From Deolalee they moved on November 28 and 30, and following day to Umballa, and on arrival occupied quarters there.
On March 12, 1874, the 1st Battalion proceeded by rail-road from Aldershot to London, in order to be present at the entry of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. They lined Regent Street during the progress of the Royal procession, and returned to their quarters at Aldershot in the evening.
On May 19 this Battalion was present at a review and march-past before the Emperor of Russia. The brigade to which they were attached was composed of three Battalions of the Regiment (the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd), and one of the 60th, and was commanded by Major-General Lord Alexander Russell, their former Lieutenant-Colonel.
After taking part in the summer drills of this year, during the month of June, this Battalion proceeded to the forts on the Gosport side of Portsmouth harbour, which they occupied from July 3 and 4 until November 20, when they moved to Winchester, on the embarkation of the 2nd Battalion for Gibraltar, and were there quartered.
FOOTNOTES:
[317] Colonel Macdonell had with him at Shubkudder three troops of the 7th Hussars and some Native Cavalry.
[318] ‘Colonel Ross’ letters.’ While this sheet is passing through the press, a letter has been received by the Officer Commanding the 3rd Battalion, informing him that a Medal will be granted for this action: a tardy recognition of the services of the Battalion, more than twelve years after the occurrence.
[319] I may add the following extract from a letter to a former officer of the Regiment from an officer then serving in America: ‘The only regiment which did not lose any men by desertion was the Rifles. Indeed, you have great reason of being proud of your Corps.’
[320] Colonel Elrington was in command of the whole force employed.
[321] Lieutenant F. G. Dyke Acland, died Aug. 24, 1874.