3-043-820 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The last shot for the Queen's Prize at Wimbledon, 1872. Meeting of the National Rifle Association on Wimbledon Common, south-west London. 'The shooting...was beheld with intense and eager interest by a large number of spectators. Colour-Sergeant Michie, of the London Scottish, had finished at the 1000 yards range with 20 points, having made 22 at 900 yards, and 23 at 800 yards - a total of 65. Next to him was Sergeant Caldwell, of the 1st Renfrew, who had made 54 points, and had three shots yet to fire...Caldwell...fired and made a centre. If he could now make two bull's-eyes he might still equal Michie's score. He fired again, and the white disk on the target showed that he had made a bull's-eye. Then he lay down for his last shot, [represented in our Engraving]. After a few seconds the report of his rifle was heard. Some of the bystanders cried out that he had made a bull's-eye; but presently the black disk marking an "outer" was displayed on the target. Colour-Sergeant Michie therefore remained the winner, the band of the Victorias, playing "See the conquering hero comes"...the victor and champion shot of the year...was raised upon the shoulders of two comrades, and was thus borne in triumph'. From "Illustrated London News", 1872.