2-995-670 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Field-day and Sham Fight of Volunteers on Hampstead Heath, [London], 1860. 'The people flocked to the spot in incredible numbers, and no organised attempt having been made to preserve the ground set apart for the manoeuvres, had it even been practicable to maintain it, a scene of confusion ensued which went far to mar the whole ceremony. The force that appeared on the ground consisted of four corps - the West Middlesex and the Hampstead Rifles...the 7th Middlesex (Islington)...and the North Middlesex...The great point on the part of the commanders of the attacking force appeared to be to drive the defenders from their position on the hill, and as the attacking force advanced the gallant Major who had the command of the defending force observed a movement of the reserve, consisting of two other companies of the North Middlesex, and, acting upon the principle that "discretion is the better part of valour," shifted his quarters to the north-east side, whence he made a most determined defence, until at the end, being overpowered and short of ammunition, he beat a rapid though steady retreat by the only loophole left for escape - namely, the opening into the Hendon-road, on the north-western side of the heath'. From "Illustrated London News", 1860.