THE NAVAL BRIGADE.

Thames Star, Volume III, Issue 1665, 20 April 1874, Page 2

THE NAVAL BRIGADE.

This corps mustered in numerical force almost equal to the Scottish, and a cleaner or finer body of men could scarcely be desired by a mano'-war officer. On Major Gordon entering the room the band struck up " God Save the Queen." This was rather an excess of loyalty, which the inspector quickly checked, thanking them for the compliment, but kindly reminding them that the National Anthem should only be played on the reception of a representative of Her Majesty. The senior petty officer was called to the front, who put the men through company drill, which the men performed very creditably; but the Major did' not seem pleased, tell-, ing the petty officer that the drill was old and had been discarded. Capt." Brassey afterwards put tfhe men through various evolutions at Col. Gordon's request, some of which were evidently new, to the company, consequently the men became slightly confused, but nothing to complain of. On the conclusion of the inspection Major Gordon said the men had passed a ■ tolerably good examination, and had' just come within the clause entitling them to the capitation money.- As a Naval Brigade howould like to have seen the men more supple, as they had no belts to stiffen them. The Major further remarked the guns wanted housing, the wood being almost rotten/ consequent upon exposure. He admitted that the company had been at considerable expense in building and in perfecting themselves. ; Perhaps on future inspections they would pass muster with the credit their seaman-like appearance warranted.