3-008-759 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

General view of the volunteer camp on Ascot Heath, [Berkshire], 1862. The '...second annual encampment and prize meeting of the Berkshire and Surrey volunteers...The camp was situated in a sheltered position in front of the Grand Stand, about half a mile from the Ascot station; and the tents were pitched, in parallel lines, on ground marked out according to military principles. The regulations were admirably carried out, and the volunteers adapted themselves to the novelty of camp life with the ease and coolness of old campaigners...there was a succession of rifle-shooting at various ranges for a number of prizes, and the shooting was very good...The evolutions of the day, which were under the command of Major-General Pennefather, consisted of a sham fight and the usual marching past. It was a very brilliant scene, and was witnessed by hundreds who flocked in from every part of the neighbourhood...General Pennefather, in his address to the brigadier officers, thanked them for their assistance, and expressed himself highly satisfied with the manner in which the volunteers did their work'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.