Short History of the London Rifle Brigade   By: Unknown

[Illustration: Photo: Underwood & Underwood.

LT. COL. N. C. KING, T.D., LT. COL. G. R. TOD, LT. COL. A. S. BATES, Comdg. 3rd Battn. Comdg. 2nd Battn. D.S.O., Comdg. 1st Battn.]

SHORT HISTORY

OF THE

LONDON RIFLE BRIGADE

Compiled Regimentally

ALDERSHOT: PRINTED BY GALE & POLDEN LTD., WELLINGTON WORKS.

1916.

[Blank Page]

NOTE

Pending the full pre war history, which is to be written by better hands, the very sketchy outline in Part I. is given in order to form the connecting link between the Regiment in peace, since its formation, and the present time.

It does not attempt to give the smallest idea of the hard work, often accomplished under disadvantageous circumstances, carried out by all ranks, which made possible the work done in the war.

That the Regiment even now exists is solely due to Lieut. Colonel Lord Bingham (now Brigadier General the Earl of Lucan), whose cheery optimism through the dark times previous to the birth of the Territorial Force was such a great tower of strength.

Any profits which may accrue from this pamphlet will be given to the London Rifle Brigade Prisoners' Aid Fund.

October, 1916.

CONTENTS

PAGE

Part I 1

Part II 7

Second Battalion 30

Third Battalion 31

Administrative Centre 33

Appendix A 35

Appendix B 39

Appendix C 40

Appendix D 45

Appendix E 46

Appendix F 47

SHORT HISTORY

OF THE

LONDON RIFLE BRIGADE

PART I.

[Sidenote: =Formation.=]

The London Rifle Brigade, formerly the 1st London Volunteer Rifle Corps (City of London Rifle Volunteer Brigade), and now, officially, the 5th (City of London) Battalion, The London Regiment, London Rifle Brigade, familiarly known to its members and the public generally by the sub title or the abbreviation "L.R.B.," was founded July 23rd, 1859, at a meeting convened by the Lord Mayor. It has always been intimately associated with the City of London, its companies being under the patronage of the various Wards.

Within a week of its formation the muster of the Regiment exceeded 1,800; two battalions were formed and headquarters were taken at No. 8, Great Winchester Street, where they remained for 34 years, and subsequently in Finsbury Pavement.

In 1893 the Regiment entered its present headquarters in Bunhill Row. These were designed by the late Lieut. Colonel Boyes, erected entirely from regimental funds, supplemented by contributions from members of the Brigade, from various City Companies and other friends of the Regiment, and constitute the finest building of its kind in London.

Since the formation of the Territorial Force these headquarters have been shared with the Post Office Rifles.

[Sidenote: =Honorary Colonel.=]

Mr. Alderman Carter was at first appointed Honorary Colonel, but in 1860 it was suggested that a military Honorary Colonel would be more appropriate than a civilian one, and Mr. Carter (then Lord Mayor) approached H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge, who, in response to the unanimous wish of the Regiment, accepted the appointment, which he held until his death in 1904. During this period he rarely missed attending the annual inspection.

[Sidenote: =Commanding Officers.=]