Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery 1859 to 1899

Introduction

Many of the records of the artillery of Bristol were lost or destroyed during World War 1. The work of collecting and compiling the records of the unit from its formation carried out in the 1931 by Serjeant Major, Instructor In Gunnery, Brigade Regimental Serjeant Major, F. Healy from the official war diaries filed in the record office and from notes news cuttings and publications. Major J. Smith RA (V) MBE TD wrote the article "The Bristol Gunner Tradition." Derek Driscoll put both articles on his "The Bristol Gunner" website and this page is based on that.

As Major Smith wrote, "Regrettably a comprehensive history of the Volunteer Artillery Movement in Bristol has yet to be written. The task of unraveling the kaleidoscope of amalgamations that went to produce the ancestry of the present Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery unit needs more investigation to make it complete. The following is intended as a starting point for further research in the future."

19th Century

1859

In September 1859, a circular letter was sent by Sidney Herbert, 1st Baron Herbert of Lea, the secretary of state for war, to the Lord Lieutenants of candidates to the effect that the government had expressed a decided preference for artillery rather than rifle Corps in maritime neighbourhoods. The Lord Lieutenant of Gloucester the (the Earl of Ducie) thereupon addressed a letter to the Mayor of Bristol, in answer to a requisition made to him by Mr Hirst and others, who had expressed of their willingness to enrol themselves in an Artillery Corps. Informing him that the formation of an artillery Corps with headquarters in Bristol would not only receive official sanction, but would be considered a valuable adjacent to the volunteer force already established.

Major Henry Bourchier Osborne Savile, then Major of the newly formed Rifle Corps, was selected by the Lords Lieutenant of Gloucestershire and Somerset to raise the Artillery Corps of these counties. The Major was made Major Commandant of the new Artillery Corps on 21 December 1859 and which which he commanded for fourteen years retiring in 1874 and then served the Corps as the Honorary Colonel.

Colonel Henry Bourchier Osborne Savile

On the 22 November 1859, the Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery (GVA) was formed, making it's headquarters at the Artillery Ground, Whiteladies Rd. Clifton, Bristol. The unit started with five batteries with a sixth added later. The GVA were tasked with the defence of the Bristol Channel and the ports of Bristol and Gloucester and were fully paid for and organised by the City of Bristol, it was not part of the War Office responsibilities. The motto of the GVA is 'Fidus et Audax', which is Latin, meaning 'Loyal and Audacious.' It was chosen by the original officers of the GVA as values to be aspired to by everyone who serves in the GVA. History has shown that The Bristol Gunners have never failed to live up to these ideals.

1960

In May 1860, the newly formed Gloucestershire Artillery Volunteers were fortunately able to secure a long lease from the Society of Merchant Venturers of the existing parade ground on Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol, and an appeal was made to the public for funds for the construction of an armoury, sheds and stores at a cost of £1,100, while a Drill Hall was added in 1895, at a further cost of £1,200. They received four 18 pounder smooth bore guns from the War Office which were installed on the old Avon Battery site at Avonmouth on 21 July 1860, and used for firing practice at a sea target. Earthworks were also built and used in connection with ball practice. In April 1860, Sidney Herbert, the Secretary for War, had informed the Town Clerk of Bristol that the War Office intended to restore the old battery at Portishead Point for the protection of Bristol. The site was purchased from Richard Bright in 1864, re-roofed, the magazines repaired, and two platforms installed for the two ton 32 pounders, the Gloucestershire Artillery Volunteers finally taking possession of their new practice ground on 23 October 1865.

The newly formed artillery corps on May 15., 1860, appointed William McAdam from the Royal Artillery, as captain and adjutant and their surgeon as A.G. Power, late of S.A.S. [we are not certain what this was]. The Bandmaster was Mr. J. H. Hirst with the Leader being J. O. Brooks.

As well as the above officers each battery also had four Sergeants, four Corporals, three trumpeters, and 75 men. Two of the sergeants were Thomas McInerny, R.A. and John Cox, R.A.

Sholto Vere Hare became Lord Mayor in 1862, and E. Gore Langton was the son of a former Mayor.

The following is an extract from "The Rules Bristol and Gloucestershire Artillery Corps 1859"

That each member absent from either of the parades fixed by the commanding officer, at the time of roll call, shall be fined sixpence; and if absent during the all time of the parade, one shilling; if absent from the commanding officers parade, the fines shall be double; who shall talk, or laugh, or misbehave whilst on parade or under arms, for each offence sixpence; who shall come on parade not uniformly dressed or accoutred after the first muster or after being attached to his company 14 days, one shilling.

Each member quitting the parade without the leaves of that superior officer present, five shillings. N. C. O's and gunners shall for this disobedience of any order, or other disrespectful conduct towards an officer whilst on duty or under arms, for the first offence such some not exceeding 10 shillings, as the commanding officer in his discretion shall inflict.

When not on actual service, service members could quit the Corps by giving 14 days notice.

Officers paid an annual subscription of three guineas, and other ranks an annual subscription of one guinea and each member had to find his own clothing, arms and accoutrements which had to be in accordance with the prescribed patterns.

A band was formed and supported by donation and voluntary subscription, officers of the Corps paid an annual subscription of £2, 2 shillings.

Fees of honour were paid by officers on an appointment to the clerk of the peace as follows: Major £30, Captain £20, Lieutenant £10, Second Lieutenant £5 pounds as well as an entrance fee of five guineas and the annual subscription of three guineas, or a donation of £20.

On 13 February 1860, William, Prince of Orange of the Netherlands arrived in Bristol on his way to Badminton. He was visiting the British Royal Family as a potential suitor for Princess Alice, Queen Victoria's second daughter. William was the eldest son of King William III of the Netherlands. The Times newspaper the next day reported that:

The Prince of Orange at Bristol

His Royal Highness the Prince of Orange arrived at Bristol yesterday by the morning express train, en route for Badminton on a visit to his Grace the Duke of Beaufort. His Royal Highness, who travelled in one of the Royal carriages, was attended by Count L. De. Bylandt, Minister of the Netherlands, Lieutenant-Colonel Van Dan Bosch, Colonel Rechteran, and Colonel Seymour, Equerry to her Majesty. On arrival of the train at the Bristol Station, the Prince and his suite were received by the Mayor (Mr. John Bates), who, though he received no official intimidation of the visit, thought it his duty to give his Royal Highness a reception worthy of the renown of the old city for loyalty. A considerable number of the Volunteer Rifle Corps, accompanied by their band, and of the Artillery Volunteer Corps were in attendance to form a guard of honour.

On alighting from the carriage, his royal Highness was greeted with loud cheers, the Volunteers presented arms, and the band of the rifles played the Dutch National Hymn. His Royal highness was escorted to the mayor's private carriage, into which he entered with is worship, his suite following, and the party having proceeded to the White Lion, partook of a sumptuous breakfast. The Prince afterwards proceeded to Clifton, and inspected still unfinished suspension bridge, the observatory, and other objects of interest, continuing his trip to the sea walls. His Royal Highness made several inquiries as to the capacity of the river of which he obtained such a magnificent view from the downs, and expressed his great delight at the sublimity of the scenery. Returning to the city, he paid a visit to the extensive sugar refinery of Mssrs. Fingal, where he was heartily greeted by the men. His Royal Highness, however, regretted that he was unable to go over this vast establishment, and that time precluded him from inspecting the church of St. Mary Redcliff.

At 10 minutes to 4 the Prince and his suite left Bristol by Midland Railway for Gate station, where he was met by carriages of the Duke of Beaufort and conveyed to Badminton. Before quitting the old city, the Netherlands Minister, on behalf of the Prince, thanked the Mayor for the reception he had experienced and desired his special acknowledgements to be conveyed to Colonel Bush and Major Savile, and through them to the gentlemen under their command, for the attendance of the Rifle and Artillery Volunteer Corps. Colonel Seymour also expressed his obligations to the Mayor and citizens for the hearty welcome which had been accorded to the Prince of Orange.

General Sir Richard Dacres, obtained the grant of four 18 pounder smooth bore guns for the Corps whilst commandant at Woolwich. These guns were originally intended for the Crimea. The guns arrived at Bristol on 26 April 1860, in the Brig "Nautilius" at the quay near Prince Street Bridge and where escorted to the enclosure in front of the Victoria Rooms by the Queen Charlton Troop of the North Somerset Yeomanry under Captain Haviland, the Bristol rifles under Lieutenant-Colonel Bush and the Bath rifles under Captain Ford. In the evening a Banquet which was attended by 500 was given in the Victoria rooms.

On 21 July 1860, the four 18 pounder, smooth bore guns were removed to Avonmouth, and fired for the first time. On 23 July, Her Majesty showed her a first public recognition of the volunteer movement by holding a grand review of the force in Hyde Park, at which the Gloucestershire Artillery was represented by a large proportion of the members.

A fifth battery was added on 8 August 1860

On 3 September 1860, 4 18 pounder guns arrived in Bristol for the GVA. The Times newspaper the next day reported that:

Bristol Volunteer Artillery Corps

The arrival of four 18-pounder guns and ammunition waggons for the use of this corps was celebrated yesterday by a public demonstration, which was one of the most enthusiastic witnessed for many years. The streets and shipping were gaily dressed with flags, and throughout the day merry peals issued from several church belfries, and cannon were discharged at various points.

The Bristol Volunteer Rifle and Artillery Corps mustered in Queen-square (the scene of the Bristol riots) at 3 o'clock, and were thence marched to Princess-street, where at half-past 3 a procession was formed in in the following order:- Detachment of Police; Queen Charlton troops of North Somerset Yeomanry Cavalry, under the command of Captain Haviland; band and right wing of the Bristol Volunteer Rifles, under the command of Lieutenant Bush; and band and corps of the Volunteer Artillery, under the command of Major Savile, with the guns and wagons, each drawn by four fine horses, sent for the occasion by Mr. Wall, traffic manager of the Bristol and Exeter Railway; the left wing of the Bristol Rifles, under command of Major Payne; two companies of the Bath Volunteer Rifle Corps; and rearguard of North Somerset Yeomanry Cavalry.

The route taken was by the Grove, Welsh-back, Bridge-street, Wine-street, Corn-street, Clare-street, through College-green, Park-street, and the Queen's-road, to the Victoria-rooms, Clifton, in the open areas in front of which the guns were placed for the day amid loud cheers. Throughout the whole line of procession the shops were closed, and the weather being remarkably fine, the occasion made a general holyday. In the evening a banquet took place at the Victoria-rooms.

18 September 1860, there was a review at Gloucester at which the Corps was present.

Captain Hare, Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery, 1860

Captain Hansom's Battery, Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery, 1860

1861

16 December 1861, there was a presentation of a testimonial to Major Savile.

On 23 December 1861, the Corps attended a funeral service held at the Cathedral in memory of the late Prince Consort. There was also a review at Warwick at which the Corps was present.

1862

17 June 1862, there was a review of about 10,000 volunteers which was held on Durdham Downs, in which the Corps took part. The restoration of the surface of the Downs was not achieved quickly. The Downs Committee instructed Captain A. M. Jones (later Colonel Arthur Mowbray Jones (1823-1889)) of Ringwood House, Pembroke Road, Adjutant of 1st Gloucestershire Regiment and Secretary of the Review Committee to fill holes left by the grandstand in September 1862.

1863

In November 1863, the 1st (Clevedon) Somerset Artillery Corps, the No 2 (Newham) and No 3 Gloucestershire Artillery Corps was formed with the Bristol Corps into an Administrative Brigade and was designated 1st Administrative Brigade and Gloucestershire Artillery Volunteers.

Also in 1863, the Bristol ladies by subscription procured Two Whitworth 3 pounder guns, and presented them to the Corps. The drill Hall was added at a further cost of £12,000 - being built to the plans of Mr C. F. Rumney a member of the Corps, and was opened on the 10 March 1865.

On 7 March 1863, the Corps attended in Hyde Park on the occasion of the public entry of the Princess Alexandra into London.

On 10 March 1863, on the occasion of the marriage of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales to the Princess Alexandra a letter addressed to the commanding all officer by order of the secretary of state for war.

[No Date shown]
V/G.A.
Sir, - I am directed like Col Mc Murdo, C.B. to convey to you, the officers, and non-commissioned officers, and gunners of the first Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery Corps, the thanks of the Rt Hon Secretary of state for war from the high standard of efficiency which the Corps is reported to have attained.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant, J. S. F. Dick, Major.
Assistant Inspector.
To Major Savile,
Commanding 1st Gloucestershire Artillery volunteers, Bristol.

Also on 10 March, the guns of the Corps fired a Royal Salute on Durdham Down.

24 June 1863, there was a review at Oxford at which the Corps was present.

22 August 1863, two Whitworth guns purchased by private subscription were presented to the Corps.

On 28 November 1863, the Newham, Gloucester and Clevedon Corps were formed into an administrative Brigade with the Bristol Corps. Major Savile appointed to the command of the Brigade with the rank of Lt. Col. Lord Glentworth Late of the rifle Brigade, was appointed Major of the Brigade.

1st Gloucestershire Artillery Volunteers in 1863
Far left is Lt. Bean, Captain and Adjtutant McAdam. Standing, Captain Tothill, Lt. Col. Savile, on the far right Lt. Hanson

1864

On 28 May 1864, there was a review in Hyde Park, at which the Corps was represented.

9 December 1864 - The Corps created a demonstration at the opening of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and fired a Salute.

1865

18 March 1865 - The Drill Hall at headquarters was opened.

3 May 1865 - Lord Glentworth appointed Major Commandant of the 1st Corps.

29 May 1865 - The practice range was removed from Avonmouth and established at Portishead for a land range.

30 July 1865 - A Bazaar and Fantasy Fair was held at headquarters in aid of the building fund of the Corps.

2 August 1865 - A review at Wells, at which the field guns were present.

1866

25 July 1866 A Review and Sham Fight at Lansdown, in which the Corps with its guns took part.

5 June 1867 - The Earl of Limerick resigned the rank of Major Commandant of the 1st Corps. Lieutenant. Col. Savile reverted to the command of the 1st Corps, in addition to that of the Brigade.

1867

17 August 1867 - A Sham Fight at Cadbury Camp at which the Corps was present.

1868

13 April 1868 - A Review and Sham fight took place at Portsmouth at which the Corps was present.

September 1868 - Mr. Midwinter appointed Bandmaster.

31 October 1868 - Captain C. D. Cave Esq. appointed Major of the Brigade in succession to the Earl of Limerick who had resigned.

1869

30 January 1869 - Major C. D. Cave Esq. appointed Major of the 1st. Corps in succession to the Lieut. Col. Savile who had resigned.

29 March, 1869 - The Clevedon Battery fire a volley at the opening of Clevedon pier

The opening of Clevedon Pier, 29 March 1869
Photo: Illustrated London News, 10 April 1869 via BBC News

19 June 1869 - A Sham fight at Almondsbury; the hill being defended by the guns of the Corps.

1870

August 1870 - Detachment attended the N.A.A. a camp at Shoeburyness.

1871

From October 1871, until July 1874, except for a short spell on Dartmoor in late July and early August 1873, 'K' Battery, 4 Brigade, Royal Artillery were at Horfield Barracks, Bristol, and in July of both 1872 and 1873 they availed themselves of the facilities at Portishead.

1871 - Officers examined for Certificates of Proficiency.

28 April 1871 - F. Bacon Esq., late R.M.A. appointed Major of the first Corps in succession to Major Cave who had resigned.

31 May 1871 - Camp formed at Portishead.

1872

In October 1872, 'F' battery (later known at No. Six Company) was raised by Captain W. M. Webb, who was posted to the command of it. The Whitfield Field guns (the private property of the Corps) were transferred to this company which was worked for a time at a field battery. The company obtained many of its members from amongst the students at the University College and the medical school, the legal profession, the banks and insurance companies this company provided many officers for the Corps in later years.

W.O.s and Staff Sgts and Sgts mess (Col. A. Versturme in civilian cloths)

Notes on the above photo: The badges of rank worn by the front rank, also the handlebar moustaches and the beard of one man who wears the rank of Sgt, who along with two other men wears a peak hat,(front row assume to be regulars) the others wear a pillbox hat. The man directly behind the Colonel in the picture is wearing an officers dark blue uniform. The Adjutant perhaps?. He has four lines of cord? decoration on the front of his jacket, so he is a Captain.

20 January 1872 - Sham fight at Portishead, and attack of the battery.

27 February 1872 - The Corps attended a Thanks Giving Service at Clifton Church on the recovery of H. R. H. the Prince of Wales.

1 April 1872 - Breech loading (BL) carbines first issued to the Corps.

11 August 1872 - Two detachments attended the National Artillery Association camp at Shoeburyness.

25 September 25 1872 - Major Bacon redesigned his rank in the 1st. Corps.

October 1872 - The formation of a 6th battery sanctioned by the Secretary of State for War.

In October 1872, the 6th battery was formed at Clifton.

1873

15 January 15 1873 - Colonel Blunt R.A. appointed Major Commandant of the Brigade.

12 June 1873 - Camp formed at Portishead 12 June 12th to 8 July.

30 July 30 1873 - Captain C. W. Jebb, late Lieutenant 60th rifles, appointed Major of the Brigade.

9 August 1873 - Lieutenant Colonel Savile resigned, and appointed honorary Colonel. Major Blunt, Brevet Colonel, retired list, Royal (late and Bombay) Artillery, promoted to be Lieutenant Colonel.

29 November 1873 - Lecture given by Major Straubenzee, R.A. on "Guns and Garrison Artillery".

16 December 16 1873 - A banquet of the Corps was held at the Grand Hotel, Bristol on the occasion of a testimonial being presented to Sergeant Major R. Blackie.

1874

15 June 1874 - 20th. Camp formed on Brean Down.

1875

31 July 1875 - Three detachments sent to Shoeburyness. Captain and Adjutant McAdam retires, and is succeeded by Captain J. R. J. Dewar R.A.

26 October 1875 - Major Jebb resigned his appointment.

1876

12 June 1876 - 12 June to 3 July Camp at Portishead.

3 August 1876 - A Detachment sent to Shoeburyness from 'F' battery, under the command of Sergeant C. Miller won a prize value £10, at the 40-pr Breech Loading Rifled (BLR) Gun (Shot) competition.

1877

20 January 1877 - Captain A. H. Versturme, late 59th foot, gazetted Major of the 1st. Corps.

14 March 1877 - Major A. Versturme appointed Major in the Brigade.

9 May 1877 - G. T. Godfrey-Faussett Esq., late 76th Foot, gazetted Major in the Brigade.

25 August 1877 - Practice at Brean down with 7 inch. Guns. A detachment sent to Shoeburyness.

1878

12 July 12 1878 - Visit of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales to Bristol when the Corps formed part of the guard of Honour.

17 July - 31 July 1878 = Camp formed at Clevedon.

August 1878 - A detachment was sent to Shoeburyness, from 'F' battery under the command of Sergeant C. Miller and won a prize value 16 Guineas, in the second competition with the 40pr B.L.R. Gun.

1 November 1878 - A Gymnastic class was formed.

1879

30 April 1879 - Major Godfrey-Faussett resigns his commission.

June 1879 - Captain Dewer R.A. Adjutant having been promoted to the rank of Major in the army retires and he is succeeded by Captain C. S. Graham. R.A.

12 July 1879 - A portion of the Brigade under the command of Captain Gardener attended a camp formed at Staddon Heights.

2 August 1879 - Three detachments attended you Shoeburyness: that from 'F' Battery, under the command of Sergeant A. C. St. Paul won Lord Longford's £10 prize at the 40pr B.L.R. gun (shot) competition.

17 August 1879 - Major Adolphus H. Versturme, gazetted Lieutenant Colonel in command of the 1st. Corps, and also of the administrative Brigade, in succession to Coronel A. Blunt R.A. who had resigned.

14 November 1879 - Surgeon L. A. Weatherly, of the Portishead battery, delivered a series of interesting ambulance lectures, which were after words was published in book form. [F.E. Weatherly the writer of "Danny Boy" song, lived at Portishead for a time and wrote a tune for the battery, he may be related, to the above L. A. Weatherly but I have lost the reference.]

Ray Thomas - 22 November 2924, I did a search for the connection between the Weatherly's and the Gloucestershire aretillery, here's what I found:

The gymnastic class re - formed from November to March.

1880

In March 1880, the Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery had become the 1st Gloucestershire Artillery Volunteers (Gloucester and Somerset).

The first administrative Brigade was consolidated into a single Corps with headquarters at Bristol, and designated the 1st Gloucestershire Artillery Volunteer Corps. The Corps consisted of 720 all ranks and distributed in nine batteries as follows:-

Batteries Nos. 1 to 6 at Clifton
Battery No. 7 at Newham
Battery No. 8 at Gloucester
Battery No. 9 at Clevedon

1 RA Gloucester pre 1908 white metal shoulder title shoulder title

12 - 21 June 1880. Camp formed at Portishead.

10 March 1880 - Organisation changed from Administrative Brigade to consolidated Corps.

7 August 1880 - Three detachment attended Shoeburyness, that from No1 Battery, Sergeant T. Adams won the third prize in the 40pdr. BLR Competition, and from No 6 Battery, Sergeaant C. Miller the fourth prize in the 64 pdr MLR (muzzle loading rifled) competition.

September 1880 - The formation of a Cadet Corps sanction by the Secretary of State for War. The gymnastic class reformed from November to February 1881.

1881

In 1881, the 1st Gloucestershire Artillery Volunteers moved their range from Portishead to Clevedon to have the benefits of a land range, but the practice battery at old battery remained intact until 1899 when the buildings at Portishead were finally demolished and the 64 pounder rifled, muzzle loading (RML) guns by then installed returned to stores.

28 February 1881 - The first parade in uniform of the Cadet Corps for the Adjutant’s inspection, and also on 14 of March for its first inspection by the Lieutenant Colonel Commanding the Corps.

23 April 1881 - Colonel A. Blunt R.A. Late C.O. of the Corps was entertained at mess by the officers and presented with a testimonial. Lectures on professional subjects were given in February, March, and April by the C.O. on Small Arms, their history and construction" by the Adjutant a systematic course of five lecturers on artillery, subjects: and by Captain R.N. Barklie and Lieutenant D. W. Whitmore officers in the Royal Engineer's, stationed at Bristol (exceeding to request), a lecture, respectively, on "the hasty preparation of a position for defence", and "Telegraphy, and its application in war-timequot;.

9 July 1881 - Grand review of the volunteers by the Queen in Windsor Great Park on the occasion of the coming of age of the force: 53,000 volunteers were present, including the 1st G.V.A. who gained great credit for their general appearance.

September 1881 - The range was moved from Portishead and Clevedon, to obtain a land instead of the sea range.

1882

5 April 1882 - William Francis Nelson, late Captain, and Honoury Major, Royal Artillery, gazetted Major in the Corps.

19 October 1882 - The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh visited Bristol, the Corps forming a guard of honour.

1883

August 1883 - The Corps attended at Shoeburyness, winning the Prince of Wales Prize, and that for the 10 inch competition.

1884

7 June 1884 - Inspected by Colonel Sir W. Hamilton commanding R.A. Western District, accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Cuming, commanding A.A. Welsh Division, R.A. Lieutenant Col Bisset, R.A. Captain Coffey R.A., and others.

July 1884 - The Corps, 100 strong, went into barracks at Plymouth, under Colonel Sir W. Hamilton, R.A.

2 August 1884 - Captain L. E. Coker, R.A. appointed adjutant, vice Major C. S. Graham R.A.

August 1884 - The Corps attended at Shoeburyness, wining the House of Lords and Commons Prize. Major Nelson resigns his commission.

The following comes from Arrowsmith's Dictionary of Bristol, edited by H. J. Spear and J. W. Arrowsmith of 1884:

1885

24 April 1885 - Frederick Cusac Ord, late Captain R.A. gazetted Major in the Corps.

23 May 1885 - The Corps went in to camp at Uphill. Practice was carried out from Brean down Fort with 7 inch 7 ton R. M. L. guns. The Corps at this period was equipped with 64 pr R.M.L. guns on wooden garrison carriages and 40 pr R.B.L. Armstrong Guns on travelling carriages.

1886

1886 - The Brigade again encamped at Uphill and practiced from Brean down Fort. During this period of the existence of the Corps drills work carried out from Easter to Whitsun at 7 - 15 a.m. and 7 - 30 pm. daily except Saturday and Sunday. The six days annual camp followed at the conclusion of the drills. A large proportion of the drills were devoted to foot drill and Battalion drill in close order was carried out on Saturday afternoons from four to 5pm.

1887

1887 - The Brigade encamped at Uphill. Captain T.H. Yabbicom, O.C. No1 Company was promoted Major.

1888

1888 - The Brigade encamped in the grounds of Clevedon Court, the residence of Sir Edmund H. Elton, Captain, Commanding No 9 Company at Clevedon. Practice was carried out from the battery at Old Clevedon of the Elton ware pottery family.

1889

1889 - The Brigade camped at Uphill and practised from Brean Down Fort. In December Colonel A. H. Versturme relinquished the command and Colonel F. C. Ord took over the command of the Brigade.

1890

1890 - Capt. H. O. Vincent was appointed adjutant vice Captain L.E. Coker. The Brigade camped at Uphill and practiced from Brean Down Fort.

1891

1891 - Major T. H. Yabbicom was promoted Lieutenant Colonel. The Brigade camped at Uphill and practiced from Brean Down Fort.

1892

1892 - In this year the Brigade ceased to form part of the Bristol Channel Defences and was allotted to the Plymouth Defences. Camp was held at Egg Buckland Fort Plymouth and practice carried out from Bovisand Fort. Whilst there the Brigade won the 1st prize in the 40 pr Repository competition of the Military Tournament, open to all Artillery Corps. The detachment selected to represent the Brigade in this competition was in the charge of C.S.M. W. A. Chandler and completed the test in 11 minutes and 15 seconds. The Brigade was rearmed with 6 inch and 8 inch R.M.L. Howitzers.

1893

1893 - The Brigade encamped at Staddon Heights Plymouth and practiced from there. Captain C. C. Savile, O.C. No 4 Company and Captain Sir Edmund H. Elton, O.C. No 9 Company were promoted Majors. General Lord Roberts distributed the Brigade prizes and addressed the Brigade at the Victoria Rooms. The strength at this time was 39 officers and 900 other ranks. 21 officers held certificates for higher attainments; this was only equalled by the one other unit in the country. As a result of the efficiency attained the Brigade was one of two units in the Western District to form a reserve in the Siege Train Carriage.

The Western Daily Press of 15 May 1893, wrote that:

Review and presentations of Volunteer Officers Decoration (V.D.) in Aston Park this was the first time that a parade was held, as the decoration was only granted last year. The number of 1st Gloucestershire Artillery Volunteers present were 25 officers, 575 N.C.O’s and men total 600 number of recipients of the V.D. to the GVA were 6.

1894

1894 - The Brigade camped at Staddon Heights, Plymouth and practiced from there.

1st Gloucester Gun Detachment Shoeburyness, 1894

Pictured above are Corporal Tyte, Sergeant Warren, Sergeant Lowther, Bombardier Hale, Gunner Balkwill, Corporal Anderson,
Gunner Colman,
Gunner Nichols. Bombardier Horton.

1895

1895 - Captain A. C. Currie was appointed Adjutant vice Captain H.O. Vincent. The Brigade camped at Fort Efford Plymouth, and practiced from office and Bovisand Fort. The Brigade attended a review of the Bristol Volunteers by Major General Sir Richard Harrison K.C.B. C.M.G. R.E. in Ashton Park on the 13th of May. The Volunteer Decoration for 20 years service was presented to Colonel Savile, Colonel Yabbicom and Captain (Hon. Major) Daniel who was the M.O. for Newent and Gloucestershire Batteries at this review. Honoury Lt. Colonels: Carter and Barge and Surgeon Lt. Col. Lansdown also were awarded the V.D.

4 March 1895 - The Times reported that Major and Hon Lieut. Col Sir E. H. Elton, bart. had been awarded the Victoriam Medal for 20 years service. The page may have meant the Volunteer Decoration.

Winners of the Prince of Wales prize, 2nd Howitzer and Scotland cup. 1895. The Total prize was £140

1896

1896 - No camp was held this year owing to an outbreak of smallpox in the county of Gloucestershire.

1897

1897 - The Brigade camped at Staddon Heights Plymouth and practiced there. Captain Houldsworth Hunt was appointed Adjutant vice Captain A.C. Currie. At this period the strength was 813 all ranks. On the 22nd of June at the Queen Victoria Jubilee celebrations, the Brigade was represented by a detachment of three officers and 44 other ranks under the command of Major Whitwell. Her Majesty's, Commeration Medals (silver medal for the officer in charge and Bronze for the senior non-commissioned officer) were received.

Queen Victoria's Parade, 1897

Note the Busby's been worn by the front and second ranks. and the lack of bayonets, this is because the unit has not had the Freedom of the City and County of Bristol granted to it. Queen Victoria is the small faced lady in the carriage.

23 November 1897 - Colonel. H. T. Yabbicom resigned his commission with permission to retain his rank and wear the uniform after 38 years with the Corps. Colonel Yabbicom was a surveyor for the Bristol City Council and was responsible for the paving and roads. Captain C. H. Cave and (Hon - Major) J. F. R. Daniel resigned.

GVA prizewinners 1897

Back line: The prizewinning team were C.S.M. Warren. Gunner Betty, Corporal Sage, Corporal Tyte, Corporal Ridler, Corporal Holloway, Corporal Jeffery, Corporal Gross, Gunner Nichols.
2nd line: Gunner Gould, Captain H. W. K. Waite, C.S.M. Pearce, Corporal Dunscombe, Gunner Davies, Sergeant Anderson.
Bottom line: Gunner Stevens, Bombardier Eyeves, Bombardier Horton.

1898

1898 - The Brigade camped at Fort Efford, Plymouth and carried out practice with Howitzers from Bovisand. The drill was carried out on 8 inch R.M.L.70 and 46 cwt howitzers, 6.6 inch Howitzers and 40 pdr R. M. L. guns on 6 foot parapet carriages. The strength of the Brigade at this time was 797 all ranks.

1899

1899 - The Brigade was rearmed in this year with 60 pounder R.M.L. guns. On the occasion of the visit of her Majesty Queen Victoria to Bristol 30 officers and 588 other ranks attended the parade. The Brigade camped at Staddon Heights. Captain M. Whitwell was promoted major and took over command of No. 1 Company. Lieutenant Woodley was promoted captain and appointed to command No. 4 Company. On the outbreak of the South African War members of the Brigade volunteer for service in the following categories (a) Active Service. (b) Garrison Duty at short notice. (c) A reserve of old members was formed.

10 February 1899 - The Times reported that the Acting Chaplain was the Rev. Canon J. G. Alford, M.A.

Rifle Competitions

Rifle shooting was a favourite and enjoyable part of the Volunteers training. I do not know where or when the following article was printed:

The annual prize meeting of the 1st Gloucestershire (City of Bristol) Volunteer Artillery Corps was held on Saturday at Avonmouth, where prizes, amounting in the aggregate to 110l. were competed for. The champion prizes, consisting of a silver gun, badge, and 3l. added, open only to members in the first class, five shots at each range (150, 200, 250, and 300 yards), target 6ft. by 2ft., was won by Gunner Brookman, with a score of 57. This is the third time this prize has been won by Gunner Brookman. The same Volunteer carried off the first prize in the second match (7l.), five shots each, at ranges of 200 and 300 yards, with a score of 33.

The other winners were Gunner Hedges, Sergeant-Major Curtin, Sergeant Thomas, Gunner Bastine, Gunner Vyle, Lieutenant Stock, Sergeant Franklin, Corporal Pole, Gunner Hale, Gunner Fry, Gunner Greenslade, Corporal Counsell, Colonel Savile, Gunner Wood, Gunner Strachan, Gunner T. Hodges, Gunner Melsom, Gunner Silvester, Gunner Easterbrook, Gunner Russell, Gunner Stewart, Gunner Gillard, Corporal Lilley, Gunner Hadden, Gunner Badman, Corporal Roberts, Gunner Woolfrey, Gunner A. G. Coleridge, and Gunner Hayes.

Sources and Resources

Derek Driscoll's original pages

Formation of the Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery
Fund raising for the H.Q. Building and Drill Hall
Historical-Records-1859-1914 (PDF, 3.64Mb)
Historical Records of 66th (South Midland) Field Brigade R.A. (T.A.)
Historical Records of 66th (South Midland) Field Brigade R.A. (T.A.)
The Bristol Gunner Tradition by Major J. Smith RA (V) MBE TD
The Bristol Gunner Tradition (Image) by Major J. Smith RA (V) MBE TD
The Bristol Gunners - History
The Times

Derek Driscoll's References

Derek made use of several sites while creating his, the main ones were:

British Artillery
The Long, Long Trail

Other Resources

A military history of Bristol during the Revolutionary War 1793-1802 - John Penny, Fishponds Local History Society
Arrowsmith's Dictionary of Bristol 1884 - edited by H. J. Spear and J. W. Arrowsmith
Clifton and Durdham Downs: A Place of Public Resort and Recreation by Gerry Nichols, Bristol Branch of the Historical Association, 2006
Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery - by Wienand Drenth, T. F. Mills
Gloucestershire Volunteers 1795-1815 - Brigadier H. Bullock, Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research , June, 1960, Vol. 38, No. 154 (June, 1960), pp. 76-82
Imperial Hotel Clifton, 24th Apr 1908 - Bristol Archives
Invalid Battalion, Royal Artillery - Steve Brown
Lead picrate - Wikipedia
Modern Munitions of War - Nature, July 29, 1915
National Artillery Association
Picric acid - Wikipedia
Rough Notes on the Portishead & Avonmouth Coastal Gun Batteries 1643 to 1945 - Flying Fox Association
Shell (projectile) - Wikipedia
The Dreaded Lyditte Shell - Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 3940, 20 December 1899, Page 2
The Volunteer Artillery 1859-1908 by Norman Litchfield and Ray Westlake, Sherwood Press
Volunteer Force - Wikipedia

Ubique
Quo Fas et Gloria Ducunt
Fidus et Audax