On August 4 the Battalion marched (forming part of a flying column, under Major-General Dalrymple White) to Bramshill Park, where they encamped. And, as in the previous year, after remaining the next day, marched back to Aldershot on the 6th. On the intervening day the infantry of the column were put through a very pretty field-day by Colonel Elrington, of the 4th Battalion.
On August 24 the establishment of this Battalion was raised from 570 to 870 privates.
On the 30th the Battalion left Aldershot, and proceeded by rail to Dover, where they arrived the same afternoon, and were quartered, Head-quarters and five companies in the South-front barracks, and the remaining five companies (under Lieutenant-Colonel Walker) in the Castle Hill fort.
The following letter was communicated by Major-General Russell, Commanding at Dover, to Colonel Glyn:
‘Horse Guards, August 31, 1870.
‘Sir,—I am directed by the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief to inform you that the Lieutenant-General Commanding at Aldershot has reported that the 2nd Battalion Rifle Brigade marched out with great regularity and sobriety, and maintained the high character of the Corps whilst in this command. And I am to request that you will have the goodness to inform the officer commanding the Regiment of His Royal Highness’ satisfaction at receiving so favourable a report.
‘I have the honour, &c., &c.,
‘(Signed) J. Hope Grant, Q.M.G.
‘Major-General Russell, &c., &c.,
‘Dover.’
On November 12 the left wing of the 3rd Battalion, under the command of Major Maclean, left Dinapore by rail for Allahabad, followed by the Head-quarters and right wing, under Colonel Ross, en route for Bombay; where they arrived on the 21st, and embarked on board H.M. Troop-ship ‘Euphrates.’ On the 30th they arrived at Aden, and two companies disembarked at Steamer-point. On December 1 the remainder of the Battalion disembarked; and they were stationed, two companies at Steamer-point, two at Isthmus position, and the remainder of the Battalion in cantonments.
The 4th Battalion continued to occupy quarters in the Permanent barracks, Aldershot.