THE 6TH HANTS (GOSPORT) CORPS.—This corps was raised in the year 1861, and was at first officered by Captain William Yates Peel, Lieutenant Richard Purvis, and Ensign Horatio Compigné, with Dr. J. R. Kealy as the Honorary Assistant-Surgeon. Soon after its first constitution the number gradually rose until it had reached the moderate total of 63; but with the capitation grant the numbers rapidly increased until sufficient effectives belonged to it to justify the formation of a second company. On the resignation of Captain Peel, Captain Richard Purvis, R.N., succeeded to the captaincy of the corps, Ensign Horatio Compigné being promoted to the lieutenancy, and Private Edward Cooke to the ensigncy. After a short tenure of office Captain Purvis resigned, and then for some time a captain was sought among the resident gentry without effect, and at last the present Captain-Commandant consented, on the earnest representation of one of the oldest supporters of the corps, to take the post of honour. A change again, of course, occurred in the officer roll, and Private Mumby was elected as ensign, Ensign Cooke being promoted to a lieutenancy, and so the corps remained until the formation of the second company before alluded to, when Ensign Mumby was created captain of the second company, Private Diaper lieutenant, and Privates Compigné and Dashwood as ensigns. The corps was famous from its first enrolment for steadiness in marching, and at Winchester, Ryde, Brighton, and other places fully maintained its character for efficiency and soldierly appearance. It had also a good name for turning out crack shots, and in the year of its formation returned a list of 20 per cent. of "marksmen." It now numbers 150 of all ranks, and is a credit to its officers and instructors, and a valuable portion of the battalion, with which it acts on all occasions such as that which we have just commemorated at Portsmouth and its neighbourhood.
See also Past & Present Volunteers in Hants