THE WOOLMER COLUMN.
On Saturday morning last the various regiments ordered to form the Column detached for Woolmer, were most of them early astir, ‟falling in” at the ‟wee” hour of four o’clock. At that time the infantry regiments quartered in the North Camp, namely the 1st Battalion 3rd, or ‟Buffs,” under the command of Lieut.-Colonel John N. Sargent, C.B., and the 1st Battalion 24th Regiment, under the command of Colonel Edmund Wodehouse, marched to the West Block, Permanent Barracks, where they fell in with the 2d Battalion 60th Rifles, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel F. R. Palmer, C.B., also detachments of the Royal Engineers, and Military Train, the latter under the command of Captain Arthur Hunt. About five o’clock the gallant regiments marched off, with bands playing and colours flying, towards Woolmer. At six o’clock they entered Farnham, where the quiet-going populace of that steady old-fashioned town had put on their ‟curiosity-cap” for once, to see ‟the military” as they passed through. The ‟Buffs” were leading and entering the town made the ancient streets re-echo with the sound of their manly voices, singing the strains of some favourite songs. So on passed the host along the pleasant country roads, from which prospects of a richly- cultivated country could be obtained, until they reached the entrance to Alice Holt Forest, (so called after Alice or Adeliza, the beautiful daughter of the Duke of Brabant, and second wife of one of our Henries, and also ancestress of the great Norfolk family.) Through this extensive wood they marched over an excellent road, nothing on either hand being visible for several miles but trees thickly planted. At last the forest was left behind, and as the troops neared their camping ground, the prospect opened oul on a magnificent expanse of half wild, half cultivated country.
These views of hill and dale, purple heath, and golden corn fields continued almost uninterruptedly until the brave fellows, with steps a little wearied with a march of fifteen or sixteen miles from Aldershot, at length neared the final halting place. Pausing for a few minutes opposite a little hamlet of five or six cottages, called Basfield, a good view of the camping ground was obtained, the spectator standing on what appeared to be one of a chain of hills. The southern side of this tract of elevated land, for the road appeared to run level for a considerable distance, sloped somewhat steeply. At the bottom ran a narrow stream, crossed by a small wooden bridge, the water being fringed by thick brushwood. At the opposite side of the stream rose another hill, called Keeper’s Hill, and the top of this was designed to form the Camp. Behind rose several minor hills, one being known as Long Hill, and some thick woods behind these again. From both ends of Keeper’s Hill stretched a fringing of thickly planted trees. The situation of the camping ground will thus be seen to be most romantically situated, while for military purposes a better spot could hardly have been found even in hilly Surrey. The front of the Camp looked towards the hamlet already mentioned, and any foe wishing to attack it would naturally try that road. Here however, the valley, with the stream, the brush- wood, and the steep incline, would offer most formidable obstacles to an enemy who might try to ascend it, galled as they would be by a raking fire from the occupants of the position. The rear of this, of course, was unasailable, and the same might be said of the flanks. But it is time to return to the Column. The Infantry arrived at the halting place at about ten o’clock, having been between four and five hours on the march. The Cavalry and Artillery, consisting of the Carabiniers, commanded by Lieut-Colonel Sawyer, G Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, under command of Major Newton, with another portion of the Military Train, left Aldershot about seven o’clock, and after a pleasant ride reached the encampment soon after the Infantry, the whole force being under the immediate command of Major-Gen. Russell, C.B.
Immediately on reaching Keeper’s Hill the troops began operations for pitching their tents, and this was capitally performed. This and other operations incidental to encamping filled up the first day.
The plan of the encampment is as follows : —The 1st Battalion 60th Rifles on the left, the 24th in the centre, the Royal Artillery next: the “Buffs” being on the left, with the Military Train in rear. On the flank of the Rifles, in somewhat of a hollow. were quartered the Carabineers, their horses being tethered on a capital piece of ground. On a knoll at rear and between the quarters of the 24th and 60th, was the Major General’s Head Quarters, the position overlooking the whole camp, as well as the country for miles round.
On Sunday morning the troops were formed up in front of the General’s Quarters, in three sides of a square, divine service being performed by one of the Chaplains from Aldershot. From two o’clock the bands of the Carabineers, 3rd, 24th and 60th played for an hour each until six o’clock, the rich strains of the music sounding sweetly on the evening air. A large number of visitors availed themselves of the privilege of viewing the encampment during the day, and a regular fraternization of military and civilians took place. The “rustics” of course enjoyed the display immensely, and from the youngster hardly able to walk to the hoary-headed grandsire, nearly done with following the plough of life, all was enjoyment.
So Sunday passed pleasantly away, and on the next day, Monday, military operations began in earnest, so to speak, by a splendid field day. About half-past one o’clock his Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge Commander in Chief, and Staff, arrived from London, and Lieut.-General Sir J. L. Pennefather, K.C.B., and Staff, from Aldershot, and almost immediately after commenced inspecting the troops. His Royal Highness took the “Buffs” first, then the Royal Horse Artillery, and next the 24th and 60th Regiments, and then the Carabiniers. The Duke then passed in rear of the Camp, to the ground occupied by the Military Train. After inspecting the latter, His Royal Highness visited the cooking. The Field Marshal appeared to be highly pleased with all he saw, and must have been particularly struck with the smart, clean, and soldierly appearance of the men, and of their encampment. His Royal Highness next proceeded to the General’s Quarters, where he partook of luncheon, the band of the 24th Regiment having the honour of performing during the time thus occupied.
The grand operations of the day next commenced, being intended to resist, as it were, the attack of a supposed enemy advancing advancing from Aldershot. For this, as we previously stated, the position was eminently calculated. The regiments having “fallen in,” marched off to their respective positions, the 60th taking the wood on their left; the 24th occupying the centre, and marching over the stream, as also the Artillery and Carabiniers, the “Buffs” being on the extreme right. The 60th pushed forward their skirmishers into the wood, when some sharp firing took place. The centre then advanced, crossed the stream, and on reaching the top at the hamlet, a very brisk fire took place, the Artillery peppering away in gallant style, the Cavalry brilliantly manœuvring. The Rifles were then called in. The 24th then changed front and advanced in line across the road, and commenced file firing from right of companies, which was continued for about fifteen mfnutes. These movements were most ably and bravely supported by the “Buffs.” A determined stand was made at this point the Duke appearingly greatly pleased with the tenacious manner in which the men held their ground against a powerful foe, and repeatedly clapped his hands with delight. After some further movements our troops fell back, and forming three sides of a square, the fourth being formed by the encampment, and here, in this striking order our gallant fellows made a successful stand against the enemy. The troops returned to quarters about four o’clock, and soon after His Royal Highness and Staff returned to London, Lieut.-General Pennefather, and Staff also returning to Aldershot.
On Tuesday, about nine o’clock, the troops marched out to Haslemere, about five miles distant, returning to Camp about three o’clock. We need hardly say the sight was a splendid one as the gay looking force swept away over the country, adding an additional feature of interest to its already richly diversified appearance.
On Wednesday morning, between eight and nine o’clock, the brave fellows again marched out, this time to Petersfield, distant about nine miles, situated in a most picturesque district, and temporarily encamped, being met by the 12th Hants Volunteers, who appeared most companionly disposed. The regulars soon made themselves at home, and dinner was got up with a celerity and savouriness of cooking that would have shamed any professional in the cooking line. In the afternoon a match of improvised “cricket” was played between the officers of the 24th and the 60th, with the aid of pick handles and ordinary balls, and much amusement was created by the “games ” A large number of persons were congregated from the surrounding districts, and one and all appeared to enjoy the treat afforded by the sight of our brave soldiers. The troops returned to quarters about six o’clock.
On Thursday the men took matters quietly, the force being increased by the 13th Hussars and A Battery, 4th Brigade, Royal Artillery.
On Yesterday, (Friday) another splendid field day took place in the presence of His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief, and Lieut.-General Sir J. L. Pennefather, K.C.B., attended by Colonel Armstrong, A.A.G., Lient.-Colonel Hon. H. H. Clifford, V.C., A.Q.M.G., &c. The weather was delightful, and the various movements were admirably performed.