MILITARY
As for Seven and Sixpenny Hill, I have heard two versions, one of which is that it came to be bestowed by the soldiers who went up there to draw their weekly pay of 7s. 6d.; but a far more interesting derivation, and one which I believe is the correct version, recalls the days when our soldiers wore red tunics. These cost 7s. 6d. to replace, and it is declared that every time an inebriated man failed to negotiate the steep slope of an evening, and fell and damaged his tunic, he had to pay that amount in due course. Undoubtedly the hill still forms a severe test for anyone whose legs are inclined to sag at the knees, and one can imagine with what apt allusion the former Tommies of the garrison bestowed the name, which was finally accepted officially and will (one hopes) remain for the enlightenment of future generations.
"Bindihi",
"I have heard another reason for the name of Seven-and-Sixpenny Hill (6.7.33). The legend is that that path was the via dolorosa of Tommies who had celebrated not wisely but too well. The usual fine was, it is said, 7s. 6d.
A notable military review took place in July, 1866, on the parade ground facing the barracks. It was stated that there had not been such a display of military force in the Colony since the departure of the troops from the camp at Kowloon, en route to Pekin for the campaign of 1860.
At the review under notice, in addition to His Excellency the Governor and Lady McDonnell, there was present His Royal Highness the Duc d'Alencon. The Brigade consisted of 54 Officers and men of the Royal Artillery; 49 Gun Lascars, 479 Officers and men of the 2/20th Regiment and 256 Officers and men of the Beylon Rifles.
The parade took place at 5.30 p.m. After a salute of 21 guns was fired and the usual march-past had taken place, we are told that, changing front, facing the sea, the Brigade prepared to resist the landing of an enemy. The Hong Kong Mercury thus describes what followed:
"Skirmishers were thrown out from the left along the front of the line, and took post close to the water's edge, behind the stones and trees that line the Praya; the supports lay down close to the road, the reserves formed line across the Parade Ground with a half Battery in rear of the centre. The other two guns were in position on the right and left of the skirmishers and a brisk fire was speedily opened on the enemy's boats advancing to the landing place. Hotter and hotter grew the fire, nearer and nearer pressed the foe; a landing is effected; the light troops must retire. A bugle rings out the swift sharp notes of the retire; and the skirmishers come pouring in, at the double, round the flanks of the line to form up in rear as a reserve. The guns come galloping up and take post on the flanks. No sooner is the front clear than a biting fire runs along the line, up and down from right to left and from left to right; now dying away for a moment, now bursting out again with redoubled vigour. The big guns speak out now and again and form a base to the sharp treble of the rifles. The bugles sound again to cease firing, and as the smoke clears off, the enemy are no longer seen; they are gone, beaten back into the sea. Again the Brigade forms fronting to the East, but now in contiguous quarter distance columns with the officers and the colours in front. Again, as the Staff advance, the Brigade presents arms and salutes with waving standards. The General addresses a few words to them, and retires.
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