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.