This Battalion was at first armed with the common or long Enfield rifle; but in June of this year received the short Enfield and sword.
Having received a further increase of 86 recruits, and 24 volunteers from Militia regiments, they embarked in August for Malta, having then a strength of 756 non-commissioned officers and privates.
The Head-quarters, with eight companies, proceeded from Shorncliffe to Portsmouth by rail on August 11, and embarked on board the ‘Urgent’ troop-ship, and landed at Malta on the 22nd.
Two companies embarked at Portsmouth on board H.M.S. ‘Perseverance’ on the 13th, and reached Malta on August 25. The remaining two companies forming the Depôt proceeded to Winchester, and were attached to the Depôt Battalion there.
On May 6, 1859, the 1st Battalion was moved by rail from Newcastle and Sunderland to Portsmouth, where it arrived on the afternoon of the 7th, and occupied quarters: Anglesey barracks, two companies; Colewort barracks, two companies; Cambridge barracks, three companies; Clarence barracks, three companies.
The 4th Battalion remained at Malta, moving its quarters in September from Lower St. Elmo barracks to Fort Ricasoli.
On March 27, 1860, the 1st Battalion removed by rail from Portsmouth to Aldershot, and occupied huts in the North Camp.
On which occasion the following order was issued by Major-General the Hon. Sir James Y. Scarlett, K.C.B.:
‘Portsmouth, March 26, 1860.