3-021-451 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Camp at Aldershott: the gymnasium, 1868. 'Outside the building sham forts are erected for the practice of escalading...The object of the system is to develop and increase the physical powers of soldiers, and to render them more fit for their varied duties in the field...It is arranged that every recruit should go through a three-months' course of training...In addition to instructors in gymnastics, fencing-masters for cavalry regiments are also prepared. The recruits are trained in fencing, and the use of every weapon is ably taught, as well as all athletic exercises. The training consists of a variety of exercises on different machines, all conducive to developing the muscles of every part of the frame, and so arranged that the weakest can practise them without injury, but gradually increasing in difficulty till they tax the powers of the strongest. The ultimate exercises are representations of obstacles that soldiers are likely to meet on active service - as scaling forts, descending ditches, or traversing palisades...performed with rifle and knapsack...[After] gymnastic training, the British soldier will be enabled to cover 1000 or more yards at a rapid pace, and yet be in good wind and use his rifle and bayonet efficiently'. From "Illustrated London News", 1868.