3-017-039 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Inspection of Civil Service Volunteers by the Prince of Wales in the Quadrangle of Somerset House, [London], 1864. '...a vast quantity of coloured bunting had been employed in...the decoration of the buildings, and in the fitting up of a beautiful kiosk, with raised dais...[and] seats were arranged, accommodating a large number of spectators. The windows, and even the roofs, of the buildings were also crowded...The field state gave a total of four hundred men, of whom sixty were recruits recently passed into the line...our Artist has sketched their appearance when they had faced to the front, formed fours, and prepared to receive cavalry in the way which, in future warfare, with troops properly trained in musketry, will supersede the square, the two front ranks kneeling, the two rear ranks ready for file firing...the Prince [honorary Colonel and future King Edward VII] addressed them as follows: " Gentlemen of the Civil Service Regiment...I have observed that all ranks have paid great attention to their drill, and have acquired an exceedingly satisfactory degree of steadiness. Your muster to-day is very good"...The regiment gave three times three cheers, and presented arms when the Prince and Princess retired'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.