ment, and expressed an opinion that every Englishman ought to feel that the defence of his homestead depended upon himself. He concluded by complimenting the captain and corps upon the valuable testimony to their efficiency which had been elicited from Lieut.-Col. Estridge. Capt. R. C. Stileman (of Winchelsea), secretary and treasurer to the corps, in responding to a toast, read a statement of accounts which showed the receipts from donations to be £297 1s., and from annual subscriptions £34 13s. The principal item of expenditure £211 4s. 6d., was for uniforms. About £15 had been expended in details of working, and a balance of £105 9s. 4d. remained in hand. He concluded with giving “The Second Sussex Artillery Corps, from the captain down to the last entered gunner.” This toast was received with great enthusiasm, and in a lengthy response, Captain Shadwell explained the arrangements he intended to make for the summer campaign, and stated that the prizes for efficiency would be continued.
The 4th Cinque Ports Artillery had ball practice at 39 Tower, Bopeep, on the 18th of June, where several of the men had previously been making up ammunition. The practice was very good; and two days later, the firing was resumed at the Rock-a-Nore battery for the first time that season. The party (which included a few of the Marine Artillery) was not so numerous as the detachment at Bopeep, but the onlookers were many. The firing lasted over three hours, during which 27 rounds were fired from a single gun, chiefly by the Marine Corps, it being the first time they had “smelt powder”. Some of the shots were pronounced to be good, but on the whole the average was barely maintained. The band, lead(sic) by S. Hermitage, and headed by Drum-Major Guedella, marched the firing party to and from their work. Most of the officers were present.
First Cinque Ports Rifles. The men of this company were variously occupied in judging-distance drills, and registered target practice, Adjutant Capt. Smith being with them. This gentleman was gazetted on May 1st as Adjutant Carleton Smith to serve with the rank of Captain of 1st Administrative Battalion.
Artillery Promotions and Appointments. The London Gazette of June 25th, announced the following commissions signed by the Queen:- Master-Gunner Hunter, Royal Artillery, to be Adjutant, 4th Cinque Ports Artillery from 7th of June. First Lieut. William Lowe Lewis, to be Captain, June 18th. – Robert Douglas Hale to be 2nd Lieutenant, June 1st; Charles Elphinstone Dalrymple to be 1st Lieutenant, and George Turner, to be 1st Lieutenant, June 1st. Sergt Mackey promoted to Sergeant-Majorship, vice Sargeant(sic)-Major Vidler, resigned; and Sergt. Picknell promoted to be Sergt-Major of 4th Battery (2nd Marines).
The 1st Cinque Ports Rifles rode to Battle, per rail, on the 26th of June, to meet the corps under the command of Capt. Coombe, and after some drill together, the Hastings had a pleasant march home.
