Volunteer Inspection and Battalion Drill.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3384, 27 October 1879, Page 2

Volunteer Inspection and Battalion Drill.

The following companies paraded for monthly inspection and battalion drill on Saturday afternoon:—Thames Scottish Battalion No. 1 and 2 companies, Thames Kifle Bangers and Thames Naval Brigade, which latter was formed into two companies, making fire companies in all with a total of about 230. The men all looked well, the Bangers especially—tbis fine corps being the cynosure of all eyes. They were clad in the habiliments of the British soldier, regulation helmet and all complete, and their bearing and steadiness was a matter of general comment. The assembly ground was in front of the Naval Bail, and after each compauy had been carefully inspected by Major Murray, the battalion was marched off to the reclaimed ground near the Burke street wharf—that large open space, though somewhat rough, being well adapted for extended battalion movements. Armed on the ground, skirmishers, under Captain Watsou, were then sent to the front tinder corer of which the line advanced, to annihilate an enemy supposed to be attempting to land. The skirmishers were closed, and the line retired, covered by the sixth files. On the skirmishers again closing the line was formed for attack according to the new mode by alternate files. The three lines (fighting, support, »nd reserve) were very smartly formed. The first under Captain Watson, the second Captain Farrell, and Lieut. Gavin, and the third under Lieut. Johnstone. The fighting line ; was reinforced from time to time until the whole were up. The line was then retired in echelon from the left, fronted, and direction changed to right, and line formed on the lending company. This movement entirely changed the order of eonpaniei, attd was well done, although

tho ground .was very rough. _ Column was formed on No 2 company ; Hue again formed, and a retirement made by the right in renr of tho left. After some further movements, square on the leading company was formed, the ranks turning inwards, and Major Murray presented several prizes for firing competitions. The «corps were marched off to their respective drill'flheds, and this concluded a very successful afternoon drill, which, no doubfc it' repeated, will be found of great benefit to the men.