One hundred years ago -- development of the colonial military forces in New South Wales 1854-1903.

Troops were located in Australia, or initially in New South Wales, since the first fleet in 1788, which included 197 Marines as guards for the convicts. The British Government provided Garrison Troops for its many colonies and these in Australia guarded the convicts, provided defence against internal agencies, provided nominal defence against possible external aggression, and carried out diverse developmental tasks in the new Colony. The total number of troops variously in the Colony is not known although muster rolls are in existence. Over the years the number varied from hundreds to thousands and while the Colony contributed to the maintenance of the troops, the major cost was borne by the British Government.

The media in the millennium year made mention of 200 years of participation in local defence, referring to local associations formed at the beginning of the 19th century to repel a possible Irish uprising. These forces, however, were small in number, extremely short lived, and not authorised by the British Government. Two companies each of 50 men, named the Sydney and Parramatta Loyal Associations, were formed in December 1800 and disbanded in July 1801.

In the early 1850s, war with France seemed likely. Then in 1854, war with Russia was declared. Queen Victoria, in 1851, (1) approved the formation of Volunteer Rifle Corps and in 1854, (2) at the time of local concerns about the effect of the Crimean War, an Act of Council authorising the formation of Volunteer Corps was assented. Six companies of rifles entitled The Sydney Volunteer Rifles, a troop of Yeomanry Cavalry, and an Artillery company were enrolled. The establishment in 1854 was 389, (3) this decreasing to zero in 1857 (4) due in part to waning enthusiasm as the world situation improved, peace having been established with Russia in 1856. The Inspecting Field Officer of Yeomanry and Volunteer Corps was the Commanding Officer of the Garrison Troops.

The situation became grimmer in the early 1860s with depletion of the British Troops due to their departure for service in New Zealand. With the possibility of war with Napoleon and with America on the verge of civil war, new volunteers were enrolled. A proclamation by the Governor calling for the establishment of twenty companies of rifles and three batteries of artillery was issued. (5) As an expedient, proclamations were issued disbanding volunteer forces enrolled before 1 January 1860 and requiring former members to return Arms and Accoutrements to the Colonial Store. (6) Recruiting commenced in the second half of the year and statistics for 1860 recorded 1,644 volunteers. As previously, the Commanding Officer with the title Inspecting Field Officer was the Commanding Officer of the Imperial Troops. (7) A troop of Mounted Rifles was raised at the same time but was not successful, having no establishment in 1862 (8) and being disbanded in 1864. (9) The 8 Sydney companies of Rifles formed the Sydney Battalion and the 5 suburban companies formed the Suburban Battalion in 1862. (10)

The Colony assumed complete control of the volunteers in 1866 with the appointment of Captain J S Richardson, late of the 12th Regiment as Inspecting Field Officer to command the Volunteer Corps with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. (11) Captain Richardson was a seasoned soldier, having served in the Crimean War and as Adjutant of the 12th Regiment in New Zealand.

The number of companies of Rifles altered little until 1869, showing a slight decrease although the number of batteries of artillery increased dramatically to 7 in 1866. (12)

The same year saw the commencement of the cadet movement with the raising and commissioning of a Lieutenant of the St Marks School Cadet Corps, Macquarie Fields. (13) The name was altered to the Kings School Cadet Corps in 186914 and the unit continues today.

The establishments of the Colonial Forces from 1854 to 1900 varied from 389 to 12,225. Enrolments initially decreased from 1860, such that in 1867 the Volunteer Forces Regulation Act (Land Grants) was enacted. 15 Here a grant of 50 acres of land was offered after 5 years of efficient service with past efficient service contributing to a grant. Seven years past efficient service was to be allowed as three years service towards a land grant, 5 and 3 years prior service was to be allowed as 2 and 1 year respectively. Service of existing volunteers was to continue until the additional time to qualify for a land grant had been reached. The introduction of a new scheme was necessary as the British Government in 1867 announced that, as an economy measure, it intended to withdraw its troops from Garrison Duty in its many Colonies in 1870. (16)

The commencement of a battalion structure started in 1868 with the appointment of Majors for the Sydney and Suburban Battalions of Volunteer Rifles and the Volunteer Artillery. (17) The establishment of the Suburban Battalion was increased by the raising of two companies of rifles entitled, the Duke of Edinburgh Rifles. The companies with colourful uniforms existed until 1878. (18) The Volunteer Corps in the Western and Northern districts formed the Western and Northern Battalions of Volunteer Rifles with Majors appointed in 1870. (19) The artillery strength was increased in the same year with the formation of No 8 (Prince Alfred's Own) and No 9 batteries. (20)

The Engineer Corps, 1 company with 60 all ranks, with Captain G K Mann commanding, was also raised. Captain Mann resigned in 1871, being succeeded by Captain E O Moriarty, the Engineer in Charge, Harbour and River Navigation, who retired in 1873. The command then passed to Captain Thomas Rowe, a distinguished Sydney architect who remained with the Corps through its period of growth, until his retirement in 1898.

The Land Grants Scheme, while increasing enrolments such that the figures more than doubled in ensuing years, was criticised in Parliament and in the popular press. Recruitment of volunteers ceased in 1874 due to widespread abuse by the sale of land, a practice which was exacerbated by the Government, Sir John Robertson regulating in 1870 to make the sale of land easier, making the practice simpler. The Land Grant Scheme was replaced by a new Act assented in 1874, (21) where volunteers were partially paid for their service. A Regulation was issued in 1880 indicating cessation of Land Grants, (22) this following an Act of Parliament. (23)

With the departure of British Troops, the necessity arose for the formation of Permanent Military Forces. The Military and Naval Forces Act was assented to in 1871 (24) with Lieutenant Colonel Richardson to be Commandant of the Permanent and Volunteer Military Forces and Captain T Baynes, Brigade Adjutant of Volunteer Forces to be Pay and Quartermaster of the Permanent and Volunteer Forces. (25) A proclamation sanctioned the raising of one battery of Permanent Artillery and two companies of Permanent Infantry. (25) The majority of officers appointed were former British Officers residing in the Colony: G J Airey, Lieutenant Retired Half-Pay Royal Marines and W W Spalding, late Lieutenant Royal Marines were appointed as First and Second Captains respectively of the New South Wales Artillery. Captain A F Fitzsimons, late Captain HM 40th Foot and A S Heathcote, late Captain HM 60th Foot were appointed Captains of the New South Wales Infantry. Four Lieutenants were appointed: J Wilson, late Ensign HM 81st Foot, S E Underwood, late Ensign HM 82nd Foot, H W Strong, Lieutenant No 2 Company, Sydney Battalion, Volunteer Rifles and S Chatfield, Ensign No 6 Company, Sydney Battalion, Volunteer Rifles.

Victoria Barracks was taken over by the Government of New South Wales from the British Ordnance Department in August 1871. (26)

In September, Captain Fitzsimons of A company (27) and Commanding the New South Wales Infantry was appointed Major of Brigade (28) and the establishment of the New South Wales Infantry was authorised as 6 officers and 167 other ranks. (29) A permanent medical officer, W.J.G.Bedford was appointed as Assistant Surgeon.

In April 1872, Captain Fitzsimons was promoted to Major, his salary being unchanged. (30) His further service however was short as his death occurred during October 1872. At the same time, Captain Airey was also promoted to Major and to the command of the New South Wales Artillery while G S Lindeman and J J R Russell were appointed as Lieutenants. Further development of the Artillery occurred in November 1872 when the Second Captain was promoted to Captain. Garrison Orders of 24 December 1872 (31) advised that the services of the New South Wales Infantry would be dispensed with from the end of 1872 in consequence of Parliament having determined not to vote the requisite supplies for its members. On 31 December 1872, Garrison Orders (32) listed the names of 5 officers and 131 other ranks whose service was to be discontinued and who would be granted a gratuity of six months pay. An Act of Parliament authorised these payments. (33)

While the Cadet Corps under the control of the military at the Grammar Schools had increased with Camden College Cadet Corps being raised in 1868, Newington College Cadet Corps in 1869 and Sydney Grammar Cadet Corps in 1870, Cadet Corps at Public Schools commenced in 1870 under the control of the Department of Public Instruction. Mr H W Strong was appointed to the Permanent Staff as Honorary Captain of Cadet Corps in the Various Public Schools and subsequently in 1875 as Captain on the Permanent Staff to command the Public School Cadet Corps.

The Rifle Corps continued to consolidate and, during 1872, the five rifle companies in the Southern District formed the Southern Battalion of Volunteer Rifles. (34) A second battery of Artillery was raised in 1876 (35) and by the time a third Permanent Battery was raised in 1877, (36) any saving in cost due to disbanding the Permanent Infantry had long disappeared. At this time Lieutenant Lindeman had resigned and been replaced by Lieutenant H Le Patourel. In consequence of the changes, Colonel C F Roberts, formerly a Brevet Major in the Royal Artillery, was appointed as Colonel Commanding the New South Wales Artillery, the Commandant having been promoted to Colonel a few days earlier. Captain Spalding was promoted to Major and Lieutenants G H Bachus and N M Murphy were promoted to Captain, while three Lieutenant were appointed namely, A Le Patourel, F T B Baynes and P L Murray. At the end of 1876, the officer strength was 1 Colonel, 2 Majors, 2 Captains and 4 Lieutenants. During 1877, the number of Lieutenants was increased to 8, the increase being due to the raising of the third battery. The year 1878, saw Captain Murphy promoted to Major with Lieutenant Murray promoted to Captain following the death of Captain Bachus, Lieutenant Mackenzie succeeding Captain Murphy. Lieutenant A H P Savage was appointed in 1878 and the establishment was seven Lieutenants as Lieutenant Taunton was promoted to Captain on the Volunteer Permanent Staff as Staff Adjutant to the Volunteer Artillery formed under the New Organisation introduced in 1878. The Staff Surgeon was promoted to Staff Surgeon Major in 1880, and Major Spalding, while remaining Major of a battery, was promoted to Brevet Lieutenant Colonel in 1881.

The Artillery Officers remained unchanged until 1883, when Lieutenant A Le Patourel resigned and was succeeded by Lieutenant A G H Morris. Also Staff Surgeon Major Bedford resigned and was replaced by Surgeon W D C Williams. The Torpedo and Signalling Corps was formed in the same year. Following the report of Sir William Jervois dated 7th June 1877, the Torpedo Company of the Naval Brigade with the Telegraph Company of the Telegraph Department were placed under the control of the Commandant. (37) Lieutenant E C Cracknell, commanding the Torpedo Department was appointed Major Commanding the flew Corps. (38) The other officers of the Torpedo Company were subsequently also transferred. (39)

The Majors commanding the 1st and 2nd Rifle Regiments were promoted to Lieutenant on 12 December 1875 while the Commandant was promoted to Colonel on 26th August 1876. The New South Wales Military in its short life of approximately half a century was the subject of many reports, the first being that of Sir William Jervois carried out in 1877 and published by Parliament in the same year. (36)

The Volunteer Forces were reorganised in 1878 (40) as follows:

* The artillery was to consist of 4 batteries at Sydney and one each at Newcastle and Wollongong to form a consolidated Corps styled New South Wales Regiment of Volunteer Artillery.

* The Infantry at Sydney to form 2 regiments each of 4 companies styled 1st and 2nd Regiments of Volunteer Infantry The Infantry in the Western District to form a Regiment of four companies styled 3rd Regiment of Volunteer Infantry.

* The Infantry in the Northern and Southern Districts to consist of 2 and 1 company respectively. The description Rifles no longer being used.

* The Engineer Corps remained as 1 company with the establishment reduced to 60 all ranks. The establishment of the recently formed Torpedo and Signalling Corps remained unchanged.

A Royal Commission on Defence issues was appointed in February 1881. The President was Sir James Martin, the Chief Justice assisted by nine members which included the Commandant, the Commandants of other Colonies, public servants and politicians. A report of this unwieldy body was tabled in Parliament in July 1881 and ordered to be printed. (41)

During 1883, it was decided to supplement the partially-paid military forces by the addition of Volunteer Reserve Forces. Regulations for the forces were published on 25 August 1883 to be effective on 1 January 1884. (42) The first of these Corps was gazetted on 6 August 1884 to be at Milton and Ulladulla. (43) The Infantry in the Northern District formed the 4th Regiment of New South Wales Volunteer Infantry in 1884, (44) consisting of 4 companies, with headquarters at Newcastle, West Maitland, Singleton and East Maitland.

The military forces were augmented by the formation of Volunteer Reserve Corps attached to the various regiments and corps. The establishments of Volunteer Reserve Corps that were gazetted varied greatly, depending essentially on the postulated support and during 1885 unified establishments of batteries, troops or companies were formalised as 115 all ranks within 20 miles of Sydney and 60 all ranks elsewhere. In the same year, Lieutenant Colonels Commanding and Adjutants were appointed for the Reserves in the Metropolitan and Western Districts, Southern District and Northern District. (45) The moves were initially very successful, as at 31 December 1885, the number of reservists was 3,200.

When Britain became engaged in the Sudan War the New South Wales Government offered troops, which were accepted. A contingent of approximately 700, consisting of a battery of artillery and infantry under the command of Colonel Richardson was despatched, but saw little active service as hostilities were largely over by the time of the contingent's arrival. The participation, however, was important as it represented the first official instance where assistance was rendered to Great Britain. Earlier, at the time of the Maori Wars, approximately 3,000 men travelled to New Zealand, but this was individual involvement. The contingent relied heavily on officers and men of the Permanent and Volunteer Forces. The Commandant assumed Command and 19 of the others officers were currently serving, as shown below, and some employed at higher rank were subsequently promoted. (46)

On returning to New South Wales, Colonel Richardson was created a Companion of the Order of the Bath and promoted to Major General. (47) Colonel Spalding and Colonel Robert who had been Acting Commandant were each created Companions of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George.

With restructuring of the Headquarters Staff, Captain Mackenzie was promoted to Major and assumed the newly created office of Assistant Adjutant General replacing the office of Brigade Major (48) formerly held by Lieutenant Colonel Christie. The office was redesignated as Assistant Adjutant General and Chief Staff officer in May 1893. Brevet Major Taunton who had been Acting Major of Brigade assumed the newly created post of Deputy Assistant Quartermaster-General. (49) Lieutenant H G B Sparrow who served with the Contingent joined the Permanent Staff as Adjutant of the Reserve Corps in the Southern District. (50) Majors Murphy and Airey were promoted to Brevet Lieutenant Colonel. (51)

During September 1885, the first of a series of British Officers were appointed, usually on a three year contract largely as Military Instructors. The first, and only group were Lieutenant Colonel E G H Bingham RA, Major C Penrose RE, Captain W St P Bunbury R A, and Captain C H Milward RA. (52) The agreements of appointment of Major Bunbury and Captain Milward expired in June 1888 while those of Brevet Colonel Bingham and Major Penrose expired in November and May 1889 respectively. They were replaced in February 1889 by Colonel F R de Wolski and Major W S Churchward RA.

The Metropolitan, Western and Southern Districts of the Reserve Corps were combined to form a single command in 1886 while the 5th Regiment Scottish Rifles was formed as a consolidated Regiment from the Scottish Rifles Reserve Corps. (53)

The 6th Regiment (Reserve Infantry) was formed as a consolidated regiment from the eight existing companies in the Sydney area. (54) The regiment, however, was short lived as it was `disbanded or otherwise disposed of' from 1 December 1889, (55) the Hunters Hill, Ashfield and Campbelltown Corps being transferred to the partially paid forces and the other Corps disbanded. The strength in 1886 of all branches of the partially paid forces was reduced effective 1 January 1887 due to financial restrictions. (56) At the end of 1887, an approximate 20% reduction in establishment had been achieved.

Reports on New South Wales Defences were prepared by Major General Henry Schaw and by Major General E J Bevan in 1888, and subsequently both were printed by Parliament. (57)

A proclamation in August 1888 indicated the formation of a troop of Permanent Mounted Infantry and Permanent Submarine Miners. (58) The Torpedo and Signalling Corps had in the same month been renamed the Submarine Miners. (59) The Permanent Mounted Infantry commanded by Major H B Lasseter at December 1888 numbered 30, but the troop was short lived, being disbanded in July 1889, (60) at which time the Submarine Miners numbered 23. Commander J H Lee, commanding the Naval Artillery Volunteers resigned and was appointed to the General Staff as Captain commanding the Permanent Submarine Miners. On reorganisation after Federation he became Officer Commanding the corps of Australian Engineers (NSW) with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Lieutenant Compton, Honorary Instructor in Musketry to the Volunteer Corps was appointed to the Permanent Staff in 1871 as Captain. (61) On his death in 1885, he was succeeded by Captain Cuthwell, (62) a position held until he resigned in 1892. After this time the post of Instructor of Musketry was held by a Warrant Officer. During the year the Volunteer Reserve Corps of Artillery were transferred to the partially paid forces or disbanded, while many of the Reserve Corps Infantry Companies were disbanded or transferred to the mounted rifles. The medical services of the Military Forces were reorganised to form the Medical Staff Corps, (63) to consist of 69 all ranks.

A new innovation was initiated in 1888 with the raising of Reserve Rifle Companies affiliated with regiments. At the end of 1888, 48 companies of 1,431 volunteers were enrolled, the number increasing to 85 companies with 3,392 men 12 months later, and to 97 companies with 4,500 men in 1890. Some 90 companies with 5,281 men were recorded in 1891, and 91 companies with 4,873 men when the companies were disbanded at 31 December 1892. (64)

The New South Wales Regiment of Volunteer Mounted Infantry (partially paid) was raised in 1889 to consist of 6 existing companies. (65)

Military Works had been carded out by the Colonial Architects Branch of the Department of Public Works since Colonel Barbet retired with designs prepared by the military .The scheme was of limited success and Colonel F M de Wolski RE, who was in the Colony as a military instructor and did not get on with James Barnet, the Colonial Architect, persuaded the Government to create a Military Works Branch within the Department of Public Works. Colonel de Wolski was appointed Director of the Military Works Branch in July 1889, and E M T Boddam, formerly of the New Zealand Military Forces and more recently engaged on military works, was appointed superintending Engineer with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. (66) Colonel de Wolski subsequently became Commanding Engineer in charge of all engineering functions. (67) The difficulties of Colonel de Wolski were highlighted in the Report of the Royal Commission on Defence Works of 1890, where the obstructions of the recently retired Colonial Architect were condemned with the efforts of Colonel de Wolski being supported by the Minister of Works. (68) As with many initiatives, the Military Works Department was short lived. The services of Lieutenant Colonel Boddam were dispensed with in November 1891, while Colonel de Wolski finished his engagement and was succeeded by Lieutenant Colonel H W Renny-Tailour RE, who assumed the title of Commanding Engineer. The Engineering Services were reconstructed in July 1893 (69) with the Submarine Miners (2 companies) and the Engineer Corps (2 companies) combining to form the Corps of Engineers and the Military Works Department finally disappearing.

The establishments of the four partially paid infantry regiments were increased to 10 companies, effective February 1889 by the transfer of Reserve Infantry Companies. (70)

A new branch of the partially paid forces commenced in 1890 when the New South Wales Regiment of Cavalry was formed (71) to consist of 6 troops from the Volunteer Reserve Cavalry, namely Sydney Light Horse (A Troop), Illawarra Light Horse (B Troop), West Camden Light Horse (C Troop), Hunter River Light Horse (D Troop), Richmond River Light Horse (E Troop) and Murrumbidgee River Light Horse (F Troop). This title was changed to the New South Wales Lancer Regiment in 1895. (72)

Diversification and expansion of the forces continued in 1891 with the formation of the Commissariat and Transport Corps, (73) to consist of one company with the title being changed to the Army Service Corps in 1893 (74) and the Permanent Medical Staff Corps. (75) The strength of the Permanent Medical Staff Corps in 1891 being 15. (76)

With communication difficulties between Major General Richardson and the Government, the latter established a Military Secretary's Office to exist as a medium of communication between the military authorities and the Government, through the Permanent Under Secretary. Colonel Robert, previously commanding the artillery forces, was appointed Military Secretary with a staff of 6. (77) The Gazette notice appointed Colonel Robert (78) as Military Secretary and Superintendent of Military Stores and Explosives within the Defence Department under provisions of the Civil Services Act of 1884 and to retain the rank of Colonel.

With the deteriorating health of Major General Richardson, he retired on 1 December 1892 and Colonel Spalding was appointed Acting Commandant. The successor to Major General Richardson was Colonel E T H Hutton, a British Army Officer on contract to the Colony, who assumed command on 21 April 1893. Major General Hutton complained to the Government that it was contrary to Queen's Regulations for a subordinate officer to be Military Adviser to the Government. The Minister of Defence terminated this role of Colonel Robert and created a Military's Department under the direction of the General Officer Commanding effective 24 June 1893. The Department to be responsible for all financial matters (A Branch), the Pay Department (B Branch), and the Ordnance Department (C Branch), including the direction of Artillery and Stores (not on charge of troops). Correspondence was not to be directed through the Military Secretary. (79)

During 1892, a Royal Commission into the Military Services of the Colony was headed by Major General Tulloch, a British Officer the Commandant of the Military Forces of the Colony of Victoria. A term of reference was the examination of methods of effecting economy. The commission found many deficiencies in the services, but many of these had been caused by financial restraints that had been imposed by the various Governments. (80) Following the Royal Commission and initiatives of Major General Hut ton more developments occurred in 1893. The Permanent and Volunteer Artillery were reorganised into a single body, rather than two separate forces as had existed. (81)

The office of Deputy Assistant Adjutant General was established and first held by Major Bartlett in January 1893.

Regulations were gazetted in 1894 for the award of The Volunteer Officers Decoration for 20 years service. (82) A Royal Warrant dated 25 July 1892 instituted the decoration and prescribed the conditions for its award to British Troops, a subsequent Royal Warrant dated 24 May 1894 extended the grant to Officers serving in Colonial Forces. The letters `VD' were inserted in the Army List before the name of recipients. The letters `VD' were used generally after the name of recipients. The first awards were announced in New South Wales in 1895.

During 1900, regulations were gazetted for the award of two decorations, The Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers Decoration with the letters `VD' to be used and The Colonial Auxiliary Long Service Medal both for 20 years service. The Long service Medal was not applicable to commissioned officers with the exception of those who served in the ranks of the Volunteer Forces of Great Britain or of other Colonies and are not qualified for The Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers Decoration. The awards were constituted and created by Royal Warrant dated 18 May 1898. (83)

Regulations were issued in 1895 for the award of silver medals to the Permanent Military Forces for (i) Distinguished Conduct and Meritorious Service (ii) Distinguished Conduction the Field and (iii) Long Service and Good Conduct (18 years). (84)

The 2 regiments of mounted troops were brigaded to form the Mounted Brigade of New South Wales with Lieutenant Colonel McDonald commanding the New South Wales Cavalry Regiment to be Colonel Commanding the brigade. (85)

Major General Hutton supported on the basis of efficiency and economy, the retirement of the two senior artillery officers, Colonel Spalding and Brevet Colonel Airey and their replacement by a single British Artillery Officer. These officers had performed 23 years service and were not eligible for a pension. .It was not until 1896 that the officers were finally retired (86) and Lieutenant Colonel Airey assumed command until he was succeeded by Captain G R U Smith RA, in December 1896, a British Officer contracted for three years with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. :Lieutenant Colonel Smith was promoted to Colonel in May 1897 and his appointment was extended for a further period not exceeding two years in December 1899. Colonel Smith was finally recalled for service in South Africa.

The Senior Cadet Corps was transferred from the Department of Public Instruction and affiliated with Regiments and Corps during 1894. (87) These companies were of limited success as eight were raised, but at Federation only two companies remained. (88)

A Joint Naval and Military Committee was formed in 1893 to consider general questions of local defence. (89) Major-General Hutton was appointed President with the members being the Commanding Engineer and two officers of the Royal Naval Squadron located in Sydney. The committee was reconstituted in 1897 (90) to include the Officer Commanding the Artillery, and currently serving British Naval Officers, the latter being replaced by their successor on their return to England. The committee disappeared at Federation.

During 1894 C Branch Ordinance Department of the Military Secretary's Department was formed by division of the Civil Department of Ordinance and Barracks Department. (91) The Ordinance Department to be represented by a military staff under the control of the Officer Commanding the Military Forces, with a proportionate use of the Public Magazine and the Mercantile Explosives Department (consisting of the Public Magazine) to be under the control of the Colonial Secretary. (92) An Assistant Commissary General of Ordnance with the rank of Major and a Deputy Assistant Commissary General of Ordnance with the rank of Captain having been appointed in 1891.

With threats of war existing, regimental reserves were enrolled in 1895 and regulations were gazetted (93) allowing members of Authorised Civilian Rifle Clubs to offer their services to the Governor, through the Officer Commanding the Volunteer Forces. At the same time peace and war establishments for 1895-1896 were gazetted. (94) During 1899 the number of reserves for each infantry regiment was increased from 375 to 500. (95)

The appointment of Major General Button expired in 1896 and he was succeeded by Colonel G A French RA, with the rank of Major General. The appointment was initially for three years but was extended three times, finally concluding with Federation. Major General French reduced the number of civilians in the military forces by the creation of new corps. C Ordnance Branch of the Military Secretary's Department, then essentially a Civil Branch, was converted into an Ordnance Store Corps to remain under the command of the Assistant Commissary General of Ordnance. Approval had earlier been given for the classification of Staff Clerks into a Corps of Military Staff Clerks. (96) This arrangement however was short lived as Staff Clerks were engaged in a civil capacity after Federation.

Veterinary Surgeons had been associated with mounted troops since the inception of volunteer forces and with the commencement of 1896 the creation of a Cadre Veterinary Department was approved. (97) The establishment being one Veterinary Surgeon Captain as Principal Veterinary Officer and three Veterinary Surgeon Lieutenants attached to the New South Wales Lancers, Mounted Rifles and Brigade Division Field Artillery respectively.

The senior volunteer officer in the Colony, Colonel W B Bolborow commanding the 3rd Infantry Regiment was created a Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George. (98)

While the Scottish Rifles had existed since 1885, Irish Rifles (99) and St Georges Rifles (100) were raised during 1896. The three national rifles forming the 5th (Union Volunteers) Infantry Regiment in the same year. The establishment to be 3 companies each of Irish Rifles and St Georges Rifles and 2 companies of Scottish Rifles. (101)

With patriotic fervour, the New South Wales National Guard, a volunteer corps, was raised, (102) consisting of two companies with Sir George Dibbs, a leading politician and three times Premier of New South Wales as Captain Commanding. Also raised as volunteers was the 6th Volunteer Infantry Regiment (Australian Rifles), (103) consisting of 4 companies and the New South Wales Railways Volunteer Corps consisting of two companies (104) under the command of Major J.C. Thom, seconded from the 2nd Infantry Regiment. The Corps however was short lived, being disbanded in 1899. (105)

The 5th Union Volunteer Regiment remained intact for only a short time, being reformed as the Volunteer Infantry Regiment (Scottish Rifles). St Georges Rifle Companies formed a separate regiment, the 7th Volunteer Infantry Regiment (St Georges Rifles) in 1897. (106) Captain A K McKay, a well known politician and Captain from the Reserve of Officers became Captain Commanding the 1st Australian Volunteer Horse. This, the junior mounted regiment was raised in 1897 to consist of 4 companies. (107)

The year 1898, saw further small increases in the forces. The Permanent Army Service Corps was gazetted with the command vested in Colonel J E D Taunton, the Assistant Quartermaster General. The establishment was the AQMG an Adjutant and Quartermaster (a staff officer) and 8 other ranks. This establishment essentially existing at the time of gazettal and operation of the corps continued as previously. (108)

The first women were enrolled in the military forces of the Colony when the Army Nursing Service Reserve was raised. The establishment was one Lady Superintendent of Nurses, one Superintendent and 24 Nursing Sisters these to form part of the Army Medical Services of the Colony. (109) The Medical Staff Corps was reorganised as the Army Medical Corps, to consist of two companies. (110)

The year 1899, saw further division of the 5th Union Volunteer Infantry Regiment. The Irish Rifle Companies formed a separate regiment named the 8th Union Volunteer Infantry Regiment (Irish Rifles) consisting of 4 companies.

Amalgamation of the military forces of the colonies was suggested by Major General Bevan in 1889 but was not acted on, although the colonies garrisoned Thursday Island and Albany, as these were thought to be likely points of entry by hostile forces. Conferences of Colonial Commandants were held in 1894 and 1896 but amalgamation did not occur as the smaller colonies were suspicious of New South Wales and Victoria. Some progress was made with the approach of Federation of the Australian Colonies, the Queen graciously approved that the Permanent Artillery of New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland be integrated, at least in name -- The Permanent Artillery of New South Wales becoming the New South Wales Regiment of the Royal Australian Artillery. The partially paid batteries of the Brigade Division Field Artillery to be designated `B' and `C' batteries, New South Wales Artillery. The term 2nd Garrison Division was abolished. The companies were redesignated as Nos 1, 2, 3 and 4 Companies, New South Wales Artillery. (111)

The year 1900 saw the rapid approach of Federation. A Permanent Cavalry Half Squadron to be known as the Permanent Cavalry was raised together with a Permanent Infantry Company to be known as the Permanent Infantry, each of 63 all ranks. (112) As with other Permanent Companies these were short lived, being disbanded in 1901. (113)

The Civil Service Volunteer Infantry Corps was raised consisting of 200 all ranks. (114) Just before Federation the University Volunteer Rifle Corps consisting of one company of 100 all ranks was raised. (115) This Corps later a Regiment remains active to the present time and is the oldest of the University Regiments in Australia. The strength of the Army Service Corps was increased to three companies. (116)

The last significant action of the New South Wales Government was the raising of a third company of the Army Medical Corps known as C (Newcastle) Company consisting of two officers and 49 other ranks in February 1901. (117) Federation occurred on 1 January 1901 and to allow an effective transfer of State Departments to the Commonwealth it was indicated in the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act that the date of transfer of individual Departments would be proclaimed by the Governor-General.

The date of transfer of the Departments of Naval and Military Defence was cede March 1901. (118) The military forces continued largely as before Federation under the scheme of State Organisation with Commonwealth Management until a scheme of reorganisation and integration was adopted in July 1903. (119) During the intervening period a General Officer, Major General Sir E T H Hutton, a former Commandant was appointed in December 1901, (120) and the Royal Australian Artillery being the only Permanent Troops in the Commonwealth were reorganised first. A scheme of reorganisation dated 20 December 1902 was gazetted on 1 January 1903. (121)

Serving Officers in the Soudan Contingent

Posting in Soudan Contingent       Regular Posting

Commanding -- Colonel J S          Colonel Commandant
Richardson

Brigade Adjutant And Staff         Captain NSW Artillery
Officer Of Artillery -- Major      Promoted Major and Assistant
H.D. Mackenzie                     Adjutant
                                   General Backdated to 29.3.1885

Paymaster And Commissariat         Not then commissioned, Ordinance
Officer -- Major J.T. Blanchard    Storekeeper and Barracksmaster

Staff Surgeon and Principal        Staff Surgeon
Medical Officer -- Staff Surgeon
Major W D C Williams

Artillery Lieutenant Colonel       Brevet Lieutenant Colonel NSW
Commanding -- Lieutenant Colonel   Artillery
W W Spalding                       Appointed Brevet Colonel
                                   December 1885

Engineer Officer - Captain T.S.    Captain Volunteer Engineer Corps
Parrott                            Promoted
                                   Brevet Major July 1885

Artillery Lieutenants --           Lieutenants NSW Artillery
R A Nathan *                       * Adjutant Volunteer Artillery
HP Airey
CW P Bouverie

Infantry Lieutenant Colonel        Lieutenant Colonel Commanding NSW
Commanding -- Lieutenant Colonel   Volunteer Artillery
F. Wells

Lieutenant Colonel -- A Paul       Major 3rd NSW Infantry Regiment
                                   Promoted Brevet Lieutenant
                                   Colonel July 1885

Major -- C G Norris                Captain and Adjutant, 2nd NSW
                                   Infantry Regiment

Captain Adjutant -- C F Bartlett   Captain and Adjutant, 1st NSW
                                   Infantry Regiment

Captains --                        Lieutenant 2nd NSW Infantry
WP Mulholland                      Regiment
L H Kyngdon                        Captain NSW Volunteer Artillery

Lieutenants --                     Lieutenant NSW Volunteer
C B Airey                          Artillery
J R McDonald                       2nd Lieutenant 1st NSW Infantry
                                   Regiment
                                   Promoted Lieutenant 2.11.1885
RH Owen                            Lieutenant NSW Volunteer
                                   Artillery
MJ Keating                         Lieutenant Naval Artillery
                                   Volunteers

Lieutenant Quartermaster --        Lieutenant and Adjutant, 4th NSW
MM Boam                            Infantry Regiment

(1) Votes & Proceedings New South Wales Legislative Assembly, 1 1854

(2) Victoria 18 No 8 (1854) Formation of Volunteer Corps Etc.

(3) Statistics of New South Wales 1854

(4) Statistics of New South Wales 1857

(5) New South Wales Government Gazette No 162 1634, 31.8.1860

(6) Statistics of New South Wales 1860

(7) New South Wales Government Gazette No 187 1937, 12.10.1860

(8) Statistics of New South Wales Table 147, 1862

(9) New South Wales Government Gazette No 144 1626, 19.7.1864

(10) Blue Book of New South Wales 1862

(11) New South Wales Government Gazette No 33 405, 17.2.1865

(12) Blue Book of New South Wales 1866

(13) New South Wales Government Gazette No 126 1489, 26.6.1866

(14) Statistics of New south Wales Table 153, 1868

(15) Victoria 31 No 18, 1867 New South Wales Government Gazette Supplement No 179 2641, 11.10.1867

(16) L B Swifte, Victoria Barracks Sydney Eastern Command August 1973 (contains a list of names and dates of service of British Regiments in New South Wales)

(17) Blue Book of New South Wales 1868

(18) Statistics of New South Wales Table 164 1877

(19) Blue Book of New South Wales 1870

(20) Blue Book of New South Wales 1871

(21) Victoria 39 No 12, 1875. Volunteer Forces Act replaced by Victoria 41 No 15, 1878, Volunteer Forces Act.

(22) Votes & proceedings New South Wales Legislative Assembly 3 335, 1880-1881

(23) Victoria 44 No 7, 1880, Volunteer Land Orders

(24) Victoria 34 No 19, 1871, Military and Naval Forces Regulation Act

(25) New South Wales Government Gazette No 190 1669, 1.8.1871

(26) Garrison Order 11.8.1871

(27) Garrison Order 9.8.1871

(28) Blue Book of New South Wales 1871

(29) Garrison Order 21.9.1871

(30) Garrison Order 6.4.1872

(31) Garrison Order 24.12.1872

(32) Garrison Order 31.12.1872

(33) Victoria 36 No 5, 1872, Infantry Disembodiment Compensation Act

(34) Blue Book of New South Wales 1872

(35) New South Wales Government Gazette No 209 3263, 22.8.1876

(36) Blue Book of New South Wales 1877

(37) Votes & Proceedings New South Wales Legislative Assembly 3 85, 1876-1877

(38) Blue Book of New South Wales 1878

(39) Blue Book of New South Wales 1878

(40) New South Wales Government Gazette No 279 3599, 9.9.1878

(41) Votes & Proceedings New South Wales Legislative Assembly 4 581 1881; New South Wales Government Gazette No 66 975, 18.2.1881; New South Wales Government Gazette No 75 1091, 25.2.1881

(42) New South Wales Government Gazette No 362 4631,25.8.1883

(43) New South Wales Government Gazette No 329 4230, 7.8.1883

(44) New South Wales Government Gazette No 109 1596, 7.3.1884

(45) New South Wales Government Gazette No 276 4248, 10.7.1885

(46) Blue Book of New South Wales 1885

(47) New South Wales Government Gazette No 350 5356, 18.8.1885

(48) New South Wales Government Gazette No 316 5287, 14.8.1885

(49) ibid

(50) ibid

(51) ibid

(52) Blue Book of New South Wales 1885

(53) New South Wales Government Gazette No 522 6280, 15.9.1886

(54) New South Wales Government Gazette No 522 6281, 17.9.1886

(55) Blue Book of New South Wales 1889

(56) New South Wales Government Gazette No 701 8428, 10.12.1886

(57) Votes & Proceedings New South Wales Legislative Assembly 2 47, 1887-1888; Votes & Proceedings New South Wales Legislative Assembly 1 161, 1888

(58) New South Wales Government Gazette No 561 6139, 31.8.1888

(59) New South Wales Government Gazette No 544 5984, 24.8.1888

(60) Statistics of New South Wales Table 51, 1890

(61) New South Wales Government Gazette No 37 375, 17.2 1871

(62) New South Wales Government Gazette No 167 2767, 21.4.1885

(63) New South Wales Government Gazette No 603 6662, 21.9.1888

(64) Statistics of New South Wales Table 17, 1892

(65) New South Wales Government Gazette No 204 2688, 8.4.1889

(66) New South Wales Government Gazette No 538 7171, 11.10.1889

(67) Votes & Proceedings New South Wales Legislative Assembly 7 25, 1891-1892

(68) Votes & Proceedings New South Wales Legislative Assembly 7 115, 1891-1892

(69) New South Wales Government Gazette No 503 5573, 18.7.1893

(70) New South Wales Government Gazette No 75 925, 5.2.1889

(71) New South Wales Government Gazette No 116 1783, 28.2.1890

(72) New South Wales Government Gazette No 49 395, 18.1.1895

(73) New South Wales Government Gazette No 77 954, 3.2.1891

(74) New South Wales Government Gazette No 807 8966, 24.11.1893

(75) New South Wales Government Gazette No 64 681, 27.1.1891

(76) Statistics of New South Wales Table 44, 1891

(77) Statistics of New South Wales Table 16, 1892

(78) New South Wales Government Gazette No 336 3781, 3.5.1892

(79) Report of the Military Forces of the Colony 1893; General Order No 128, 24.6.1893

(80) Votes & Proceedings New South Wales Legislative Assembly 8 557, 1892-1893; Sydney Morning Herald 5, 19.10.1892; Report of the Royal Commission Appointed to Enquire into the Military Services of New South Wales 1892

(81) General Order No 137, 5.7.1893

(82) General Order No 161, 17.8.1894

(83) New South Wales Government Gazette No 939 7809, 3.1.1900

(84) General Order No 9, 11.1.1895

(85) New South Wales Government Gazette No 503 5573, 18.7.1893

(86) New South Wales Government Gazette No 911 8130, 13.11.1896

(87) Report of Department Instruction 1889

(88) New South Wales Army & Navy List 28.2.1901

(89) New South Wales Government Gazette No 801 8899, 21.11.1892

(90) New South Wales Government Gazette No 480 4211, 18.6.1897

(91) General Order No 8, 12.1.1894

(92) New South Wales Government Gazette No 52 526, 23.1.1894

(93) New South Wales Government Gazette No 580 5585, 28.8.1895

(94) New South Wales Government Gazette No 579 5537, 28.8.1895

(95) New South Wales Government Gazette No 387 3714, 11.5.1895

(96) General Order No 11, 16.1 1896

(97) General Order No 17, 28.1.1895

(98) Report of The Military Forces of New South Wales 1896

(99) New South Wales Government Gazette No 244 2219, 27.3.1996

(100) New South Wales Government Gazette No 450 4015, 12.6.1896

(101) New South Wales Government Gazette No 534 4761, 13.7.1896

(102) New South Wales Government Gazette No 681 5984, 28.8.1896

(103) New South Wales Government Gazette No 911 8130, 13.11.1896

(104) New South Wales Government Gazette No 1081 9429, 31.12.1896

(105) New South Wales Government Gazette No 538 4905, 28.6.1899

(106) New South Wales Government Gazette No 447 3947, 4.6.1897

(107) New South Wales Government Gazette (Supplement) No 623 5519, 5.8.1897

(108) New South Wales Government Gazette (Supplement) No 888 8089, 8.11.1897

(109) New South Wales Government Gazette No 762 6955, 30.8.1898

(110) New South Wales Government Gazette No 859 7768, 28.8.1898

(111) General Order No 91, 7.9.1899

(112) New South Wales Government Gazette No 640 4997, 29.6.1900

(113) Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No 62 624, 6.12.1901

(114) New South Wales Government Gazette No 812 6560, 22.8.1900

(115) New South Wales Government Gazette No 1149 9723, 14.12.1900

(116) New South Wales Government Gazette No 1094 9189, 23.11.1900

(117) New South Wales Government Gazette No 129 1257, 16.2.1901

(118) Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No 9 21,20.2.1901

(119) Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No 35 391,25.7.1903

(120) The New South Wales Army List of the Commonwealth of Australia 30.4.1903

(121) Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No 1 2, 9.1.1903