7^th (Clackmannan & Kinross) Volunteer

Battalion, Princess Louise’s

(Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders)

  The first meetings with a view to the formation of volunteer rifle corps in Clackmannanshire were held at Tillicoultry on the 4^th, and at Alloa on the 5^th November 1859, but it was not till March 10^th 1860, that the services of the Tillicoultry Corps, of one company, and June 2^nd that those of the Alloa Corps, of two companies, were adopted, the delay being due to the absence of the Lord-Lieutenant.  The Tillicoultry Corps was at first numbered “1,” but this was afterwards changed, the Alloa Corps becoming the 1^st and the Tillicoultry Corps the 2^nd, the officers of both being gazetted on June 29^th 1860.  Each member paid for his own uniform and equipment, which consisted of medium grey tunics and trousers, wit black braid and lace on the breast of the tunics and green facings, a grey cap with green band and brown belts.  A band of Graham tartan was worn round the caps at the Royal Review of 1860 as a battalion badge, and was retained by the Clackmannan Corps till 1863, when a grey, green and white-diced band was substituted for it. In 1862 both corps were attached to the 1^st Administrative Battalion, Stirlingshire Rifle Volunteers, and in 1865 it was decided to re-clothe the two corps in green doublets wit black braid and red collars and cuffs, Graham tartan trews, round green caps without peak and with red, white, and green diced band and brown belts.

           On November 5^th 1867, the 1^st Corps was increased to four companies, the fourth (D) being at Dollar, and it and the 2^nd Corps were taken away from the Stirlingshire battalion and formed into the 1^st Administrative Battalion, Clackmannanshire Rifle Volunteers, with headquarters at Alloa, to which the 14^th Stirlingshire Corps at Alva (raised on October 17^th 1868) was added in 1868, and the 1^st Kinross Corps in 1873.  The latter corps had been raised as a subdivision at Kinross on October 31^st 1860, and increased to a company on May 1^st 1861, and had hitherto been attached to the 1^st Administrative Battalion Fifeshire R.V., whose changes of uniform it had followed.  On the battalion being formed, it was determined not to proceed with the change of uniform decided on in 1865, which had only partially been carried out, and instead a uniform of dark grey doublets with scarlet collars, cuffs, and piping, the cuffs being pointed and with black lace, Murray tartan trews (out of compliment to Lord Mansfield, the Lord-Lieutenant), dark grey forage caps without peaks and with red, white, and green diced band, and brown belts was adopted.  The officers had black braid on the breast of the doublet and silver lave round the top of the cap.  The 14^th Stirlingshire were clothed in this uniform on their formation.  In 1874 the doublets were changed to scarlet with blue facings, and plain glengarries (with blackcock’s tail for officers) were substituted for the caps, the Murray tartan trews and brown belts being retained.

            In February 1880 the battalion was consolidated as the 1^st Clackmannan and Kinross Rifle Volunteers, with headquarters at Alloa, and seven companies, lettered as follows: A and C, Alloa; B, Sauchie; and D, Dollar (all late 1^st Clackmannan); E, Tillicoultry (late 2^nd Clackmannan); F, Alva (late 14^th Stirling); and G, Kinross (late 1^st Kinross).  In 1882 a section was formed at Clackmannan, and in 1883 it was increased to a complete company and lettered “H.”  Since then, with the exception of th4 formation in 1900of a section of “H” Company at Kincardine and of a cyclist section at Kelty, attached to the Kinross Company, in 1903, there were no changes in the organisation of the battalion.

            In 1887, by General Order 181 of December 1^st, the battalion assumed the title of 7^th (Clackmannan and Kinross) V.B. Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, and on February 21^st 1888, it was authorised to wear the uniform of the regular battalions, but with trews and Glengarry bonnets with red and white diced borders, the brown belts being changed for white.  Officers wore shoulder plaids, claymore belts, claymores, and dirks. During the South African War, 85 members of the battalion including 3 officers, saw active service.  Of these, 11 men joined the 1^st Volunteers Company, Lieutenant C. W. L. Ross and 17 men the 2^nd, and Lieutenant H. R. Rae and 24 men (of whom 5 had already served in the 1^st) the 3^rd Volunteer Company of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, and 16 men joined the Scottish Volunteer Cyclist Company Lieutenant A. M. Muir and the remaining men joining other corps. As headquarters for the battalion, Alloa prison was purchased in 1882, and enlarged and completed with drill hall, offices, armoury, &c.  The battalion had its rifle range up to 900 yards at Hillend, near Alloa and G Company had a separate range up to 600 yards at Blairadam.

            The lieutenant –colonels commanding have been-       

        Alexander Mitchell, Major, November 5^th 1867; Lieut –Colonel, February 10^th 1871

            John B. Harvey (hon. col.), December 21^st 1887

            James Porteous, V.D. (hon. col.), January 24^th 1891

            Andrew T. Moyes, V.D. (hon. col.), March 3^rd 1897

            Robert Haig of Dollarfield, January 25^th 1902

            James Craig, September 13^th 1906

  7^th Middlesex (London Scottish)

Volunteer Rifle Corps

(Rifle Depot)

       On May 21^st 1859, at a meeting of the Highland Society of London, it was announced that a movement was on foot to raise a corps of Scottish volunteers in London, and the outcome of this was a meeting at the Freemasons Tavern on July 4^th 1859, with Lord Elcho in the chair, at which it was resolved to form such a corps.  On November 2^nd 1859, the services of the corps as the 15^th Middlesex (London Scottish) Rifle Volunteer Corps, with an establishment of six companies were accepted.  The companies originally formed were distributed over London as follows, and their recruitment was confined to Scotsmen resident in the Metropolis: -

            No.1 (Highland) Company.  Headquarters, 10 Pall Mall, East

           No.2 (City) Company.  Mainly recruited from employees of the Oriental Bank, with headquarters there

           No.3 (Northern) Company.  Headquarters, Rosemary Hall, Islington

           No. 4 (Central) Company.  Headquarters, Scottish Corporation House, Crane Court

           No. 5 (Southern) Company.  Headquarters, 68 Jermyn Street, S.W.

           No.6 (Western) Company.  Headquarters, Chesterfield House, W

     The corps was largely aided at first by the subscriptions of Scotsmen in London, and had a large number of honorary members.  The entrance fee was fixed at £1 and the annual subscription at £1, members providing their own uniform and equipment; but of the 600 men originally recruited 340 were “artisans,” who paid no entrance fee and only 5s a year subscription, and of these only 50 provided their own uniforms, the rest being equipped from corps funds.  The corps was thus thoroughly representative of all classes of Scots in London.  Two of the companies were mainly, but not entirely, composed of such “artisans,” the others were mixed.  In 1862 the entrance fee was abolished, and since then the necessary qualifications for entrances have been only the introduction of a member and Scottish nationality.

            The original uniform was, for the 1^st Company, Elcho grey tunics, short skirted with the skirts grounded in front, with blue collars and cuffs, white metal buttons, grey lace on the collar, and grey Austrian knot, Elcho grey kilts, goatskin sporrans glengarries with thistle badge, and brown belts; for the 2^nd to 6^th Companies similar tunics with long skirts, grey trousers with blue piping, brown canvas leggings, and grey caps with the sloping peak, blue and white diced band, and blackcock’s tail on the left side.  In 1862 the Glengarry bonnet with blackock’s tail was adopted as headdress for the whole battalion.

            In November 1860 the establishment of the battalion was officially increased to ten companies; but this increase never to have been carried out, for in 1861 No.2 Company became No.7, a new No.2 was raised, and a new No.8 was formed as a kilted company, thus only raising the actual strength to eight companies, the two flank companies being kilted, the others wearing tunics trousers, and all the Glengarry with blackcock’s tail.  The first honorary colonel of the corps was Lieutenant-General Colin Campbell, Lord Clyde, appointed in 1861, and after his death in 1863, another distinguished Scottish officer, Lieutenant-General Sir James Hope Grant, was appointed to the same honour, which he held till his death in 1875.   In 1865 No.3 Company was absorbed into the others, and in 1866 a new kilted company was formed under the Marquis of Lorne and lettered “B,” the former 1^st (kilted) Company becoming “A,” the 2^nd and 6^th being amalgamated as “E,” and the 4^th, 5^th, 7^th, and 8^th Companies becoming “C,” “D,” “F,” and “H” respectively, letter “G” being left vacant.  “A,” “B,” and “H” were then the kilted companies.  In 1870 “E,” and in 1872 “C,” “D,” and “F” Companies were kilted, thus completing the corps as a kilted battalion.  On November 1^st 1881, a new “G” Company was formed, thus attaining to the establishment of eight companies, which had been laid down in 1865 through never reached.  In 1884 authority was given to increase the establishment to ten companies, and on November 1^st of that year “I” and “K” Companies were formed.

            In 1880, in accordance with an announcement in the London Gazette of September 3^rd, the corps was renumbered the 7^th Middlesex (London Scottish) Rifle Volunteers.  No further changes in the establishment of the battalion (except the increase in the number of privates in 1901) took place after 1884. The original kilted dress underwent few changes.  In 1868 all the companies (including those not kilted) were permitted to wear grey belted, plaids and in 1872 bronze buttons were introduced in place of those of white metal, but in 1880 the latter were reverted to.  In 1882 doublets with gauntlet cuff and blue piping replaced the tunics hitherto in use, and grey linen spats, worn with shoes, were taken into wear the grey spats being exchanged for white ten years later.  In 1890 the valise equipment was introduced, the shoulder belts and expanse pouches being done away with.  Till 1882 it had been the custom for each company to wear a separate badge in the Glengarry on special occasions (thus, “A” Company, deer grass; “B” Company, the Clan Campbell badge of myrtle, &c.; the companies which had no special badge wearing holly), but in that year the holly badge was made common to all companies, and was worn when specially ordered. In 1872 Colour-Sergeant Michie of the London Scottish won the Queen’s Prize at the National Rifle Association meeting at Wimbledon. During the South African War no fewer than 218 members of the corps saw active service in the field.  Lieutenant B. C. Green and 45 other ranks joined the City of London Imperial Volunteers in December 1899, and of these Lieutenant Green, Sergeant-Major T. Smith, Armourer-Sergeant E. A. H. Gordon, and Sergeant J. T. Hutchinson were mentioned in Lord Robert’s despatch of September 4^th 1901, and sergeant-Major Smith and Sergeant Hutchinson received the medal for distinguished conduct.  Nine more men followed as a draft for the City Imperial Volunteers in June 1900.

            To the 2^nd Volunteer Service Company of the Gordon Highlanders the London Scottish contributed Captains A. W. Buckingham and 56 other ranks, the remainder of the company being made up from the 5^th and 6^th Volunteer Battalions Gordon Highlanders.  This company left Aberdeen on February 23^rd, and joined the 2^nd Battalion at Ladysmith on March 25^th.  Captain A. E. Rogers of the London Scottish served with it as a volunteer, and commanded it after Captain Buckingham was invalided.  At the action of Rooikopjes on July 24^th, Corporal E. B. M. Murray of the London Scottish was dangerously wounded, and afterwards died, and Captain Rogers was slightly wounded.  On September 8^th, near Lydenburg, a shell burst immediately above the company, which lost 3 killed and 16 wounded, of whom Sergeant W. F. Budgett, killed and 10 men wounded belonged to the London Scottish.  During the campaign Lance-Sergeant W. H. Kidd, Private D. E. Thomson, and Private T. P. Menzies dies of disease.  The company returned to Aberdeen on May 3^rd.  Sergeant E. Gavin and Corporal F. C. Thorne were mentioned in Lord Roberts Despatch of September 4^th 1901. To the 3^rd Volunteer Service Company of the Gordon Highlanders the London Scottish sent Captain B.C. Green (who had already served with the City Imperial Volunteers), 2^nd Lieutenant H. G. H. Newington, and 26 other ranks, of whom Sergeant W. Steven was mentioned for gallantry on August 10^th, when a derailed train was attacked near Pietersburg (Lord Kitchener’s despatch of October 8^th 1901), and Sergeant F. H. Harris died of disease.  To the 4^th Service Company the London Scottish contributed 4 men, and Captain B. C. Green was transferred to the command of it from the 3^rd.  Lieutenants J. H. Torrance and C. J. Dyke, 2^nd Lieutenant W. N. Clark and 27 men joined the Imperial Yeomanry in 1900, and 29 men in 1901, and in the latter year 1 man who also joined Lovat’s Scouts.  The remainder of the 218 served in various corps. The headquarters of the corps were first established at 8 Aldephi Terrace, and in 1873 removed to 1A Adam Street, Adelphi, and W.C.  There they remained until 1886, when newly built headquarters, with drill hall, armoury, &c., at 59 Buckingham Gate, S.W., were taken into use.  The musketry of the corps was carried out on the Pirbright Ranges, near Aldershot.    

            The lieutenant –colonels commanding the corps have been-

             F. Lord Elcho (afterwards Earl of Wemyss), Colonel A.D.C., January 30^th 1860

            Henry Lumsden, late Captain Royal Aberdeen Militia (hon. col.), December 7^th 1878

            William E. Nicol, March 14^th 1891

            Eustace J. A. Balfour, April 28^th 1894

            W. E. Edmonstone Montgomerie, V.D. (hon. col.), December 3^rd 1902

            James W. Greig, V.D. (hon. col.), December 3^rd 1904

  Army Service Corps (Volunteers)

    The Army Service corps companies date from 1902, and were allotted one to each Volunteer Infantry Brigade.  They were attached to volunteer battalions for administration as follows: -

              Argyll and Sutherland Brigade Coy. A.S.C.(V.)-1^st Dumbarton V.R.C.

            Black Watch Brigade Coy. A.S.C. (V.)-4^th V.B. Royal Highlanders

            Gordon Brigade Coy. A.S.C. (V.)-4^th V.B. Gordon highlanders

            Highland Light Infantry Brigade Coy. A.S.C.(V.)-3^rd V.D. Highland Light Infantry

            1^st Lothian Brigade Coy. A.S.C.(V.)-Q.R.V.B. Royal Scots

            Scottish Border Brigade Coy. A.S.C.(V.)-2^nd King’s Own Scottish Borderers

            Seaforth and Cameron Brigade Coy. A.S.C.(V.)-1^st V.B. Cameron Highlanders

  No companies had been formed for the Clyde, Scottish Rifles, and 2^nd Lothian Brigades.

            Each company consisted of a headquarters and a supply section.  The headquarters consisted of 1 major or captain, 1 subaltern, 1 company sergeant major and quartermaster-sergeant, 2 sergeants, 2 corporals, 1 wheeler, 1 shoeing-smith, and 1 saddler; and the supply section numbered 1 captain, 1 staff-sergeant, 1 sergeant, 1 corporal and 2 privates as clerks and issuers, 1 corporal and 2 privates as butchers, 1 private as labourer, and 2 drivers for each vehicle.  The vehicles were one 2-horsed wagon for each battalion of the brigade and one for company headquarters.  These personnel belonged to and were borne supernumerary to the establishment of one or more battalions of the brigade.

            The uniform was that of the Army Service corps blue with white facings and helmets, but with white metal buttons and silver lace.

  Royal Army Medical Corps

(Volunteers)

  The Royal Army Medical Corps (Volunteers) were first formed as the “Volunteer Medical Staff Corpse,” and received their later title under Army Order 27 of February 1902.  The force in Scotland was divided into the Edinburgh Company, the Aberdeen Companies, the Glasgow Companies, and a number of Brigade Bearer Companies.  The uniform was the same as that of the Royal Army Medical Corps- blue with dull cherry facings and helmets, but with white metal buttons and silver lace.

  Edinburgh Company

  This company was raised in Edinburgh, mainly from medical students of the University, as the 2^nd Division Volunteer Medical Staff Corps, on May 22^nd 1886.

            Thirty-four of its members served in South Africa during the war, of whom Captain David Wallace was mentioned in despatches (London Gazette, April 16^th 1901).

            Its commanding officers have been-

            Surgeon David Hepburn, M.D. (afterwards Major), May 22^nd 1886

            Lieutenant D. Waterston, M.D. (Captain, August 11^th 1906), January 7^th 1903

  Aberdeen Companies

  The formation of one company, as the 7^th Division Volunteer Medical Staff Corps, at Aberdeen was authorised on May 13^th 1888.  It was composed entirely of medical students of the University of Aberdeen, and its officers were first commissioned on April 17^th 1889.  In 1905 a second company was added, and also transport sections for two field hospitals and the bearer company of the Gordon Volunteer Infantry Brigade.  Headquarters were at the Albert Hall, 14 Union Wynd, Aberdeen.

           Six members of the company served during the South African War, of whom one, Private Alexander Watt, was killed in action.

            The commanding officers have been-

             Surgeon Alexander MacGregor, M.D., April 17^th 1889 

            Captain (Major 1902) James Mackenzie Booth, M.A., M.D., September 8^th 1891

            Major John Scott Riddell, M.V.O., M.A., M.B., July 2^nd 1904

  Glasgow Companies

  Two companies were formed on July 11^th 1894, and these were increased to five in 1901.  To the companies were also attached transport sections for six field hospitals and two bearer companies.  Headquarters were at Gilbert Street, Yorkhill, Glasgow.

            Forty-nine members of the companies served in South Africa during the war.

            The commanding officer was-

  Lieut. –Colonel Sir George T. Beatson, K.C.B., V.D., M.D. (hon. col.), who was appointed Captain Commanding June 23^rd 1894, Major on July 25^th 1900, and Lieutenant –Colonel May 8^th 1901.

  Bearer Companie

 The following Brigade Bearer Companies were independent units:-

             Argyll and Sutherland-21 Jardine Street, Glasgow

            Black Watch-107 Victoria Road, Dundee

            Highland Light Infantry-81 Greendyke Street, Glasgow

            1^st Lothian-71 Gilmore Place, Edinburgh

            Seaforth and Cameron-10 Bank Street, Inverness

  The Bearer Company for the Gordon Brigade formed portion of the Aberdeen Companies R.A.M.C. (V.), and its strength was included in that unit.  That for the Scottish Border Brigade was borne supernumerary to the establishment of the 3^rd Volunteer Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers, and the other bearer companies had not, up to 1908, been formed, but would have been found by the Royal Army Medical Corps (Volunteers).  

Extracted from 'Scottish Volunteer Force'

Brigadier and Staff, Surrey Brigade

The first illustration on this page depicts Colonel Lord Belhaven and Stenton commanding the Surrey Brigade, with his staff.  Lord Belhaven formerly served in the Royal Engineers, passed through the Staff College, and took part in the Zulu campaign.  The headquarters of the brigade are at Barkston Gardens, S.W., and the place of assembly is Caterham.

The second photograph is that of Colonel Viscount Newark, commanding the North Midland Brigade, and the officers of his staff.  The name of Viscount Newark is well known in volunteer circles.  The headquarters of the brigade, as well as the place of assembly, are at Derby.  It may not here be out of place to observe that though in both cases the aides-de-camp are volunteers, the appointment is also open to officers of the yeomanry and militia.

The last picture on this page shows the Supply and Transport Detachment of the North London Brigade - a most desirable addition to every brigade, for, as its name implies, the staff is responsible for the conveyance of food and other necessaries.  The supply and transport officer of the brigade is Colonel Lloyd, London Irish, and the officer commanding the detachment is Captain Heath, 18th Middlesex, well known as a marksman with the rifle and revolver.