Major R.D. Gibney had served for many years regimentally, and on the staff, in India, and raising the 7th Company of Rifle Volunteers (Gloucestershire) at Cheltenham in 1859, commanded the same until appointed adjutant in Wiltshire, May 1861, and was among the senior captains of volunteers in the service. The following farewell order was issued:—

"Head Quarters, Warminster,
"23rd September, 1881.

"The colonel commanding the battalion cannot allow Major R.D. Gibney to retire from the active part of the service without publicly expressing on the part of the battalion their best thanks to Major Gibney for the active, zealous, and satisfactory manner in which he has always performed the onerous duties of an adjutant during the twenty years which he has served in the 1st Wilts Rifle Volunteers."

On the 15th October a testimonial, in the shape of a silver tea-urn, was presented to the late Adjutant-Major R.D. Gibney on his retirement, at a dinner held for the purpose at the Bath Arms, Warminster.

The Honorary Colonel, The Marquis of Bath, the Honorary Chaplain, Sir James Erasmus Philipps, Bart., and the officers of the battalion being present, the chair was taken by Colonel Everett, the vice-chair by Major The Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery, and after the presentation had been made by the colonel commanding the battalion in words both generous and kind, a suitable reply was given by Major Gibney. A long, long farewell, with many heartfelt good wishes were exchanged on both sides, and the connection with the regiment was severed.

Captain John D. Hume, of The Sherwood Foresters, was appointed adjutant 23rd September, 1881, vice Honorary Major R.D. Gibney, retired.

The Expenses of the Camp were£396
Subscriptions£40
Camp Allowances£166
The Expenses of the Battalion attending Windsor Review were£194
Review Allowances from Government£59

On the 6th December the battalion paraded at Warminster at 5.30 P.M., so as to line the streets on the occasion of the visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales to Longleat House, and the town was illuminated. The weather was boisterous and wet, entirely spoiling the effect.

The Summary of Annual Returns showed a total strength of 650, of whom 629 were registered as "efficients."

The capitation grant earned amounted to £1140. Water-bottles and new belts were purchased for the whole battalion.