MiIitary & War Years – Volunteer Inspection at Redcar

Accreditation the Redcar and Saltburn-by-the-Sea Gazette 18/08/1876

VOLUNTEER INSPECTION AT REDCAR

The annual inspection of the First North York Volunteer Artillery corps took place on Saturday (12/08) last at Redcar. The Middlesbrough and Eston batteries arrived by special train about three o’clock, and were joined at the railway station by the Redcar and Guisborough batteries, the latter having travelled by road. Headed by the band, the men were then marched to the Race Course, where the inspecting officer – Lieutenant-Colonel Fitz-Hugh, R.A. was received by the companies in open line. A number of movements afterwards took place, the march past been very steady and at the close the men were marched to the Battery for big gun practice, several rounds of shot and shell been fired from each gun, under the close supervision of the inspecting officer and the adjutant of the corps. The number present were as follows:- Officers, 16; sergeants 24; band, 24; rank and file, 201; total 265; absent with leave: officers 2; sergeants 3; rank and file 26; total 31; absent without leave; offices, 3; sergeants, 2; rank and file, 28; total 33; brigade up the total numerical strength of the corps to 329. Shortly before six o’clock the men were marched to the Central Hall, where dinner awaited them. Lieutenant-Colonel Chaloner presided, and was supported at the cross table by the Rev. W. Milburne (vicar of Redcar), Mr. C. J. Coleman, Lieutenant-Colonel Fitz-Hugh, R. A., Captain and Adjutant Owen Thos Jones, R.A., Captains Hill, Stevenson, J. B. Rudd, and William. Lieutenants Aryton, Torbock, Chaytor, Robinson, Clarke (No.4 Battery), Morris, Firth, Bell, and Clarke (No.8 Battery), with Surgeons Slightholme and Pierson. The Prince of Wales’ prize cups, ten in number, worn by detachment of No.6 (Middlesbrough all) battery at Shoeburyness, occupied a conspicuous position on the officers’ table. Grace before and after meal was said by the Rev. W. Milburne. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts having been duly honoured, Lieutenant-Colonel Fitz-Hugh addressed the volunteers. He first referred to the decreased in their numbers caused by the great depression in trade, but said the men present that dare at acquitted themselves very creditably; the March past was good, and their gun drill was, as usual, very good, more especially the fuse and shell practice. Lieutenant-Colonel Chaloner said he did not think the inspecting officer knew all the difficulties under which they labouring, for, owing to the existing depression in the staple trade of the district, they had lost several of their best offices as well as many of their men. From the same cause the transfer of the command had not been carried out, and if he intended to stick to the corps (loud applause) at all events until some better man offered. (“We won’t have him.”) He expected them to do all they could to help him. After impressing on all present the duty of making themselves “efficients” before 1 November, he made a few remarks with reference to the new adjutant. They had never had a better, and he was willing to teach them all; he hoped that they would all support him (the adjutant) as well as himself. Captain Rudd then proposed the health of Lieutenant-Colonel Chaloner, which was enthusiastically received, and responded to. The gun detachment of number six battery was then drawn up and presented with the cups already referred to, and £10 in money in addition, which brought the proceedings to a clause. The dinner which gave great satisfaction was provided by Mr. R. Howcroft, of Middlesbrough all; and the wines, beer, etc., By Mr. W. Burton, of Redcar.

 

 

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