FAMOUS REGIMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 2 May 1932, Page 7

FAMOUS REGIMENT

OLDEST IN THE WORLD

BOWS TO MODERN ARMS

Within half a mile of the Bank of England lies an open Ispace of six acres, once part of Finisbury Fields, that ancient practice ground of London' archers.

It has been known for nearly three centuries as-The Arti.lery Ground, and contains a dignified Georgian building—Armoury House, the headquarters of the Honourable Artillery Company, the oldest regiment in tne world.

No other combatant unit can boast unbroken traditions extending ovei; four centuries, nor are there many corporate bodies with roots more deeply embedded in English history. Incorporated by Royal Charter of Henry VIII, ni -1537 as the Guild of Artillery, its original members were bidden to practice the science and feat of shooting with longbow, crossbow and handgun for the better defence of the realm. For a full century the Company oc cupied the old Artillery Ground off Bishopsgate—the original lease, dated 1538, was discovered last year. Not until 1641 did the city fathers leabe to the Company its present ground, then the “uppermost field in Finsbury. M It is not surprising to find that stlch ft i'Cgiriient cherishes unique traditions, sfiyfc a writer iff the “Sunday Times.” Some of its members fffffght iff the Wats of Henry VIII; others fought in -the last defence of Calais. The regiment attended the funera: of Sir Philip Sidney, and its member* rallied in readiness to repel the Spanish Armada. For centuries the Company trained its members to be offi cers of trained bands, and, ats such, many of them served the Parliament in the Civil War. Others fought witl. distinction on the Royalist side. The Company marched in the funeral ol Oliver Cromwell and welcomed Charle: II at the Restoration.

But always the old corps has remained abreast of the times. Thej caiyt ,at'ide their longbows for musket; and pikes; they discarded the pike foi the bayonet. When the army first adopted the rifle the Company followed suit.

And so this amazing survival of a bund of citizen archers hais always remained not only a force to be reckoned with, but one with power of expansion within itself. In the Great War the Company sent and maintained five Dattenes and two on active iservice, besides supplying over four thousand officer.for other units. The. regiment won 42 battle honours, and the roll of dead contains 1760 names.

To-day its establishment is two batteries of horse artillery and one battalion of infantry, Each evening the wall's of Armoury Houtse resound to words of command, the tramp of feet and the clang of breech-blocks. On 'Saturdays swarms of stalwart members, products of the public schools, betake themselves to the mimic warfare of the football .or hockey field. In truth, the old Artillery Company is istill very much aliye.