Early in the year 1882 a meeting of officers took place at Warminster to audit accounts, and to make such arrangements as might be considered necessary for the twelve months.
On Easter Monday, 10th April, the battalion took part in a review and sham fight which was held in the neighbourhood of Portsdown Hill, near Portsmouth, afterwards marching past His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, who received the salute. The number of men engaged on the day exceeded 27,000.
The battalion detrained at Fareham, and proceeded at once to occupy the position assigned to them. The weather was fine, but cold.
The troops were under the command of Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar, and were divided into an attacking and defending body, the former consisting of 15,085 men, commanded by Major-General Higginson, and the latter of 12,486 men, under Major-General Packenham, and to this latter force the 1st Wilts Battalion was attached. The sham fight took place in the country to the north of Portsdown Hill, and was not decisive. The battle was brought to an end at 2 P.M., and at 3 P.M. the march past commenced. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales was present, but the salute was taken by H.R.H. Field-Marshal the Duke of Cambridge.
The following General Order was issued by H.R.H. the Commander-in-Chief:—
"It is very gratifying to the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief, upon each fresh occasion when His Royal Highness has an opportunity of reviewing large bodies of volunteers, to witness on the part of all ranks a greater steadiness under arms, and an increased attention to drill. Upwards of 20,000 volunteers took part in the day's operations, and the manner in which these were carried out reflects great credit upon all concerned. The soldier-like bearing of the men, their prompt obedience to the orders of their officers, and the silence with which the movements were effected was most satisfactory.
"The good conduct of the volunteers on the march from Petersfield, and of those who for the last two days have been quartered in and about Portsmouth, does honour to the great National Force to which they belong.
"It has afforded Field-Marshal His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales great pleasure to take part as a Colonel of Volunteers in the day's proceedings. The Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief begs to thank General His Serene Highness Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar for the excellence of his arrangements, which conduced so much to the success of the operations; and His Royal Highness congratulates the General Officers, Brigadiers, the Staff, and all the officers of the regular forces who have given their assistance, upon the efficiency with which they performed their respective duties."
On the 7th August the battalion assembled at Warminster for the annual camp, marching-in strength being 353, and present at inspection 510.
After the inspection Colonel Bythesea, Inspecting Officer, and commanding 38th Depôt, addressed the following words to the battalion:—
"It is the fourth time I have had the pleasure of inspecting you, and on looking over the returns I find that whilst many have attended squad drills, a large number have been absent from them. I am pleased with the accoutrements and clothing, as also with your cleanliness and smartness, and on the examination of the camp was glad to find the tents all kept neatly and in good order."
This year, 1882, an ambulance corps was formed, consisting of four men per company. They were instructed by Staff-Surgeon Bennett and the medical officers of the battalion.