Battalion Drill.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3426, 15 December 1879, Page 3

Battalion Drill.

On Saturday aftecnoou, <Ue Thames Scottish Buttalion, the Haurati Engineers and the Natal Brigade assembled opposite the Naval Hall, and after being inspected by Major Murray were marched off to the "review ground," as the new reclamation is now called by the volunteers. The column marched through the Streets of Grahamstown (after leaving the Naval parade grtmnd) without in any way diminishing the front of their companies. The several corps appeared t© be all about the same average strength, which made this tnnuner of proceeding imposing and effective. On arrival at the reclamation ground the column wheeled to the left, and formed line to the right 00 tho leading company. A series of useful battalion movements followed, the most interesting of winch was the change of front by the wheel of half companies around the centre, and which elicited general admiration from the assembled populace. A hollow square was formed and turned inwards when Major Murray took occasion to present the District Belt to Petty- Officer A. Thomas of the Natals. Major Murray said he felt great pleasure in making the presentation. He had known Mr Thomas from boyhood and knew him to be a good citizen, a crack shot, and an ardent volunteer, he was, in fact, a credit to the Naval Brigade, as tho Brigade itself was to the district. The members of the Brigade hare had the good fortune to secure the District Champion Belt for the last five consecutive quarterly competitions. The several companies turned out on Saturday in good strength, and the drill performed was creditable alike to officers and men. 'he marching on the reclamation was irksome owing to the rough nature of the ground. We would advise a " working bee " of the volunteers to roll their review ground before another battalion drill is called. The drill was, however, considered by competent eyewitnesses a very great success. The battalion movements, though frequently unintelligible and excessively uninteresting to uninitiated civilians, are most essential for the instruction of the volunteers. It is impossible a company can be of any use, when formed into battalion, unless it is perfect at the movements which were practised on Saturday. The men themselves understood the use of them, and a few more such afternoons would make the combined local battalion a first-rate battalion in tbe field. We would point out however that wheu skirmishers are thrown out to cover a projected change of front or other movement, more promptitude should be displayed than was the case on this occasion. Rushes of swarms of skirmishers are now the order of the day; all movements in skirmishing order should, in fact, bo executed at the double pace. The effect produced is then exciting and interesting to those concerned, as well as to the spectators. After the conclusion of the drill, the battalion was marched off the ground, each company being beaded "by its band, and the men were dismissed on their private parades. Major Murray notified that a month's holiday would be given from that- date. The next ©fficial inspection will take place in the latter part of next month, when probably Major Withers will visit the district.