On August 4 they formed part of the flying column, with the 2nd Battalion, which proceeded to Bramshill Park, and returned to Aldershot on the 6th.
They moved from Aldershot to Shorncliffe by rail on August 31.
In November this Battalion was again broken up, four companies proceeding to Chatham on the 11th, for duty in that garrison.
The 1st Battalion continued to occupy the Marine barracks at Woolwich; and on February 1, 1871, the number of privates was again altered, being reduced to 560.
On May 23 the Battalion was inspected by His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge.
On August 2 they proceeded by march-route to Wimbledon; on the next day to Hounslow, on the 4th to Chobham, and on the 5th to Aldershot, where they encamped on Cove Common. On each of these days they had encamped at their halting-places.
They remained here till September 12, when (taking part in the autumn manœuvres of that year) they marched to Chobham ridges; on the 13th to Chobham; and were employed in constructing field-works on the 14th. On the next day they marched to Pirbright; and after pitching camp proceeded to the Hog’s-back and remained on outpost duty for the night. On the 16th they marched to Chobham ridges and remained there during the next day, Sunday; on the 18th they moved to Chobham and were encamped there till the 21st, when they returned to Cove Common and were encamped on their former ground.
During this time the Battalion daily took part in sham fights, and encamped at night, and in fact acted as in an actual campaign.
On September 27 the Battalion marched to Farnborough and proceeded by rail to Dover, and was quartered in the Shaft barracks.