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Accession number	912L : 2124/6
Transcription	SUSSEX DAILY NEWS , TUESDAY , APRIL 16 , 1895. made his THE EASTER MANCEUVRES . BATTLE OF BALMER DOWN . A SHORT AND MERRY MILL . IRISH RIFLES TO THE FRONT . Lord Belhaven's Surrey Brigade at Brighton had the co - operation of the Royal Irish Rifles in a field day on Saturday morning , and the Regu lars distinguished themselves on Balmer Down by a brilliant charge that was ruled to be highly successful . The eight Surrey Battalions , the Middlesex Yeomanry , the Royal Irish Rifles , and the Cadet Battalion of the King's Royal Rifles participated in the proceedings , the " idea " governing which was as follows : Au invading force has landed at Newhaven , and pushed its advance guard t Lewes . The defenders are mobilising an army corps , of which the Surrey Brigade forms a portion , at Brighton . The advance guard of the enemy sends out a Brigade to reconnoitre in the directiou of Stanmer Downs . The officer com . manding the Surrey Brigade , formed as a division , receives orders to drive back the enemy . The " enemy " on Saturday was commanded by Colonel Drewitt , 2nd West Surrey , who had under bim his own Corps , the 2nd East Surrey , and the Cadets . Against him were six Surrey battalions , the Royal Irish Rifles , and the Yeomanry . All the troops paraded in Brighton at eight o'clock in the morning , the " enemy " proceeding out of the town via Lewes - road , and the de fenders by way of Diteliling - road , the sub sequent battle ground being the familiar down on the north eastern side of Stanmer l'ark . Colonel Drewitt bad about 400 of his own Corps , under Major Smith , 320 of the 2nd East Surrey , under Colonel Bailey , and 70 Cadets , commanded by Major Freeman Wills . Major Barrett acted as Aide - de - Camp . Leaving Brighton about half - past eight the little force reached Mary Farm at ten o'clock . Thence they proceeded to the coppice beyond the farm , the 2nd West taking the higher ground near the copse , with the Cadets in the centre , and the 2nd East at the other extremity of the line . THE MARCH OF THE DEFENDERS . Brigadier - General Lord Belhaven , in command of the defenders , had his force moving ont of Brighton soon after half - past eight . The 1st Royal Irish Rifles mustered over 500 , under the command of Captain and Adjutant Curzon ; the Middlesex Yeomanry Cavalry numbered close on 40 , under Captain W. Duncan ; the 1st , 3rd , and 4th Volunteer Battalions West Surrey Regiment had an aggregate strength of about 1,350 , and constituted a sub - Brigade commanded by Colonel S. R. Bevington , of the 3rd West ; and the 1st Surrey Rifles and the 3rd and 4th East Surrey , mustering about 800 , formed a sub - Brigade under Colonel Villiers , of the 1st Surrey Rifies . The defenders , therefore , outnumbered the enemy by 1,850 men , apart from the useful body of cavalry . Each of the battalions was headed by its own band , and the long march up Ditchling - road was accomplished creditably . The Royal Irish Rifles and the three West Surrey Battalions were halted near the Upper Lodges of Stanmer Park to enable the whole of this part of Lord Belhaven's troops to get well together , and before they started again the men got a very welcome ten minutes ' rest . They then pushed on to High Park Corner , where the four Bat talions were deployed into line before they ap peared over the top of the ridge . The right flank was taken by the Royal Irish Rifles , and the left by the 3rd West Surrey . Meantime the East Surrey Sub - Brigade had rendezvous at the Horndean road , and were after wards led by Colonel Villiers some distance in the rear of the others to High Park Corner . assembled at their THE DEFENDERS PLANS . It was expected by Lord Belhaven , as it after wards transpired , that the daring invader would retire upon its base at Lewes , but Colonel Drewitt had other views While the defenders were advancing within range he hastily surveyed the country in his rear , and , regarding Balmer dispositions for bringing the whole of Down as a practically unassailable point , rapidly his command upon this height . There was some preliminary tronble on the right flank with the Yeomanry , who were occasionally to be seen hovering below the copice , and several volleys were sent in their direction , and a small firing party detailed to prevent a repetition of the earlier surprise . It was , however , soon manifest that the real trouble was brewing on the other flank , where the Royal Irish were advancing . The advance of the defenders " was a very pretty spectacle . The Royal Irish Rifles , on the right , skirted the Park to the foot of Stanmer Down . The West Surrey Sub.Brigade made direct for Balmer Down , the troops being well extended and taking advantage of every piece of cover . The East Surrey sub - Brigade followed as a reserve force , the Brigadier General and his staff , on the right of the sub - Brigades , watching care fully the execution of his orders . When half the distance had been covered the East Surrey men were sent to the front , the men of the West taking the second line . A DASHING CHARGE . Firing now was general , but when Colonel Drewitt was giving attention to the advance of his assailants over Stanmer Down towards his right wing , he was disconcerted by the appear ance on his left of the Royal Irish . Excellently hidden in the valley , Captain Curzon had got within short distance of the enemy without being observed . The advance of the Irishmen rendered it exceedingly dangerous to await the coming of the defenders on the opposite ridge , and after greeting the new arrivals Colonel Drewitt directed a general retirement by succes sive companies , a brisk fire , however , being maintained . The movement was well carried out left by all except the Cadets who were on the high ground immediately to the front of Balmer Down , and quickly cut off from the other battalions by the advancing Royal Irish . Reserving their fire and taking advantage of all the cover available , the Irishmen went on rapidly , and finally , using their magazine rifles , made a splendid dash , and capturing that had been held by the left w enemy's force . Finally Colonel Drey his battalions together for a stubb against the remainder of Lord Bellay A CAVALRY INCIDENT . It was now half - past ten , and the Middlesex Yeomanry went to the front of the defenders ' line , and quickly surprised some of Colonel Drewitt's force . The bulk of the latter's men were in rear of the coppice beyond Mary Farm , and the Colonel , having thrown ou advance parties , was awaiting signs of the defenders . At this interesting juncture the Middlesex Yeo manry , " nder Captain Duncan , with Captain and Adjutant Forrester Colvin ( 9thi Lancers ) , Captain Rawson ( of the Brighton Troop ) , and Lieutenants Edwards , Rivers , Langman , and Gastrell , which had been patrolling in the neighbourhood , slipped unobserved round the coppice , and suddenlycharged down upon Colonel Drewitt's right , creating no little diversion in that neighbourhood . The Yeomanry quickly advised Lord Belhaven of the whereabouts of the invader , and not much time lapsed before a general action raged . he Cadets , having sent some shot rishmen , were taken to Colonel D Concentrating on the top of the ridge Buckland Bauk , nearly 600 feet the 2nd East Surrey on his Cadets in the centre , and the Surrey on his right , he ra final assault of the defender form of a front attack by the Brigade , and an out - flanking enemy's right by the Western Lord Bellaven's forces closed ascend the hill a furious fus was continued till the ( 6 sounded , when the oppos within a hundred yards of the Middlesex Yeomanry were another charge on Colonel Drew chiefly to the rapid advance o and to Colonel Drewitt's decisio instead of fighting a retreating tions were over by about noon . THE EASIER MANC BATTLE WITH THE C MARCH PAST AT BRI The fine weather that had favou Brigade at Brighton since thei Thursday night continued through when the Eastertide manœeuvres w a close with a sham fight on Balme March Past on Brighton racecourse reported that yesterday's operation place between Ovingdean and Rot the fact that the field day was in qu direction had no material eff size of the holiday crowd , and fighting was seriously interfered wit of civilians that accompanied the town , and covered the field of of much larger force of Volunteers was on the preceding days , the Surrey B strengthened by the addition of t Rifles , Brighton Artillery , and Artillery , and , though the field day w the crowd , less satisfactory to the m than it might have been , the March afternoon was quite a pretty and spectacle . TOAST TOAST TOAST LIST & PROGRAMME . SONG ... TOAST SONG TOAST THE " IDEA " AND THE FORCES . The " idea " whi h governed the operations yesterday was the same as that on Saturday , the only variation being in the place where the two forces took up their positions . The Brigadier General , Lord Belhaven , again had the general direction of the Brighton Army , which was repre sented by the 1st , 2nd , and 4th Volunteer Bat talions of the West Surrey Regiment , numbering close on 1,570 of all ranks , under Colonel S. R. Bevington , whose own regiment ( the 3rd West Surrey ) was with the enemy ; the 1st Surrey Rifles , and the 2nd and 3rd Volunteer Battalions of the East Surrey Regiment , with an aggregate strength of some 1,260 , under Colonel Villiers , of the 1st Surrey Rifles ; and the 1st Sussex Artillery Volunteers , numbering 435 of all ranks , under Colonel Boxall ; while for cavalry he had the Middlesex Yeomanry under Captain W. Duncan , and the Mounted In fantry of the Surrey Brigade , both parties aggre . gating about fifty horsemen . Colonel Drewitt , of the 2nd West Surrey , who again commanded the " enemy , " was provided with a considerably ang . mented force compared with that of Saturday , his command embracing the 1st Volunteer Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment , the 2nd Sussex Arti Volunteers ( without guns ) , the 3rd West and 4th East Surrey Battalions , and the 1st Cadet Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps . The troops of both sides paraded before . eight o'clock . the Brighton Rifles assembling at their head - quarters in Church - street , at 7.30 , in marching order . The parade state shewed 370 of all ranks present , including thirty non - com missioned officers and twelve officers , namely , Colonel Hugh Verrall , in command , Majors Clarke and Parsons , Captain and Acting Ad jutant King , Captains Shapland , Abbey , and Hart , and Lieutenants Clarke , Castle , and Carlton Hall ; and ; Surgeon - Captain Turton and Surgeon - Lieutenant Chepmell , in charge of the ambulance detachments . They , with the 3rd West Surrey , about 305 all ranks , under Major Dixon ; the 4th East Surrey , about 600 , under Colonel Bowen ; and the Cadets , about 70 , under Maior roomon Wille vara wall on the morali SONG TOAST SONG Our Colonel Proposed by CAPT . W. H. RAWSON . ' Happy Thoughts " MR . W. H. NOEL Reply - LIEUT . - COL . KENYON - MITFORD . Prosperity to " D " Troop Proposed by SURG . - LIEUT . HUDSON . SKETCH " A Pantomime in 10 minutes " MR . R. H. DOUGLASS Reply - CAPT . DUNCAN . " The Hero's Return " MR . CURTIS D'ALTON Accompanied by the Composer - Mr . ST . QUINTIN . The Troop Officers Proposed by SERGT . - MAJOR BENNETT . SONG ... TOAST ... SONG SONG ... TOAST The Queen The Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family LIEUT . W. R. J. MCLEAN , Mus . Bac The Mavy , Army and Reserve Forces Proposed by MR . E. H. BYAS . " The Barmaid " MR . AMBROSE THORNE Reply - LIEUT . - COL . HEMANS . ... ( 4 " The Judge " MR . AMBROSE THORNE CAPTAIN DUNCAN . Reply LIEUT . EDWARDS . LIEUT . LANGMAN . " A Walking Tour " MR . W. H. NOEL The Visitors * Proposed by TROOPER PULMAN . " Tally - Ho " MR . CURTIS D'ALTON Accompanied by the Composer - Mr . ST . QUINTIN . Reply - MAJOR J. C. MATHEWS . GOD SAVE THE QUEEN . HON SEO - TROOPER H , R. S. PULMAN . GETTING INTO POSITION . THE MARCH PAST . It will have been seen that the defenders of In so extended and undulating an area as the Brighton were again vastly superior in strength Brighton Race Hill , anything like an accurate to the enemy , having a total of all arms of over computation of the numbers of a great crowd is 3,330 against 1,485 , with the advantage of the extremely difficult , if not impossible , but it is possession of guns and cavalry . The " " enemy , certain that many thousands of persons must having on Saturday been defeated on Balmer have been present there yesterday afternoon to Down and Buckland Bank , retired yesterday to witness the final event in the manoeuvres . There a position extending from Ashcombe Bottom to was a concourse of ladies in the grand stand . Streethill Farm . Colonel Diewitt placed his Both sides of the course were lined by people for right flank on the Down immediately behind the a distance of half a mile , and there were all the trees by the farm , putting the Cadet Battalion and attractions of a fair in the shape of roundabouts , the 2nd Sussex Artillery in that position , the 3rd swings , and cocoa - nut " shies . " Indeed , but West and the 4th East Surrey in the centre , and for the keen north - east wind the scene reminded the 1st V.B. Royal Sussex on the extreme left . one of a highly - successful Cup day at the summer The defenders were meantime ranging themselves races with the betting fraternity absent . The were . sun kept shining all the while , the chilling nature of the wind was largely discounted . It had been announced that the match past would take place at a quarter to three , and as early as two o'clock Elm - grove and the other approaches to the Race Hill were alive with people swarming up , while half the cabs and carriages in Brighton seemed to have been engaged for the occasion . About half - past two it seemed as if rain were to mar the afternoon's proceedings , but a huge black cloud in the north , over Bevendean way , proved to be the result of another furze fire , the smoke from which made an enormous arch across the sky as it was blown over the hills towards Brigliton . The public owe a debt of gratitude to the Race Stand Trustees , Alderman Abbey , Alderman Brigden , and Mr. Seymour Burrows , for kindly allowing the Racecourse to be sed for the march past . It was a " free sight " which naturally was much appreciated . were their left towards Stanmer Down . Guns and cavalry were to the front , and immediately in their rear the East Surrey Sub - Brigade of three battalions . The West Surrey battalions and the Garrison Companies of the 1st Sussex Artillery Volunteers were behind these as a reserve force . The battle opened at about a quarter to eleven with artillery fire from the Position Battery of the Brighton Artillery , under cover of which Colonel Villiers ' three Corps began their advance , making for the right flank of the enemy . Simul taneously the cavalry of the defence devoted attention to the left . There were , however , no surprises such as that of Saturday . The enemy were vigilant , and all along the extensive front cyclist scouts and advance parties watchful and ready . The attack of the defenders rapidly developed , and it was early made manifest that Colonel Villiers meditated a well - supported attack on Colonel Drewitt's right . The Cadets were sent forward . A REST ON WHITEHAWK HILL . into the coppice , but the defenders came on in The grand stand , lawn , and ring had been spite of the fire to which they exposed themselves , reserved , a large number of invitations to well and eventually , by section rushes , penetrated known residents being sent out for these by the into the verge of the wood . The attack soon in- Trustees , while the public were admitted at a volved also the 2nd Sussex Artillery and the 3rd small charge . A charge was also made for the West Surrey , and firing became general on the carriage enclosure , the money thus obtained right wing of the enemy's position . Colonel being given to the fund for the compensation of Drewitt's force was excellently disposed and had farmers and others whose property may have the advantage of ample cover , of which full been injured by the troops . It was at use was made . As the East Surrey Battalions minutes past two that the troops , now in made no impression Colonel Bevington's West one big happy family , marehed on to the Sub - Brigade , with the Brighton Artillery Garri - Race Hill by the Bear Mill , and made son Companies , was requisitioned . The 1st West their way to the rendezvous on White Surrey were on the left , and the garrison com- hawk Hill préparatory to marching past . panies of the 1st Sussex Artillery on the right . Here there was a very acceptable interval for the Major E. Noble Edwards was in command of the enjoyment of rations before the time fixed for the garrison companies ( Colonel Boxall being with Brigadier - General to take his place at the the Brigadier - General's Staff ) , and the other saluting base . Meantime the course was kept officers present were Captain Brigden , Captain clear by the Royal Irish Rifles , assisted by Reeves , Captain Dell , Captain and Adjutant mounted men of the Brighton Police Force , Chief Pollock , R.A. , and Lieutenant Hewett . Constable Carter , Chief Superintendent Raggett , THE RETREAT . Superintendent Lacroix , Inspector Parker , and others , plenty of assistauts being on the ground also . At a quarter to three o'clock Brigadier - General Lord Belhaven , accompanied by his staff , rode along from Whitehawk Hill , and stationed themselves at the saluting base . His lordship's staff were the same as on the field days on Friday and Saturday , with the addition of Colonel Boxall as officer commanding the Artillery . Soon afterwards the band of the 1st Sussex Artillery ( Bandmaster Landfried conduct ing ) took up their position exactly opposite , their backs to the grand stand , and before three o'clock the iaarch past was conimenced . ten AN INTERESTING SPECTACLE . The Middlesex Yeomanry were the first to be seen advancing over the hill from the east , and , splendidly horsed , and riding like soldiers should , they went past con tinuing up the course beyond the half - mile post and then turning for the reverse march later on . As Colonel Bevington's troops came within range the East Surrey battalions were just beginning to give way bre their fierce reception . Colonel Drewitt's followed up their advantage , but soon foun t the defenders were by no means disposed Coming up on the right of the re tiring Eas rey Sub - Brigade Colonel Beving ton's little ny engaged the 4th East Surrey and the Brighton Rifles , and the fusillade became more vigorous than ever . The " enemy's left , however , was as well handled as the right , and the defenders found it necessary to withdraw steadily before the fire of the scarlet coated battalions . This movement on the part of the East Sub - Brigade was rendered somewhat difficult by the fact that the ground was covered by an excited crowd of civilians rushing in all directions ; but despite the confusion the men soon settled down to their work , and the West Surrey Battalions , taking their post in the front of the fight , kept the enemy sufficiently in check Following the Yeomanry came the Position to allow the retreat to be made in fairly good Battery 1st Sussex Artillery Volunteers , with It soon became evident that Colonel Major Beves at its head . The garrison companies Drewitt , although he followed the defenders into succeeded , and after them came the 2nd Sussex the valley at the foot of Balmer heights , was not ( Eastbourne ) Artillery , who were the first to going to attempt the impossible task of secure a round of applause from the onlookers . charging up the face of the steep bank . Instead The Artillery band continued to play till that he manoeuvred skilfully for flank attacks . The branch of the force had passed , then the right of the defenders ' ' line was first assailed , and bands of the West Surrey sub - Brigade as this move had been evident for some time the massed before the saluting point , and 1st Sussex Artillery and the 4th West Surrey played their comrades past . The Surrey Mounted were promptly moved well to the right to check Infantry - a particularly presentable Corps , ad it . Here again a fierce and interesting encounter mirably horsed - were followed by the pioneers took place , as the Brighton force reached an ad and signallers of the West Surrey Battalions , and vantageous position on the top of a hill . The then came in order the 1st , 2nd , 3rd , and 4th excitement grew greater when the fierce and West Surrey Corps , marching in excellent style , rapid volley of musketry the on left and provoking cheers from the bystanders . The shewed that an attempt made massed bands of the East Surrey Battalions was being to carry that flank also by assault . having replaced those of the West Surrey , the On that side the enemy had the advantage , for East Surrey went by , led by their signallers and the 2nd Sussex Artillery and the Cadets , who the 1st Surrey Rifles , here again public were on the extreme right of the advancing admiration being emphatically expressed . body , found plenty of cover , and poured round The Cadet Battalion King's Royal after round into the ranks of the defenders . Rifle Corps were the next to Another Battalion was brought up , but the and then the 1st Volunteer Battalion Royal position was practically carried when " Cease Sussex Regiment . Last of all were the transport fire " sounded , and the honours of the day rested waggons and the cyclist corps , the latter a large with the enemy . It was half - past twelve when and excellently mounted body . When all had the engagement ended , and without delay gone by , the racecourse , for half - a - mile of its the long march from Balmer , over Fal length , had in it a compact body of troops that mer Hill and Bevendean Upper Brighton to the presented a very effective show . After a long Race Hill , was commenced . pause , the whole body again came past the Brigadier - General , the Yeomanry and Mounted Infantry leading at the trot to appropriate music , followed by the Position Battery of the Brighton Artillery , and the Infantry in the reverse order to the original march . The regimental bands now accompanied the various Corps , playing inspirit The ambulance detachments proved of no small service during the day , as many small accidents occurred which were at once attended to . In addition to the serious accident to Driver Elliott , the detachment under Surgeon - Lieutenant Fox Goode and Staff - Sergeant E. Major had about a pzen cases of injury brought to their waggon . ing ans , and from a spectacular point of view the return was even more effective than the hrst effort . The regiments had first passed in column of companies , and they returned in quar ter column formation . The Position Battery went by in line at a walk , and returned in column of sections at a trot . The cyclists went by dis mounted , and returned at a rather faster pace , mounted . The men acquitted themselves so well that frequent marks of approbation were elicited , and the congratulations of the Brigadier General conveyed to the commanding officers , As shew ing Lord Belhaven's anxiety to perform his duties in every detail , it may be mentioned that part of the Cyclist Corps , who brought up the rear on the return , were cut off from sight by the crowd fucking on to the racecourse , and , apparently thinking that all had passed , the Brigadier - General and his staff rode away from the saluting place , but returned on seeing what had happened , and waited till the remainder of the cyclists had gone by The Brigadier - General congratulated the officers commanding the 1st and 2nd Sussex Ar tillery and the officers of the 1st V.B , Royal Sussex Regiment on the march past , his lordship being especially well pleased with the bearing of the men , and he also expressed his satisfaction to Colonel Villiers and Colonel Bevington ( com manding the sub - Brigades of the Surrey Regi ments ) , stating that the only matter in which some improvement might be made was that of the distance maintained between the relative Companies . The march past and the return occupied nearly an hour , and soon after four o'clock the regiments , with their bands playing at their heads , were marching off the Race Hill , the bulk of them by way of Freshfield road and one or two va Elm - grove . The larger portion of the Surrey Brigade left Brighton by train early in the evening , but the 3rd East Surrey , from Hanover - terrace , depart this morn ing at 10.5 , and the 2nd West Surrey , from Cir cus - street , at 11.25 . The Middlesex Yeomaury will leave about eleven o'clock . THE YEOMANRY AT CHRIST CHURCH . The Middlesex Yeomanry , accompanied by their splendid brass band , paraded in front of the Albion Hotel just before ten o'clock , and pro ceeded along the Front to Christ Church , Mont pelier - road . As , however , they were not ex pected before eleven o'clock , they were in suffi cient time to allow of their marching through one or two of the streets in the immediate neighbour hood . The muster numbered just under 60 all told , the turn - out being an exceedingly smart The Yeomanry were accompanied on the way to the che by a crowd of several hundred . one . The sacred edid t was full , the officiating clergy being the Incumbent ( the Rev. R. M. Hawkins ) and his Curate ( the Rev. T. H. Peate ) . The service was that appointed for the day , and Easter hymns were sung . Mr. Hawkins preached an impressive sermon on the Resurrec tion , this being one of a series of addresses de livered by him on " The supreme altruism of our Lord . " A large crowd congregated outside the church just before the conclusion of the service at about 12.45 p.m. The men were quickly formed up and marched towards the Front , headed by the band playing Tommy Atkins , " and were dismissed opposite the Albion Hotel . " EMPIRE " THEATRE OF VARIETIES . SATURDAY , APRIL 13th . GRAND MILITARY NIGHT + UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF THE Y Officers and Members of the Middlesex Yeomanry Cavalry , OFFICERS ' BOX . ADMIT ONE TO

Accession number

912L : 2124/6

Transcription

SUSSEX DAILY NEWS ,
TUESDAY , APRIL 16 , 1895. made his
THE EASTER MANCEUVRES . BATTLE OF BALMER DOWN .
A SHORT AND MERRY MILL .
IRISH RIFLES TO THE FRONT . Lord Belhaven's Surrey Brigade at Brighton had the co - operation of the Royal Irish Rifles in a field day on Saturday morning , and the Regu lars distinguished themselves on Balmer Down by a brilliant charge that was ruled to be highly successful . The eight Surrey Battalions , the Middlesex Yeomanry , the Royal Irish Rifles , and the Cadet Battalion of the King's Royal Rifles participated in the proceedings , the " idea " governing which was as follows :
Au invading force has landed at Newhaven , and pushed its advance guard t Lewes . The defenders are mobilising an army corps , of which the Surrey Brigade forms a portion , at Brighton . The advance guard of the enemy sends out a Brigade to reconnoitre in the directiou of Stanmer Downs . The officer com . manding the Surrey Brigade , formed as a division , receives orders to drive back the enemy .
The " enemy " on Saturday was commanded by Colonel Drewitt , 2nd West Surrey , who had under bim his own Corps , the 2nd East Surrey , and the Cadets .
Against him were six Surrey battalions , the Royal Irish Rifles , and the Yeomanry . All the troops paraded in Brighton at eight o'clock in the morning , the " enemy " proceeding out of the town via Lewes - road , and the de fenders by way of Diteliling - road , the sub sequent battle ground being the familiar down on the north eastern side of Stanmer l'ark . Colonel Drewitt bad about 400 of his own Corps , under Major Smith , 320 of the 2nd East Surrey , under Colonel Bailey , and 70 Cadets , commanded by Major Freeman Wills . Major Barrett acted as Aide - de - Camp . Leaving Brighton about half - past eight the little force reached Mary Farm at ten o'clock . Thence they proceeded to the coppice beyond the farm , the 2nd West taking the higher ground near the copse , with the Cadets in the centre , and the 2nd East at the other extremity of the line .
THE MARCH OF THE DEFENDERS . Brigadier - General Lord Belhaven , in command of the defenders , had his force moving ont of Brighton soon after half - past eight . The 1st Royal Irish Rifles mustered over 500 , under the command of Captain and Adjutant Curzon ; the Middlesex Yeomanry Cavalry numbered close on 40 , under Captain W. Duncan ; the 1st , 3rd , and 4th Volunteer Battalions West Surrey Regiment had an aggregate strength of about 1,350 , and constituted a sub - Brigade commanded by Colonel S. R. Bevington , of the 3rd West ; and the 1st Surrey Rifles and the 3rd and 4th East Surrey , mustering about 800 , formed a sub - Brigade under Colonel Villiers , of the 1st Surrey Rifies . The defenders , therefore , outnumbered the enemy by 1,850 men , apart from the useful body of cavalry . Each of the battalions was headed by its own band , and the long march up Ditchling - road was accomplished creditably . The Royal Irish Rifles and the three West Surrey Battalions were halted near the Upper Lodges of Stanmer Park to enable the whole of this part of Lord Belhaven's troops to get well together , and before they started again the men got a very welcome ten minutes ' rest . They then pushed on to High Park Corner , where the four Bat talions were deployed into line before they ap peared over the top of the ridge . The right flank was taken by the Royal Irish Rifles , and the left by the 3rd West Surrey . Meantime the East Surrey Sub - Brigade had rendezvous at the Horndean road , and were after wards led by Colonel Villiers some distance in the rear of the others to High Park Corner .
assembled at their
THE DEFENDERS PLANS .
It was expected by Lord Belhaven , as it after wards transpired , that the daring invader would retire upon its base at Lewes , but Colonel Drewitt had other views While the defenders were advancing within range he hastily surveyed the country in his rear , and , regarding Balmer dispositions for bringing the whole of Down as a practically unassailable point , rapidly
his command upon this height . There was some preliminary tronble on the right flank with the Yeomanry , who were occasionally to be seen hovering below the copice , and several volleys were sent in their direction , and a small firing party detailed to prevent a repetition of the earlier surprise . It was , however , soon manifest that the real trouble was brewing on the other flank , where the Royal Irish were advancing . The advance of the defenders " was a very pretty spectacle . The Royal Irish Rifles , on the right , skirted the Park to the foot of Stanmer Down . The West Surrey Sub.Brigade made direct for Balmer Down , the troops being well extended and taking advantage of every piece of cover . The East Surrey sub - Brigade followed as a reserve force , the Brigadier General and his staff , on the right of the sub - Brigades , watching care fully the execution of his orders . When half the distance had been covered the East Surrey men were sent to the front , the men of the West taking the second line .
A DASHING CHARGE . Firing now was general , but when Colonel Drewitt was giving attention to the advance of his assailants over Stanmer Down towards his right wing , he was disconcerted by the appear ance on his left of the Royal Irish . Excellently hidden in the valley , Captain Curzon had got within short distance of the enemy without being observed . The advance of the Irishmen rendered it exceedingly dangerous to await the coming of the defenders on the opposite ridge , and after greeting the new arrivals Colonel Drewitt directed a general retirement by succes sive companies , a brisk fire , however , being maintained . The movement was well carried out left
by all except the Cadets who were on the high ground immediately to the front of Balmer Down , and quickly cut off from the other battalions by the advancing Royal Irish . Reserving their fire and taking advantage of all the cover available , the Irishmen went on rapidly , and finally , using their magazine rifles , made a splendid dash , and capturing that had been held by the left w enemy's force . Finally Colonel Drey his battalions together for a stubb against the remainder of Lord Bellay
A CAVALRY INCIDENT .
It was now half - past ten , and the Middlesex Yeomanry went to the front of the defenders ' line , and quickly surprised some of Colonel Drewitt's force . The bulk of the latter's men were in rear of the coppice beyond Mary Farm , and the Colonel , having thrown ou advance parties , was awaiting signs of the defenders . At this interesting juncture the Middlesex Yeo manry , " nder Captain Duncan , with Captain and Adjutant Forrester Colvin ( 9thi Lancers ) , Captain Rawson ( of the Brighton Troop ) , and Lieutenants Edwards , Rivers , Langman , and Gastrell , which had been patrolling in the neighbourhood , slipped unobserved round the coppice , and suddenlycharged down upon Colonel Drewitt's right , creating no little diversion in that neighbourhood . The Yeomanry quickly advised Lord Belhaven of the whereabouts of the invader , and not much time lapsed before a general action raged .
he Cadets , having sent some shot rishmen , were taken to Colonel D Concentrating on the top of the ridge Buckland Bauk , nearly 600 feet the 2nd East Surrey on his Cadets in the centre , and the Surrey on his right , he ra final assault of the defender form of a front attack by the Brigade , and an out - flanking enemy's right by the Western Lord Bellaven's forces closed ascend the hill a furious fus was continued till the ( 6
sounded , when the oppos within a hundred yards of the Middlesex Yeomanry were another charge on Colonel Drew chiefly to the rapid advance o and to Colonel Drewitt's decisio instead of fighting a retreating tions were over by about noon .
THE EASIER MANC BATTLE WITH THE C MARCH PAST AT BRI The fine weather that had favou Brigade at Brighton since thei Thursday night continued through
when the Eastertide manœeuvres w a close with a sham fight on Balme March Past on Brighton racecourse reported that yesterday's operation place between Ovingdean and Rot the fact that the field day was in qu
direction had no material eff size of the holiday crowd , and fighting was seriously interfered wit of civilians that accompanied the town , and covered the field of of much larger force of Volunteers was on the preceding days , the Surrey B strengthened by the addition of t Rifles , Brighton Artillery , and Artillery , and , though the field day w the crowd , less satisfactory to the m than it might have been , the March afternoon was quite a pretty and spectacle .
TOAST
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THE " IDEA " AND THE FORCES .
The " idea " whi h governed the operations yesterday was the same as that on Saturday , the only variation being in the place where the two forces took up their positions . The Brigadier General , Lord Belhaven , again had the general direction of the Brighton Army , which was repre sented by the 1st , 2nd , and 4th Volunteer Bat talions of the West Surrey Regiment , numbering close on 1,570 of all ranks , under Colonel S. R. Bevington , whose own regiment ( the 3rd West Surrey ) was with the enemy ; the 1st Surrey Rifles , and the 2nd and 3rd Volunteer Battalions of the East Surrey Regiment , with an aggregate strength of some 1,260 , under Colonel Villiers , of the 1st Surrey Rifles ; and the 1st Sussex Artillery Volunteers , numbering 435 of all ranks , under Colonel Boxall ; while for cavalry he had the Middlesex Yeomanry under Captain W. Duncan , and the Mounted In fantry of the Surrey Brigade , both parties aggre . gating about fifty horsemen . Colonel Drewitt , of the 2nd West Surrey , who again commanded the " enemy , " was provided with a considerably ang . mented force compared with that of Saturday , his command embracing the 1st Volunteer Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment , the 2nd Sussex Arti Volunteers ( without guns ) , the 3rd West and 4th East Surrey Battalions , and the 1st Cadet Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps . The troops of both sides paraded before . eight o'clock . the Brighton Rifles assembling at their head - quarters in Church - street , at 7.30 , in marching order . The parade state shewed 370 of all ranks present , including thirty non - com missioned officers and twelve officers , namely , Colonel Hugh Verrall , in command , Majors Clarke and Parsons , Captain and Acting Ad jutant King , Captains Shapland , Abbey , and Hart , and Lieutenants Clarke , Castle , and Carlton Hall ; and ; Surgeon - Captain Turton and Surgeon - Lieutenant Chepmell , in charge of the ambulance detachments . They , with the 3rd West Surrey , about 305 all ranks , under Major Dixon ; the 4th East Surrey , about 600 , under Colonel Bowen ; and the Cadets , about 70 , under
Maior roomon Wille vara wall
on the morali
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Our Colonel Proposed by CAPT . W. H. RAWSON . ' Happy Thoughts " MR . W. H. NOEL Reply - LIEUT . - COL . KENYON - MITFORD . Prosperity to " D " Troop Proposed by SURG . - LIEUT . HUDSON . SKETCH " A Pantomime in 10 minutes " MR . R. H. DOUGLASS Reply - CAPT . DUNCAN .
" The Hero's Return " MR . CURTIS D'ALTON Accompanied by the Composer - Mr . ST . QUINTIN . The Troop Officers Proposed by SERGT . - MAJOR BENNETT .
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The Queen The Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family
LIEUT . W. R. J. MCLEAN , Mus . Bac The Mavy , Army and Reserve Forces Proposed by MR . E. H. BYAS .
" The Barmaid " MR . AMBROSE THORNE Reply - LIEUT . - COL . HEMANS .
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( 4
" The Judge " MR . AMBROSE THORNE CAPTAIN DUNCAN .
Reply LIEUT . EDWARDS . LIEUT . LANGMAN .
" A Walking Tour " MR . W. H. NOEL The Visitors
***
Proposed by TROOPER PULMAN . " Tally - Ho " MR . CURTIS D'ALTON Accompanied by the Composer - Mr . ST . QUINTIN . Reply - MAJOR J. C. MATHEWS .
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN .
HON SEO - TROOPER H , R. S. PULMAN .
GETTING INTO POSITION .
THE MARCH PAST .
It will have been seen that the defenders of In so extended and undulating an area as the Brighton were again vastly superior in strength Brighton Race Hill , anything like an accurate to the enemy , having a total of all arms of over computation of the numbers of a great crowd is 3,330 against 1,485 , with the advantage of the extremely difficult , if not impossible , but it is possession of guns and cavalry . The " " enemy , certain that many thousands of persons must having on Saturday been defeated on Balmer have been present there yesterday afternoon to Down and Buckland Bank , retired yesterday to witness the final event in the manoeuvres . There a position extending from Ashcombe Bottom to was a concourse of ladies in the grand stand . Streethill Farm . Colonel Diewitt placed his Both sides of the course were lined by people for right flank on the Down immediately behind the a distance of half a mile , and there were all the trees by the farm , putting the Cadet Battalion and attractions of a fair in the shape of roundabouts , the 2nd Sussex Artillery in that position , the 3rd swings , and cocoa - nut " shies . " Indeed , but West and the 4th East Surrey in the centre , and for the keen north - east wind the scene reminded the 1st V.B. Royal Sussex on the extreme left . one of a highly - successful Cup day at the summer The defenders were meantime ranging themselves races with the betting fraternity absent . The
were .
sun kept shining all the while , the chilling nature of the wind was largely discounted . It had been announced that the match past would take place at a quarter to three , and as early as two o'clock Elm - grove and the other approaches to the Race Hill were alive with people swarming up , while half the cabs and carriages in Brighton seemed to have been engaged for the occasion . About half - past two it seemed as if rain were to mar the afternoon's proceedings , but a huge black cloud in the north , over Bevendean way , proved to be the result of another furze fire , the smoke from which made an enormous arch across the sky as it was blown over the hills towards Brigliton . The public owe a debt of gratitude to the Race Stand Trustees , Alderman Abbey , Alderman Brigden , and Mr. Seymour Burrows , for kindly allowing the Racecourse to be sed for the march past . It was a " free sight " which naturally was much appreciated .
were
their left towards Stanmer Down . Guns and cavalry were to the front , and immediately in their rear the East Surrey Sub - Brigade of three battalions . The West Surrey battalions and the Garrison Companies of the 1st Sussex Artillery Volunteers were behind these as a reserve force . The battle opened at about a quarter to eleven with artillery fire from the Position Battery of the Brighton Artillery , under cover of which Colonel Villiers ' three Corps began their advance , making for the right flank of the enemy . Simul taneously the cavalry of the defence devoted attention to the left . There were , however , no surprises such as that of Saturday . The enemy were vigilant , and all along the extensive front cyclist scouts and advance parties watchful and ready . The attack of the defenders rapidly developed , and it was early made manifest that Colonel Villiers meditated a well - supported attack on Colonel Drewitt's right . The Cadets were sent forward . A REST ON WHITEHAWK HILL . into the coppice , but the defenders came on in The grand stand , lawn , and ring had been spite of the fire to which they exposed themselves , reserved , a large number of invitations to well and eventually , by section rushes , penetrated known residents being sent out for these by the into the verge of the wood . The attack soon in- Trustees , while the public were admitted at a volved also the 2nd Sussex Artillery and the 3rd small charge . A charge was also made for the West Surrey , and firing became general on the carriage enclosure , the money thus obtained right wing of the enemy's position . Colonel being given to the fund for the compensation of Drewitt's force was excellently disposed and had farmers and others whose property may have the advantage of ample cover , of which full been injured by the troops . It was at use was made . As the East Surrey Battalions minutes past two that the troops , now in made no impression Colonel Bevington's West one big happy family , marehed on to the Sub - Brigade , with the Brighton Artillery Garri - Race Hill by the Bear Mill , and made son Companies , was requisitioned . The 1st West their way to the rendezvous on White Surrey were on the left , and the garrison com- hawk Hill préparatory to marching past . panies of the 1st Sussex Artillery on the right . Here there was a very acceptable interval for the Major E. Noble Edwards was in command of the enjoyment of rations before the time fixed for the garrison companies ( Colonel Boxall being with Brigadier - General to take his place at the the Brigadier - General's Staff ) , and the other saluting base . Meantime the course was kept officers present were Captain Brigden , Captain clear by the Royal Irish Rifles , assisted by Reeves , Captain Dell , Captain and Adjutant mounted men of the Brighton Police Force , Chief Pollock , R.A. , and Lieutenant Hewett . Constable Carter , Chief Superintendent Raggett , THE RETREAT . Superintendent Lacroix , Inspector Parker , and others , plenty of assistauts being on the ground also . At a quarter to three o'clock Brigadier - General Lord Belhaven , accompanied by his staff , rode along from Whitehawk Hill , and stationed themselves at the saluting base . His lordship's staff were the same as on the field days on Friday and Saturday , with the addition of Colonel Boxall as officer commanding the Artillery . Soon afterwards the band of the 1st Sussex Artillery ( Bandmaster Landfried conduct ing ) took up their position exactly opposite , their backs to the grand stand , and before three o'clock the iaarch past was conimenced .
ten
AN INTERESTING SPECTACLE . The Middlesex Yeomanry were the first to be seen advancing over the hill from the east , and ,
splendidly horsed , and riding like soldiers should , they went past con tinuing up the course beyond the half - mile post and then turning for the reverse march later on .
As Colonel Bevington's troops came within range the East Surrey battalions were just beginning to give way bre their fierce reception . Colonel Drewitt's followed up their advantage , but soon foun t the defenders were by no means disposed Coming up on the right of the re tiring Eas rey Sub - Brigade Colonel Beving ton's little ny engaged the 4th East Surrey and the Brighton Rifles , and the fusillade became more vigorous than ever . The " enemy's left , however , was as well handled as the right , and the defenders found it necessary to withdraw steadily before the fire of the scarlet coated battalions . This movement on the part of the East Sub - Brigade was rendered somewhat difficult by the fact that the ground was covered by an excited crowd of civilians rushing in all directions ; but despite the confusion the men soon settled down to their work , and the West Surrey Battalions , taking their post in the front of the fight , kept the enemy sufficiently in check Following the Yeomanry came the Position to allow the retreat to be made in fairly good Battery 1st Sussex Artillery Volunteers , with It soon became evident that Colonel Major Beves at its head . The garrison companies Drewitt , although he followed the defenders into succeeded , and after them came the 2nd Sussex the valley at the foot of Balmer heights , was not ( Eastbourne ) Artillery , who were the first to going to attempt the impossible task of secure a round of applause from the onlookers . charging up the face of the steep bank . Instead The Artillery band continued to play till that he manoeuvred skilfully for flank attacks . The branch of the force had passed , then the right of the defenders ' ' line was first assailed , and bands of the West Surrey sub - Brigade as this move had been evident for some time the massed before the saluting point , and 1st Sussex Artillery and the 4th West Surrey played their comrades past . The Surrey Mounted were promptly moved well to the right to check Infantry - a particularly presentable Corps , ad it . Here again a fierce and interesting encounter mirably horsed - were followed by the pioneers took place , as the Brighton force reached an ad and signallers of the West Surrey Battalions , and vantageous position on the top of a hill . The then came in order the 1st , 2nd , 3rd , and 4th excitement grew greater when the fierce and West Surrey Corps , marching in excellent style , rapid volley of musketry the on left and provoking cheers from the bystanders . The shewed that an attempt made massed bands of the East Surrey Battalions was being to carry that flank also by assault . having replaced those of the West Surrey , the On that side the enemy had the advantage , for East Surrey went by , led by their signallers and the 2nd Sussex Artillery and the Cadets , who the 1st Surrey Rifles , here again public were on the extreme right of the advancing admiration being emphatically expressed . body , found plenty of cover , and poured round The Cadet Battalion King's Royal after round into the ranks of the defenders . Rifle Corps were the next to Another Battalion was brought up , but the and then the 1st Volunteer Battalion Royal position was practically carried when " Cease Sussex Regiment . Last of all were the transport fire " sounded , and the honours of the day rested waggons and the cyclist corps , the latter a large with the enemy . It was half - past twelve when and excellently mounted body . When all had the engagement ended , and without delay gone by , the racecourse , for half - a - mile of its the long march from Balmer , over Fal length , had in it a compact body of troops that mer Hill and Bevendean Upper Brighton to the presented a very effective show . After a long Race Hill , was commenced . pause , the whole body again came past the Brigadier - General , the Yeomanry and Mounted Infantry leading at the trot to appropriate music , followed by the Position Battery of the Brighton Artillery , and the Infantry in the reverse order to the original march . The regimental bands now accompanied the various Corps , playing inspirit
The ambulance detachments proved of no small service during the day , as many small accidents occurred which were at once attended to . In addition to the serious accident to Driver Elliott , the detachment under Surgeon - Lieutenant Fox Goode and Staff - Sergeant E. Major had about a pzen cases of injury brought to their waggon .
ing ans , and from a spectacular point of view the return was even more effective than the hrst effort . The regiments had first passed in column of companies , and they returned in quar ter column formation . The Position Battery went by in line at a walk , and returned in column of sections at a trot . The cyclists went by dis mounted , and returned at a rather faster pace , mounted . The men acquitted themselves so well that frequent marks of approbation were elicited , and the congratulations of the Brigadier General conveyed to the commanding officers , As shew ing Lord Belhaven's anxiety to perform his duties in every detail , it may be mentioned that part of the Cyclist Corps , who brought up the rear on the return , were cut off from sight by the crowd fucking on to the racecourse , and , apparently thinking that all had passed , the Brigadier - General and his staff rode away from the saluting place , but returned on seeing what had happened , and waited till the remainder of the cyclists had gone
by The Brigadier - General congratulated the officers commanding the 1st and 2nd Sussex Ar tillery and the officers of the 1st V.B , Royal Sussex Regiment on the march past , his lordship being especially well pleased with the bearing of the men , and he also expressed his satisfaction to Colonel Villiers and Colonel Bevington ( com manding the sub - Brigades of the Surrey Regi ments ) , stating that the only matter in which some improvement might be made was that of the distance maintained between the relative Companies . The march past and the
return occupied nearly an hour , and soon after four o'clock the regiments , with their bands playing at their heads , were marching off the Race Hill , the bulk of them by way of Freshfield road and one or two va Elm - grove . The larger portion of the Surrey Brigade left Brighton by train early in the evening , but the 3rd East Surrey , from Hanover - terrace , depart this morn ing at 10.5 , and the 2nd West Surrey , from Cir cus - street , at 11.25 . The Middlesex Yeomaury will leave about eleven o'clock .
THE YEOMANRY AT CHRIST CHURCH . The Middlesex Yeomanry , accompanied by their splendid brass band , paraded in front of the Albion Hotel just before ten o'clock , and pro ceeded along the Front to Christ Church , Mont pelier - road . As , however , they were not ex pected before eleven o'clock , they were in suffi cient time to allow of their marching through one or two of the streets in the immediate neighbour hood . The muster numbered just under 60 all told , the turn - out being an exceedingly smart The Yeomanry were accompanied on the way to the che by a crowd of several hundred .
one .
The sacred edid t was full , the officiating clergy being the Incumbent ( the Rev. R. M. Hawkins ) and his Curate ( the Rev. T. H. Peate ) . The service was that appointed for the day , and Easter hymns were sung . Mr. Hawkins preached an impressive sermon on the Resurrec tion , this being one of a series of addresses de livered by him on " The supreme altruism of our Lord . " A large crowd congregated outside the church just before the conclusion of the service at about 12.45 p.m. The men were quickly formed up and marched towards the Front , headed by the band playing Tommy Atkins , " and were dismissed opposite the Albion Hotel .
" EMPIRE "
THEATRE OF VARIETIES .
**
SATURDAY , APRIL 13th .
GRAND
MILITARY NIGHT
+
UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF THE Y
Officers and Members of the Middlesex Yeomanry Cavalry ,
OFFICERS ' BOX .
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