
The 3rd Battery.
Commanded by Major (Hon. Lt. Colonel). K.F.S. Metford.
No 8. Coy: {became No's 1, 2, and 3 sections.
No 13 Coy: { " " " "
The Ammunition Column under the command of Captain C.N. Todd (later D.S.O.) was formed from surplus officers, N.C.O's. and men in the proportion two thirds, Bristol and have Gloucester. No's 7, 9, 10, 11 and 12 Coy’s were disbanded on the 31st. 3. 1908, some members living within the Bristol boundaries were previously transferred to the Bristol companies.
Col Ord was appointed to the command of the Brigade with Lt. Col. (Hon: Col.) A.H. Hobbs V.D. as second in command.
Battery commanders were appointed as above and other officers posted as follows:-
1st Battery. 2nd Battery. 3rd Battery.
Capt. R. D. Austin. Capt. C. W. Todd. Capt. W. H. Grosvenor.
Capt. H. White Smith. Capt. A. C. St Paul. Capt. F. H. Hole.
Lt. G. F. Lefroy. Capt. V. A. Hillman. 2/Lt. R. P. P. Lefroy.
2/Lt. B. J. James. 2/Lt. E. D. Burbridge. 2/Lt. E. R. Williams.
2/Lt. J. R. Chards. 2/Lt. C. K. Cowlin. 2/Lt. G. Hartland Bowden.
2/Lt. L. H. Abell. 2/Lt. H. G. W. Prideaux. 2/Lt. C. F. H. Priday.
2/Lt. K. E. Aitkin.
Captain C. W. Waycott R.F.A. was appointed Adjutant vice Captain Hegarty. R.G.A. July.
The Brigade was equipped with 15 pdr B.L.C. Guns (four per battery) with the necessary harness and equipment. A large portion of drills was devoted to riding, driving drill and manoeuvres.
Riding classes were held at the Clifton Riding School.
The Brigade camped at Stratton Heights, Plymouth for eight days in June and practised with 15 pounder field guns and 4.7 inch guns.
Capt. (Hon. Major.) C. St. Paul. resigned with permission to retain his rank and wear the prescribed uniform.
On June the 9th the Brigade furnished a guard of honour and fired the Royal Salute on the visit of H. M. King Edward VII and took part in a tournament.
The following officers resigned on 31. 3. 1908.
Capt. A. J. Mawer. Capt. W. A. B. Savile. Capt. W. J. W. Dickman and Surg. Capt. A. Ogilvy. M.D.
The silver gun Trophy hitherto awarded for Carbine shooting was awarded to the best all round battery.
Sgt. M. G. V. P. Wills commissioned 2/nd Lt. (afterwards Sir Vernon G. P. Wills).
Gold braid and badges substituted for the Volunteer Silver pattern badges. August 1908.
Surgeon Lt Col. (Hon: Surg. Col.) J. S. Carlton resigned with permission to retain his rank and wear the prescribed uniform.
Surgeon Captain W.J. Hill. {both officers posted to the Brigade 1.4.08.
" " J.R. Bibby. M.B. { " " " " "
Capt. W. W. Grosvenor resigned his commission 23.11.08.
1909.
The Brigade camped at Berrow near Burnham - on - Sea. for the period 31. May - 12th June, and practised using its own equipment - 15 pr B. L.C. Guns.
To be inserted photocopy of Officers Nominal roll dated 1909.
1909 gun Drill (6 inch 30cwt Howitzer)
Orders of dress.
1909. contd.
At the end of this year Colonel F.C. Ord, C. B. V.D., retired after 20 years service with the Brigade.
Col A.H. Hobbs, V.D. also retired after 35 years service - having enlisted in the ranks in 1874 and commissioned in 1883.
Lt Col. A.M. Balfour took over command of the Brigade on the 7th December (from ret. pay late R.H. and RFA)
All buff equipment and blue greatcoats were withdrawn.
Khaki greatcoats were issued.
Rides held in Bristol Tramway Riding School.
April 1909. The Brigade became 1st. South Midland (Gloucester) Brigade, R. F. A. [T.F.]
1910.
Bandolier equipment was issued.
The Brigade camped at Fargo Camp, Salisbury Plain, but owing to the death of King Edward VII, gun practice was not carried out. Period of camp 15th to 29th May.
Col. Ord appointed Hon: Colonel of the Brigade.
The Brigade took part with other T.A. Troops in a field day between Gloucester and Bristol on 2.4.1910.
Further Pages Under Construction