HONGKONG VOLUNTEER CORPS, TRAINING, 1898-1899.
From Colonel R. B. Mainwaring, Acting Commandant, Hongkong Volunteer Corps —
To the Deputy Assistant Adjutant-General (A) and Chief Staff Officer, China.
VOLUNTEER HEAD QUARTERS
Victoria, 17th April, 1899.
Sir,
I have the honour to forward herewith the documents mentioned in the margin relating to the training of the Hongkong Volunteer Corps for the season of 1898-99 for the information of His Excellency the Major-General Commanding and for favour of transmission to His Excellency the Governor.
1. Nominal Roll of Efficient.
2. Nominal Roll of Efficient, Field Battery.
3. Report on Gun Practice, Field Battery.
4. Report on Gun Practice, "A" Machine Gun Company.
5. Return of Revolver Practice of Officers and Staff Sergeants.
6. Copy of Inspection State.
7. State of Corps 36th April, 1899.
ESTABLISHMENT.
2. It will be seen by Enclosure 7, with the corresponding document for the training 1897-98, that the total strength of the Corps is now 181 of all ranks, as against 176 of all ranks at the former date. This is the greatest strength to which the Corps has yet attained since its re-organization in 1893.
During the past season, 3 members have died, 12 have been struck off the strength for non-efficiency, and 26 have resigned. Of the resigning members, 12 have left the Colony and 1 has been discharged on Medical Certificate. 16 new members have been enrolled.
The Field Battery now numbers 117 and the "A" Machine Gun Company numbers 58 as compared with an Establishment of 80 and 51 respectively.
The new draft Regulations submitted to you under this Office No. 3 of 4th instant make provision for 3 Machine Gun Companies (the requisite guns for them are all in stock) and also a small Engineer Company. Immediately on the approval of the Governor-in-Council to these Regulations, I shall proceed to raise the Engineer Company and every endeavour will be made to raise the other 2 Machine Gun Companies during the ensuing drill season.
3. The Fife and Drum Band of the Corps is making great effort to obtain proficiency and the draft Regulations submitted allow of its existence, and give substantive rank to the Non-Commissioned Officers employed with it.
The thanks of all Ranks of the Corps are especially due to the Officers Commanding the King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment and the 2nd Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers for so kindly lending their Bands to the Corps on the many occasions found necessary and also the services of their Sergeant Drummers as Instructors, who have brought the Fife and Drum Band of the Corps up to the standard of efficiency it has reached.
4. The changes among the Officers of the Corps during the season have been :--
His Excellency Sir W. ROBINSON, G.C.M.G., Honorary Colonel of the Corps, vacated his appointment on the 31st January, 1899, and not as stated in the last Training Report of the Corps.
His Excellency Sir H. A. BLAKE, G.C.M.G., Governor and Commander-in-Chief of this Colony and its dependencies, has very kindly accepted the appointment of Honorary Colonel to the Corps.
Captain L. A. C. GORDON, Royal Artillery, Adjutant of the Corps, resigned his appointment on the 10th April, 1899, on proceeding to England on leave. This Officer during his services as Adjutant to the Corps extending over a period of 4 years, has done much good work for the Corps, and his departure is much regretted by all Ranks.
Captain W. ST. C. BLAND, Royal Artillery, took over the duties of Adjutant of the Corps from 11th instant.
Surgeon-Lieutenant F. O. STEDMAN, M.D., (Lond.), was promoted to Surgeon-Captain on the 15th February, 1899.
Mr. A. H. LEE-NORMAN was appointed Supernumerary Lieutenant in the Field Battery on the 25th November, 1898, and was appointed Aide-de-Camp to His Excellency the Governor; this Officer resigned his Commission on the 4th February, 1899, on leaving the Colony.
Captain E. D. SANDERS, "A" Machine Gun Company, was appointed an Honorary Aide-de-Camp to His Excellency the Governor on the 9th instant.
DISCIPLINE, TRAINING, &c.
5. The discipline of the Corps has been exceptionally good throughout the season.
6. The usual Squad, Carbine, Company, Gun drills and practices have been well attended. Musketry drills have been performed but no Musketry practices, as by Home Volunteer Regulations these are not now required to enable Artillery Volunteers to become efficient although every effort has been made, and with good success, with the several carbine competitions held by each unit during the season.
Under the head of Drills the figures for the two existing units are as follows: ---
Field Battery —
68 have become Efficient with more than 40 drills.
25 have become Efficient with less than 40 drills.
24 are Non-Efficients.
117
"A" Machine Gun Company —
26 have become Efficient with more than 40 drills.
17 have become Efficient with less than 40 drills.
15 are Non-Efficients.
58
Of the 24 non-efficients of the Field Battery 14 are absent from the Colony without leave, 2 are on Medical Certificate, and the remaining 8 although in the Colony have not completed the requisite number of drills and will be called upon to show cause of non-efficiency.
In the case of the 15 non-efficients of the "A" Machine Gun Company, 5 are absent from the Colony on leave, 5 are absent from the Colony without leave, 1 is a recruit who has not had sufficient time since joining to complete his drills, 1 is on medical certificate, and the remaining 3 although in the Colony have not completed the requisite number of drills, and will be called upon to show cause of non-efficiency.
7. From the 22nd to the 31st October, 1898, a Camp of Instruction was held under canvas on Stonecutters' Island. The use of the Naval Range was kindly lent by the Naval Authorities. The Camp was well attended and much appreciated by all, and to it much of the efficiency of the Corps is attributed.
The Camp year by year seems more popular.
8. Gun practices have taken place as shown in Enclosures Nos. 3 and 4.
No practice was held this past season with the 64-pounder R.M.L. Guns, as orders were given that they were to be dismantled.
The 7-pounder R.M.L. and Machine Gun Competitions were held at Repulse Bay on the 10th February last, and the shooting was good and a great improvement on past years. A report of the competition was forwarded to His Excellency the General Officer Commanding under this Office No. 3 of 24th February, 1899.
9. The annual Carbine Competition in connection with the Corps was held on the 15th instant, and will be continued on the 22nd instant. A large number of valuable prizes have again been presented for which all Ranks are grateful.
10. Revolver practice by the Officers and Staff Sergeants has been held, report as Enclosure No. 5.
11. Coolie draught was tried once during the past season in conveying guns, targets, etc., to Repulse Bay on 10th February last, but much time was lost and it cost more than conveyance by water.
SERVICES.
12. Captain W. ST. C. BLAND, Royal Artillery, who took over the Adjutancy of the Corps on 11th instant, has entered into his duties with zeal and enthusiasm, and promises to be as popular with all Ranks as Captain GORDON, Royal Artillery, the late Adjutant.
13. Captain A. CHAPMAN, Field Battery, was one of the Committee appointed to enquire into the interior economy, etc., of the Corps, which report was approved by Government, and which dealt fully with, I think, every question appertaining to the Corps.
555
HONGKONG VOLUNTEER Coars, TRAINING, 1898-1899.
From Colonel R. B. Mainwaring, Acting Commandant,Hongkong Volunterr Corps-
To the Deputy Assistant Adjutant-General (A) and-Chief Staff Officer;-China.
VOLUNTEER HEAD QUARTERS
Vicronia, 17th April, 1899. Sin, I have the honour to forward herewith the documents mentioned 2. Nominal Holl of Efficients in the margin relating to the training of the Hongkong Volunteer Corps for
1. Nominal Roll of Efficient,
Field Tattery.
"A Machine Gun Com- the season of 1898-99 for the information of His Excellency the Major-General
pany.
3. Report on Gun Practice, Field & ommuunding and for favour of transmission to His Excellency the Governor.
Battery.
4. Report on Gan Practice, "A"
Machine Gun Company.
5. Return of Revolver Practice of
Officers and Sraft Sergeants.
6. Copy of Inspection State.
ESTABLISHMENT.
し
2. It will be seen by Enclosure 7, with the corresponding document for
7. State of Corps 36th April, 1899. the training 1897-98, that the total strength of the Corps is now 181 of all
ranks, as against 176 of all ranks at the former date. This is the greatest strength to which the Corps has yet attained since its re-organization in 1893.
During the past season, 3 members have died, 12 have been struck off the strength for non- efficiency, and 26 have resigned. Of the resigning members, 12 have left the Colony and 1 has been discharged on Medical Certificate. 16 new members have been enrolled.
The Field Battery now numbers 117 and the "A" Machine Gun Company numbers 58 as com-: pared with an Establishment of 80 and 51 respectively.
The new draft Regulations submitted to you ander this Office No. 3 of 4th instant make provision for 3 Machine Gun Companies (the requisite guns for them are all in stock) and also a small Engineer Company. Immediately on the approval of the Governor-in-Council to these Regula- tions, I shall proceed to raise the Engineer Company and every endeavour will be made to raise the other 2 Machine Gun Companies during the ensuing drill season.
3 The Fife and Drum Band of the Corps is ñinking great chort to obtain proficiency and the draft Regulations submitted allow of its existence, and give substantive rank to the Non-Commissioned Officers employed with it.
The thanks of all Ranks of the Corps are especially due to the Officers Commanding the King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment and the 2nd Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers for so kindly lending their Bands to the Corps ou the many occasions found necessary and also the services of their Sergeant Drummers as Instructors, who have brought the Fife and Drum Band of the Corps up to the standard of efficiency it has reached.
4. The changes among the Officers of the Corps during the season have been :--
His Excellency Sir W. ROBINSON, G.C.M.G., Honorary Colonel of the Corps, vacated his appointment on the 31st January, 1899, and not as stated in the last Training Report of the Corps.
His Excellency Sir H. A. BLAKE, G.C,M.G., Governor and Commander-in-Chief of this Colony and its dependencies, has very kindly accepted the appointment of Honorary Colonel to the Corps.
Captain L. A. C. Gounox, Royal Artillery, Adjutant of the Corps, resigned his appoint- ment on the 10th April, 1899, on proceeding to England on leave. This Officer during his services as Adjutant to the Corps extending over a period of 41 years, has done much good work for the Corps, and his departure is much regretted by all Ranks.
Captain W. ST. C. BLAND, Royal Artillery, took over the duties of Adjutant of the Corps from 11th instant.
Surgeon-Lieutenant F. (). STEDMAN, M.D., (Lond.), was promoted to Surgeon-Captain on the 15th February, 1899.
Mr. A. H. LEE-NORMAN was appointed Supernumerary Lieutenant in the Field Battery on the 25th November, 1898, and was appointed Aide-de-Camp to His Excellency the Governor; this Officer resigned bis Commission on the 4th February, 1899, on leaving the Colony.
Captain E D. SANDERS, "A" Machine Gun Company, was appointed an Honorary Aide-do-Camp to His Excellency the Governor on the 9th instant.
DISCIPLINE, TRAINING, &c.
5. The discipline of the Corps has been exceptionally good throughout the season.
6. The usual Squad, Carbine, Company, Gun drills and practices have been well attended. Musketry drills have been performed but no Musketry practices, as by Home Volunteer Regulations these are not now required to enable Artillery Volunteers to become efficient although every effort has been made, and with good success, with the several carbine competitions held by each unit during the Winson.
Under the head of Drills the figures for the two existing units are as follows: ---
Field Battery-
"A
68 have become Efficient with more than 40 drills.
25 bave become Efficient with less than 40 drills.
24 are Non-Efficients.
117
Machine Gun Company-
26 have become Efficient with more than 40 drills.
17 have become Efficient with less than 40 drills.
15 are Non-Efficients.
58
Of the 24 non-efficients of the Field Battery 14 are absent from the Colony without leave, 2 are on Medical Certificate, and the remaining 8 although in the Colony have not completed the requisite number of drills and will be called upon to show cause of non-efficiency.
In the case of the 15 non-efficients of the "A" Machine Gon Company, 5 are absent from the Colony on leave, 5 are absent from the Colony without leave, 1 is a recruit who has not had sufficient time since joining to complete his drills, I is on medical certificate, and the remaining 3 atnõuga ☎ the Colony have not completed the requisite number of drills, and will be called upon to show cause of non-efficiency.
7. From the 22nd to the 31st October, 1898, a Camp of Instruction was held under canvas on Stonecutters' Island. The use of the Naval Range was kindly lent by the Naval Authorities. The Camp was well attended and much appreciated by all. and to it much of the efficiency of the Corps in attributed.
The Camp year by year seems more popular
8. Gun practices bave taken place as shown in Enclosures Nos. 3 and 4.
No practice was held this past season with the 64-pounder R.M.L. Guus, as orders were given that they were to be dismantled.
The 7-pounder R.M., and Machine Gun Competitions were held at Repulse Bay on the 10th February last, and the shooting was good and a great improvement on past years. competition was forwarded to His Excellency the General Officer Commanding under this Office A report of which No. 3 of 24th February, 1899,
9. The annual Carbine Competition in connection with the Corps was held on the 15th instant, and will be continued on the 22nd instant. A large number of valuable prizes bave again been presented for which all Ranks are grateful.
10. Revolver practice by the Officers and Staff Sergeants has been held, report as Enclosure No. 5, 11. Coolie draught was tried once during the past season in conveying guns, targets, etc., to Repulse Bay on 10th February last, but much time was lost and it cost more than conveyance by
water.
SERVICES.
12. Captain W. ST. C. BLAND, Royal Artillery, who took over the Adjutancy of the Corps on 11th instant, has entered into his duties with zeal and enthusiasm, and promises to be as popular with all Ranks
as Captain GORDON, Royal Artillery, the late Adjutant.
13. Captain A. CHAPMAN, Field Battery, was one of the Committee appointed to enquire into the interior economy, etc., of the Corps, which report was approved by Government, and which dealt fully with, I think, every question appertaining to the Corps.
I
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.