95th Rifles A March Through Time: 1800 to 1804©
Memorial at Peninsula are pleased to introduce Phillip Eyden who has complied this latest article for our website. Phillip is an Author, Archaeologist and a Historian. He has researched Military history and ancestry, Phillip was awarded a people’s award in 2016 from his local community, he is also a Volunteer trustee of the Drop Redoubt Fort in the Western Heights Dover Kent, which is managed by Western Heights Preservation Society. The Drop Redoubt Fort is an English Heritage property. Phillip also helps promote the Grand Shaft Staircase. He has also compiled some interesting articles of research which evidence that the 95th Rifles were at the Western Heights, thus keeping the presence of our illustrious history alive using unseen newspaper articles of military history and ancestry. The Drop Redoubt Fort is an English Heritage site. These recently researched historical facts, give evidence that the 95th Rifles were at the Western Heights before going to the Battle field during the Peninsula campaign one such battlefield was Waterloo. These findings give more credence to the illustrious Regiments of a bygone era, thus keeping reality whilst weaving a fine tapestry of our Military history. A Sharpe insight to our illustrious Historical Regiments’ finest, these articles are quite unique.
Phillip Eyden
Author Name Phil Eyden
Archaeologist, Military Historian and Author
The British Libraries Local Newspaper Archive has opened up a fascinating world to local historians. Local newspapers can be accessed from the living room, something that was unthinkable a few years ago. This has proven a treasure trove of information for researchers and genealogists. Here is a compilation of extracts that shed a little light on the earliest days of the 95th Rifles.
4th January 1800 – London Gazette
“Three regiments of Riflemen are immediately to be formed out of our army. Colonel Macdonald of the 55th is to have one of them, and Lord Craven another.”
This was reported in half a dozen local papers, the Sussex Advertiser being the first on the 6th January. This is the earliest reference to the 95th Rifles.
14th January 1800 – Chester Courant
Clearly the decision to raise the regiments met approval with the editors. They added:
“We are glad to hear that three regiments of riflemen are to be raised. The want of a sufficient quantity of ‘sharp shooters’ was sensibly felt during the late expedition to Holland. The Hessian troops have hitherto been considered as exceeding all others in this species of service.”
14th January 1800 – Kentish Weekly Post
The same day the Kentish Weekly Post added:
“The Corps of riflemen which are about to be formed, are to be selected from the flank companies of the different regiments of the line.”
10th March 1800 – Hampshire Telegraph
There are no references to the Rifles during February but by March it appears that the units were beginning to form. The paper reported:
“Detachments have been sent from different regiments to Horsham, in Sussex, in order to be trained as Riflemen”.
28th March 1800 – Kentish Gazette
Training was clearly underway by late March.
“Two battalions of riflemen, selected from different corps of infantry, are at present stationed at Horsham. They are under arms six hours every day, practicing their manoeuvers and firing at targets.”
21st April 1800 – Sussex Advertiser
A disturbance broke out at Horsham on 20th April:
“…a dispute arose in Horsham barracks between some soldiers of the 13th regiment of foot, and an equal number of the rifle corps, which produced a rencontre with bayonets, that threatened serious consequences; but it happily terminated without the loss of lives, though several were wounded, and two so desperately, that they laid for some time apparently dead. Such as were most materially hurt, were taken to Hospital, where they now remain under the care of the Surgeon. Tranquillity was more effectively restored by the march of the former regiment (which is in the most part Irish) the next morning for Silver Hill.”
5th May 1800 – Sussex Advertiser
A report from Lewes referring to the 28th and 29th April records:
“…the Rifle Corps, under the command of Colonel Manningham, arrived here from the barracks at Horsham”
1st May 1800 – Bath Chronicle
The Bath Chronicle of 1st May added that the regiment at Horsham comprised of 800 men and was under the command of the Hon. Col. Stewart.
12th May 1800 – The Sussex Advertiser
A report from Horsham of an early move of the new Rifles on the 12th and 13th:
“This morning the First division of the Rifle Corps stationed in our town and barracks, and under marching orders for Bagshot, proceeded on their march by the following route, viz. Today Horsham, Tuesday Guildford, Stoke, Stratford, and St. Catherine’s Mill. Wednesday, Bagshot to pitch their camp in the high ground allotted to them. The Second Division will follow by the same route tomorrow morning.”
A week later the paper added:
“On Tuesday and Wednesday last the Corps of Riflemen stationed here, marched in two divisions, for Bagshot, there to be encamped”.
12th June 1800 – Caledonian Mercury
On the 28th May, in reference to a review of the Colonel Scott’s Dumbartonshire Militia by General Champagny at Antrim, the new Rifles received a batch of new recruits:
“A considerable number of fine fellows were selected by him for the corps of riflemen, about to be embodied for general service.”
14th July 1800 – Reading Mercury.
A small number of Riflemen were reported to have assisted in defusing an unpleasant incident at Brimscombe, near Stroud in Gloucestershire at the hub of the Thames and Severn Canal on the 7th July. A barge carrying wheat down the canal to Brimscombe was halted by a group of people who had planned to steal the cargo. As the wheat was being offloaded onto a waggon the local magistrate J. Hollings and the Stroud Volunteer Infantry arrived, read the Riot Act and arrested the ringleaders. The thieves abandoned the attack, the barge was then reloaded and its trip resumed. Early in the evening the rioters reassembled, threw stones at the infantry and fired pistols at them, to which the infantry replied with a musket volley. In the exchange three persons were wounded. Again the rioters retreated and the infantry continued to escort the barge. A detachment of Yeomanry scouted ahead, checking bridges and roads ahead. At Brimscombe Captain Wathen attended with a party of Riflemen to escort the barge on the last part of its journey. A large group of people gathered at the port in the morning to protest, at the head of which was a woman who swore at Hollings. He had her committed to prison. Peace was restored shortly after.
9th August 1800 – Oxford Journal
A number of Riflemen were sent abroad for the first time on the 4th and 5th August, although the details were kept from the papers.
“On Monday and Tuesday 3000 men embarked on Southsea Beach, Portsmouth, with a number of Riflemen; these with the troops from Netley, make about 12,000 including the Horse Artillery, which embarked on Tuesday last. The expedition was expected to fall immediately under convoy of the Eurydice and Termagant frigates.”
The departure was for a landing at Ferol in Spain where three companies under the command of Lt. Col. William Stewart landed to dislodge Spanish defenders on the 25th. The expedition was a failure and Stewart was wounded.
5th September 1800 – Kentish Weekly Post
A report from Canterbury records the allocations of winter stations for many regiments:
“The Rifle Corps to march from Swinley Camp to Blatchington, where they will arrive on Wednesday 3rd September.”
15th September 1800 – Hampshire Telegraph.
Further recruits arrived at Portsmouth.
“On Tuesday about 300 Riflemen, commanded by Major Callander of the 62nd Regiment, disembarked here from the Modeste, Captain Hinton, from Cork. They were all selected from the Highland Fencible Regiments in Ireland, and are the finest body of young men we have seen this War.“
6th October 1800 – Sussex Advertiser
The Fencibles only lasted a fortnight in service with the Rifles:
“The Rifle Corps at Bletchington, having lately received a very considerable augmentation from the Scottish Fencibles, many of the men having been detached from different regiments to be instructed in the rifle exercise, have, by choice (though a bounty would have been the reward of their continuance) been dismissed from service, to return to their respective corps. A division of eighty on Friday passed through this town on their route to Ireland.”
7th October 1800 – London Gazette
Officer appointments were announced to the new Corps.
Colonel Coote Manningham from the 41st Foot to be colonel.
Lieutenant-Colonel the Honourable William Stewart, from the 67th Foot, to be lieutenant-colonel.
Major George Callander, from the 62nd Foot, to be major.
Captain Hamlet Wade, from the 25th Foot, to be major.
21st October 1800 – London Gazette
More officers:
Lieut. Alexander D. Cameron, from the 21st Foot, to be captain-lieutenant.
To be lieutenants – Lieuts Blois Lynch, from the 29th, J.A. Grant from the 25th, John Stuart from the 79th, Peter O’Hare from the 69th, T. Stirling Edmonston, from the 2nd Bat. Royals, Alex. Clarke, from the 92nd, Neil Campbell from the 57th, John Ross from the 72nd, Second Lieutenant Edw. Bedwell Law, from the 21st. Ensign H. Powell from the 2nd Bat. Royals, W. Cotter, from the 79th, John Cameron from the 92nd, Douglas from the 29th, L.H. Bennet from the 68th, To be adjutant, Lieut J.A. Grant. To be quarter-master, serjeant-major Donald Mackay.
4th November 1800 – London Gazette
James Innes to be pay-master.
2nd December 1800 – London Gazette.
To be Second Lieutenants: Lieutenant Henry Goode from the 62nd foot. Second Lieutenant James Macdonald from the 21st Foot. Ensign Thomas Brereton from the 46th Foot, Loftus Gray from ditto, John Jenkins from ditto, Patrick Turner from the 62nd Foot, Samuel Mitchel from the 71st Foot; George Elender from the 46th Foot; James Prendergast from the 56th Foot, John Burton from ditto.
20th December 1800 – London Gazette
To be 1st Lieutenant – Lieut. C. Napier.
6th January 1801 – London Gazette
Colonel Manningham, late Aide-de-Camp to the King, is to have command of the Rifle Corps.
To be surgeon – John Robb
To be assistant surgeons – G. Rowe, Henry Messiter.
28th February 1801 – Various
Multiple papers then record Col. Stewart’s Corps of Riflemen along with the 49th Regiment embarking on a fleet of ships at Portsmouth onto ships of the North Sea Fleet. They were bound for Denmark.
5th March 1801 – London Courier and Evening Gazette
Lewes on March 2nd:
“Last Tuesday one hundred of the Rifle Regiment, commanded by Col. Manningham, marched from Bletchington Barracks, on their rout to Portsmouth, to embark for service in Egypt.”
11th March 1801 – Courier
In reference to the North Sea Fleet:
“The rifle troops, commanded by Colonel Manningham, are on board Lord Nelson’s ship The George.”
25th March 1801 –London Courier and Evening Gazette
A case of forgery…
“Corporal Gordon, of the rifle regiment, commanded by Colonel Manningham, now stationed at Blatchington Barracks, at Seaford, Sussex, charged with forgery. On his examination it appeared, on the information of George Stone, apprentice to Mr. J Brooker, at Seaford, that soon after noon on the above day, the prisoner came to his master’s shop, with an order for stationary, purporting to be the handwriting of Lieut. P. O’Hare, acting Adjutant of the said regiment; which order he said he received from the prisoner, and in consequence delivered to him goods to the amount of £1 1s 8d and in cash £1 1s 7d, making altogether £2 3s 3d including 2 quire of paper had by the orderly man; after which he put the order on the file, and proved it to be the same as then produced. The prisoner said nothing in his defence, but begged for mercy; upon which T. Harben, Esq. one of the Magistrates, addressed him in a pathetic strain, and told him, from the nature of the offence, he feared he could have no reasonable hope for mercy from any earthly tribunal, and therefore advised him to prepare for the worst. He was committed to the gaol at Seaford, where, from its peculiar jurisdiction, he will in all probability take his trial. Gordon, it is said, is from a very respectable and opulent family.”
The Hampshire Chronicle of the 11th May records that Gordon was tried at the sessions at Seaford on the 4th for obtaining money and goods under false pretences. Found guilty, he was sentenced to seven years Transportation.
4th April 1801 – London Gazette
“Lieutenant Peter O’Hare to be Adjutant, vice Grant, who resigns.”
18th April 1801 – Various
The Corps of Riflemen were mentioned in the Houses of Parliament for assisting in the destruction of the Danish fleet on the 2nd April. Admiral Nelson, Rear Admiral Graves and Col. Stewart of the Corps of Riflemen were singled out. This was the Battle of Copenhagen.
The 22nd April London Courier and others recorded how:
“Captain Grant, of the rifle regiment, who volunteered his services in the above expedition, and numbered with the killed, had his head taken off by a cannon ball, as effectively as it had been severed from his body by a scymeter. Captain Grant had been peculiarly unfortunate in battle, having received three wounds in one day in Holland.”
21st April 1801 – London Courier and Evening Gazette
Ooops!
“Lieut. Col. Stewart, in passing through the City yesterday in a post-chaise and four, from Yarmouth, was mistaken for a Russian officer, from the circumstance of his uniform being faced with green. He belongs to the Rifle Corps.”
Stewart was probably on his way to the Admiralty at the War Office to present despatches from Admiral Sir Hyde Parker and Admiral Nelson that an armistice had been concluded with Denmark. Stewart was shortly to be promoted to Colonel. Eight Riflemen had been killed in the action of the 2nd April.
19th May 1801 – London Gazette
Promotions
“Second Lieutenant James Macdonald to be First Lieutenant.
Second lieutenant James Prendergast to be First Lieutenant.”
8th June 1801 – Hampshire Chronicle
Referring to the 29th and 30th May:
“On Friday and Saturday last the rifle regiment, commanded by Colonel Manningham, marched in two divisions, from the barracks at Bletchington, on their route for Weymouth, where it is expected they will be camped.”
15th June 1801 – London Gazette
Promotion
“Lieut. Neill Campbell to be Captain, by purchase, vice Shepherd who retires.”
8th July 1801 – Morning Post
With reference to a display in front of the King at Weymouth:
“Colonel Manningham’s sharp-shooters were drawn out this morning to shoot at two targets. This Corps shew a wonderful dexterity and skill as they fire at the mark in the different attitudes of standing, sitting, kneeling and lying on their backs.”
18th July 1801 – London Gazette
Promotion
“Second Lieut. Sam Mitchell to be First Lieutenant by purchase, vie Campbell, promoted.”
18th August 1801 – Kentish Gazette
A reference in Weymouth on August 14th:
“We have a fine body of men here, called Riflemen, of the sharp shooters; they are well disciplined, and go through their manoeuvres with astonishing alertness.”
14th September 1801 – Morning Chronicle
They were still at Weymouth on September 12th and put on a display for the Royal Family.
“After breakfast Their Majesties and the princesses, with a number of their Nobility, rode in their carriages to Chickerell Common, where His Majesty reviewed Colonel Manningham’s corps of Riflemen, and the York Hussars, and also a detachment from other regiments. They went through their evolutions with great credit, particularly in repulsing the opposite party stationed for the defence of Portland Island. The whole of the manoeuvres were under the command of Colonels Stewart and Manningham, who have taken infinite pains to complete their regiments in the useful skill of military tactics. The bayonet charge was well supported; the assailing party being compelled to seek shelter in boats stationed in the water, produced a grand effect, and gave great satisfaction to the Royal Family and the spectators. After the review Their Majesties and Company were invited to partake of an elegant breakfast, provided by Colonel Manningham.”
5th October 1801 – London Courier and Evening Gazette
With reference to a report from Weymouth from October 2nd:
“The following is the destination of the troops that have been guarding His Majesty here this summer: The Rifle Corps struck their tents yesterday morning, and marched in two divisions, the one under Col. Manningham, the other under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart, to Bletchington Barracks, where they are to remain the winter.”
6th October 1801 – London Gazette
Promotion
Lieut. McDonald, from the Glengary Fencibles, to be second lieutenant. Vice Burton, who is superceded, being absent without leave.
14th October 1801 – London Courier
A report from Lewes was printed referring to October 10th:
“On Saturday between three and four hundred of the Rifle Regiment, commanded by Col. Manningham, marched into Brighton, on their route from Weymouth to Bletchington Barracks.”
The movement of four companies had completed their move back to Bletchington on Wednesday 14th according to the London Courier.
15th January 1802 – London Courier
A report of death from exposure.
“One day last week a soldier, belonging to the Rifle Regiment stationed at Bletchington Barracks, was found a little distance from the main road between that place and Newhaven, lying on his face dead, with his nose frozen to the ground, and a hole in one of his cheeks, which had evidently been pecked by crows. The deceased had, the day before his body was found, been sent to Lewes on errands, and having drank too freely, on his return, become exposed to the above fatal accident.”
1st March 1802 – Sussex Advertiser
A report from Lewes
“The Rifle Regiment whose present station is Bletchington Barracks, it is expected, when the general removal of troops takes place, will be ordered to march for Stirling Castle, in Scotland.”
16th March 1802 – London Gazette
Promotions
“Lieutenant John Stewart to be captain by purchase; vice Beckwith, promoted in the 15th Foot. Ensign Richard Green, from the 9th Foot, to be second lieutenant, by purchase, vice Mitchell, promoted.”
20th March 1802 – London Gazette
Appointment
“Lieutenant J. Crampton, from the 68th Foot, to be Lieutenant, vice Prendergast, who exchanges.”
7th March 1802 – London Gazette
Promotion
“Second lieutenant T. Brereton to be first lieutenant by purchase, vice Stewart, promoted”.
6th April 1802 – London Gazette
Promotion
“Major G. Callendar to be lieut-col by purchase, vice McLeroth who retires.”
27th April 1802 – London Gazette
Appointment
“Captain Amos Godfil Norcott from 33rd to be Captain, vice Cuyler, who exchanges.”
4th May 1802 – London Gazette
Promoted
“Major T. Sidney Beckwith, from 15th, to be major, by purchase, vice Callender, promoted.”
20th August 1802 – Kentish Weekly Post
A report from Canterbury of Tuesday August 18th notes a move from Bletchington:
“Last week marched through Maidstone, in different divisions, on route to Chatham barracks, the whole of the rifle corps, who have lately been in different detachments on foreign service; and, it is said, they will shortly embark for the East Indies.”
12th October 1802 – Kentish Weekly Post
From a despatch dated 7th October 1802. This is the first reference to Shorncliffe:
“The Rifle Corps have marched from Chatham Barracks to Shornecliffe, and the batteries along the coast from Hythe to Dungeness, the respective barracks of which, we understand, are made permanent.”
25th January 1803 – Kentish Weekly Post
From London 25th January:
“The Light Infantry Corps of the several regiments of the line are about to be furnished with rifle-barrels, and are in future to act as Riflemen. The Rifle Corps is to constitute the 95th Regiment and in future to be so termed.”
18th March 1803 – Kentish Weekly Post
The earliest mention of the signature green uniform comes at this point. It was taken from the 1pm Courier Office despatch from London of the same day. This was reported in many newspapers.
“Companies of Riflemen are to be formed, composed of the best marksman of every regiment of Militia, and to be brigaded together in battalions, to acquire the necessary evolutions; their uniform to be green.”
24th May 1803 – Kentish Weekly Post
“This day five companies of the 95th, or Rifle Corps, move from Shorncliffe and Hythe, for Bletchington, in Sussex.”
6th June 1803 – Hampshire Chronicle
A Portsmouth despatch of June 4th relating to the 2nd:
“Arrived the Warrior transport, Capt. Dodd from Ireland; she landed 28 recruits at Cowes and 18 riflemen sailed in her on Thursday for Dover.”
7th June 1803 – Kentish Weekly Post
“Major General Moore has taken his residence at Sandgate; as soon as the encampments are formed, his brigade consisting of the 4th, 52nd, 59th 70th, and five companies of the 95th, or rifle corps will be assembled. Part of them are to encamp near Shornecliffe, and the residue will guard the line of batteries along the coast from Shornecliffe to Dungeness.”
1st August 1803 – Hampshire Telegraph.
A report from Sussex dated 30th July indicates the regiment had moved:
“The 95th, or Rifle Regiment, now quartered at Seaford, are 800 strong, under the command of Colonel Manningham, Lieutenant Colonel Stewart, and Majors Wade and Stewart. They are in such a complete state of discipline, and such excellent marksmen, that they are sure to hit a target at 150 yards distance.
29th August 1803 – Evening Mail
A despatch from Brighton from Friday 26th describes a Militia drill camp at North Parade and an inspection by the Prince.
“This evening the Corps of Riflemen, attached to the Sussex Regiment, consisting of one hundred men, were drawn up on the Cliff of the Marine Parade, in front of the camp to practice firing at a mark. The object was a ball of wood, the size of a man’s head, moored about three hundred yards from the shore and floating in the water. The emulation of marksmanship was excited by small wagers amongst the men; and so keen was their avidity, and so true their aim, that most of the shots struck the mark. The Corps is principally composed of Gamekeepers and experienced Shots. Their uniform is a dark green jacket, and white pantaloons with beaver hat and black plume. Their belts are of black leather. They take their aim when lying flat on their bellies, using their hats as rests for their rifles.”
6th September 1803 – Evening Mail
“General Moore’s Brigade, consisting of the 4th or King’s Own Regiment, 52nd Light Infantry, 59th, 70th and Rifle Corps, which has been encamped at Shorn Cliff for some time embarked, on Sunday and Monday, on board transports and armed vessels, assembled for the purpose in the Downs. The expedition is said to have sailed on Tuesday, steering a westerly course.”
12th September 1803 – Saunder’s News-letter
A military publication was now available to buy from J. Stewart, Military Stationer at No.1 King’s Inn Quay, Dublin, and other booksellers:
“Regulations for the Exercise of Riflemen and Light Infantry, and instructions for their Conduct in the Field – 9 Plates – 3s 9 1/2d.”
1st October 1803 – Cobbett’s Weekly Political Register
This records that:
“Troops in the Brighton Camp, the Gloucester and Sussex Militia, together with some Corps of Riflemen are to be immediately employed in cutting sluices at Pevensey Level, near Hastings, in order that the whole of that part of the country may be inundated in case of invasion.”
27th October 1803 – Morning Chronicle
A further move on the 24th:
“The Rifle Corps stationed at Bletchington Barracks late on Saturday night received a route for their removal from that place to Chelmsford, in Essex, and on Monday they commenced their March accordingly.”
27th October 1803 – Morning Chronicle (and many local newspapers)
The following editorial comment was made which was reprinted in many papers nationally during the following week:
“The public will rejoice to hear that the Corps of Riflemen are daily augmenting, and as the principles and objects of this species of warfare come to be more known, there is little doubt but that similar bodies will be formed all over the country. It is true that a rifleman fights always in an ambush, instead of presenting himself openly to his adversary, he seeks shelter behind every bush, hillock and tree – but his adversary does the same, and it is an inefficient trial of skill, vigilance and activity between them. No man is so obnoxious to danger, for an unguarded exposure of the person for a single instant is almost certain death. It is, therefore, a gallant and hazardous, as well as a most useful service. Since it is admitted into legitimate war, we must report to it; and certainly no country is so peculiarly adapted to this species of annoyance as Great Britain, where every hedge, ditch, bush, and briar, will be the means of stopping the progress of an invading enemy.”
20th December 1803 – Kentish Weekly Post
An inspection somewhere in London was recorded:
“Wednesday morning the Hon. Artillery Company were inspected by Lieutenant Colonel Harnage, who was highly pleased with the manoeuvres and appearance of the regiment, particularly so of a company of riflemen, which has lately been picked from the line, and appeared in uniform for the first time; their clothing is dark green, and black worsted twist in front, with black belts, black powder horns, black feathers, and rifle pieces, bronzed, forming altogether a sable appearance, but adapted for the purpose intended. The whole muster was 1024 men under arms.”
13th January 1804 – Kentish Gazette
“Brigadier General Manningham has been appointed to succeed Sir Charles Green in command of the Militia at Dover, and Captain Cameron of the Rifle Regiment, his Major of Brigade.”
A follow up on the 17th:
“Brigadier General Manningham has arrived in Dover, and takes charge of the brigade, lately under General Greene, who sets off for the West Indies.”
His command included the Canterbury Volunteer Infantry and Cinque Ports Volunteer Infantry.
30th April 1804 – Morning Post
Funeral of the aforementioned Captain Cameron.
“On the 9th instant, at Shorncliffe Barracks, in the 22nd year of his age, extremely regretted, Captain Alexander Duncan Cameron, of the 95th (Rifle) Regiment. The internment took place yesterday, with military honours, and was attended by his regiment, Major-General Moore, Brigadier-General Manningham, and all the Officers of the Brigade, thus playing a melancholy tribute of respect to the memory of a brother officer, who (to quote Major-General Moore’s order on the occasion), from the worth of his character, his honourable and upright conduct, was in every respect entitled to it.”
A monument was set up in the Parish church at Cheriton by his fellow officers. Designed by Spratt and Jones, it was a dove-coloured marble tablet representing an Egyptian sarcophagus surmounted by a crown and bugle. It was inscribed as follows:
Alexander Duncan Cameron, Captain to H.M. 95th, or Rifle Regt.
Son of Captain Charles Cameron, of Callart, Lochaber, N.E.
Who died at Shorncliff on the 8th day of April 1804 aged 22 years.
As a tribute of respect
To his many amiable qualities,
To commemorate the sense of his worth,
As a gentleman and a scholar,
This stone has been erected
By his brother officers.
He had been born on 14th January 1782 in Edinburgh, son of Captain Charles Cameron and Elizabeth Jean Mckenzie (source: Ancestry).
7th August 1804 – Kentish Weekly Post
“Saturday the brigade at Shorncliffe camp under Major-General Moore, consisting of the 43rd and 52nd Light Infantry, the 95th, or rifle corps, marched from camp to Swinfield Minnis where they performed several field evolutions in the presence of a large assemblage of spectators, a great part of them military, went from this city to Barhams Down Camp.”
23rd August 1804
An inspection of the Shorncliffe Garrison by the Duke of York took place at Sandgate. Several companies took part and a mock skirmish was carried out.
3rd September 1804 – Morning Chronicle
A Chosen duel! The Morning Chronicle revealed a duel that took place on Sunday 26th August 1804 at Shorncliffe between two officers of the 95th. Captain Campbell fought a duel with Lieutenant Travers, Lieutenant De Jersey seconded Campbell and Captain Gordon seconded Travers. Straight after the duel Travers and Gordon immediately absconded from the camp. Campbell was rushed to hospital and the pistol ball was removed from his thigh, however he died four days later of his wounds. Campbell was buried with full military honours on the Friday attended by officers and other several regiments. He was, according to the papers, ‘a most worthy man, a good soldier, and his loss of life is universally regretted’. Some papers refer to Campbell as Captain Cameron.
Travers did return, was promoted to Captain by 1805 and Major by 1807. He led the 2nd Battalion on the attack on Buenos Aires in 1807 and was badly injured.
15th September 1804 – Norfolk Chronicle
Bugle-Major John Kelly of the 95th published “The Bugle Horn Sounds”. This consisted of sixty field sounds with explanatory notes, seventeen regimental or duty sounds, a selection of quick and slow marches adapted for the use of Riflemen or Light Infantry. Cost 7s 6d, available at Messrs. Stevenson and Matchett, Market-Place, Norfolk and other booksellers.
17th November 1804 – Caledonian Mercury.
“It was on Tuesday strongly reported, that the brigade under the command of General Moore is to be employed to the Cape of Good Hope. It consists of the 4th, or King’s Own, the 43rd and 52nd light infantry, the 59th and 95th rifle regiment, five companies, which is to have a second battalion immediately.”
This means that we can trace the earliest home movements of the Rifle Corps as follows:
1800 March – formation at Horsham at barracks.
1800 May (first week) – march to Bagshot under canvas. On 25th August three Companies took part in a failed amphibious landing at Ferrol, Spain to dislodge the defenders.
1800 September 3rd – march from Bagshot to Bletchington barracks at Seaford. In April 1801 one Company took part in Battle of Copenhagen.
1801 May 29/30th – march to Weymouth to protect the King throughout the summer.
1801 October 10th – march from Weymouth back to Bletchington Barracks.
1802 August (mid) – march from Bletchington Barracks to Chatham.
1802 October (first week) – march from Chatham to Shorncliffe. Green uniforms and rifles received in the spring of 1803.
1803 May 24th – march back to Bletchington Barracks at Seaford.
1803 June (mid) – march of five companies to Shorncliffe to patrol the defences.
1803 August (early) – temporary camp at Brighton.
1803 September (first week) – a number of companies embarked with the fleet for an attack on Cherbourg.
1803 October 24 – march from Bletchington to Chelmsford.
1804 winter – return to Shorncliffe by March.
Written and researched by Phillip Eyden
Sourced from The British Libraries Local Newspaper Archive.