-A. :h':ei^^77^ 
 
 PRACTICAL H 
 
 TO THE — 
 
 Officers, N. C. Officers & Men 
 
 OF THE 
 
 26th battalion 
 
 Relative to their Duties in Camp. 
 
 LONDON, ONT.: 
 
 FREE PRESS PRINTINO AND PUBLISHING (^O., RICHMOND-ST. 
 
 1875 
 
Tm 
 
B^B^W^ 
 
 PRACTICAL HINTS 
 
 — TO THl- 
 
 Officers, N. C. OfTicers & Men 
 
 OF THE— « 
 
 26th BATTALION J 
 
 Relative to their Duties in Camp, 
 
 LONDON, ONT.: 
 
 FRKE PRESS PRINTING AND PUBLISHING CO., RICPMOND.ST.. 
 
 1876 
 
T « I 
 
 
 I A^ U 
 
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 PRACTICAL HINTS 
 
 \. 
 
 — TO THE — ,,r 
 
 V Officers, Non-Oom. Officers and Men i 
 
 iw" ..-.,.. .11 {ft 
 
 . .. • of the 26th Battalion. • -^ 
 
 As the time allotted to the performance of our 
 annual drill in camp, and the amount of work to be 
 done whilst there, are so greatly out of proportion, 1 
 think it well to utilize every moment of it by offering 
 a few suggestive hints, and placing them in the hands 
 of each member of the Battalion, so that no excuse 
 can be tendered by even a recruit for the neglect of 
 any of those little things which go to make up the 
 sum of a " soldier's life," and the observance of 
 which contribute so much to the health, comfort and 
 appearance of any body of men who are promis- 
 cuously brought together under canvas. • . 
 
 I think I am safe in saying that a very large pro- 
 portion of the discomfort experienced on service is 
 attributable to a kind of " let it take care of itself" 
 abandonment, which is entirely unworthy of our 
 " Canadian Yeomanry," and quite unlike their charac- 
 teristic forethought. It seems to arise from the idea, 
 that as the country furnishes them for the time being 
 with money, food, and clothing, they are justified in 
 
laying aside their identity as citizens, and grasping, in 
 an undefined sort of way, at what they suppose to be 
 the pleasures of a " soldier's life." Depend upon it, no 
 greater mistake can be made. Our undertaking on be- 
 half of the country is no myth, but involves the grave 
 responsibility of preparing for war in the time of peace, 
 just ?.£ the forethought of the farmer prompts him to 
 prepare for winter by harvesting his crop in summer, 
 or the merchant prepares to meet his bills at maturity 
 by pushing his sales when he finds a customer. Any 
 motive short of this is a fraud, and a cheat, and will 
 fail to find a response from the public whom we 
 serve. We must, therefore, engage earnestly in ac- 
 quiring a knowledge of these self-imposed duties, and 
 labor with the same devotion, that we do in our or- 
 dinary business. 
 
 It is evident, of late years, that there is a lack of 
 public sympathy towards us. This is partly owing to 
 an over-anxiety to muster with full ranks, and, as a 
 consequence, some improper persons have sometimes 
 enrolled, whose after conduct has reflected badly on 
 the splendid material of which this Battalion is com- 
 posed. The introduction of these is not now a 
 necessity, as the peace footing to which the force is 
 reduced relieves officers from the necessity of receiv- 
 ing any other than the cream of our population. 
 
 1st.— Recruiting. 
 
 All ranks should contribute in every possible way 
 to recruiting a good companionable class of men, so 
 that when they meet under the same canvas, and at 
 the same mess, the very best social understanding 
 
will prevail and great care should be taken in telling 
 off " squads , "so to divide the men that they may 
 assist and enjoy each other in the best manner. 
 
 2nd.— Cleanliness. 
 
 ,: Kowhere is cleanliness more positively required 
 than with us. To secure this an ample supply of 
 water is indispensable. At least a dozen pails should 
 be served out to each company, and, if possible, a few 
 barrels of water should be constantly ready. Also, 
 soap and towels in abundance. The feet should be 
 washed at least once a day, and changes of linen, 
 and especially of socks, should be amongst the com- 
 forts provided; for it is manifest that no man has a 
 right to make others uncomfortable by neglecting his 
 personal cleanliness. 
 
 3rd.— Tents. 
 
 At a very small cost, mattresses can be made, each 
 large enough to accommodate two men: these filled 
 with straw make a comfortable bed at night, and, 
 when rolled up, make a good seat in the daytime. 
 A supply of these will last for years, and will be 
 found a great saving of labor, and add to the comfort 
 of the men and the appearance of the tents. 
 
 4th. —Sleeping. 
 
 Under no circumstances should men be a:llowed to 
 sleep in their clothes ; it is not only a filthy and un- 
 sightly habit, but it is so destructive to clotiiing, that 
 it is questionable whether it is not injured more by 
 being used in that way than by the ordinary wear. 
 It would be better for those who fear the cold to 
 bring an extra blanket from home. The clothing 
 
should be taken off at night, and nicely rolled up and 
 used as a pillow. 
 
 8th. — Cooking. 
 
 By all means refuse as cooks men who are slovenly 
 in their habits. These very often accept this position 
 to escape the more onerous duties of camp, and to 
 save the trouble of cleaning themselves, and, as a 
 consequence, the cooking is badly done; their com- 
 rades are sent to the hospital, and the rations are 
 denounced as bad, when the fault lies in the lack of 
 attention to this little matter of " interior economy." 
 
 6th. — Saluting and Mutual Recog- 
 nition. 
 
 I wish to draw the attention of both officers and 
 men to the necessity 'bf mutual recognition, by salut- 
 ing each other when passing. There is nothing abject 
 about it as some suppose ; it is simply a courtesy 
 which one gentleman extends to another. It is 
 easily learned, and when offered in an amicable man- 
 ner, produces a v.holesome effect on service, and is 
 sure to be kindly remembered afterwards. 
 
 7th. — Discipline. 
 
 Whatever may be the social condition of the 
 various ranks in private life, yet, for obvious reasons, 
 a distinction must be observed on duty. The adage 
 that " familiajrity begets contempt," cannot be better 
 exemplified than in a military force, where no dis- 
 tinctive lines are drawn, for such a body of men to be 
 •* hail good fellows, well met," one moment, and the 
 next, by mutual consent, to separate themselves inta 
 their several relations, implies; a perfectness more 
 
^ 
 
 than human, and is therefore impossible; sc whilst 
 we meet in a "camp of instruction," let us commence 
 properly by observing " discipline " from the first. 
 
 Personal Appearance Under Arms. 
 
 Not having the professional soldier to serve us as 
 "models" from whom to copy, as regards the "set- 
 ting up " on parade, a few words on this point may 
 not be inappropriate. . 
 
 I St. Every part of the person, clothing, arms and 
 accoutrements, must be clean — belts pipe-clayed, 
 brasses shining, and boots polished — before every 
 parade. It is not enough that this be done once or 
 twice during camp, but it must be continuous. The 
 hair must be cut short, nicely combed and brushed. 
 The forage cap, before camp, must be blocked and 
 set up, and instead of being put on like an ordinary 
 cap, it must be poised slightly to the right side, the 
 strap is to reach the point of the chin, and the 
 numeral exactly in front of the forehead. Then, 
 when the hair is nicely brushed back, the effect is 
 good, and pleases the eye. 
 
 2nd. The clothing must be carefully fitted. Too 
 little attention is often paid to this most important 
 point. To take grease off any part use a little of 
 the spirits of ammonia, and to preserve the color of 
 the scarlet, a little lemon juice. To whiten cord and 
 trimming use a little chalk. 
 
 3rd. The habit of wearing narrow-soled, high- 
 heeled shoes, under the idea that it looks well and is 
 fashionable, is so absurd, that a moment's reflection 
 will dispel it. The foot is one of the most delicate 
 
8 
 
 and wonderful organisms of the body; it is this that 
 gives elasticity and grace to the whole deportment, 
 and yet, is it not true that mahy of oiir men, after 
 being on the parade grOtind an hour. Walk more like 
 foundered horses than like those who have the free 
 use of their feet. They have lost the vivacibus plea- 
 sure of the drill because their feet have " given out ;" 
 every step is accompanied with pain, and all this be- 
 cause they will not wear a suitable shoe. Be advised : 
 wear a black leather shoe with a low heel and a sole as 
 broad as the bottom of the foot, and there will be no 
 more complaining in camp or out of it. 
 
 Dress. 
 
 Be very careful about your personal appearance. 
 If one man can keep himself neat and presentable, 
 every other man can do the same. J^ever leave camp 
 without your waist-belt on, and your tunic buttoned 
 lip ; never lounge about with your hands in your 
 pockets, or your forage cap slouched on your head. 
 When strangers are in camp endeavor to show them 
 civery courtesy, and avoid making any remarks con- 
 cerning them which will cause them any uneasiness. 
 Recollect that you are the conservators of the law, 
 both civil and social, and that your acts as such 
 should not be liable to be misinterpreted : there- 
 fore, try by every act to secure their respect and 
 confidence. 
 
 Necessaries. 
 
 You will require at least the following articles of 
 necessaries : Changes of shirt and socks, a supply of 
 towels, needles and thread, knife and fork, plate and 
 spoon, soap, clothes brush, hair brush ahd comb, 
 
blacking brushes and blacking, brass ball and brass 
 brush, button stick, razor and looking-glass. 
 
 Belts. 
 
 If you wear the linen cross-belt, which I hope to be 
 permitted to introduce, wear the small pouch on the 
 waist belt, directly at the back ; the bayonet in rear 
 of the left thigh ; the belt above the buttons behind 
 and between the two lower buttons in front, and 
 tight enough to keep its place. 
 
 Knapsack. 
 
 The knapsack, when worn, must not hang down 
 the middle of the back, but strapped tight; the top 
 of it to be in line with the seam of the collar. 
 
 Cleaning Rifles. 
 
 Except after .firing blank cartridge, never allow 
 water or vegetable oil to touch your rifles. Sponge 
 them out carefully with a woolen rag, and when the 
 barrel is bright inside, and clean outside, keep it dry. 
 After firing blank cartridge you will have to use a 
 little water in this way: Place the muzzle on the 
 ground ; hold the small with the left hand, and after 
 opening the breech, pour in very careftiUy, say, two 
 tablespoonsful of water ; sponge out, as before, with 
 several rags, till the inside is thoroughly dry, clean 
 and bright; then use only animal oil. Goose or hen's 
 oil is good if you cannot get Rangoon. 
 
 Guards. 
 
 An efficient and active guard gives tone and stahd- 
 itig to a whole battalion. It is continually under the 
 scrutiny of the brigade staff, and the various field 
 
lO 
 
 f * . i , . ■■if .■■ • ^._. , • 
 
 officers of other regiments, and therefore no pains 
 should be spared to enable it to make a good impres- 
 sion. After making the tent look as comfortable as 
 possible in any way that suggests itself, observe the 
 following rules, which are extracted from the Field 
 Exercise and Orders for the Militia : — 
 
 The Commander will see that the sentries are pro- 
 perly instructed in their duties, and that they 
 move about in a brisk aoldierly manner ; keep 
 them alert, both by day and night, frequently visiting 
 them during that time ; see that on the approach of 
 an officer entitled to compliments the guard is turned 
 out in time to receive him, without huny or confusion. 
 
 Compliments. 
 
 Pay the following compliments: — "Turn out"^ 
 and present arms at all times, whether by night 
 or day, to the Deputy Adjutant -General com- 
 manding the camp, or any other general officer 
 in uniform ; also to " Grand Rounds." To the offi- 
 cer commanding your own Battalion, "turn-out" and 
 present arms once a day ; after which "turn-out" with 
 shouldered arms only. To the field officers of your 
 battalion "turn-out" with shouldered arms once a day. 
 "Turn-out" on the approach of an armed party, and if 
 it is commanded by an officer " present arms," and if 
 not shoulder only. Sentries, however, will " present 
 arms" to all armed parties. "Turn-out" and inspect 
 your guard at reveille, retreat, and tattoo. After 
 retreat pay no compliment except as above. A sentry 
 will always acknowledge an officer, when passing, 
 thus : When at about fifteen paces distant halt, front 
 and " shoulder arms ; " in the case of a field officer, 
 "present arms ;" to unarmed parties he will "shoulder," 
 
II 
 
 and if commanded by a field officer he will "present." 
 Parties with side arms are to be considered as armed 
 parties. 
 
 Paying Compliments with Arms. 
 
 When you pass or address an officer, do so at the 
 " shoulder," with the left hand brought across the 
 body, and the hand, fingers extended, meeting the 
 sling of the rifle in line with the right elbow. 
 
 Compliments "Without Arms. 
 
 When about to address an officer, salute and halt 
 at two paces distant, and remain at attention till you 
 are dismissed. Do not remove the cap. 
 
 If passing an officer on the left, salute with the right 
 hand; if on the right, with the left hand; thus, bring the 
 hand, with a circular motion, to the head, palm to 
 the front, the point of the forefinger one inch above 
 the eye, thumb close to the forefinger, elbow in line 
 and nearly square with the shoulder ; at the same 
 time slightly turn the head towards the person 
 saluted. 
 
 When several men salute together, take the time 
 from the one next the saluting point. 
 
 When you are carrying a parcel salute by coming 
 to "attention," and the same if you have no cap on. 
 
 When you are off duty, and meet a body of troops 
 commanded by an officer, halt, front, and salute the 
 officer, and colors, if any. 
 
 Parade. 
 
 The culminating point of all our efforts is the 
 parade ground. It is here that the spirit of emula- 
 
' 12 
 
 tion, which should exist between one company and 
 another, is best indicated, and the administrative 
 powers of the several officers seen. A degree of 
 " dash " and " self-reliance," is indispensable ; it is 
 calculated to inspire a lovt of the profession and to 
 win the confidence of all. If this " air " is observed 
 by the officers and non-coui. officers, it will impart 
 itself to the men, and there will soon be no need of 
 .anything like coercion to get up a clean, steady, well- 
 toned and efficient battalion. Every one must study 
 hie own duty, and there must be no delay or hesi- 
 tancy in forming the parade. This will prevent talk- 
 ing in the ranks, it will secure the attention of the 
 men, shorten the drill, and give zest and relish to the 
 whole work. 
 
 Musketry. 
 
 The rifle is placed in your hands for the destruction 
 of your enemy, and upon the efficient use thereof de- 
 pends, in a great measure, your own safety and that of 
 your comrades. You must regard it as a finely ad 
 justed instrument or weapon, whose powers are per- 
 fect and unfailing, and you must be willing to attri- 
 bute any difference in the uniform results to your own 
 want of skill in the using, rather than to any defect in 
 the rifle. You are also taught that the effectiveness 
 of an army does not depend so milch on numbers 
 as in thorough discipline, and a well directed " fire ; " 
 therefore, if you are inattentive at our annual camps 
 of instruction, and neglect to learn your duty, as a 
 natural result you will be nervous and unsteady, if on 
 any sudden emergency you are brought into action. 
 Remember that " Knowledge is power," and instead 
 of being a tower of strength to those around you, 
 you will only occupy valuable ground, and 
 
perhaps by your conduct contribute to defeat. 
 These considerations, both from a military and 
 moral point of view, should prompt you to the 
 attainment of a practical knowledge of musketry^ 
 the first great essential of which is to preserve 
 the rifle perfect. All its parts must be thoroughly 
 clean, as in case of the interior of the barrel becom- 
 ing rusty the increased resistance to the passage of 
 the bullet will prevent its full expansion, impair its ro- 
 tation, and probably cause it to strip, or the plug ta 
 be driven through the bullet. Be careful never to^ 
 run the muzzle into the ground when loaded. Keep 
 your ammunition well packed in the pouch, and in 
 the package, till you are about to use it. Be careful 
 not to expose your rifle to accident, whereby the bar- 
 rel may become bent or dented ; this is generally the 
 result of carelessness, as, for mstance, " piling arms," 
 and allowing the pile to fall; placing them in wagons 
 on the march, and allowing accidents to occur to 
 them there; carrying weights, particularly at the 
 muzzle, where the barrel is thinnest — any injury done 
 to the barrel at the point renders it irreparably use- 
 less, this being the point of delivery ; riding it as a 
 seat when standing easy ; washing the rifle with water 
 and allowing it to get in between the stock and bar- 
 rel, or into the lock or several springs, thus inducing 
 rust where it is not readily detected ; in short, use the 
 rifle in the way, and for the purpose for which it is 
 intended. The next great step in the attainment of 
 good shooting, is a knowledge of the Manual and 
 Firing Exercise. When these are well learned the 
 rifle is as easily used as the hand, arm or foot, and it 
 looks and feels like a part of yourself. You can 
 scarcely take too much interest in these exercises, as 
 you can practice them at any time. 
 
14 
 
 We now come to the "finale," which involves a 
 knowledge of the high powers of the rifle as a weapon 
 and the means at our disposal for attaining the most 
 perfect results from it. This is a study which does 
 not come within the design of this address, but 
 arrangements will be made to secure you a short 
 course of theoretical instruction in musketry, during 
 the coming camp, before you go to the butts. 
 
 Remarks. 
 
 I have now taken a salient view of some of the 
 most noticeable defects in the administration and de- 
 tail of our annual duties. I have done so because 
 my long experience has convinced me that our "young 
 men" do wish to acquire "military knowledge." I 
 have observed their satisfaction, when they have mas- 
 tered any particular duty, and their disappointment 
 when, from any cause, they have failed successfully 
 to compete with their comrades, or their own want of 
 skill or opportunity has been the means of placing 
 them in the background. I am also satisfied that 
 more is expected of us during the few days of our 
 annual assembly than can possibly be effected, but 
 when we take into account the number of recruits 
 who present themselves every year for training, and 
 compare the progress that they make with that which 
 is expected from the same number in the regular 
 army, who have the advantage of being taught by 
 professional instructors, I think we have a right to 
 feel proud of our attainments in the face of our diffi- 
 culties. 
 
 It is with these feelings that I have thought well to 
 direct early attention to our forthcoming duties. I 
 recommend a return to our early system of evening 
 
15 
 
 drill by companies. This will aflford opportunity 
 for thorough organization before going on service, 
 and will very materially lessen the preliminary drill 
 m camp. ^ 
 
 P. H. ATTWOOD, 
 
 Lieut. - Cohml, Commanding 26th Batt. 
 Head Quarters, ) " 
 London, July 14,1875. f 
 
 *VA^ 
 
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