MILITARY
(Contd.)
appropriate words, delivered them to the Ensigns, Charlston and Minchin, who received them kneeling.
683
206
Major General D'Aguilar then rode forward, and having thanked the ladies for their kindness, addressed the Colonel, officers, and men. This having been replied to by Colonel Campbell, the battalion re-formed line, the new Colours remaining at the place of consecration guarded by the two officers next in seniority to the Colonel, Brevet Lieut. Colonel Walter, and Captain Champion.
The grenadiers again moved out to the front, and proceeded to the centre to receive and troop the new Colours. Upon the arrival of the new Colours at the centre of the line, the old Colours then in charge of two Colour Sergeants, proceeded to the right of the line with the grenadiers, who, after presenting arms, marched with the old Colours and delivered them over to the Regimental Guard, the band playing "Auld Lang Syne." Upon the grenadiers rejoining the line, the battalion broke into open order and marched past in slow and quick time: after which the line advanced and presented arms. The Regiment then returned to quarters.
*
*
That did not conclude the celebrations. The old chronicles record that in the evening, a Ball was given by the officers.
The following day (February 16) at 2 p.m. a plentiful dinner of roast beef, plum pudding, with a pint of wine for each man, was provided for the Privates by Colonel Campbell; and in the evening, Sergeants with their wives, "and a number of respectable civilians", sat down to a very handsome entertainment got up under the superintendence of Mr. Dudgeon of the (Hong Kong) Club. The Regimental Band was in attendance after dinner, when an adjournment was made to another room, where dancing was kept up with great spirit till past 11 o'clock when the party was reluctantly compelled to separate.
At the Colour ceremony, Rev. Mr. Steedman's address to the assembly was in part as follows:
"Soldiers of H.M. 95th Regiment. You are assembled here to-day to witness one of the most interesting and imposing ceremonies in which a Regiment can be called upon to participate.
"The receiving its Colours naturally forms a remarkable period in the history of any corps, and must arouse in every bosom sentiments of loyalty and affection to our Gracious Queen by whom they are committed to your keeping; and I doubt not these will be honourably kept by you with as great gallantry and devotion as ever characterized British troops. On this point however it would be unbecoming in me to address you, and especially at the present time.
"But, Soldiers, when you remember the solemn manner in which these Colours are consecrated, and confided to you as a sacred pledge by the agency of religion, and we trust also with the blessing of Almighty God, you will, I am sure, consider too, how much it is your duty, not only to defend them to the last by your bravery in battle, should your services be required; but also in time of peace to act as Christian soldiers, who recognise the sacred principles of religion in their daily life."
Mr. Steedman's remarks then took the form of a sermon, and he concluded with a prayer.
When presenting the new Colours, Mrs. Campbell, in her own name and that of Miss Campbell, spoke to the following effect:
"Colonel Campbell and 95th Regiment, - Miss Campbell and myself feel much interested as well as gratified in having the honour of presenting these Colours to a Regiment we have known
MILITARY
(Contd.)
appropriate words, delivered them to the Ensigns, Charlston and Minchin, who received them kneeling.
683
206
Major General D'Aguilar then rode forward, and having thanked the ladies for their kindness, addressed the Colonel,
officers, and men. This having been replied to by Colonel Campbell, the battalion re-formed line, the new Colours remaining at the place of consecration guarded by the two officers next in seniority to the Colonel, Brevet Lieut. Colonel Walter, and Captain Champion.
The grenadiers again moved out to the front, and preceeded to the centre to received and troop the new Colours. Upon the arrival of the new Colours at the centre of the line, the old Colours then in charge of two Colour Sergeants, proceeded to the right of the line with the grenadiers, who, after presenting arms, marched with the old Colours and delivered them over to the Regimental Guard, the band playing "Auldland syne." Upon the grenadiers rejoining the line, the battalion broke into open order and marched past in slow and quick time: after which the line advanced and presented arms. The Regiment then returned to quarters.
*
*
That did not conclude the celebrations. The old chronicles record that in the evening, a Ball was given by the officers.
The following day (February 16 at 2 p.m. a plentiful dinner of reast beef, plum pudding, with a pint of wine for each man, was provided for the Privates by Colonel Campbell; and in the evening, Sergeants with their wives, "and a number of respectable civilians", sat down to a very handsome entertainment got up under the superintendence of Mr. Dudgale of the (Hong Kong) Club. The Regimental Band was in attendance after dinner, when an adjournment was made to another room, where dancing was kept up with great spirit till past 11 o'clock when the party was reluctantly compelled to separate.
At the Colour ceremony, Rev. Mr. Steedman's address to the assembly was in part as follows:
"Soldiers of H.M. 95th. Regiment You are assembled here to-day to witness one of the most interesting and imposing ceremonies in which a Regiment: dan be called upon to participate.
"The receiving its Colours naturally forms a remarkable period in the history of any corps, and must arouse in every bosom sentiments of loyalty and affection to our Gracious Queen by whom they are committed to your keeping; and I doubt not these will be honourably kept by you with as great gallantry and devotion as ever characterized British troops. On this point however it would be unbecoming in me to address you, and especially at the present time.
"But, Soldiers, when you remember the solemn manner in which these Colours are consecrated, and confided to you as a sacred pledge by the agency of religion, and we trust also with the blessing of Almighty God, you will, I am sure, consider too, how much it is your duty, not only to defend them to the last by your bravery in battle, should your services be required; but also in time of peace to act as Christian soldiers, who recognise the sacred principles of religion in their daily life."
Mr. Steedman's remarks then took the form of a sermon, and he concluded with a prayer.
When presenting the new Colours, Mrs. Campbell, in her own aame and that of Miss Campbell, spoke to the following effect:
"Colonel Campbell and 95th. Regiment, - Miss Campbell and myself feel much interested as well as gratified in having the honour of presenting these Colours to a Regiert we have known
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