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Title: History of the Royal Sappers and Miners, Volume 1 (of 2)

Author: T. W. J. Connolly

Release date: October 19, 2017 [eBook #55776]
Most recently updated: October 23, 2024

Language: English

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Transcriber’s Note:
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sequenced across the text for uniqueness of reference. There
are also several instances of footnotes appearing as glosses on
other footnotes, identified in all instances as ‘a’. These have
been numbered ‘Na’, where ‘N’ is the number of the note.
Minor errors, attributable to the printer, have been corrected.
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SOLDIER ARTIFICER COMPANY Plate I.

UNIFORM 1786 Printed by M & N Hanhart.

FROM THE FORMATION OF THE CORPS IN MARCH 1772, TO THE DATE
WHEN ITS DESIGNATION WAS CHANGED TO THAT OF
ROYAL ENGINEERS,
IN OCTOBER 1856.

BY

T. W. J. CONNOLLY,
QUARTERMASTER OF THE ROYAL ENGINEERS.

“Of most disastrous chances,
Of moving accidents, by flood and field;
Of hair-breadth scapes i' the imminent deadly breach.”—Shakspeare.
“There is a corps which is often about him, unseen and unsuspected, and
which is labouring
as hard for him in peace as others do in war.”—The Times.

With Seventeen Coloured Illustrations.

SECOND EDITION, WITH CONSIDERABLE ADDITIONS.

IN TWO VOLUMES.—VOL. I.

LONDON:
LONGMAN, BROWN, GREEN, LONGMANS, AND ROBERTS.
1857.

LONDON: PRINTED BY W. CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET AND CHARING
CROSS.

PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.

The First Edition of the Work has long been out of print, and the Second
would have been published earlier, only that an expected change in the
designation of the corps delayed its appearance. That change having
occurred, the volumes are republished, recording the services of the corps to
the date it continued to bear its old title.
Revised in many places, with verbal inaccuracies corrected, aided
moreover by journals and official memoranda placed at my disposal to
modify or enlarge certain incidents and services, the work is as complete as
it would seem to be possible at present to produce it.
The concluding Chapters record the services of the corps in the Aland
Islands, in Turkey, Bulgaria, Circassia, Wallachia, and the Crimea. The
siege of Sebastopol and the destruction of the memorable docks have been
given with the fulness which the industry and gallantry of the sappers
merited; and in order that the many adventures and enterprises recorded in
the final years of the history should not fail in interest and accuracy,
Colonel Sandham, the Director of the Royal Engineer Establishment, with
the permission of General Sir John Burgoyne, kindly lent me the assistance
of the Engineers’ Diary of the Siege, as well as several collateral reports
concerning its progress and the demolition of the docks. At the same time I
think it right to say, that no attempt has been made in these pages to offer a
history of the Crimean operations. So much only of the details has been
worked into the narrative as was necessary to preserve unbroken the thread
of sapper services in connexion with particular works and undertakings.
It should also be borne in mind, that these volumes are devoted to the
affairs of the Royal Sappers and Miners; and, consequently, that care has
been taken to touch as lightly as practicable on the services of other
regiments. Hence the officers of the Royal Engineers have only been named

when it was desirable to identify them with parties of Sappers, whom on
certain occasions they commanded.
I feel a loyal pride in being able to state that the work has been honoured
with the munificent patronage of Her Majesty the Queen, and of His Royal
Highness the Prince Albert; than which nothing could be more acceptable to
me, either as an author or a subject.
In closing I beg to express my deep obligations to General Sir John
Burgoyne, Bart., G.C.B., the officers of the corps generally, my personal
friends, and the public, for the patronage with which I have been favoured;
and also to the Press, for the handsome manner in which it has noticed and
commended my labours.

Brompton Barracks,
March 1857.

PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.

In 1836, soon after Lieutenant Robert Dashwood, R.E., was appointed
Acting Adjutant of the Royal Sappers and Miners at Woolwich, he was
directed by Brigade-Major, now Colonel Matson, to prepare a list of
officers of the Royal Engineers who had commanded, from time to time, the
different companies of the corps. I assisted him in the duty; but while he
was in the midst of his work, he was prematurely cut off by death, and the
task of completing the statement devolved on me. It now forms a referential
record at the head-quarter office.
Led in its progress to consult old documents and returns, I conceived the
idea of making myself acquainted with the whole history of the corps. With
this view, after daily fulfilling the routine duty of the office, I spent all my
leisure intervals in bringing to light old books and papers, which for years
had been buried in disused depositories and stores.
Whilst thus engaged, two Acting Adjutants, Lieutenants F. A. Yorke and
T. Webb, R.E., were successively appointed to the corps at Woolwich. Both
officers entered with some spirit into the attempt to trace a history of its
services; but before they had proceeded to any great length, were
interrupted in their labours by removal to other stations in consequence of
promotion. Adjutant Yorke, however, succeeded so far, that he drew up a
brief account of the formation of the sappers, commencing with the
Gibraltar company in 1772, and detailed its subsequent augmentations and
reductions. This statement also forms a permanent record in the office; and
Captain Webb made fair progress with an outline account of its active
services. To both officers it was my good fortune to afford such aid as they
required, in the collection of information for their respective efforts.
In 1847, when medals were granted to the veterans of the last war,
Brigade-Major, now Colonel Sandham, observed the readiness with which I

spoke of historical events in which the corps was concerned, and of the
services of particular individuals who had belonged to it. He also saw the
facility with which I supplied the information required to establish the
claims of the several applicants for medals and clasps. This induced him,
after some little conversation on the subject, to direct me to prepare for
publication a history of the corps. Much fragmentary matter I had already
accumulated, for twelve years had been consumed by me in wading through
books and documents in quest of dates and occurrences. Nevertheless, it
was not without serious misgivings that I set myself officially to the task,
and the researches and labours embodied in the following pages are the
result.
In the intervals of important and onerous public duty, the materials for
the memoir have been collected and the work methodized and written.
Necessarily severe was the application required under such circumstances;
but by steady perseverance, even at times when my health was scarcely able
to bear up against the exertion it needed, I have succeeded, without omitting
any service that I know of, in completing the history to the siege of
Sebastopol.
The work certainly is one of no pretension, and on this score may be
regarded as having cost but little toil in its preparation; but I may observe,
that from the absence of many particular records, the unaccountable neglect
in furnishing others, and the striking imperfections in many of the
remaining papers, arising from complexity, vagueness, obliteration, or
decay, more than ordinary difficulty, research, and trouble were
experienced, in gathering the materials essential to give anything like a
reasonable delineation of the events narrated in the Memoir. Paucity of
detail in numbers, want of description with reference to particular
occurrences, and gaps in many years from the loss of muster-rolls and
official documents, run through a period of nearly half a century, from 1772
to 1815: and strange as it may appear, even the casualties in action so
carefully reported in other corps, have, from some inexplicable cause, either
been omitted altogether in the war despatches or given inaccurately. In later
years, however, the connexion between the officers of the Royal Engineers
and the soldiers of the Royal Sappers and Miners has been so fully
established, that attention to these important minutiæ forms a decided
feature in the improved command of the corps.

In employments of a purely civil character in which the Royal Sappers
and Miners have shared, care has been taken to explain, as fully as the
records and collateral evidence would admit, the nature of its duties; and,
likewise, to multiply authorities to prove the estimation in which it was held
for its services and conduct. This has been mainly done, to offer a practical
reply to an association, incorporated within the last twelve years, which, in
the course of a futile agitation, endeavoured by injurious statements to
lessen the corps in public esteem.
All mention of the Royal Engineers in this memoir has been studiously
suppressed, except when such was unavoidable to give identity to the
different duties and services of the Royal Sappers and Miners, and also,
when their direct and particular connexion with the corps in certain
situations, rendered allusion to them justifiable. This course was suggested
to me by an officer of high rank, for the obvious reason that, as the Royal
Engineers is a body entirely distinct from the Sappers and Miners, and
possesses its own annals, any reference to, or particularization of, its
services in a work professedly confined to the corps, would not only be
extraneous, but tend to lessen its value, and weaken its interest with those
for whose information it was especially written.
Here, however, it should be observed, that the Royal Sappers and Miners,
though a separate and integral body of itself, is nevertheless, and has been
from the commencement, officered by the Royal Engineers; and whatever
excellence or advancement is traced in its career and public usefulness,
whether as soldiers or mechanics, is fairly, in a great degree, attributable to
the officers; for, in every circumstance of service and situation, they have
liberally opened up for them new channels of employment to engage their
faculties and energies, and have afforded them at all times scope and
facilities to develop their mental and physical resources, and to fit them to
perform with credit, not only the circumscribed duties of soldiers, but the
more extended requirements of sappers, artizans, and professional men.
By the omission of all but special reference to the officers, room has thus
been given for mentioning many non-commissioned officers and privates,
who have attracted public attention and gained encomium for their
meritorious services; some for their skill and ingenuity; others for their
integrity and devotion; and others for their acquirements, their vigorous
exertions and labours; their ardour, their endurance, and their valour. While
the recognition of such examples cannot fail to incite others to emulate the

military virtues of their more distinguished predecessors and comrades, it is
earnestly hoped, that every member of the corps will be led to feel a
personal interest in its reputation and honour, and a pride in its discipline
and loyalty; its usefulness and efficiency in peace; its heroism and
achievements in war.
The drawings were executed on stone by George B. Campion, Esq.,
master of landscape drawing at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. In
illustrations like those in the present volumes, it was scarcely possible to
delineate with exactness the complicated ornament which make up the
ensemble of a soldier’s uniform. Notwithstanding this disadvantage, the
costume has been well defined, and much interest given to the
embellishments, by the introduction of accessories, characteristic of the
duties and employments of the corps.
My respectful acknowledgments are due to Sir John Burgoyne, the
Inspector-General of Fortifications, for making the subject of my exertions
known in a circular from his own hand, to the officers of the Royal
Engineers; and in offering him the expression of my gratitude, I think it
right with a feeling of sincere thankfulness to mention, that the success
which has attended that kind appeal, has been more, perhaps, than I could
reasonably expect. Several of the officers have afforded me much
encouragement in the work, as well by suggestion and advice, as by the
liberality of their contributions; but, wanting the liberty to publish their
names, I am precluded from making a record, to which it would have been
my pride to give publicity.
To my own corps I am also indebted for many pleasing proofs of
concern, as evinced in their anxiety to see the undertaking prosper. Nearly
200 copies have been demanded by the non-commissioned officers,
including a few of the privates, and when the price of the work is
considered, the generosity of my patrons is as striking as noble.
To S. W. Fullom, Esq., I here offer the expression of my grateful thanks
for his amiable and disinterested counsel, cheerfully accorded on the many
occasions I had to seek it; and for kindly assisting me in looking over the
sheets as the work passed through the press.
I now submit the volumes to my corps and the profession, and am not
without hope that they may also be acceptable to a portion of the public. As
far as the sources of my information and research have extended, the
memoir will be found truthful and impartial. It was my aim to execute it

with an integrity that would place me beyond impeachment: I therefore feel
some confidence that indulgence will be shown for its defects, and also for
whatever errors, through inadvertency, may have crept into the work.
THOMAS CONNOLLY.
Royal Sappers and Miners’ Barracks,
Woolwich, March 1855.

CONTENTS OF VOL. I.

1772-1779.
PAGE

Origin of Corps—Its establishment and pay—Engineers to 1
command it—Its designation—Working pay—Recruiting
—Dismissal of civil artificers—Names of officers—Non-
commissioned officers—First augmentation—Consequent
promotions—Names of other officers joined—King’s
Bastion—Second augmentation

1779-1782.

Jealousy of Spain—Declares war with England—Strength of 10
the garrison at Gibraltar—Preparations for defence and
employment of the company—Siege commenced—
Privations of the garrison—Grand sortie and conduct of the
company—Its subsequent exertions—Origin of the
subterranean galleries—Their extraordinary prosecution—
Princess Anne’s battery—Third augmentation—Names of
non-commissioned officers

1782-1783.

Siege continued—Magnitude of the works—Chevaux-de-frise 22
from Landport-Glacis across the inundation—Précis of
other works—Firing red-hot shot—Damage done to the
works of the garrison, and exertions of the company in
restoring them—Grand attack, and burning of the battering
flotilla—Reluctance of the enemy to quit the contest—
Kilns for heating shot—Orange bastion—Subterranean
galleries—Discovery of the enemy mining under the Rock
—Ulterior dependence of the enemy—Peace—Conduct of
the company during the siege—Casualties

1783.

Duc de Crillon’s compliments respecting the works— 29
Subterranean galleries—Their supposed inefficiency—
Henry Ince—Quickness of sight of two boys of the
company—Employment of the boys during the siege—
Thomas Richmond and John Brand—Models constructed
by them

1783.

State of the fortress—Execution of the works depended upon 39
the company—Casualties filled up by transfers from the
line—Composition—Recruiting—Relieved from all duties,
garrison and regimental—Anniversary of the destruction of
the Spanish battering flotilla

1786-1787.

Company divided into two—Numerous discharges—Cause of 43
the men becoming so soon ineffective—Fourth
augmentation—Labourers—Recruiting, reinforcements—
Dismissal of foreign artificers—Wreck of brig ‘Mercury’—
Uniform dress—Working ditto—Names of officers—
Privileges—Cave under the signal-house

1779-1788.

Colonel Debbieg’s proposal for organizing a corps of 53
artificers—Rejected—Employment of artillerymen on the
works at home—Duke of Richmond’s “Extensive plans of
fortification”—Formation of corps ordered—Singular
silence of the House of Commons on the subject—Mr.
Sheridan calls attention to it—Insertion of corps for first
time in the Mutiny Bill—Debate upon it in both Houses of
Parliament

1787-1788.

Constitution of corps—Master artificers—Officers—Rank 64
and post of the corps—Captains of companies; stations—
Allowance to captains; adjutants—Recruiting—Labourers
—“Richmond’s whims”—Progress of recruiting—Articles
of agreement—Corps not to do garrison duty—Sergeant-
Majors—John Drew—Alexander Spence—Uniform dress
—Working dress—Hearts o' pipe-clay—“The Queen’s
bounty”—Arms, &c.—Distinction of ranks—Jews’ wish

1789-1792.

Appointment of Quartermaster and Colonel-Commandant— 72
Distribution of corps, Captains of companies—Jealousy
and ill-feeling of the civil artificers—Riot at Plymouth—Its
casualties—Recruits wrecked on passage to Gibraltar—
Song, “Bay of Biscay, O!”—Defence of the Tower of
London against the Jacobins—Bagshot-heath encampment
—Alterations in the uniform and working dress

1793.

War with France—Artificers demanded for foreign service— 81
Consequent effects—Detachment to West Indies—Fever at
Antigua—Detachment to Flanders—Siege of Valenciennes
—Waterdown Camp—Reinforcement to Flanders—Siege
of Dunkirk—Nieuport—Another reinforcement to Flanders
—Toulon—Private Samuel Myers at Fort Mulgrave—
Formation of four companies for service abroad—
Establishment and strength of corps

1794-1795.

Working dress—Company sails for West Indies—Martinique 90
—Spirited conduct of detachment there—Guadaloupe—
Mortality—Toulon—Flanders—Reinforcement to company
there—Return of the company—Works at Gravesend—
Irregularities in the corps—Causes—Redeeming qualities
—Appointment of Regimental Adjutant and Sergeant-
major—Consequences—Woolwich becomes the head-
quarters—Alteration in working dress

1795-1796.

Companies to St. Domingo and the Caribbee Islands— 101
Reduction of St. Lucia—Conduct of company there—
Gallantry in forming lodgment and converting it into a
battery—Attack on Bombarde—Distribution and conduct
of St. Domingo company—Mortality in the West Indies—
Detachment to Halifax, Nova Scotia—Dougal Hamilton—
Detachments to Calshot Castle and St. Marcou

1797.

Detachments to Portugal—To Dover—Transfers to the 105
Artillery-Enlistment of artificers only—Incorporation of
Gibraltar companies with the corps—Capture of Trinidad—
Draft to West Indies—Failure at Porto Rico—Fording the
lagoon, by private D. Sinclair—Private W. Rogers at the
bridge St. Julien—Saves his officer—Casualties by fever in
Caribbean company—Filling up company at St. Domingo
with negroes—Mutinies in the fleet at Portsmouth—
Conduct of Plymouth company—Emeute in the Royal
Artillery, Woolwich—Increase of pay—Marquis
Cornwallis’s approbation of the corps—Mutiny at the Nore
—Consequent removal of detachment to Gravesend—
Alterations in dress

1798-1799.

Contribution of corps to the State—Detachment with 116
expedition to maritime Flanders—Destruction of the
Bruges canal—Battle near Ostend—Draft to West Indies—
Capture of Surinam—St. Domingo evacuated—Expedition
to Minorca—Conduct of detachment while serving there—
Composition of detachments for foreign service—Parties to
Sevenoaks and Harwich—Mission to Turkey—Its

movements and services—Special detachment to Gibraltar
to construct a cistern for the Navy—Detachment with the
expedition to Holland—Its services—Origin of the Royal
Staff Corps

1800.

Mortality in the West Indies—Blockade of Malta—Capture of 126
a transport on passage from Nova Scotia—Movements and
services of detachments in Turkey; attacked with fever—
Anecdote of private Thomas Taylor at Constantinople—
Cruise of expedition to Cadiz—Attack on the city
abandoned—Subsequent movements of the expedition;
Malta; and re-embarkation for Egypt—Statistics of
companies at Gibraltar

1801-1802.

Distribution of corps—Dispersion of West India company— 132
Statistics—Detachment to St. Marcou—Capture of Danish
settlements—Casualties in West India company—
Compared with mortality in Gibraltar companies—
Working dress—Services, &c., of detachment at Gibraltar
—Conduct of Sergeant W. Shirres—Concession to the
companies by the Duke of Kent—Cocked hat superseded
by the chaco

1803-1805.

Party to Ceylon—The treaty of Amiens broken—State of 141
West India company—Capture of St. Lucia—Tobago—
Demerara, Essequibo, and Berbice—Works at Spike Island
—Capture of Surinam—Conduct of private George

Mitchell—Batavian soldiers join West India company—
Fever at Gibraltar—Consequent mortality—Humane and
intrepid conduct of three privates—Invasion of England—
Works at Dover—Jersey—Chelmsford—Martello towers at
Eastbourne—Bomb tenders at Woolwich—Recruiting—
Volunteers from the Line and Militia—Treaty of St.
Petersburg—Party to Naples—Ditto to Hanover

1806.

First detachment to Cape of Good Hope—Misfortunes at 153
Buenos Ayres—Reinforcements to Gibraltar—Services at
Calabria—Formation of Maltese military artificers—
Increase of pay to royal military artificers—Augmentation
to the corps and reorganization of the companies—
Establishment and annual expense—Working pay—Sub-
Lieutenants introduced—Indiscipline and character of the
corps

1807.

Appointments of Adjutant and Quartermaster—Captain John 161
T. Jones—Disasters at Buenos Ayres—Egypt—
Reinforcement to Messina—Detachment of Maltese
military artificers to Sicily—Newfoundland—Copenhagen
—Captures in the Caribbean Sea—Madeira—Danish
Islands in the West Indies—Hythe

1808.

War in the Peninsula—Expedition thither—Detachments to 165
the seat of war, with Captains Landmann, Elphinstone,
Squire, Burgoyne, and Smyth—Captain John T. Jones—
Reinforcement to Newfoundland—Discipline at Halifax—
Services at Messina—Parties temporarily detached to
different places—The queue

1809.

Retreat to Coruña—Miserable state of the detachment on 168
reaching England—Hardships of the stragglers—Capture
of Martinique—Skill of George Mitchell at the siege—
Fever in the West Indies—Reduction of the Saintes—
Detachment to Portugal—Battles of Oporto and Talavera—
Casualties in the retreat, and distribution of the party—
Naples—Zante and the Ionian Islands—Term of service of
the Maltese military artificers—Siege of Flushing—
Services of the military artificers there—Gallantry, in the
batteries, of John Millar, Thomas Wild, and Thomas Letts
—Conduct of corps at the siege—Casualties by the
Walcheren fever—Skilful conduct of Corporal T. Stevens
in the demolitions at Flushing—Captain John T. Jones—
Servants—Incidental detachments

1810.

Capture of Guadaloupe—Of St. Martin’s and St. Eustatius— 175
Torres Vedras—Anecdote of Corporal William Wilson at
the Lines—Almeida and Busaco—Detachments to Cadiz—
Puntales and La Isla—Destruction of Forts Barbara and St.
Felipe, near Gibraltar—Santa Maura—Occasional
detachments

1811.

Mortality in the West Indies—Strength and distribution of 178
detachments in the Peninsula—Recapture of Olivenza—
Field instruction prior to siege of Badajoz—Conduct of
corps at the siege—Conduct of Sergeant Rogers in
reconnoitring—Reinforcement to Portugal and duties of the
detachment—Its distribution and services—Battle of
Barrosa; gallant conduct of Sergeant John Cameron—
Tarragona—Defence of Tarifa—Augmentation to corps and
reconstruction of companies—Annual expense of corps—
Command of the companies—Their stationary character—
The wealthy corporal—New distribution of corps—
Commissions to Sub-Lieutenants, and ingenious inventions
of Lieutenant Munro

1812.

Plymouth company instructed in field duties—Engineer 187
establishment at Chatham—Major Pasley appointed its
director—Discipline and drill of corps—Its character—Sir
John Sinclair ex-private—Title of corps changed—Captain
G. Buchanan—A sergeant acrobat—Cuidad Rodrigo—
Exertions of a company on the march to the siege—Repairs
to the fortress—Siege of Badajoz—Difficulties in
removing the stores to the park—Duties of the sappers in
the operation—Gallant behaviour of Patrick Rooney and
William Harry—Also of a party at Fort Picurina, and of
Patrick Burke and Robert Miller—Hazardous attempt to
blow down the batardeau in the ditch of the lunette, and
conduct of corporal Stack—Bravery of a party in mining
under the bridge of the inundation—Distribution of the
Peninsular companies and their services—Bridges of Yecla
and Serrada—Reinforcement to Spain—Salamanca—

Burgos, and boldness of Patrick Burke and Andrew
Alexander at the siege—Bridge of Alba—Carthagena—
Reinforcement to Cadiz; action at Seville—Reinforcement
to the Peninsula and distribution of the sappers—Green
Island—Tarragona—First detachment to Bermuda

1813.

Designation of corps modified—Uniform—Working dress— 197
Arms—Mode of promoting non-commissioned officers—
Rank of colour-sergeant created—Company to Canada—
Reinforcement to Bermuda—Sub-Lieutenant Mackenzie
appointed Town-Major there—Sickness at Gibraltar—
Services of company in East Catalonia—Malha da Sorda—
Services on the advance to Vittoria—Bridge at Toro—
Blockade of Pampeluna—Pyrenees—Stockades near
Roncesvalles—San Sebastian and services of the corps at
the siege—Valour of sergeants Powis and Davis—Of
private Borland; and of corporal Evans—Casualties in the
siege—Restoration of the fortifications—Pontoon train—
Bidassoa—Bridge across it, and conduct of privates Owen
Connor and Nowlan—Vera—Nivelle, and behaviour of
corporal Councill—Bridge over that river—Bridges over
the Nive, and daring exertions of private Dowling—
Fording the Nive, and posts of honour accorded to corporal
Jamieson and private Braid—Strength and distribution of
corps in the Peninsula—Recruiting

1814.

Wreck of ‘Queen’ transport; humanity of sergeant Mackenzie; 209
heroic exertions of private M‘Carthy—Quartermaster;
Brigade-Major—Santona; useful services of corporal Hay

—Bridge of Itzassu near Cambo-Orthes; conduct of
sergeant Stephens—Toulouse—Bridge of the Adour; duties
of the sappers—Flotilla to form the bridge—Casualties in
venturing the bar—Conduct of the corps in its construction
—Bayonne—Expedition to North America—Return to
England of certain companies from the Peninsula—
Company to Holland; its duties; bridge over the Maerk;
Tholen; Fort Frederick—March for Antwerp—Action at
Merxam—Esprit de corps—Coolness of sergeant Stevens
and corporal Milburn—Distribution; bridge-making—
Surprise of Bergen-op-Zoom—Conduct of the sappers, and
casualties in the operation—A mild Irish-man—Bravery of
corporal Creighton and private Lomas—South Beveland—
Reinforcement to the Netherlands—Review by the
Emperor of Russia—School for companies at Antwerp—
Detachments in the Netherlands, company at Tournai—
Movements of the company in Italy and Sicily—
Expedition to Tuscany; party to Corfu—Canada;
distribution of company there, and its active services—
Reinforcement to Canada—Washington, Baltimore, New
Orleans—Notice of corporal Scrafield—Expedition to the
State of Maine

1815.

Siege of Fort Boyer—Alertness of company on passage to 225
New Orleans—Return of the sappers from North America
—Services and movements of companies in Canada—Also
in Nova Scotia—Captures of Martinique and Guadaloupe
—Services and movements of companies in Italy—Maltese
sappers disbanded—Pay of Sub-Lieutenants—Ypres—
Increase to sappers’ force in Holland; its duties and
detachments; notice of sergeant Purcell—Renewal of the
war—Strength of the corps sent to the Netherlands—
Pontoneers—Battle of Waterloo—Disastrous situation of a

company in retreating—General order about the alarm and
the stragglers—Sergeant-major Hilton at Brussels—Notice
of lance-corporal Donnelly—Exertions of another company
in pressing to the field—Organization of the engineer
establishment in France—Pontoon train—Magnitude of the
engineer establishment; hired drivers; Flemish seamen—
Assault of Peronne, valour of Sub-lieutenant Stratton and
lance-corporal Councill—Pontoon bridges on the Seine—
Conduct of corps during the campaign—Corporal Coombs
with the Prussian army—Usefulness of the sappers in
attending to the horses, &c., of the department in France—
Domiciliary visit to Montmartre

1816-1818.

Movements in France—Return of six companies from thence 241
to England—Strength of those remaining, and detachments
from them—St. Helena—Return of company from Italy—
Disbandment of the war company of Maltese sappers—
Battle of Algiers—Conduct of corps at Valenciennes—
Instances in which the want of arms was felt during the war
—Arming the corps attributable to accidental
circumstances—Training and instruction of the corps in
France—Its misconduct—But remarkable efficiency at drill
—Municipal thanks to companies at Valenciennes—Dress
—Bugles adopted—Reduction in the corps—Sub-
lieutenants disbanded—Withdrawal of companies from
certain stations—Relief of company at Barbadoes—
Repairing damages at St. Lucia; conduct of the old West
India company—Corfu—Inspection of corps in France—
Epaulettes introduced—Sordid conduct of four men in
refusing to wear them—Murder of private Milne, and
consequent punishment of corps in France by the Duke of
Wellington—Return of the sappers from France

1819-1824.

Reduction in the corps—Distribution—Sergeant Thomas 253
Brown, the modeller—Reinforcement to the Cape, and
services of the detachment during the Kaffir war—
Epidemic at Bermuda—Damages at Antigua occasioned by
a hurricane—Visit to Chatham of the Duke of Clarence—
Withdrawal of a detachment from Corfu—A private
becomes a peer—Draft to Bermuda—Second visit to
Chatham of the Duke of Clarence—Fever at Barbadoes—
Death of Napoleon, and withdrawal of company from St.
Helena—Notice of private John Bennett—Movements of
the company in Canada—Trigonometrical operations under
the Board of Longitude—Feversham—Relief of the old
Gibraltar company—Breast-plates—St. Nicholas’ Island—
Condition of company at Barbadoes when inspected by the
Engineer Commission—Scattered state of the detachment
at the Cape—Services of the detachment at Corfu—
Intelligence and usefulness of sergeant Hall and corporal
Lawson—Special services of corporal John Smith—
Pontoon trials—Sheerness—Notice of corporal Shorter—
Forage-caps and swords

1825-1826.

Dress—Curtailment of benefits by the change—Chacos— 263
Survey of Ireland—Formation of the first company for the
duty—Establishment of corps; company to Corfu—Second
company for the survey—Efforts to complete the
companies raised for it—Pontoon trials in presence of the
Duke of Wellington—Western Africa—Third company for
the survey: additional working pay—Employments and
strength of the sappers in Ireland—Drummond Light;
Slieve Snacht and Divis—Endurance of private Alexander

Smith—Wreck of ‘Shipley’ transport—Berbice; corporal
Sirrell at Antigua

1827-1829.

Augmentation—Reinforcement to Bermuda—Companies for 271
Rideau Canal—Reinforcement to the Cape—Monument to
the memory of General Wolfe—Increase to the survey
companies—Supernumerary promotions—Measurement of
Lough Foyle base—Suggestion of sergeant Sim for
measuring across the river Roe—Survey companies
inspected by Major-General Sir James C. Smith; opinion of
their services by Sir Henry Hardinge—Sergeant-major
Townsend—Demolition of the Glacière Bastion at Quebec
—Banquet to fifth company by Lord Dalhousie—Service
of the sappers at the citadel of Quebec—Notice of
sergeants Dunnett and John Smith—Works to be executed
by contract—Trial of pontoons, and exertions of corporal
James Forbes—Epidemic at Gibraltar—Island of
Ascension; corporal Beal—Forage-caps—Company
withdrawn from Nova Scotia—Party to Sandhurst College,
and usefulness of corporal Forbes

1830-1832.

The chaco—Brigade-Major Rice Jones—Island of Ascension 281
—Notice of corporal Beal—Detachment to the Tower of
London—Chatham during the Reform agitation—Staff
appointments—Sergeant McLaren the first medallist in the
corps—Terrific hurricane at Barbadoes; distinguished
conduct of colour-sergeant Harris and corporal Muir—
Subaqueous destruction of the ‘Arethusa’ at Barbadoes—
Return of a detachment to the Tower of London—Rideau

canal; services of the sappers in its construction; casualties;
and disbandment of the companies—Costume—First
detachment to the Mauritius—Notice of corporal Reed—
Pendennis Castle

1833-1836.

Inspection at Chatham by Lord Hill—Pontoon experiments— 289
Withdrawal of companies from the ports—Reduction of the
corps, and reorganization of the companies—Recall of
companies from abroad—Purfleet—Trigonometrical
survey of west coast of England—Draft to the Cape—
Review at Chatham by Lord Hill—Motto to the corps—
Reinforcement to the Mauritius—Inspection at Woolwich
by Sir Frederick Mulcaster—Mortality from cholera;
services of corporals Hopkins and Ritchley—Entertainment
to the detachment at the Mauritius by Sir William Nicolay
—Triangulation of the west coast of Scotland—Kaffir war
—Appointments of ten foremen of works—Death of
Quartermaster Galloway—Succeeded by sergeant-major
Hilton—Sergeant Forbes—Notice of his father—
Lieutenant Dashwood—Euphrates expedition—Labours of
the party—Sergeant Sim—Generosity of Colonel Chesney,
R.A.—Additional smiths to the expedition—Loss of the
‘Tigris’ steamer—Descent of the Euphrates—Sappers with
the expedition employed as engineers—Corporal Greenhill
—Approbation of the services of the party—Triangulation
of west coast of Scotland—Addiscombe—Expedition to
Spain—Character of the detachment that accompanied it—
Passages; action in front of San Sebastian—Reinforcement
to Spain—Final trial of pontoons—Mission to
Constantinople

1837.

Change in the dress—Increase of non-commissioned officers 305
—Services of the detachment at Ametza Gaña—Oriamendi
—Desierto convent on the Nervion—Fuentarabia—
Oyarzun—Aindoin—Miscellaneous employment of the
detachment—Trigonometrical survey west coast of
Scotland—Inspection at Woolwich by Lord Hill and Sir
Hussey Vivian—Staff appointments—Labours of sergeant
Lanyon—Staff-sergeants' accoutrements—Expedition to
New Holland—Corporal Coles selected as the man Friday
of his chief—Exploration from High Bluff Point to
Hanover Bay; difficulties and trials of the trip; great thirst
—Exertions and critical situation of Coles—His
courageous bearing—Touching instance of devotion to his
chief—Employments of the party—Exploration into the
interior with Coles and private Mustard—Hardships in its
prosecution—Threatened attack of the natives; return to the
camp

1838.

Services of party in New Holland—Start for the interior— 315
Labours of the expedition; corporal Auger—Captain Grey
and corporal Coles expect an attack—Attitude of private
Auger at the camp against the menace of the natives—
Captain Grey and Coles attacked; their critical situation:
the chief wounded; devotion of Coles—Usefulness of
Auger—Renew the march; Auger finds a singular ford—
Discovers a cave with a sculptured face in it—Mustard
traces the spoor of a quadruped still unseen in New Holland
—A sleep in the trees—Trials of the party—Primitive
washing—Auger the van of the adventurers—Humane
attention of the Captain to Mustard; reach Hanover Bay;
arrive at the Mauritius—Detachment in Spain—Attack on
Orio—Usurvil; Oyarzun—Miscellaneous employments of

the party—Reinforcement to it; Casa Aquirre—Orio—
Secret mission to Muñagorri—Second visit to the same
chief—Notice of corporal John Down—Bidassoa—
Triangulation of north of Scotland—Also of the Frith of the
Clyde—Insurrection in Canada; guard of honour to Lord
Durham—Company inspected by the Governor-General on
the plains of Abraham—Inspection at Niagara by Sir
George Arthur—Services and movements of the company
in Canada; attack at Beauharnois—Submarine demolition
of wrecks near Gravesend—Expedient to prevent accidents
by vessels fouling the diving-bell lighter—Conduct of the
sappers in the operations; exertions of sergeant-major Jones
—Fatal accident to a diver—Intrepidity of sergeants Ross
and Young—Blasting the bow of the brig ‘William,’ by
sergeant-major Jones—Withdrawal of the sappers from the
canal at Hythe

1839.

Expedition to Western Australia under Captain Grey— 328
Excursion with Auger to the north of Perth—Search for Mr.
Ellis—Exploration of shores from Freemantle—Bernier
and Dorre Islands; want of water; trials of the party—Water
allowance reduced—A lagoon discovered—Privations and
hardships of the party—Return to Bernier Island for stores
—Its altered appearance—Destruction of the depôt of
provisions—Consternation of Coles—Auger’s example
under the circumstances—Expedition makes for Swan
River—Perilous landing at Gantheaume Bay—Overland
journey to Perth; straits of the adventurers—Auger
searching for a missing man—Coles observes the natives;
arrangements to meet them—Water found by Auger—A
spring discovered by Coles at Water Peak—Disaffection
about long marches; forced journeys determined upon; the
two sappers and a few others accompany the Captain—

Desperate hardships and fatigues; the last revolting
resource of thirst—Extraordinary exertions of the
travellers; their sufferings from thirst; water found—
Appalling bivouac—Coles’s agony and fortitude—
Struggles of the adventurers; they at last reach Perth—
Auger joins two expeditions in search of the slow walkers
—Disposal of Coles and Auger

1839.

Services of the detachment in Spain—Last party of the 341
artillery on the survey—Survey of South Australia—
Inspection at Limerick by Sir William Macbean—
Triangulation of north of Scotland—Also of the Clyde—
Pontoons by sergeant Hopkins—Augmentation of the corps
—Also of the survey companies—Supernumerary rank
annulled—Tithe surveys; quality of work executed on them
by discharged sappers; efficient surveys of sergeant Doull
—Increase of survey pay—Staff appointments on the
survey—Responsibility of quartermaster-sergeant M‘Kay
—Colonel Colby’s classes—Based upon particular
attainments—Disputed territory in the State of Maine—
Movements and services of the party employed in its
survey; intrepidity of corporal M‘Queen—Experiments
with the diving-bell—Also with the voltaic battery—
Improvement in the priming wires by Captain Sandham;
sergeant-major Jones’s waterproof composition and
imitation fuses—Demolition and removal of the wreck of
the ‘Royal George’—Organization of detachment
employed in the operation—Emulation of parties—Success
of the divers; labours of the sappers—Diving-bell
abandoned—Accident to private Brabant—Fearlessness of
corporal Harris in unloading gunpowder from the cylinders
—Hazardous duty in soldering the loading-hole of the

cylinder—First sapper helmet divers—Conduct and
exertions of the detachment

1840.

Return of the detachment from Spain—Its conduct during the 354
war—Survey of the northern counties of England—Notice
of sergeant Cottingham—Secondary triangulation of the
north of Scotland—Increase to survey allowances—
Augmentation to the survey companies—Renewal of
survey of the disputed boundary in the state of Maine—
Corporal Hearnden at Sandhurst—Wreck of the ‘Royal
George;’ duties of the sappers in its removal—Exertions of
sergeant-major Jones—The divers—An accident—
Usefulness of the detachment engaged in the work—Boat
adventure at Spithead—Andrew Anderson—Thomas P.
Cook—Transfer of detachment from the Mauritius to the
Cape—Survey of La Caille’s arc of meridian there—
Detachment to Syria—Its active services, including capture
of Acre—Reinforcement to Syria

1841.

Syria—Landing at Caiffa; Mount Carmel—Cave of Elijah; 365
epidemic—Colour-sergeant Black—Inspection at Beirout
by the Seraskier; return of the detachment to England—
Expedition to the Niger—Model farm—Gori—Fever sets
in; return of the expedition—Services of the sappers
attached to it—Corporal Edmonds and the elephant—and
the Princess—Staff-sergeant’s undress—Staff appointments
—Wreck of the 'Royal George'—Sergeant March—Sapper-
divers—Curiosities—Under-water pay; means used to aid
the divers—Speaking under water—Gallantry of private

Skelton—Alarming accidents—Constitutional unfitness for
diving—Boundary survey in the state of Maine—
Augmentation to corps for Bermuda—Sandhurst; corporal
Carlin’s services—Quartermaster-sergeant Fraser—
Intrepidity of private Entwistle—Colonel Pasley—
Efficiency of the corps—Its conduct, and impolicy of
reducing its establishment—Sir John Jones’s opinion of the
sappers—And also the Rev. G. R. Gleig’s

1842.

Party to Natal—The march—Action at Congella—Boers 384
attack the camp—Then besiege it—Sortie on the Boers'
trenches—Incidents—Privations—Conduct of the
detachment; courageous bearing of sergeant Young—
Services of the party after hostilities had ceased—
Detachment to the Falkland Islands—Landing—Character
of the country—Services of the party—Its movements; and
amusements—Professor Airy’s opinion of the corps—Fire
at Woolwich; its consequences—Wreck of the 'Royal
George'—Classification of the divers—Corporal Harris’s
exertions in removing the wreck of the ‘Perdita’ mooring
lighter—Assists an unsuccessful comrade—Difficulties in
recovering the pig-iron ballast—Adventure with Mr.
Cussell’s lighter—Isolation of Jones at the bottom—
Annoyed by the presence of a human body; Harris, less
sensitive, captures it—The keel—Accidents—Conflict
between two rival divers—Conduct of the sappers
employed in the operation—Demolition of beacons at
Blythe Sand, Sheerness—Testimonial to sergeant-major
Jones for his services in connection with it

1842.

Draft to Canada—Company recalled from thence—Its 401
services and movements—Its character—Labours of
colour-sergeant Lanyon—Increase to Gibraltar—Reduction
in the corps—Irish survey completed; force employed in its
prosecution—Reasons for conducting it under military rule
—Economy of superintendence by sappers—Their
employments—Sergeants West, Doull, Spalding, Keville—
Corporals George Newman, Andrew Duncan—Staff
appointments to the survey companies—Dangers—
Hardships—Average strength of sapper force employed—
Casualties—Kindness of the Irish—Gradual transfer of
sappers for the English survey—Distribution; Southampton

1843.

Falkland Islands; services of the detachment there— 412
Exploration trips—Seat of government changed—Turner’s
stream—Bull-fight—Round Down Cliff, near Dover—
Boundary line in North America—Sergeant-major Forbes
—Operations for removing the wreck of the 'Royal
George'—Exertions of the party—Private Girvan—
Sagacity of corporal Jones—Success of the divers—
Exertions to recover the missing guns—Harris’s nest—His
district pardonably invaded—Wreck of the 'Edgar,' and
corporal Jones—Power of water to convey sound—Girvan
at the ‘Edgar’—An accident—Cessation of the work—
Conduct of the detachment employed in it—Sir George
Murray’s commendation—Longitude of Valentia—
Rebellion in Ireland—Colour-sergeant Lanyon explores the
passages under Dublin Castle—Fever at Bermuda—
Burning of the ‘Missouri’ steamer at Gibraltar—Hong-
Kong—Inspection at Woolwich by the Grand Duke
Michael of Russia—Percussion carbine and accoutrements

1844.

Remeasurement of La Caille’s arc at the Cape— 431
Reconnoitring excursion of sergeant Hemming—Falkland
Islands—Draft to Bermuda—Inspection at Gibraltar by
General Sir Robert Wilson—Final operations against the
‘Royal George’—and the ‘Edgar’—Discovery of the
amidships—incident connected with it—Combats with
crustacea—Success of corporal Jones—Injury to a diver—
Private Skelton drowned—Conduct of the detachment
employed in the work—Submarine repairs to the ‘Tay’
steamer at Bermuda by corporal Harris—Widening and
deepening the ship channel at St. George’s—Accidents
from mining experiments at Chatham—Notice of corporal
John Wood—Inspection at Hong-Kong by Major-General
D’Aguilar

1845.

Sheerness—Increase to the corps at the Cape—Survey of 444
Windsor—Skill of privates Holland and Hogan as
draughtsmen—Etchings by the latter for the Queen and
Prince Albert—Unique idea of the use of a bullet—
Inspection at Gibraltar by Sir Robert Wilson—Falkland
Islands—Discharges on the survey duty during the railway
mania

1846.

Boundary surveys in North America—Duties of the party 448
engaged in it—Mode of ascertaining longitudes—Trials of
the party; Owen Lonergan—The sixty-four mile line—

Official recognition of services of the party—Sergeant
James Mulligan—Kaffir war—Corporal B. Castledine—
Parties employed at the guns—Graham’s Town—Fort
Brown—Patrols—Bridge over the Fish River—Field
services with the second division—Dodo’s kraal—
Waterloo Bay—Field services with the first division—
Patrol under Lieutenant Bourchier—Mutiny of the
Swellandam native infantry—Conduct of corps in the
campaign—Alterations in the dress—Drainage of Windsor
—Detachment to Hudson’s Bay—Its organization—
Journey to Fort Garry—Sergeant Philip Clark—Private R.
Penton—Corporal T. Macpherson—Lower Fort Garry—
Particular services—Return to England

1846.

Exploration survey for a railway in North America—Services 465
of the party employed on it—Personal services of sergeant
A. Calder—Augmentation to the corps—Reinforcement to
China—Recall of a company from Bermuda—Royal
presents to the reading-room at Southampton—Inspection
at Gibraltar by Sir Robert Wilson—Third company placed
at the disposal of the Board of Works in Ireland—Sergeant
J. Baston—Services of the company—Distinguished from
the works controlled by the civilians—Gallantry of private
G. Windsor—Coolness of private E. West—Intrepid and
useful services of private William Baker—Survey of
Southampton, and its incomparable map

1847.

Detachments in South Australia—Corporal W. Forrest— 478
Augmentation to the corps—Destruction of the Bogue and

other forts—Services of the detachment at Canton—First
detachment to New Zealand—Survey of Dover and
Winchelsea—Also of Pembroke—Flattering allusion to the
corps—Sir John Richardson’s expedition to the Arctic
regions—Cedar Lake—Private Geddes’s encounter with
the bear—Winter quarters at Cumberland House—Road-
making in Zetland—Active services at the Cape—
Company to Portsmouth

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

VOL. I.

Plate Page
I. Uniform 1786 To face Title.
II. Working-dress 1786 49
III. Uniform 1787 69
IV. Working-dress 1787 69
V. Uniform 1792 79
VI. Working-dress 1794 80
VII. Working-dress 1795 100
VIII. Uniform 1797 115
IX. Uniform 1802 140
X. Working-dress 1813 198
XI. Uniform 1813 198
XII. Uniform 1823 258
XIII. Uniform and working- 1825 262
dress
XIV. Uniform 1832 287
XV. Uniform 1843 429

VOL. II.

XVI. Uniform 1854
XVII. Working-dress 1854 } To face Title.

HISTORY
OF THE

ROYAL SAPPERS AND MINERS.

1772—1779.

Origin of Corps—Its establishment and pay—Engineers to command it—Its designation—Working
pay—Recruiting—Dismissal of civil artificers—Names of officers—Non-commissioned officers
—First augmentation—Consequent promotions—Names of other officers joined—King’s Bastion
—Second augmentation.

Before the year 1772, the works at Gibraltar were mainly executed by
civil mechanics from the Continent and England, who were not engaged for
any term of years, but were hired like ordinary artificers, and could leave
the Rock whenever they felt disposed. Not being amenable to military
discipline, they were indolent and disorderly, and wholly regardless of
authority. The only means of punishing them was by reprimand, suspension,
or dismissal, and these means were quite ineffectual to check irregularities.
The dismissal of mechanics and replacing them by others was always
attended with considerable inconvenience and expense, and often failed to
secure an equivalent advantage. Consequently, the works progressed very
slowly, imposing much additional trouble and anxiety upon the officers.
Even the better class of artificers—locally termed “guinea men” from their
high wages—who had something at stake in their situations, could not be
relied upon. It therefore became necessary that steps should be taken to put
a stop to the evil, and to secure the services of a sufficient number of steady,
obedient mechanics, upon whom dependence could, at all times, be placed,
for the proper execution of the works.
With this view, Lieutenant-Colonel William Green, the chief engineer at
the fortress, suggested the formation of a company of military artificers as
the only expedient. Of the value of this suggestion some experience had
been derived, from the occasional occupation on the works, of mechanics
belonging to the different regiments in garrison. Indeed, ever since the
taking of Gibraltar, in 1704, soldiers had so been employed, particularly
artillerymen, whose services to the fortress were always found to be
beneficial. There was every reason, therefore, to expect that, when the

department became entirely military in its character, corresponding results
on a large scale would ensue. Besides which it was considered, that the
employment of a military company on the works, organized expressly for
the purpose, would produce a great saving of expense to the public; and
also, that the men would be ready to participate in any military operation
for the defence of the place, either as artificers or soldiers, should our
relations with other countries render it desirable.
Influenced by these considerations, Colonel Green submitted the
suggestion to the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor of Gibraltar. Too well
aware themselves of the disadvantages of the system of civil labour in
carrying on the works of The fortress, they were favourable to the trial of
any experiment that promised success; and in recommending the plan to the
attention of the Secretary of State, they expressed their decided opinion that
many advantages would certainly arise to the service and the fortress by its
adoption. The royal consent was accordingly given to the measure in a
Warrant, under the sign manual, dated 6th March, 1772; and thus originated
the corps, whose history is attempted to be traced in these pages.
The Warrant authorized the raising and forming of a company of
artificers to consist of the following numbers and ranks, with the regimental
pay annexed to each rank:—
s. d.
1 Sergeant and as adjutant[1] 3 0 a-day.
3 Sergeants, each 1 6 ”
3 Corporals 1 2 ”
60 Privates, or working men skilled in the ”
following trades:—Stone-cutters, masons,
miners, lime-burners, carpenters, smiths,
gardeners, or wheelers, each 0 10
1 Drummer 0 10 ”
68 Total.
And officers of the corps of engineers were appointed to command this
new body, to which was given the name of “The Soldier-Artificer
Company.”[2]
Each non-commissioned officer and man was to receive as a
remuneration for his labour a sum not exceeding two reals[3] a day in

addition to his regimental pay; but this extra allowance was only to be given
for such days as he was actually employed on the works.
The recruiting for the company was a service of but little difficulty, as
permission was granted to fill it with men from the regiments then serving
in the garrison; and although the company was restricted to the taking of
properly qualified mechanics of good character, yet, at the end of the year,
after supplying the places occasioned by casualties, there were only
eighteen rank and file wanting to complete. As vacancies occurred, such of
the soldiers of the garrison as came up to the established criteria, and
wished to be transferred into the company, were allowed the indulgence;
and this mode was the only one followed, for filling up the soldier-
artificers, for many years after their formation.
The whole of the civil mechanics were not discharged from the
department on account of this measure. Such of them were retained as were
considered, from their qualifications and conduct, to be useful in the
fortress, and they were placed under the superintendence of the non-
commissioned officers of the company, who were appointed foremen of the
different trades. The foreign artificers were, with few exceptions, dismissed;
and twenty English “contracted artificers,” or “guinea men,” were sent
home. Previously, however, such of the good men of the number as were
willing to be “entertained” in the company were permitted the option of
enlisting, but none availed themselves of the offer.
The officers of engineers who were first attached to the company were
the following:—

Lieutenant-Colonel William Green, captain.
Captain John Phipps, Esq.
Capt.-Lieut. and Captain Theophilus Lefance, Esq.
Lieutenant John Evelegh.

And they were desired to take under their command and inspection the
non-commissioned officers and private men of the company, and to pay
particular attention to their good conduct and regular behaviour.[4]
On the 30th June, the date on which the company was first mustered, the
non-commissioned officers were—
Sergeant-major Thomas Bridges.[5]
Sergeant David Young, Carpenter.

Sergeant Henry Ince, Miner.
To these were added, on the 31st December—
Sergeant Edward Macdonald.
Corporal Robert Blair, and
Corporal Peter Fraser.
and soon afterwards—
Corporal Robert Brand,
who completed the non-commissioned officers to the full number
authorised by the warrant.
At the time the soldier-artificers were raised, the extensive works ordered
to be executed by his Majesty in October, 1770, were in progress, and
furnished an excellent opportunity for testing their capabilities and merits.
The advantage of the change, and the consequent benefits accruing to the
fortress, were soon apparent. Scarcely had the company been in existence a
year, before Major-General Boyd, the Lieutenant-Governor, impressed with
the conviction of its usefulness, represented, in several communications to
Lord Rochford, the Secretary of State, the expediency of augmenting it; and
he was the more urgent for its sanction as the new works in hand—which
were absolutely essential for the defence of the place—required to be
hastened with all possible despatch. The recommendation, coming from so
high an authority, met with ready attention, and a Warrant dated 25th
March, 1774, was accordingly issued for adding twenty-five men to the
company. Its establishment was then fixed as follows:—
Sergeant- 1
major
Sergeants 4
Corporals 4
Drummer 1
Private 83
artificers
Total 93
To the former list of non-commissioned officers were now added—

John Richmond, sergeant.
John Brown,[6] corporal.

Ensign William Skinner joined the company 20th May, and Ensign
William Booth 23rd June.
No sooner was the company completed to its new establishment than the
engineers proceeded with greater spirit in the erection of the King’s
Bastion, the foundation stone of which was laid in 1773 by General Boyd.[7]
This work, which was of material consequence for the safety of the fortress,
caused the General much concern, and he employed his best efforts for its
completion.[8] But, unavoidable delay in some official arrangements at
home, coupled with a little misunderstanding and the loss of many civil
mechanics, greatly retarded the work.
This led General Boyd in 1775 to apply for another augmentation to the
soldier-artificers, which was the more necessary as three regiments,
furnishing a number of mechanics for the fortifications, were about to leave
the Rock; and also as the foreign artificers—several of whom had been re-
engaged since the pressure of the works—were like birds of passage,
abandoning the fortress when they pleased. This the soldier-artificers could
not do. To their attention and assiduity, therefore, the progress of the bastion
and other works of the garrison were mainly attributable; and General
Boyd, in a letter to Lord Rochford, dated 5th October, 1775, gave them full
credit for their services. “We can,” wrote the General, “depend only upon
the artificer company for constant work, and on soldiers occasionally. Had
it not been for the artificer company, we should not have made half the
progress in the King’s Bastion, as well as in the other works of the
garrison.”
On the 16th January, 1776, His Majesty sanctioned an addition to the
company of one sergeant, one corporal, one drummer, and twenty privates,
all masons, who were to be reduced again when the Hanoverian troops
should leave the fortress.[9] With this increase the company consisted of 116
non-commissioned officers and men.
Steadily the works advanced; soon the King’s Bastion[10] was finished,
and the fortress was now in such a state of defence as greatly to alleviate the
apprehension, which, a few years before, caused General Boyd so much
anxiety. Though not exactly all that could be desired to oppose the
onslaught of a determined and daring adversary, it was yet capable of a long
and obstinate resistance; and, from the political phases of the period, it did
not seem at all unlikely that its strength would soon be tried, and the
prowess and fortitude of the garrison tested.

1779-1782.

Jealousy of Spain—Declares war with England—Strength of the garrison at Gibraltar—Preparations
for defence and employment of the company—Siege commenced—Privations of the garrison—
Grand sortie and conduct of the company—Its subsequent exertions—Origin of the subterranean
galleries—Their extraordinary prosecution—Princess Anne’s battery—Third augmentation—
Names of non-commissioned officers.

Gibraltar, ever since its capture by the English in 1704, had been a source
of much jealousy and uneasiness to Spain, and her desire to restore it to her
dominions was manifested in the frequent attempts she made with that
view. Invariably she was repelled by the indomitable bravery of the
garrison; but a slave to her purpose, she did not desist from her efforts, and
in the absence of any real occasion for disagreement with England, scrupled
not to create one, in order that she might attack, and if possible, regain the
fortress.
A favourable opportunity for the purpose at length arrived. Soon after the
convention of Saratoga in 1777, the Americans entered into an alliance with
France, which was the cause of a rupture between the latter nation and
Great Britain. Hostilities had been carried on for six months, when Spain
insinuated herself into the dispute under pacific pretensions. Her proposals,
however, were of such a nature as rendered it impossible for the British
Government to accept them without lessening the national honour; and
being rejected, the refusal was made the pretext for war. It was accordingly
declared by Spain on the 16th June, and her eager attention was at once
turned to Gibraltar. On the 21st of the same month she took the first step of
a hostile nature, by closing the communication between Spain and the
fortress.
At this time the garrison consisted of an army of 5,382 officers and men
under General Eliott. Lieut.-General Boyd was second in command. Of this
force the engineers and artificers amounted to the following numbers under
Colonel Green:—

Officers 8
Sergeants 6
Drummers 2
Rank and 106[11]
File
Total 122
No particular demonstration on the part of the Spaniards immediately
followed the closing of the communication; but General Eliott, anticipating
an early attack upon the Rock, made arrangements to meet it. All was
activity and preparation within the fortress; and the engineers with the
artificers were constantly occupied in strengthening the defences. For better
accomplishing this paramount service, the company was divided into three
portions on the 23rd August, and directed to instruct the line workmen in
the duties required of them. To prevent misunderstanding with regard to the
line non-commissioned officers—who might under certain circumstances
become litigious—the Chief Engineer issued orders to the effect, that all
such soldiers coming into the king’s works, were to take directions from the
non-commissioned officers of the company in the execution of their
professional duty.[12]
On the 12th September, General Eliott commenced operations by
opening a fire on the enemy, which was so unexpected, that the latter were
surprised and dispersed. On recovering from the panic, they scarcely
ventured, or indeed cared, to retaliate; for their object obviously was, not to
subject themselves to a costly expenditure of ammunition, shot, &c., but to
distress the garrison by famine, and thereby obtain an easy surrender. In
this, however, they were disappointed; for the enduring hardihood of the
garrison, and the occasional arrival of relief, frustrated their object, and
compelled the Spaniards to have recourse to the more expensive and
difficult method of besieging the place.[13]
At this period the privations of the soldiers in the fortress were of so
severe a nature, that many of them were constrained to seek expedients
from unusual resources to supply their wants; and in this way, thistles,
dandelion, and other wild herbs, the produce of a barren rock, were used to
satisfy their cravings. The following enumeration of some of the necessaries
of life, with their prices affixed, will afford an idea of the extent of the
scarcity:—

s. d. s. d.
Mutton or 2 6 to 3 6 per lb. sometimes
beef . higher.
Salt beef or 1 0 to 1 3 per lb.
pork
Biscuit 0 10 to 1 0 per lb.
crumbs
Milk and 1 3 a pint.
water
Eggs 0 6 each.
A small 1 6
cabbage
A small bunch of outward 0 6
leaves
Thus curtailed in their provisions, the wonder is, that the men were at all
capable of supporting life, and keeping their opponents in check. But
notwithstanding this embarrassing privation, their energy and courage were
by no means weakened, nor their spirit and ardour depressed.
In November, 1781, the Spaniards were very zealous in completing their
defences; so much so that towards the latter part of the month their batteries
presented an appearance at once stupendous and formidable. This proud
bulwark naturally arrested the Governor’s attention, and as naturally
engendered the determination to assault and destroy it. On the 26th
November, he desired a selection to be made from the troops for this
purpose. To each of the right and centre columns a detachment of the
company—in all twelve non-commissioned officers as overseers, and forty
privates—was attached, under Lieutenants Skinner and Johnson of the
Engineers; and 160 working men from the line were directed to assist them.
To the left column a hundred sailors were told off to do the duty of
pioneers. The soldier-artificers were supplied with hammers, axes, crow-
bars, fire-faggots, and other burning materials. Upon the setting of the
moon at three o’clock on the morning of the 27th November the sortie was
made. The moment Lieut.-Colonel Hugo, who had charge of the right
column, took possession of the parallel, Lieutenant Johnson with the
artificers and pioneers commenced with great promptitude and dexterity to
dismantle the works. Similar daring efforts succeeded the rush of

Lieutenant Skinner’s artificers and workmen into the St. Carlo’s Battery
with the column of Lieut.-Colonel Dachenhausen; but the number of the
soldier-artificers attached to the sortie, whose ardour and labours were
everywhere apparent, being both inconsiderable and insufficient to effect
the demolition with the expedition required, the Governor sent back to the
garrison for the remainder of the company to come and assist in the
operation.[14] Hurrying to the spot to share in the struggle, they were soon
distributed through the batteries; and the efficiency of their exertions was
sensibly seen, in the rapidity with which the works were razed and in
flames. Only one of the company was wounded.[15]
General Eliott in his despatch on this sortie, observes, “The pioneers,”
meaning artificers, “and artillerists, made wonderful exertions, and spread
their fire with such amazing rapidity, that in half an hour, two mortar
batteries of ten 13-inch mortars, and three batteries of six guns each, with
all the lines of approach, communication, traverses, &c. were in flames and
reduced to ashes. Their mortars and cannon were spiked, and their beds,
carriages, and platforms destroyed. Their magazines blew up one after
another, as the fire approached them.”[16]
Shortly after the sortie the repairs to the defences at the north front and
other works of the fortress, found full employment for the company. Leisure
could not be permitted, and the necessary intervals of rest were frequently
interrupted by demands for their assistance, particularly in caissonning the
batteries at Willis’s.[17] Sickness also set in about this time; nearly 700 of the
garrison were in hospital; the working parties were curtailed; and officers'
servants and others, unused to hard labour and unskilled in the use of tools,
were sent to the works to lessen the fatigue to which their less-favoured
comrades were constantly subjected. Much extra duty and exertion were
thus necessarily thrown upon the company, and though frequently exposed
to imminent danger, they worked, both by night and day, with cheerfulness
and zeal. In the sickness that prevailed, they did not share so much as might
be supposed from the laborious nature of their duties, sixteen only being
returned sick, leaving eighty-one available for the service of the works.
On a fine day in May 1782, the Governor, attended by the Chief Engineer
and staff, made an inspection of the batteries at the north front. Great havoc
had been made in some of them by the enemy’s fire; and for the present
they were abandoned whilst the artificers were restoring them. Meditating
for a few moments over the ruins, he said aloud, “I will give a thousand

dollars to any one who can suggest how I am to get a flanking fire upon the
enemy’s works.” A pause followed the exciting exclamation, when
sergeant-major Ince of the company, who was in attendance upon the Chief
Engineer, stepped forward and suggested the idea of forming galleries in the
rock to effect the desired object. The General at once saw the propriety of
the scheme, and directed it to be carried into execution.[18]
Upon orders being issued by the Chief Engineer, twelve good miners of
the company were selected for this novel and difficult service, and sergeant-
major Ince was nominated to take the executive direction of the work. On
the 25th of May, he commenced to mine a gallery from a place above
Farringdon’s Battery (Willis'), to communicate, through the rock, to the
notch or projection in the scarp under the Royal Battery. The gallery was to
be six feet high and six feet wide. The successful progress of this
preliminary work was followed by a desire to extend the excavation from
the cave at the head of the King’s lines, to the cave at the end of the
Queen’s lines, of the same dimensions as the former gallery. A body of
well-instructed miners was expressly appointed for the duty,[19] and on the
6th July, they began this new subterranean passage. On the 15th, the first
“embrasure was opened in the face of the rock communicating with the
gallery above Farringdon’s.” To effect this, “the mine was loaded with an
unusual quantity of powder, and the explosion was so amazingly loud, that
almost the whole of the enemy’s camp turned out at the report: but what,”
adds the chronicler, “must their surprise have been, when they observed
whence the smoke issued!”[20] The gallery was now widened to admit of the
placement of a gun with sufficient room for its recoil, and when finished, a
24-pounder was mounted in it.[21] Before the ensuing September, five heavy
guns were placed in the gallery; and in little more than twelve months from
the day it was commenced, it was pushed to the notch, where a battery, as
originally proposed, was afterwards established and distinguished, on
account of its extensive capacity, by the name of “St George’s Hall.”[22]
At Princess Anne’s Battery (Willis'), on the 11th June, a shell from the
enemy fell through one of the magazines, and, bursting, the powder
instantly ignited and blew up. The whole rock shook with the violence of
the explosion, which, tearing up the magazine, threw its massive fragments
to an almost incredible distance into the sea. Three merlons on the west
flank of the battery, with several men who had run behind them for shelter,
were blown into the Prince’s lines beneath, which, with the Queen’s lower

down the rock, were almost filled with the rubbish ejected from the upper
battery, as also with men dreadfully scorched and mangled. The loss among
the workmen was very severe. Fourteen were killed and fifteen wounded.[23]
Private George Brown, a mason of the company, was amongst the former.
In July the company could only muster ninety-two men of all ranks,
including the wounded and sick, having lost twenty-two men during the
siege by death, six of whom had been killed. This was the more unfortunate,
as the siege was daily assuming a more serious aspect, the enemy collecting
in greater force, and the effect of the cannonade upon the defences more
telling and ruinous. Naturally the Governor’s attention was called to the
deficiency; and as his chief dependence rested upon the soldier-artificers for
the execution and direction of the more important works, he was not only
anxious for their completion to the authorized establishment, but convinced
of the desirableness of augmenting them. In this view he was the more
confirmed, by the representations of Major-General Green, the chief
engineer, and Lieutenant-General Boyd. As soon, therefore, as an
opportunity offered, he urgently requested the Duke of Richmond, then
Master-General of the Ordnance, to fill up the company with mechanics
from England, and also to make a liberal increase to its establishment. His
Grace accordingly submitted the recommendation to His Majesty, and a
Warrant, dated 31st August, 1782, was issued ordering the company to be
increased with 118 men. Its establishment now amounted to—
1 Sergeant-
major.
10 Sergeants.
10 Corporals.
209 Working-men.
4 Drummers.
Total 234
To carry out the wishes of General Eliott, the Duke of Richmond
employed parties in England and Scotland to enlist the required number,
which for the most part consisted of carpenters, sawyers, and smiths. With
great spirit and success the recruiting was conducted; and in less than a
month 141 mechanics—more than enough to meet both the deficiency and
the authorized increase—were embarked for the Rock on board the
transports which accompanied the relieving fleet under Lord Hood. Twenty

landed on the 15th October; a similar number next day, and the remaining
101 on the 21st. By this increase the carpenters were 66 in number, the
sawyers 31, and the smiths 57. The masons at this time were 30 strong.
The non-commissioned officers,[24] as they stood immediately after this
augmentation, were as follows:—
Sergeant-major—Henry
Ince.

Sergeants:—

David Young, carpenter.
Edward Macdonald.[25]
Robert Blyth,[26] mason.
Alexander Grigor.
James Smith, smith.
Thomas Jackson, smith.
Robert Brand, mason.
Robert Daniel.
Joseph Makin, mason.
Thomas Finch,[27] carpenter.

Corporals:—

Robert Newell, mason.
Hugh Sirrige, carpenter.
Joseph Chambers,[28] mason.
James Carey, carpenter.
Joseph Woodhead,[29] mason.
John Morrison, mason.
John Harrison, mason.
John Fraser, carpenter.
Thomas Harrenden,
carpenter.

Antonio Francia,[30] mason.
And the officers were, in addition to those mentioned at pp. 4 and 5,
Lieutenants William M‘Kerras, John Johnston, and Lewis Hay.

1782-1783.

Siege continued—Magnitude of the works—Chevaux-de-frise from Landport Glacis across the
inundation—Précis of other works—Firing red-hot shot—Damage done to the works of the
garrison, and exertions of the company in restoring them—Grand attack, and burning of the
battering flotilla—Reluctance of the enemy to quit the contest—Kilns for heating shot—Orange
Bastion—Subterranean galleries—Discovery of the enemy mining under the Rock—Ulterior
dependence of the enemy—Peace—Conduct of the company during the siege—Casualties.

In August the siege daily wore a more significant appearance, and the
enemy was diligent in concentrating his resources—unlimited both in
means and materials—to make an extraordinary attack upon the fortress. To
cope with these preparations General Eliott was no less alert. All was ardour
and cheerfulness within the garrison, and every one waited impatiently for
an opportunity to end the strife, which had held thousands close prisoners to
their posts for more than three years.
At this time the defensive works were very extensive, and many
important alterations had yet to be made in several of the batteries, to afford
more effectual cover to the artillery. The workmen consequently were
greatly increased. Daily, nearly 2,000 men of the line were handed over to
the engineers for the service of the fortifications; and the soldier-artificers
were employed in their greatest force—two only being in hospital—to
instruct and oversee them. In the more difficult works requiring experience,
and the exercise of skill and ability, the company always laboured
themselves.
In the most vulnerable part of the fortress, from the foot of Landport
Glacis adjoining Waterport, to the sloping palisades on the causeway across
the inundation, the greater part of the carpenters of the company were
occupied in fixing a chevaux-de-frise. They completed the work without the
least interference from the enemy—a surprising instance of his inattention
or forbearance.
While the chevaux-de-frise was in course of erection, covered ways were
being constructed at the different lines on the north front, large and lofty

traverses were raised along the line wall, the flank of the Princess Anne’s
Battery was rebuilt, the subterranean passages were pushed forward with
vigour, and a covered way from the Grand Parade to the Orange Bastion
was completed. Green’s Lodge and the Royal Battery were also caissoned
with ship-timber, and considerable alterations were made at Willis’s. Indeed
nothing was omitted to render the fortress capable of sustaining any attack
to which it might be subjected from the enemy’s immense and well-armed
batteries.
These works and many others of a similar nature were in progress when
the firing of red-hot shot from the north front, under General Boyd’s
directions, commenced upon the enemy’s batteries. The effect of this
destructive expedient was astounding, and the demolition of the enemy’s
lines in great part soon followed. Panic-stricken or confused, the besiegers
returned but a tardy fire, and the injury sustained by it was of little moment.
The bold attack of the garrison, however, aroused the Spaniards, who,
quickly repairing their works, opened, on the next day, a warm and
powerful fire upon the Rock from 170 guns of large calibre. Nine line-of-
battle ships also poured in their broadsides, in which they were assisted by
fifteen gun and mortar boats. Considerable injury was thus done to the north
front, as also to the Montague and Orange Bastions; the obstructions at
Landport were likewise in great measure demolished, and many other
works were partially razed. The engineers with the artificers and workmen
were unremitting in their exertions, both during the night and in the day-
time, to restore the defences where their importance, from their exposed
situation, rendered immediate reparation desirable. At Landport,
notwithstanding the sharp firing of the enemy, the carpenters of the
company were constantly detached to repair the fresh-recurring breaches,
which, Drinkwater states, “were kept in a better state than might have been
expected.”
This attack and retaliation, however, were as yet only preliminary to the
greater one which was to follow. The interval was filled up by discharges of
cannon, averaging 4,000 rounds in the twenty-four hours. On the 12th
September the combined fleets of France and Spain arrived before the Rock
with ten floating batteries, bearing 212 guns; while their land batteries,
strong and terrible, mounted 200 heavy guns, and were protected by an
army of 40,000 men.

In their several stations the battering flotilla were soon moored, and the
fleet anchored in less than ten minutes. The first ship having cast her
anchors, that moment the garrison artillery began to throw its burning
missiles. A tremendous rejoinder from the enemy succeeded. Upwards of
400 pieces of the heaviest artillery were disgorging their dreadful contents
at the same instant. Of these the garrison only employed 96. For hours the
balance of the contest was equal, the battering ships seemed invulnerable;
but, at length, the red-hot shot gave evidence of their efficacy in the sheets
of resistless flame that burst in all directions from the flotilla. By the 14th
the whole of the floating batteries were burnt: their magazines blew up one
after another; and it was a miracle, that the loss of the enemy by drowning
did not exceed the numbers saved by the merciful efforts of the garrison.
Notwithstanding this appalling reverse the enemy were still reluctant to
quit the contest. Many proofs they had had of the unconquerable spirit of
the besieged even whilst suffering from pinching privation, and warring
against such overwhelming odds; but they still clung to the hope of
compelling the surrender of their invincible adversaries, though their
repeated defeats should have taught them a far different lesson.
This obstinacy, of course, necessarily caused other and more effectual
preparations to be made in the fortress, to meet and withstand any future
attacks. Red-hot shot was considered to be the grand specific. To supply it
in sufficient quantities, the company of artificers erected kilns in various
parts of the garrison. Each kiln was capable of heating 100 shots in little
more than an hour. By this means, as Drinkwater writes, “the artificers were
enabled to supply the artillery with a constant succession for the ordnance.”
The struggle continued for some time much less terrific than has just
been stated. From 1,000 to 2,000 rounds, however, were poured into the
garrison in the twenty-four hours, and were followed up with more or less
briskness for a few months, according to the varying caprice of the
assailants. During this cannonade, the artificers under the engineers were
constantly engaged in the diversified works of the fortress, and they began
to rebuild the whole flank of the Orange Bastion on the sea-line, 120 feet in
length. All the available masons and miners of the company were appointed
to this important work, and were greatly strengthened on the arrival of the
141 mechanics under Lord Hood. In the face of the enemy’s artillery, the
artificers continued fearlessly to rear the flank, and at last completed it in
about three months, to the amazement and satisfaction of the Governor and

the garrison. The erection of such a work, in solid masonry, and under such
circumstances, is perhaps unprecedented in any siege, and is alike highly
honourable to the engineers and to the company.
Nor was the subterranean gallery under Farringdon’s Battery prosecuted
with less zeal under serjeant-major Ince. Five embrasures by this time had
been opened in the front of the Rock facing the neutral ground. The miners
exerted themselves with an energy that was conspicuous and commendable.
This singular work seemed to be the Governor’s hobby; he expected much
from it, and ordered a similar Battery for two guns to be cut in the Rock,
near Croutchet’s Battery, above the Prince of Hesse’s Bastion. Its
completion, however, was not effected until after the siege.
To the schemes of the enemy there appeared to be no end; neither did
they lack hope nor want confidence. They had failed to obtain the
submission of the garrison by famine; equally so, by a protracted
bombardment; nor was their tremendous attack by a bomb-proof flotilla,
assisted by their formidable land batteries, attended with better success.
They now attempted a fourth stratagem, to mine a cave in the Rock by
which to blow up the north front, and thus make a breach for their easy
entrance into the fortress. Chimerical as the project might appear, it was
conducted with some spirit, and occasioned the garrison much employment.
Information of the infatuated design was, in the first instance, given by a
deserter from the enemy, which, however, was cautiously received; and as it
was impracticable to perceive the miners at work, doubts still existed
whether the enemy had actually embarked in the scheme. These doubts
were at length removed by sergeant Thomas Jackson,[31] of the artificer
company, by whose enterprising efforts the movements of the enemy were
rendered indisputable. It was his duty to reconnoitre[32] the north front, in
addition to other services for which he was held responsible. Anxious to
ascertain the cause of so much mysterious activity at the Devil’s Tower, he
descended the steep and rugged rock by means of ropes and ladders. The
attempt was as bold as it was hazardous. Stopped by an opening very near
to the base of the cliff he explored the entrance, and hearing the hum of
voices and the busy strokes of hammers and picks he was well assured of
the purpose for which the excavation was intended. Climbing the steep
again, he reported what he had discovered. A stricter watch was therefore
kept upon the Tower to prevent communication between it and the Rock.
Hand-grenades and weighty fragments of stone were frequently hurled over

the precipice to terrify the workmen below, and choke up the entrance to the
gallery; and though these means did not make the intrepid miners relinquish
their project, they yet greatly interrupted its progress. The notion of the
engineer who proposed the mine must have been the result of desperation,
for what must have been its nature to crumble in its explosion a huge mass
of compact rock, nearly 1,400 feet of perpendicular height, into a roadway,
by which to enter the fortress as through a breach?
Since the flotilla had been burnt and the fleet had disappeared, it was
evident that the enemy now depended for a triumph on their gun-boats and
land-batteries, and also the mine at the Devil’s Tower. For a time they
warmly plied the fortress with shot and shell, to which the garrison
responded with considerable animation. Intervals followed, induced by
indecision or caprice, in which the firing from the enemy was very
desultory and inefficacious; but that from the garrison was always well
sustained. The soldiers of the Rock seemed to rise in spirit and activity as
the enemy declined in these qualities. With the latter, the barometer of their
hopes fell with their energies. Still they fruitlessly laboured on, the mine
under the Rock being the principal object of their attention, until relieved
from the disgrace of another defeat, by the arrival of news from home of the
signing of preliminaries for a general peace. The intelligence was
communicated to the garrison on the 2nd February, 1783, and on the 5th,
the last shot in the conflict was fired from the fortress. Thus terminated a
siege, extending over a period of nearly four years, which, when all the
circumstances connected with it are taken into account, can scarcely find its
parallel in the chronicles of ancient or modern warfare.
During the whole of this memorable defence, the company of artificers
proved themselves to be good and brave soldiers; and no less conspicuous
for their skill, usefulness, and zeal on the works. With their conduct and
exertions in the performance of their various professional duties, their
officers were always well pleased; and, not unfrequently, the Governor, and
General Boyd, in witnessing their services, encouraged and flattered them
with expressions of their admiration. In later days, when the expediency of
raising a corps of military artificers was discussed in the House of
Commons, Captain Luttrell stated, “that during the siege, the corps at
Gibraltar had been found of infinite service.”[33]
The following is a detail of the casualties that occurred in the company at
this siege:—

Officers. Sergeants. Rank and Total.
File.
Killed[34] 0 1 6 7
Wounded, 0 0 7 7
severely 0 3 30 35 } 49
Wounded, but
recovered
Dead by sickness 0 0 23 23
Total 2 4 66 72
Besides which, two men having plundered the King’s stores, were
executed for the offence at the Convent in Irish Town, on the 29th May,
1781.[35]
It is, however, satisfactory to mention, that of the forty-three desertions
recorded to have taken place from the garrison, none were from the artificer
company. One regiment was decreased eleven men from this cause, and
another nine.

1783.

Duc de Crillon’s compliments respecting the works—Subterranean galleries-Their supposed
inefficiency—Henry Ince—Quickness of sight of two boys of the company—Employment of the
boys during the siege—Thomas Richmond and John Brand—Models constructed by them.

The cessation of hostilities brought the commanders of the two powers
together, and a most interesting interview took place between them. During
the visit of the Duc de Crillon, he was shown all the marvels of the Rock;
but the fortifications especially engaged his attention. Having been
conducted to the batteries on the heights, his Grace made some remarks on
the formidable appearance of the lower defences, and on the good state of
the batteries in so short a period. “These,” writes Drinkwater, “produced
some compliments to the chief engineer;” and, continues the historian,
“when conducted into the gallery above Farringdon’s Battery—now called
Windsor—his Grace was particularly astonished, especially when informed
of its extent, which at that time was between 500 and 600 feet. Turning to
his suite, after exploring the extremity, he exclaimed, these works are
worthy of the Romans.”[36]
For many years the galleries thus eulogized by the Duke were in course
of construction, and are formed, as already stated, by deep excavations in
the solid rock. Passing round the north face in two tiers,[37] mounting about
forty pieces of heavy ordnance, they command the approach to the fortress
from the neutral ground, and render it almost impregnable on that side.
Large magazines and spacious halls—in like manner hewn out of the rock
—are attached to them. The work, as a whole, executed principally by the
jumper and blasting, is curious and even marvellous, bearing also
unequivocal evidence of ingenuity and of immense labour. Than these
subterranean passages and chambers, no better testimony need scarcely be
desired of the successful superintendence of sergeant-major Ince and of the
skill and exertions of the company.

Notwithstanding the formidable character of these defences, doubts seem
to exist as to their real efficiency in a siege. These doubts have arisen from
the idea that the report of the explosion would not only be deafening, but
that the smoke would return into the galleries and suffocate the men.[38] No
experiments have ever been made with the view of ascertaining these
particulars: speculation is therefore properly admissible. Once, indeed, in
1804, they were fired in salvo to dispel, if possible, the then raging fever;[39]
and at distant intervals since, some of the guns have been discharged; but no
complaint was ever made—at least became public—of the inutility of these
galleries from the causes stated. To expect a loud report is certainly natural,
but much less so the recoil of the smoke, as a strong current of air is always
passing in the galleries, and rushing with some force through the
embrasures. No matter how sultry the day, how still the air, or how fiercely
the sun may beam upon the Rock, in these galleries a strong breeze is
constantly felt; and the fresher the wind from the outside, whether from the
north-east, and blowing directly into the embrasures, or sweeping round the
Rock, the stronger is the current within the galleries to force back or
disperse the smoke. But little, therefore, of the vapour can find its way
back, and that little must be much less annoying to the gunners than in an
open field when, firing smartly in the teeth of the wind, the whole volume
turns back and beclouds them as long as the cannonade continues. However,
should the alleged defect be found on trial to exist, there is no reason to fear
but that the military engineer will readily adopt some effectual contrivance
for removing the annoyance, and for obtaining all that power and efficiency
which the galleries were designed to possess and should be capable of
commanding.
Since these excavations—these vaults of solitude—which excite some
degree of awe from their magnitude, and the proud array of ordnance that
arm them—have always been highly praised by military men, and been
visited both by officers and others as a species of marvel at the fortress, it
will not be out of place to introduce the projector—Henry Ince—to notice.
He was born in 1737 at Penzance in Cornwall, was brought up to the trade
of a nailor, and afterwards acquired some experience as a miner. Early in
1755 he enlisted into the 2nd Foot, and served some time with it at
Gibraltar, where he had been much employed on the works in mining and
blasting rock. After a service of seventeen and a half years in the 2nd
regiment, he joined the company, then forming, on the 26th June, 1772. The

same day he was promoted to be sergeant. Having showed superior
intelligence in the execution of his duties as a foreman, and distinguished
himself by his diligence and gallantry during the siege, he was, in
September, 1781, selected for the rank of sergeant-major. In the following
year he suggested the formation of the galleries, and was honoured by being
directed to conduct the work himself. This he continued to do until it was
finished. As “overseer of the mines,” he had the executive charge of all
blasting, mining, battery building, &c., at the fortress, and was found to be
invaluable. He was active, prompt, and persevering, very short in stature,
but wiry and hardy in constitution; was greatly esteemed by his officers,
and frequently the subject of commendation from the highest authorities at
Gibraltar. In February, 1787, when the Duke of Richmond was
endeavouring to economize the ordnance expenditure at the Rock, the
emoluments of sergeant-major Ince claimed his attention: but remembering
his fair fame, his Grace thus wrote concerning him:— “I do not object to
sergeant-major Henry Ince being continued as overseer of mines at 4s. per
day, as I understand, from all accounts, that he is a meritorious man, and
that he distinguished himself during the siege; but, as such allowance, in
addition to his pay, is very great, I desire it may not be considered as a
precedent; and whoever succeeds him must only receive 2s. 10d. per day,
like the foremen in other branches, if he should be appointed a foreman.” In
1791, after a period of thirty-six years' active service, he was discharged
from the company, but was still continued on the works as an overseer. On
the 2nd February, 1796, he was commissioned as ensign in the Royal
Garrison Battalion, and on the 24th March, 1801, was promoted to be
lieutenant. In 1802 the regiment was disbanded. All this time, however, Ince
was attached to the department as assistant-engineer; but at length, having
worn himself out in the service of the fortress, he returned to Penzance, and
died in June, 1809, at the age of seventy-two.[40]
Among the various stirring incidents narrated by Drinkwater, is the
following, relative to the peculiar advantage of the boys of the soldier-
artificer company during the siege.
“In the course of the day,” 25th March, 1782, “ a shot came through one
of the capped embrasures on Princess Amelia’s Battery (Willis’s), took off
the legs of two men belonging to the 72nd and 73rd regiments, one leg of a
soldier of the 73rd, and wounded another man in both legs; thus four men
had seven legs taken off and wounded by one shot. The boy, who was

usually stationed on the works where a large party was employed to inform
the men when the enemy’s fire was directed to that place, had been
reproving them for their carelessness in not attending to him, and had just
turned his head toward the enemy, when he observed this shot, and instantly
called for them to take care; his caution was, however, too late; the shot
entered the embrasure, and had the above-recited fatal effect. It is somewhat
singular that this boy should be possessed of such uncommon quickness of
sight as to see the enemy’s shot almost immediately after they quitted the
guns. He was not, however, the only one in the garrison possessing this
qualification; another boy, of about the same age, was as celebrated, if not
his superior. Both of them belonged to the artificer company, and were
constantly placed on some part of the works to observe the enemy’s fire;
their names were Richmond (not Richardson, as stated by Drinkwater) and
Brand; the former was reported to have the best eye.”[41] Joseph Parsons,[42]
another youth of the company, was also employed as a looker-out on the
works; and though his name has escaped the notice of the historian, he was
nevertheless no less efficient.
It was an object that every one in the fortress should be rendered useful
in some way or other, and the boys of the company—out of sympathy for
their youth—were, for some time after the commencement of the siege
employed on the works at Europa quarry, then but little annoyed by the
enemy’s fire. At length, inured to labour, and taught by events to expect
danger, it was considered of greater advantage to occupy their time at the
different batteries; and on the 15th February, 1782, the Chief Engineer
directed their removal to the works and fortifications,[43] with the view of
looking out for the enemy’s projectiles, and giving warning of their
approach. On the 21st June following, such of the boys as were masons in
the company were engaged under Mr. Hutchinson, a civil foreman, in
rounding stones, agreeably to the instructions of Major Lewis of the
artillery. These stones, according to Drinkwater, were “cut to fit the calibre
of a 13-inch mortar, with a hole drilled in the centre, which being filled with
a sufficient quantity of powder, were fired with a short fuse to burst over the
enemy’s works.” It was an unusual mode of annoyance, and for its novelty
was employed for some time; but not effecting the damage that was desired,
it was ultimately laid aside.[44] On the failure of this experiment, the boys
returned to the perilous posts assigned to them on the batteries to look out.
At this duty they continued as long as the siege lasted, and doubtless, by

their vigilance in its execution, they were the means of saving many
valuable lives, or otherwise preventing casualty.
Of the two boys who have been so favourably noticed by Drinkwater, it
may not be unacceptable to devote a small space here to their brief but
honourable history. Their names were Thomas Richmond[45] and John
Brand; the former was known at the Rock by the familiar sobriquet of shell,
being the better looker-out; and the latter by the name of shot. Richmond
was trained as a carpenter; Brand as a mason. Their fathers were sergeants
in the company.[46] Richmond’s was killed at the siege. As might be
expected, the beneficial services of these boys at the batteries acquired for
them no common celebrity and esteem.
The siege being over, the youths were sent to Mr. Geddes’s school, at that
time the principal seminary at Gibraltar. This gentleman paid every
attention to their instruction and improvement, and, as a consequence, they
progressed rapidly in their studies. Being found quick, intelligent, and
ingenious, some officers of the company patronized them, and placed them
in the drawing-room under their own eye, with the view of making them
competent to fill better situations. Brand in time became corporal, and
Richmond lance-corporal, which ranks they held on the 8th May, 1789,
when they were discharged from the corps, and appointed by the
Commander-in-Chief assistant-draughtsmen.[47]
Having made considerable proficiency in their trades, they were
employed for some years previous to their discharge as modellers, which art
they continued to follow with great tact, skill, and perseverance, until they
quitted the fortress. After several trial models of various subjects, these
young men commenced the gigantic task of modelling Gibraltar, at which
they worked with unwearied application for nearly three years. Succeeding
so well in this their first great and public undertaking, Brand[48] was directed
to make a model in polished stone of the King’s Bastion, and Richmond[49] a
model of the north front of Gibraltar. Nearly the whole of the years 1790
and 1791 were spent in perfecting them; and for these noble specimens of
art they were favoured with the flattering congratulations of the highest
authorities at the fortress. The better to exemplify the appreciation
entertained of the models, and of the merits and talents of the modellers,
they were recommended to the Duke of Richmond for commissions. His
Grace immediately ordered them to proceed to Woolwich, to undergo some
slight preparatory training. That training was short—a few months sufficed,

and then they were honoured with appointments as second lieutenants in the
royal engineers. Their commissions were dated 17th January, 1793.[50] Soon
the young subalterns, rich in intelligence and full of promise, were sent
abroad; but before the close of the year, both fell a prey to the prevailing
yellow fever in the West Indies.[51]
The three models alluded to were brought to England in 1793 by desire
of General O’Hara. The large model of the entire Rock was deposited in the
museum in the Royal Arsenal, and the other two were presented to His
Majesty George III. Private Joseph Bethell had charge of the first model,[52]
and Private Thomas Hague[53] of the other two. The large model, from being
lodged in a public place open to visitors, was well known. It was an object
of considerable attraction, “and was much admired,” so Drinkwater writes,
“for beauty of execution and minute correctness.”[54] A visitor to the Arsenal
in those days corroborates the just encomium of the historian, and thus
records his impressions:—
“I walked yesterday morning to Woolwich Warren, that immense
repository of military arts, the palladium of our empire, where one wonder
succeeds another so rapidly, that the mind of a visitor is kept in a continual
gaze of admiration. Should I be asked what has made the strongest
impression on mine, it is a magnificent view of the rock of Gibraltar, which
was made there, formed of the very rock itself, on a scale of twenty-five
feet to an inch, and presents a most perfect view of it in every point of
perspective.”[55]
Nine years after its placement, the museum in the arsenal was fired by an
incendiary, and this celebrated model was unfortunately destroyed.[56] The
other two models, which held a place in Buckingham Palace for about
twenty-seven years, were presented in 1820 by George IV. to the Royal
Military Repository at Woolwich. They are now daily exhibited in the
Rotunda, and are, perhaps, about the best specimens of workmanship and
ingenuity in the place. That of the King’s Bastion is finely wrought, and is
really beautiful; that of the north front, bold and masterly. Both claim the
particular attention of visitors, exciting at once their surprise and
admiration.

1783.

State of the fortress—Execution of the works depended upon the company—Casualties filled up by
transfers from the line—Composition—Recruiting—Relieved from all duties, garrison and
regimental—Anniversary of the destruction of the Spanish battering flotilla.

For about six months previously to the termination of hostilities, the
siege had been carried on with fearful vigour, and the destruction it
occasioned, revealed to a mournful extent the efficiency of the enemy’s
cannonade. The tiers of batteries on the north front, the whole of the
fortifications along the sea face, and indeed every work of a permanent
character, were considerably damaged or thrown down. The town too was
little better than a vast ruin, and its houses were levelled to the rock, or were
left standing in tottering fragments, or at best in their shells, despoiled and
untenanted, as so many monuments of an unbounded calamity. The
inhabitants, driven shelterless into the streets, were compelled either to
leave the fortress, or to locate themselves under canvas amid the general
desolation; or to seek a comfortless retreat in the dark and gloomy caverns
of the rock. Such was the wreck to which Gibraltar was reduced at the close
of the siege, and the work of restoration, therefore, was both extensive and
pressing.
The reconstruction or repair of the fortifications and other public works
at the fortress, in great part depended upon the company; and the more so,
since the numbers of the line competent to work as tradesmen were
inconsiderable. Assistance from the civil population of the place was neither
given nor expected, as the works in the town secured to them abundance of
employment and excellent wages. Policy, therefore, dictated the expediency
of paying particular regard both to the numerical and physical efficiency of
the company.
At the close of the siege, there were twenty-nine rank and file wanting to
complete the soldier-artificers, which number was increased to thirty-nine
by the end of May. To supply this deficiency, the Governor ordered the

transfer of an equal number of artificers from regiments in the garrison; and
on the 31st July, the company was complete. Still, there were many of the
men who, from wounds received at the siege, or from privation and
hardship, or from exposure in camp, in summer, to the excessive heat of the
sun, and in the autumn, to the heavy rains, were unequal to the exertion
required from them on the works. Among them were the best masons and
carpenters of the company, who were stated to have been “expended”
during the siege. Accordingly, on the 31st of August, sixty-seven men, good
“old servants, and those that had lost the use of their limbs in the service,”
were discharged and “recommended,” whose vacancies were at once filled
up by volunteers from the line.
After this desirable pruning, the composition of the company stood as
under:—
1 Sergeant-major.
10 Sergeants.
10 Corporals.
4 Drummers.
38 Masons.
33 Smiths.
54 Carpenters.
21 Sawyers.
32 Miners.
6 Wheelers.
5 File-cutters.
4 Nailors.
3 Gardeners.
7 Lime-burners.
3 Coopers.
1 Painter.
1 Collar-maker.
1 Brazier.
Total 234
As far as circumstances permitted, the strength of the company was never
allowed to sink beneath its establishment, for whenever a casualty occurred,

it was immediately filled up. Not only was the Chief Engineer anxious on
this point, but the Governor and Lieut.-Governor felt equal concern, and
were ready to give effect to any measure which should yield the required
result. If, at Gibraltar, the recruiting failed from the want of the proper
classes of mechanics to join the company, the Duke of Richmond found
means in England and Scotland to meet the case. His Grace was both an
admirer and an advocate of the military system of carrying on the works,
and took peculiar interest in the recruiting, even to superintending the
service, and acting in some cases as the recruiting sergeant. Hence the
company, seldom short of its complement of men, invariably afforded a
force of more than 220 non-commissioned officers and artificers to be
employed constantly in restoring the fortifications, &c.: the sick at this
period averaged about eight a day.
To obtain the full benefit of their services, and to expedite the works, the
soldier-artificers were excused from all garrison routine—as well as from
their own regimental guards and fatigues—and freed from all interferences
likely to interrupt them in the performance of their working duties. Even the
cleaning of their rooms, the care of their arms and accoutrements, and the
cooking of their messes, were attended to by soldiers of the line. Every
encouragement was thus given to the company to work well and
assiduously, and every liberty that could possibly be conceded, not
excepting a partial abandonment of discipline, was granted to them.
Nevertheless, to impress them with the recollection that their civil
employments and privileges did not make them any the less soldiers, they
were paraded generally under arms, on the Sunday; and to heighten the
effect of their military appearance, wore accoutrements which had belonged
to a disbanded Newfoundland regiment, purchased for them at the
economical outlay of 7s. a set. Perhaps no body of men subject to the
articles of war were ever permitted to live and work under a milder
surveillance; and it might be added, that none could have rendered services
more in keeping with the indulgences bestowed. They did their duty with
zeal, and the works progressed to the satisfaction of the engineers and the
authorities.
The remembrance of the late siege was not likely soon to be effaced from
the memory of those who participated in it; and hence the company,
regarding themselves in a peculiar sense as the fencibles of the fortress, and
as having contributed largely to its defence, commemorated the event by

means of a ball and supper. The festival was held at the “Three Anchors
Inn,” on the 13th of September—the anniversary of the destruction of the
battering flotilla—on which occasion Lord Heathfield, and Sir Robert
Boyd, the Lieutenant-Governor, with their respective staff-officers, dined
with the company, and retired after drinking one or two complimentary
toasts in praise of their gallantry at the siege, and their useful services on
the fortifications and works.[57]

1786-1787.

Company divided into two—Numerous discharges—Cause of the men becoming so soon ineffective
—Fourth augmentation—Labourers—Recruiting reinforcements—Dismissal of foreign artificers
—Wreck of brig ‘Mercury’—Uniform dress—Working ditto—Names of officers—Privileges—
Cave under the signal house.

On the 30th June the Duke of Richmond divided the company into two,
owing to the professional duties of the Chief Engineer rendering it
impracticable for him to pay proper attention to the discipline and interior
management of so large a body. The two senior officers at the fortress were
appointed to take immediate charge of these companies, and each was
authorized to receive an allowance of 56l. 10s. per annum in lieu of all
charges for repair of arms, &c.[58] The Chief Engineer, nevertheless,
continued in command of both companies. In the estimates, however,
annually presented to Parliament, the corps was not recognized as being
formed into two companies, possibly with a view to prevent the members of
the House of Commons being drawn into a profitless debate upon a fancied
attempt to increase the corps; a debate which, very likely, would not have
been productive of compliments to his Grace, as by his extensive but lately
rejected schemes for national defence he had made himself in some respects
obnoxious to the House and to the country.
By this time there were many men in the corps, who from length of
service and other causes were no longer fit for the duties of the department;
and there were others, also, who from continued misconduct were worthless
and burdensome. Captain Evelegh, returning to England about this period,
lost no time in making the Duke of Richmond acquainted with the state of
the companies, and of advising the discharge of all who were inadequate to
their pay. His Grace at once acquiesced, and the companies being well
weeded, eighty-two men were discharged during the winter and ensuing
spring.

In so young a corps, scarcely fourteen years embodied, it might occasion
some surprise why so many men became ineffective in so short a time. The
reason is obvious. At all periods since the formation of the corps, the
demands for mechanics of good qualification were urgent. Under thirty
years of age men could seldom be had from the line, whose services were
worth acceptance, being either irregular in conduct, or possessing but little
pretension to ability as tradesmen. Mechanics were therefore generally
received at thirty-five to forty-five, and oftentimes at the bald age of fifty.
Neither age nor height was an insuperable disqualification, provided the
candidate for transfer or enlistment possessed sufficient stamina for a few
years' hard wear and tear. It was not therefore to be expected that they could
serve long in the companies, more especially, as, the works of the fortress
being always important and pressing, the men were obliged to labour
zealously to meet the exigency, exposed to all the fitful and depressing
changes of wind and temperature.
In the course of the interview with the Duke of Richmond, Captain
Evelegh proposed that an augmentation of 41 labourers should be made to
the companies. Of the necessity for this his Grace was not so well
persuaded, for knowing the ready disposition of the Governor of Gibraltar
to provide men, at all times, for the services of the works, he felt assured
that no difficulty would be found in obtaining any number required from the
line, on a proper representation of their need being made. He would not
therefore sanction the measure; but, as his Grace was aware, from the extent
of the works in progress, that the demand for mechanics was very great, and
as he was moreover much averse to the employment of civil artificers, he
considered it would be a far greater public benefit to increase the corps with
mechanics than labourers. He therefore, in September, took upon himself
the responsibility of augmenting the companies with forty-one masons and
bricklayers, which fixed the strength of the corps as under:—
1 Sergeant-
major.
10 Sergeants.
10 Corporals.
4 Drummers.
250 Private
artificers.

Total 275
Each company was to consist of 137 non-commissioned officers and
men.
His Grace, moreover, ordered that such of the artificers as were not
sufficiently skilful at their trades, to the number of forty, were to be
employed as labourers, if required, but he did not contemplate that any such
could be found in the corps. From this slight innovation, however, soon
after followed the authorized enlistment of labourers as a part of the
establishment,—a measure not in any sense welcomed by the old artificers,
who conceived they were losing caste and position by the association.
Means for obtaining transfers and recruits at Gibraltar were now
considerably straitened. The Duke of Richmond, therefore, undertook to
furnish the number authorized to be added to the corps, and to supply the
constantly-recurring casualties. Upon this duty his Grace employed several
officers of engineers in the manufacturing districts of England and
Scotland. Captain Rudyerd was the chief recruiting officer in North Britain,
and he seems to have been the most successful in obtaining recruits.
Married men[59] with families were not debarred from enlistment, if their
personal appearance and talents as tradesmen were favourable. More
attention was now paid to age than heretofore; and none were received over
thirty-five years old, unless under extraordinary circumstances. The bounty
allowed to each candidate was 13l. 13s. 6d.
Five batches[60] of recruits, numbering in the whole 183 artificers, were
sent to the Rock in rapid succession; but as they were long in arriving, it
was considered expedient to hire civil artificers from Portugal and Italy to
expedite the works. However desirable it might have been to adopt this
course, the Duke of Richmond disapproved of it. He had always a great
aversion to the engagement of civil artificers, whether from England or
from places on the Continent, arising from the great expense attending their
employment and their general irregular conduct. His Grace, therefore,
ordered that the foreign artificers should be discharged on the arrival of the
recruits, which was accordingly done.
Of the second party of recruits, it may be permitted to take a more than
passing notice. It was composed of 58 men, all mechanics, “in the prime of
life,” under charge of sergeant Sherriff, accompanied by their wives, 28 in
number, and 12 children—in all 101 persons. They embarked at Leith on
the 21st September, on board the brig ‘Mercury,’ Thomas Davidson, master.

The crew consisted of 11 men. The ship sailed with a fair wind; but on the
23rd, when nearing the coast of Flanders, she was greatly buffeted by a
boisterous gale. At three o’clock on the morning of the 24th, Sunday, the
steeple of Ostend was recognised, and, accordingly, the course of the vessel
was shaped towards the chops of the channel. A storm now set in, and as
danger was apprehended, the captain and crew were anxious and vigilant.
Skill and exertion, however, were of no avail, for at seven o’clock in the
evening she struck upon a sand-bank, about six miles off Dunkirk. The
wind continued blowing hard to the north, while the sea, “running
mountains high,” dashed the frail bark to and fro with a fury that broke her
masts, destroyed her bulwarks, and tore her sails to shreds. At nine o’clock
she went to pieces, and melancholy to add, all on board perished but three.
The survivors were John Patterson, ship’s carpenter; Walter Montgomery,
blacksmith; and Daniel Thomson, mason. The two latter were recruits. On
fragments of the wreck they floated all night, and at ten o’clock next
morning, Patterson and Montgomery, just ready to relinquish their hold
from cold and exhaustion, were picked up by a pilot-boat and taken on
shore at Dunkirk. The other sufferer, Thomson, was found some hours after
in the surge, helpless and shivering, clinging to a spar. At once he was
conveyed to Mardyck, three miles to the westward of Dunkirk, where he
only lived a few days. Of Walter Montgomery nothing further is known. As
at the time he was reported to be very ill, and not likely to recover, he
probably died at the place where he was given an asylum.[61]
No information can be obtained relative to the dress of the companies
until 1786.[62] Then, the uniform was a plain red coat, double-breasted, with
two rows of large flat brass buttons down the front, placed at equal
distances of two inches apart. The buttons were one inch and a quarter in
diameter, and bore the Ordnance device of three guns and three balls. The
left breast buttoned over the right at the pit of the chest, from which
upwards the coat turned back in the form of lappels. The cuffs and collar
were orange-yellow, laced round with narrow red ferreting. The collar was
turned over like the common roll collar, and was ornamented with a red
rectangular loop at each side. Down the front of the coat to the end of the
skirts, narrow yellow ferreting was sewn, as well as upon the inside edges
of the skirts, which were very broad, descending to the leggings, and were
buttoned back at the bottom to show the white shalloon lining. Small plaited
frills about five inches long, were worn at the breast, to the right; and full

ruffles at the wrists. Over the black leather stock, a white false collar fell
down about an inch. The waistcoat was white cloth, bound with yellow
ferreting, and came well down over the abdomen. At the bottom, it was cut
so that the angle or corner of each front separated about seven inches. The
pocket-holes were slashed; each slash was two inches deep, and bound
round. The buttons were small and flat, similar in device to the coat-
buttons. The breeches were white, of a texture like kerseymere, and secured
below the knee with three small buttons. The leggings were black cloth,
reaching to the knee and strapped under the shoe; they buttoned on the
outside, and were fastened to a small button above the calf of the leg. The
buttons were like those worn on the waistcoat. The hat was cocked, the
same as that commonly worn; the cock was in the front, directly over the
nose, with a cockade to the right of it supporting a black feather. In other
respects it was quite plain. The arms and accoutrements consisted of white
leather cross-belts, black cartouch-box with frog, and musket and bayonet.
[63]
The breast-plate was oval, bearing the Ordnance device: above the balls
was the word Gibraltar; below the guns Soldier-Artificers. The sergeants
had swords, silver-mounted, with a plain guard of one bar only; tassel,
white leather. The distinctions with regard to ranks were as follows: the
sergeants had clothing of a superior fabric; their breeches and waistcoats
were kerseymere; the lace on their coats was gold; they also wore a crimson
sash with tassels, under their coats, and laced shoulder-straps. All the other
ranks wore linen or cotton ferreting; but the corporals had gold fringed
shoulder-knots, and the lance corporals one gold knot on the right shoulder.
[64]
(Plate I.)

‘SOLDIER Plate II.

ARTIFICER Printed by M & N Hanhart.

The working-dress was a plain long red jacket in winter, and a linen one
in summer, with a single row of large brass buttons, wide apart, down the
front. It descended to the hips, opened from the chest upwards to show the
shirt, and from that point downwards to show the waistcoat. Convenient to
the hand on each side was a huge pocket covered with a broad slash. The
collar and cuffs were of yellow cloth, the former turned over or rolled, and
at the small of the back were two large buttons. Under the jacket a waistcoat
was worn—in summer linen, in winter flannel—of the same cut as the
regimental one, but not laced or ferreted. Similar in material were the
pantaloons; and to these were attached a pair of black gaiters, of linen or
cloth, corresponding with the season. They reached a little above the ankle,
and buttoned on the outside. No particular regard was paid to the neck
covering. Stocks of leather, or velvet, or silk, or black handkerchiefs, were
indiscriminately used. A white hat completed the suit. It was about six
inches high, had a straight pole with yellow band of an inch in width, and a
broad brim edged with yellow tape or ferreting. Plate II. The description of
working-dress worn by the non-commissioned officers has not been
ascertained, nor can any record be discovered of the precise uniform dress
adopted for the drummers, or of the peculiar badge that distinguished the
sergeant-major from other sergeants.
The only complete record that has turned up to research, showing the
names of the officers who were attached to the companies since the year
1772, is a return for 1787, by which it seems the following officers did duty
with them:—

Captain Robert Pringle, chief engineer.
Captain William Campbell Skinner, died 24th April, 1787.
First Lieutenant, Thomas Skinner.
First Lieutenant, William Kerstiman. Joined 25th May, 1787.
Second Lieutenant, Thomas Smart.
Second Lieutenant, Samuel T. Dickens.
Draughtsman, James Evans.[65]

About this time, it appearing to be of some consequence to cut and form
a ditch immediately under the Crillon Battery, situated on the south flank of

the King’s, Prince’s, and Queen’s Lines, a strong party was set to work by
order of the Chief Engineer. They executed their laborious task in a
comparatively short period, which elicited the warmest praises of General
O’Hara. To mark his sense of their services, however, in a form more
gratifying than words, he gave permission to the companies to pass to the
neutral ground, and out of garrison, on Sundays and all holidays without a
written pass, or restraint of any kind. With this privilege was also conceded
the liberty to appear on such occasions in whatever apparel their fancy
suggested, except in their uniform coats. It was not uncommon, therefore,
for the non-commissioned officers and the respectable portion of the
privates, to stroll about the garrison or ramble into Spain, dressed in black
silk or satin breeches, white silk stockings, and silver knee or shoe-buckles,
drab beaver hats, and scarlet jackets, tastefully trimmed with white
kerseymere.
Governor O’Hara was a constant visitor at the works, and took much
interest in their progress. Even as early as the morning gun-fire, he was
perambulating the fortifications and batteries, and worming his way among
the mechanics. Almost to the last man, he could call each by name, and
knew the best artificers too well ever to forget them. Familiar with their zeal
and exertions, he regretted sometimes to find that a few men were absent
from the works undergoing sentences of confinement to the barracks. This
induced the General to relax a little in strictness towards the companies.
None of the men would he suffer to be punished for intoxication, or other
slight offences committed when off duty or on the works, in order that he
might have them all employed. This slackening the reins would, no doubt,
be looked upon now-a-days as a monstrous and culpable dereliction,
however plausible might be the object intended to be gained by it. To justify
or condemn the act is obviously out of place here. It is simply mentioned as
a fact; and while it remains a singularity in military jurisprudence, the main
point that originated it must not be overlooked, viz., the estimation in which
the Governor held the corps for their services in the restoration or
improvement of the works of the fortress.[66]
In enlarging the works of the garrison, the military artificers frequently
opened up cavities in the promontory which were mostly of sufficient
interest to excite the curiosity of geologists; but one discovered in 1789, by
some miners of the corps, while scarping the back of the Rock, attracted, at
the time, unusual attention. It was situated about 160 feet from the foot of

the cliff, on its eastern side, nearly under the Signal House, and its extent
classed it among some of the largest within the area of the fortress.
Removing the rank vegetation which had overgrown its mouth, a small
chasm was bared, opening into a cave containing several chambers and
grottoes, entered by narrow funnel-shaped crevices, some so low and
winding that ingress could only be obtained by crawling through the long
misty passages on all-fours. Seemingly, the roofs were supported by a
number of pillars, which the dripping of ages had congealed into all shapes
and sizes and into all degrees of hardness, from patches of soft silvered
powder to the bold indurated columnar stalactite. On the floors, at different
heights, were stalagmites, some peering up like needles, and others, swollen
and grotesque, rose from frothlike cushions of delicate finish, which, “on
being rudely touched, dissolved instantly into water.” The hall at the
extremity was divided into two oblong recesses, floored by a “deep layer of
vegetable earth,” where not a clump of the lowliest weed or a blade of grass
was seen to show that vigour was in the earth.[67] Nothing seemed capable of
living there but a colony of bats, some flapping about on lazy wing, and
others torpid; no process to be active, but the cold one of petrifaction,
which, in nature’s own confused method, had elaborated throughout the
cavern, columns and pinnacles and cushions, puffs and concretions, some as
fleecy as snow, others as crisp as hoar-frost, and others of an opal hue as
transparent as crystal. All was rich, beautiful, and sparkling. It was a marvel
to adventurers, but unfit for habitation; yet, in later years, this hole of the
mountain was possessed by a Spanish goat-herd, who reached his solitude
by the same threadlike but dangerous tracks as his goats. There might the
recluse have lived till his bones fell among the petrifactions, but he was at
length expelled from its gloomy precincts on account of his contraband
iniquities.

1779-1788.

Colonel Debbieg’s proposal for organizing a corps of artificers—Rejected—Employment of
artillerymen on the works at home—Duke of Richmond’s “Extensive plans of fortification”—
Formation of corps ordered—Singular silence of the House of Commons on the subject—Mr.
Sheridan calls attention to it—Insertion of corps for first time in the Mutiny Bill—Debate upon it
in both Houses of Parliament.

When Spain declared war with England in June, 1779, Lieutenant-
Colonel Hugh Debbieg of the engineers, seems to have been impressed with
the necessity of raising a corps of artificers for service in this country. He
had made several excursions through Kent and a part of Sussex, no doubt
with the object of ascertaining the probabilities that existed for resisting any
attempt at invasion. Whether such was his intention or not, these
professional tours appear to have assisted his views greatly, in all that was
essential to prepare the country to repel aggression. He therefore made large
demands for cutting tools; conceiving, as he states, “very extensive ideas of
their use in all cases,” and recommended the formation of a corps of
artificers. In his letter to General Lord Amherst, of the 30th July, 1779, he
wrote: “I must take the liberty of mentioning how very advantageous to the
service it would be, if a corps of artificers was to be selected from the army.
The present establishment of pioneers to each regiment will prove in no
case sufficient or equal to the purpose of advancing an army through such a
country as this.”
As if to show that his proposal was no crude idea, nor the dreamy
suggestion of some needlessly-alarmed engineer, the Colonel dipped a little
into the history of the subject, to claim respect for it on the ground of its
antiquity, and pointed out the way in which the measure could be effected.
He says, “The great attention of the ancients to this particular was
wonderful, and the highest point of perfection in the Roman legion was,
that when it made detachments, though ever so small, they carried with
them a just proportion of the component parts of its excellent system—

artificers of all denominations. Modern armies differ from those of the
ancients scarcely in nothing but the arms they use; in all other points, we
cannot imitate them too exactly. I am sensible the subject is not new to your
lordship, and if it did not strike me as a thing absolutely necessary for the
good of His Majesty’s service, particularly at this time, I should not have
troubled your lordship thereon.
“It is a most essential part of the soldiers' duty, I allow, to be as expert as
possible at covering themselves with earthworks; but then, there is also a
necessity for a band of leading men capable of instructing others, and of
conducting works with more regularity than has been usually done where I
have yet been upon service, as also with greater dispatch.
“I will not presume to point out to your lordship the means of
establishing such a corps, nor how far two men per company would go
towards making it numerous enough for the purpose from the militia alone;
but I will venture to say, had such a body of men been constantly here, these
lines (Chatham) would have been nearly completed; and you know what
state they are in at present.”
Colonel Debbieg’s attempt to revive an old practice, constituting one of
the military glories of the ancients, was certainly worthy of the best
attention, involved as England was at the time in a struggle with France and
Spain; and it would have been more so, had allusion been made to the
beneficial services of the companies at Gibraltar. Omitting this is singular
enough, and readily urges the supposition, that their name and duties were
scarcely known beyond the scarps of the Rock, even to the engineers
themselves. However, Lord Amherst, much as he may have appreciated the
represented perfection of the Roman legion in the organization of its
detachments, was not by any means disposed to incur the responsibility of
reproducing that system in the English army; and on the 11th August
following communicated his sentiments on the subject to the Colonel.
“Your idea,” writes his lordship, “about forming a corps of artificers from
the army, is a very good one, as far as that such a corps would be very
desirable; but at a time when it is a material subject of consideration to
increase the army by every possible means, the forming such a corps cannot
be thought of. In the case of any service happening in this country, the
general business of the pioneers must be done by the able-bodied men
amongst the peasants of the country.”

His lordship here confesses the desirableness of the measure, but at the
same time repudiates it as inexpedient, because the army requires to be
increased! No rejoinder or explanation appears to have been made by
Colonel Debbieg; and the proposal, somewhat modified, was left to be
iterated at a subsequent period by Charles, third Duke of Richmond.
On the appointment of the Shelburne administration in July, 1783, his
Grace was nominated Master-General of the Ordnance. Immediately after
his installation, he caused the fortifications to be examined, and finding
they were in such a state as to need the intervention of the House of
Commons to put them in repair and completeness, he demanded large sums
of money for the purpose in the Ordnance estimates for 1783.
His Grace’s projects were on a scale of great magnitude, and his
estimates were necessarily large; but in order to curtail the amounts as much
as possible, and thus win the concurrence of both parties to his plans, he
proposed to employ a considerable part of the royal artillery as artificers
and labourers in the arsenal at Woolwich, Purfleet, and the outports, giving
them only half the wages then paid to civil mechanics for performing
similar work, whereby it was computed that a saving of 12,000l. to 15,000l.
a-year would be realized, and that the services of the ordnance being more
regularly performed, the regiment would have a body of artificers, always
available for active duty in the event of a war, for which they would be
much required.[68] There was nothing in this suggestion to excite alarm or
particular remark. No new corps was recommended to be raised, but simply
the adaptation of means already disposable (which would have to be
maintained under any circumstances) to a twofold object, as also to lighten
the existing pressure upon the finances of the State. The proposal, being
merely incidental to the graver matter with which it stood connected, gave
rise to no discussion; and it is presumed, though no specific organization of
artificers such as his Grace contemplated took place, that artillery soldiers
were employed in great numbers at the different stations mentioned in his
Grace’s famous report.
With the change of ministry in April, 1783, the Duke of Richmond
quitted his post as Master-General; but resumed it again in the following
December on the formation of the Pitt Cabinet. The fortifications continued
to be his Grace’s hobby. Yearly he requested large sums for the erection of
new works and the repair of old ones. Consequently, public attention was
excited to review these apparently exorbitant items of expenditure, and, as

may be expected, very little was done towards effecting his Grace’s views.
Money was voted for the purpose, but none was expended.
In 1785, his Grace’s plans for national defence were more extensive than
ever, and were brought forward as usual by Mr. Pitt. Though anxious to
carry out the gigantic projects proposed, still, from the growing
inquisitiveness of the country, and probably the misgivings of the Minister
himself as to their maturity and utility, Mr. Pitt submitted them for the
opinion of a Board of general and flag officers. Guided by their
recommendation, he again introduced the subject for the consideration of
the House, but on the 27th February, 1786, it was rejected by the casting
voice of the Speaker as a “measure totally inexpedient and dangerous.”
In no way discouraged, however, on the 17th May following, he ventured
to submit a similar question to the House considerably reduced in its
demands. But as the subject of the fortifications had long been before the
public, had also been well investigated, and was extremely unpopular both
in the House and out of it, it may occasion no wonder to state, that the
Duke’s favourite scheme was again set aside; and its noble projector,
subjected to repeated and vexatious disappointments, was made a butt for
the keen attacks and provoking taunts of individuals, who scrupled not to
lay bare his Grace’s engineering, and to question his Grace’s professional
attainments. In this last defeat, however, some little concession was made to
Mr. Pitt, by which he was permitted to make an estimate for improving and
completing the old works at Portsmouth and Plymouth dockyards, which on
being presented was ultimately agreed to.[69]
In the diminished estimate for 1786 the amount asked was quite
inadequate to effect the purposes designed; and to enable his Grace the
better to accomplish them, he suggested to Mr. Pitt the necessity of raising a
corps of military artificers on the model of the companies employed at
Gibraltar. Experience had demonstrated beyond all dispute their excellency
as artificers and soldiers, and the economy of their services. He had
watched and studied their discipline and advantage for some years, and with
these incentives, he felt no hesitation in urging their immediate formation.
Better reasons could scarcely have been desired by Mr. Pitt, who readily
gave his assistance in obtaining a warrant from the King to sanction the
measure. He did not attempt, however, to enlighten the House upon the
matter before appealing to His Majesty, knowing that it would be treated
with unmerited distrust, and probably crushed under a weight of prejudice

and misconception. Strictly speaking, there was nothing unconstitutional in
this manner of proceeding; it was warranted by many precedents, but it
gave rise in a subsequent session of Parliament to some observations which
required Mr. Pitt to explain his conduct in the affair. The warrant was
signed on the 10th October, 1787.
The Ordnance estimates for that year were not brought forward until a
late hour on the 10th December; and, as but little time was afforded for
discussing their merits, and particularly the novel measure of embodying a
corps of military artificers, a motion was made that their consideration
should be adjourned to the next day. It was lost by a large majority, and the
sums asked for were voted without debate.
In this vote was involved the formation of the corps. That a measure on
so extraordinary a principle, and so hateful to the sentiments of the country
generally, should have passed without scrutiny is remarkable; but Mr.
Sheridan, on the 17th December following, thinking that the estimates were
imprudently hurried through the House, introduced them again to notice. At
the same time he endeavoured to bring the suggestion of raising a corps of
mechanics into contempt. He called the project singular and extraordinary;
ridiculed the idea of putting the artificers under martial law, and thereby to
abridge their liberty. Moreover, he did not conceive that men, capable of
earning half-a-crown a-day, would enlist as soldiers and work in their
respective occupations at one-third of that sum for the mere douceur of
military discipline. Then, with regard to the economy of the measure, he
remarked, “That in the report of 1783, the Master-General had stated, that
by suffering some of the artificers at Woolwich, Sheerness, &c. to be put
into companies, the artillery would never want artificers; and a saving of
15,000l. would be made to Government. Before, therefore, any new plan of
raising a distinct corps of artificers was authorized, it would be proper to
know what the saving made in consequence of the original plan had
amounted to; because, if no great saving had been made, the plan now
proposed would evidently be attended with additional expense to the
public.”[70] Mr. Sheridan did not embody this subject in his motion. His
remarks upon it were merely incidental to his speech on the intended
fortifications in the West Indies, and elicited no discussion. The Chancellor
of the Exchequer replied to Mr. Sheridan; but he spoke only to the motion,
and made no allusion whatever to the new corps. Thus quietly did the Duke

of Richmond gain a project, which there was reason to expect would not be
granted without decided indications of repugnance and hostility.
The scheme, however, though it easily received the approval of the
House of Commons, was doomed, ere long, to have a severe sifting. In both
Houses the question was very roughly handled by the Opposition. Had it
been brought forward as a specific measure at first, it would, in all
probability, have been rejected or passed by a scanty majority; but being
covered by a vaster and more momentous question, it escaped observation
and slipped through the Commons concealed under the wings of its parent.
The time, however, had arrived, when the subject, stripped of its covering,
should be laid bare, and fairly and openly discussed; but after a warm
debate, the project was again sanctioned, and the formation of the corps
confirmed. A summary of the debate, which originated in the introduction,
for the first time, of the corps of artificers into the Mutiny Bill, and which is
given in Dodsley’s ‘Annual Register’ for 1788,[71] is subjoined.
“On the 12th of March, the report of the Committee on the Mutiny Bill
was brought up; and on reading the clause for incorporating in the army the
newly-raised corps of military artificers, the same was strongly objected to
as a dangerous innovation, and as militating against the most favoured
principles of the constitution. The same system, it was said, might next be
extended to shipwrights, and so on to every description of persons in the
service of the executive government; and therefore the House was called
upon to repel so alarming an innovation in limine. In defence of the
measure it was urged, that it would be attended with an annual saving of
2,000l., upon an expenditure of 22,000l.; and that it was necessary to extend
the military law to the corps in question, as the only means of keeping them
together, and preventing their desertion of the public service in time of war.
“This disposition to adopt a new principle of expediency and economy,
upon a subject which went to the diminution of the liberties of the subject,
instead of the old principle of actual necessity, was severely reprobated.
Several country gentlemen declared, that if the House should agree to put
600 Englishmen under martial law, merely for the paltry consideration of
saving 2,000l. per annum, they would betray their constituents, and would
be devoid of those feelings for the constitution, which ought to make their
distinguishing character. It was denied that any necessity for so
extraordinary a surrender of the liberties of a part of the community was
made out; it having never been asserted, nor being indeed true, in fact, that

there was any difficulty in procuring artificers for the Ordnance service in
time of war. The sense of the House being taken on the clause, there
appeared, ayes 114, noes 67.[72]
“The same subject was again discussed on the third reading of the
Mutiny Bill, when it was asked, whether any part of the corps was already
enlisted and embodied? This question being answered in the affirmative, it
was strongly contended that the authors of the measure had been guilty of
an illegal act, in raising a body of men without the consent of Parliament;
and that it was a violent and arbitrary measure to subject those men to
military law, who at the time of their enlisting, were evidently not included
in the Mutiny Act. On the other hand, Mr. Pitt contended, that, by a liberal
interpretation of the King’s prerogative, government was authorized, on the
late alarm of war, to raise the corps in question: and Sir Charles Gould, the
Advocate-General, maintained, that every soldier enlisted, became, ipso
facto, subject to be tried by martial law. The House again divided on the
question, ayes 142, noes 70.
“Upon the commitment of the Bill in the Upper House, the Duke of
Manchester rose and declared his intention of opposing the novel clauses
that it contained. He was an avowed enemy, he said, to the extension of
military law, unless in cases of absolute necessity; and that the present Bill
went unnecessarily to extend that law, by making a number of artificers
subject to its severe effects, who had hitherto enjoyed their liberty in
common with their fellow-subjects. Could it be proved necessary for the
defence of the kingdom, he should not entertain the least objection to the
increase of the army; but in a time of profound peace, the adoption of a
measure of so singular a nature as the present, called for jealousy and
caution.
“The Duke of Richmond entered into a full explanation of the plan of
which he had been the author. It had occurred to him, he said, that the
formation of a regular corps of artificers, who would in future wars, be
applicable to any service when wanted, either at home or abroad, could not
but be attended with very beneficial consequences. In all the armies abroad,
such a corps made part of those armies, and as their utility was
unquestionable, he had concluded that there ought to be such a corps in our
army, and therefore he had considered it as his duty to submit the
proposition to His Majesty, who had approved of it, and it had been since
laid before the House of Commons, and voted by that branch of the

legislature. With regard to putting them in the Mutiny Bill, being a part of
the army, enlisted regularly as soldiers, like other soldiers, they ought
undoubtedly to become subjected to the same law, as the policy of the State
had considered it as right that all soldiers should continue in such a state of
subordination. At the same time, it was not to be considered as any
hardship, since no species of trial, however popular it might be, was, he
believed, more fair and candid than trials by court-martial. He added, that
the corps of artificers proposed to be formed, was not only highly useful,
but, at the same time, so far from being an additional expense, they would
prove a saving, because the difference between getting such a number as
heretofore, and having them formed into a regular corps as intended, would
render the usual expense less by 2,000l.
“Lord Porchester objected principally to that part of the new
establishment which subjected the artificers to the arbitrary punishment of
the Master-General of the Ordnance. In one instance they might be reduced
for want of skill, of which the Master-General was made the sole judge, to
the rank of labourers, and thereby be deprived of one-third of their pay; and
in another, he was also the sole judge of the quantum to which their pay
should be reduced in cases of idleness or misbehaviour.
“Lord Carlisle ridiculed the strange reason given for adopting the new
project, that it would be a saving of 2,000l. a year. If their lordships were to
be governed by such arguments, they would be led into so absurd a matter
as the calculation of what the surrender of the rights of the subject was
worth per man; and if the rights and liberties of 600 artificers were worth
just 2,000l., they would see that the noble lord valued the rights of every
individual exactly at 3l. 10s. each.
“Lord Cathcart and Lord Rawdon were of opinion, that the plan formed
by the noble duke would be attended with many considerable military
advantages; and the question being at length put, the clause was carried
without a division. The corps now, for the first time, was made legally
amenable to the provisions of the Mutiny Act; and, for a few years at least,
was permitted to go on with its organization and duties without being again
noticed or interrupted by the opposition in Parliament.”[73]

1787—1788.

Constitution of corps—Master artificers—Officers—Rank and post of the corps—Captains of
companies, stations—Allowance to Captains, Adjutants—Recruiting—Labourers—“Richmond’s
whims”—Progress of recruiting—Articles of Agreement—Corps not to do garrison duty—
Sergeant-majors—John Drew—Alexander Spence—Uniform dress—Working dress—Hearts
o’pipe-clay—“The Queen’s bounty”—Arms, &c.—Distinction of ranks—Jews' wish.
The King’s authority “for establishing a corps of royal military
artificers,” alluded to in the preceding chapter, was conveyed in a warrant,
dated 10th October, 1787, to Charles Duke of Richmond. It was to consist
of six companies of 100 men each. The constitution of each company, and
the pay of its different ranks were fixed as follows:—
s. d.

1 Sergeant- 2 3 a-
major day
3 Sergeants each 1 9 ”
4 Corporals each 1 7 ”
2 Drummers
Privates—
12 Carpenters
Working-pay, in addition,
10 Masons
not exceeding 9d. a-day to
10 Bricklayers each non-commissioned
5 Smiths officer and man for the
5 Wheelers each 0 9 ” days actually employed
on the works.
4 Sawyers
8 Miners
2 Painters
2 Coopers
2 Collar-
makers.
30 Labourers each 0 6 ”
The sergeants consisted of a carpenter, a mason, and a smith, who were
styled masters; and the corporals were a master bricklayer and a master
wheeler, one foreman of miners and a foreman of labourers.[74] The civil
master artificers had the offer of enlisting and being appointed to these
ranks. Those who refused were discharged as soon as the military
establishment was complete.
Officers of the royal engineers were appointed to command the corps. All
serving at the particular stations at which the companies were forming were
attached to do duty with them.
When required to parade with other regiments, the corps was directed to
take post next on the left of the royal artillery. The officers were to fall in
with the corps.[75]
The Duke of Richmond located the companies at the principal dockyards
or military stations, and ordered the following officers to command them:—

Woolwich—Colonel Robert Morse.
Chatham—Colonel William Spry.
Portsmouth—Colonel John Phipps.
Gosport—Lieut.-Colonel James Moncrief.
Plymouth—Lieut-Colonel Fred. George Mulcaster.

One company was ultimately divided between the islands of Guernsey
and Jersey.[76]
The officers above named were the commanding royal engineers at the
respective stations.[77] To each was allowed the sum of 56l. per annum for
defraying certain incidental items connected with his company; and a
lieutenant of engineers was appointed adjutant, with an extra allowance of
2s. a-day, to assist in conducting the drill and in maintaining discipline.
The recruiting was carried on by the captains of companies, assisted by
seven other officers of engineers, with several transferred soldiers of the
royal artillery, at Landguard Fort, Tynemouth, Dover, Guernsey, Edinburgh,
Fort George, and Berwick. They were not restrained from putting into
operation any measure which seemed to be best calculated for obtaining
recruits. There was no standard as to height fixed; but labourers were not
enlisted over twenty-five years of age, nor any artificer over thirty, unless
he had been employed as a mechanic in the Ordnance department, and
known to be an expert workman of good character. All recruits, however,
whether previously under the Ordnance or not, were “to be strong able-
bodied men, free from all infirmity, and duly qualified for their several
trades and occupations.” The miners were all got from Cornwall. The
bounty given at first was five guineas to each attested recruit; which, on the
21st November, 1787, was reduced to the usual peace allowance of three
guineas.
These general instructions for recruiting were soon afterwards[78] much
altered by the Duke of Richmond, who was anxious to make the corps as
perfect as possible with regard to tradesmen. On the decision of his Grace
all the men were afterwards enlisted as labourers at 6d. a-day. The bounty
was continued at three guineas. Growing lads from sixteen to eighteen years
of age, not under five feet four inches high, were preferred before all others,
and were instructed in the trades most required by the corps. Over eighteen
years of age none were taken less than five feet six inches.

This was a measure of just precaution, as several men had already
enlisted as artificers, who upon a fair trial were found to know but little of
their craft. The Duke now thought to insure his object by enlisting every
man as a labourer, and after a few months' experience of his abilities,
promoting him to be an artificer, or retaining him as a labourer, until
recommended for preferment. On promotion to artificers, each man
received a bonus or reward of two guineas, an additional 3d. a-day pay, and
was distinguished from a labourer by being allowed finer clothing and a
gold-laced hat.[79] “I think,” wrote his Grace, “that this method, although the
slowest, will in the end be the best means of acquiring a good corps of
artificers.” Whatever may have been the result of this change, it shows that
the Duke was interested in the most trifling concerns of the corps; so much
so indeed, that the men were aware of it, and familiarly styled his measures
and arrangements “Richmond’s whims.”
Great exertions were made to give effect to the Duke’s orders and wishes,
particularly at Portsmouth and Plymouth, where the dockyards were to be
fortified on a plan approved by his Grace. About three months after the date
of the warrant, upwards of 100 men had been enrolled, besides several
artificers transferred from the royal artillery to form the nucleus of each
company. The growth of the corps was tardy at first and continued dilatory
for a year and more; after which, however, as the prevailing prejudices
began to die away, greater success was apparent.
As the enlistment of mechanics to work at their trades under military
discipline was quite new to the country, the greatest care was taken to
prevent misconception and complaint. The Duke of Richmond was sensible
that both his plans for national defence, and for the establishment of a corps
to accomplish them, were sources of suspicion and watchfulness on the part
of the Opposition in Parliament; and hence he was cautious, particular, and
explanatory, even to indulgence. The recruit was required to sign certain
articles of agreement, showing fully his obligations to the service, and those
of the public towards himself. Among the terms was prominently placed his
engagement “to be liable to all military duties, subject to the articles of war,
and all other military discipline like other soldiers, and to serve in any part
of the world to which his Majesty might order him.”[80]
To protect the companies from being unnecessarily interfered with, and
to insure their constant employment on the works, directions were given to
the commandants or governors of the different garrisons where they were

stationed, not to call upon them to do any duty that would take them from
the public works, except in cases of war, internal commotion, or any very
urgent necessity. Such has been the abiding rule of all garrisons to the
present day, and the corps is only expected to provide its own essential
guards.
The sergeant-majors were selected from the royal artillery, first being
recommended as competent to drill and pay a company, and able to enforce
discipline and maintain order, which were the duties they were particularly
required to attend to. None were tradesmen. Most, if not all, had been in the
American war, had distinguished themselves in action, and were promoted
into the corps as a reward for their services.[81]
The uniform, which was issued every alternate year, consisted of a blue
coat with long skirts, rolling collar, black cloth facings, white shalloon
lining to the skirts, and lappels at the breast; which, with the slashes on the
cuffs and pocket-holes, were laced with rectangular loops, having a button
at one end of the loop. The buttons were similar in size, material, and
device to those already described as being regimental at Gibraltar. At the
breast frills were worn, and at the wrist small ruffles. The stock was of
black leather with a false collar turned over it about a quarter of an inch.
The breeches and waistcoats were of white cloth, and the gaiters of black
cloth, which reached as high as the knee, and were secured round the leg by
a row of small buttons, eighteen in number, on the outer seam. To prevent
them twisting they were steadied by a button at the bend of the knee. The
cocked hat, worn transversely, was ornamented with a binding of gold lace,
a short red feather, horse-hair rosette, and gold loop and button. The hair
was clubbed and powdered. Plate III.

Royal Military Artificers Plate III.

UNIFORM 1787 Printed by M & N Hanhart.

The working dress was a plain white raven duck, or canvas frock,
reaching nearly to the ankles, with a rolling collar, and brass buttons down
the front; white duck waistcoat and pantaloons, tongued and buttoned at the
bottom, and plain black felt hats.[82] Leather stocks and frilled shirts were
also worn. The hair was queued but not powdered. Plate IV.

Royal Military Artificers Plate IV.

WORKING-DRESS, 1787 Printed by M & N Hanhart.

Two suits of this dress were furnished to every man annually—each suit
lasted six months. They were also provided with a pair of serge breeches
and a flannel waistcoat. Under what circumstances and on what occasions
these articles were to be worn, was never determined, and the men were
therefore at liberty to dispose of them as they pleased. To distinguish them
from the necessary items of the working dress, they were denominated “The
Queen’s Bounty.”
The arms of the rank and file were those common to the period—
firelocks, pouches and cross belts of buff leather pipe-clayed. The sergeants
had pikes, and long narrow thrust-swords—the latter purchased at their own
expense: the gripe was steel, with a single gilt guard; the scabbard was
black leather, mounted with a gilt tip, top and boss, and the shoulder belt,
with a frog to hold the sword, was pipeclayed like those of the privates. The
sergeant-majors wore swords and belts the same as the sergeants, but no
pikes. The drummers were armed with brass-handled swords, short in the
blade, but broader than the sergeants, and black scabbards with brass
mounting. All ranks had a square breast-buckle to their belts; those of the
superior ranks were gilt.
The distinctions in regard to rank were as follows:—Labourers, coarse
clothing, yellow tape lace on their coatees and hats. Artificers, clothing of a
much finer quality, same kind of tape lacing on their coatees, but gold lace
on their hats. Drummers, same clothing as artificers, with this difference—
instead of plain yellow tape, they had broad livery lace of a quality like
tape, bearing the Ordnance arms of three guns and three balls, extending
from the collar downwards in parallel stripes. Corporals, same as artificers
in every respect, but, in addition, small gold-fringed knots on the shoulders.
[83]
Sergeants, crimson sashes and swords, gold lace on coats, but no knots
on shoulders: they wore laced straps only. Sergeant-majors, sashes and
swords, gold lace on coatees, bullion epaulettes, and silk velvet facings.
In the working dress there was no apparent distinction between the
labourers, artificers, and drummers. The corporals and sergeants were
distinguished by black hats of the same shape as the privates, with a gold-
lace band, about an inch broad, around the bottom of the pole, and their
frocks, &c., were finer in fabric and whiter in colour. The sergeant-majors

always appeared in uniform, for which purpose they were allowed a
complete suit annually.
It may not be amiss to notice, in connection with the dress of the corps,
an interesting offer that was made to the companies at Gibraltar, on the
change of their uniform from red and yellow to blue and black. At the
fortress the companies were much esteemed for their good conduct and
civility, and the best understanding existed between them and the
inhabitants. This feeling of respect was particularly shared by the Jews, who
desired to express it in a manner that would be more convincing than a
mere verbal assurance. On the new clothing arriving at the Rock, the Jews,
regarding the alteration with satisfaction, agreed among themselves to
provide for the companies, as a mark of their regard, whatever gold lace
might be required for the clothing, free of cost, to be worn in place of the
yellow tape; but it need hardly be mentioned, that the desired deviations of
this kind people from the established patterns of the corps could not be
permitted.

1789—1792.

Appointment of Quartermaster and Colonel-Commandant—Distribution of corps, Captains of
companies—Jealousy and ill-feeling of the civil artificers—Riot at Plymouth—Its casualties—
Recruits wrecked on passage to Gibraltar—Song, “Bay of Biscay, O!”—Defence of the Tower of
London against the Jacobins—Bagshot-heath encampment—Alterations in the uniform and
working dress.

Heretofore the captains of the different companies communicated with
the Master-General or his secretary direct. This led to much inconvenience,
and tended to establish a distinctiveness of character and position for each
company, that was neither contemplated nor desired. To prevent its
continuance, the Duke of Richmond, on the 13th January, appointed
Lieutenant William George Phipps, royal engineers, quartermaster to the
corps; and on the 12th February, directed the chief royal engineer, Major-
General Sir William Green, Bart.—who originated the companies at
Gibraltar, and served with them at the fortress until November 1786—to be
Colonel-Commandant. The former attended to all matters connected with
the clothing, &c., and to the latter all the correspondence concerning the
different companies was addressed.
The first complete returns of the corps which have yet been found occur
in the month of February, immediately after Sir William Green’s
appointment. From these returns and other documents, the following
information relative to the distribution of the corps, the strength of the
different companies, and the names of the captains, have been collected,
viz.:—
Strength of Captains.
Company.
Woolwich 47 Colonel Robert Morse.
Chatham 47 Colonel William Spry.

Portsmouth 72 Lieut-Colonel Fred. Geo.
Mulcaster.
Gosport 69 Lieut.-Colonel James
Moncrief.
Plymouth 104 Lieut.-Colonel Edward W.
Durnford.
Guernsey 6 Lieut.-Colonel Alexander
Mercer.
Jersey Formation not
commenced.
The company at Plymouth was above the established strength, arising
from the works there being more important than at any other station. In
May the strength of the half company at Guernsey was twenty-three of all
ranks, and at Jersey twenty-one.
Symptoms of discontent were frequently shown by the civil mechanics in
the Government service at the authorized employment of the military
artificers. They looked upon the measure as a political move, or as a
dangerous experiment to ascertain how it would work; and then, if found to
answer, to extend a like control to the other workmen in the Crown
establishments. This notion they imbibed from the expressed apprehensions
of some leading men of the liberal party in parliament; and, as a
consequence, they were jealous of the military artificers, whom they treated
with great disrespect. A species of rivalry was thus induced that rather
increased than allayed the feeling of mutual animosity. The civilians were
not sparing of their taunts, nor were the military artificers as temperate in
their retorts as might have been wished. Quarrels naturally ensued,
individual feuds were frequent, and in this way did the civilians endeavour
to hold up the military artificers to ridicule and disgrace for the purpose of
goading the Government to disband them; but how far they succeeded the
existence of the corps at this day affords a satisfactory reply.
At one of the stations the bad feeling that existed between the civil and
military artificers was exhibited in an altercation that originated between
the latter and some sailors, in which the dock workmen interfered. This
brought about a serious rupture, the particulars and consequences of which
are given below

Matches for wrestling and cudgelling between soldiers and sailors were
arranged to take place in a field adjoining Stoke Church, near Plymouth, on
the afternoon of the 4th June—the King’s birthday—on which occasion the
soldier-artificers, in common with the civilians, were granted a holiday. The
victors were to be rewarded with buckskin breeches and silver cups. But
few of the military would venture to take part in the amusements, so that the
company and the sailors, and some mechanics of the dock-yard, were the
principal actors. The men of the soldier-artificers who entered the lists were
chiefly from Cornwall and adepts at wrestling, They only went, however, to
witness the games—not to join in them; and it was not till they were
challenged that they entered the arena. Having done so, they exerted
themselves according to the fashion of their country, and succeeded in
gaining almost the whole of the prizes; which, as was natural, they bore
away with suitable demonstrations of pride and pleasure.
A dispute arose between a couple of rivals about the unfair award of a
prize. It was given to a sailor, although fairly earned by a military-artificer.
The misunderstanding would have been easily settled had it been left to the
wrestlers themselves to decide; but the dock people interfered, and
fomented the quarrel, directing their abuse in particular to the soldier-
artificers. For a time the latter calmly submitted to these insults, and yielded
the prize for the sake of peace; but roused at length to retaliate, they sought
satisfaction in the ordinary way by fighting. Overpowered, however, by
numbers, they were very severely treated and driven into barracks, where
they remained for two or three hours. At last, breaking this self-imposed
restraint, they again appeared in the town, having taken the precaution to
prepare themselves with pick-handles and short sticks concealed about their
persons, to resist any attempt at violence on the part of the civilians; and the
better to cope with their opponents, they walked into the streets, when
occasion required, in small parties or sections; which, however, had the
unfortunate semblance of defiance, and excited the sailors and dockmen to
renew their insolence.
Thus aggravated, the military artificers fell upon the civilians and drove
them pell-mell through the town. Intelligence of the resumed affray soon
spread, and numbers of holiday folk joined the ranks of the rabble. Armed
with bludgeons, staves, and broom-handles, the civilians paraded the
streets, and finding a small party of the military artificers refreshing
themselves at an inn, the rabble entered and furiously attacked them.

Against such overwhelming odds the little party could not hold up, and
being easily mastered, they were forcibly ejected from the house and
pursued to the barracks.
What had happened was, as yet, merely a series of individual or sectional
encounters—the preliminaries to something more serious. Galled by a
second reverse, the military artificers now mustered in full strength,
together with their non-commissioned officers, and sallied into the street,
brandishing brooms, pick-handles, clumps of wood, and various other
unmilitary weapons. Some marines and a few other soldiers, sympathizing
with the company, joined in the unhappy broil. By this time the civilians
and sailors were also considerably strengthened, and every moment crowds
were pouring in to swell the hostile mob.
The instant the two parties came in sight the conflict recommenced.
Closely and warmly it continued for about an hour, when the civilians gave
way, running in all directions from the field and leaving the military victors.
The mob, soon rallied, and assembled more numerous than before, on the
government ground between Cumberland and St. George’s Squares, to
make another and a final struggle for the ascendancy. Thither the military
artificers with their partisans hurried. Nothing dismayed by the numbers
collected to oppose them, they resumed the combat. Pokers, bars of iron,
and bludgeons were used with merciless fury; stones of all sizes, broken
bottles, and crockery-ware were thrown, and weapons even were pressed
into the riot. The scene that ensued was frightful, and the civilians
continued the contest with much rancour and obstinacy. They were routed
once, but suddenly turning, they dashed at the soldiers again with a frenzy
that deserved a better result. The effort exhausted them; the spirit of the
soldiers was stirred afresh, and, plunging among the enraged but feeble
throng, they spared none that had the daring to confront them. Beaten at
every point by a handful of soldiers, the civilians faced about, and retreated
precipitately from the contest by the nearest avenues. The military artificers
and soldiers, flushed with success, would have pursued them, and repaid
their insolence in a manner not soon to be forgotten; but by the activity of
Captain Jonathan Passingham, of the 38th Regiment, who paraded the town
with the main guard from the lines, the intention was frustrated. The
conflict lasted several hours, and many of each party were left for dead.
Several, however, soon recovered, and it was then found that the casualties
were—one military artificer killed, and two severely wounded; and on the

side of the sailors and dock men, one killed, two mortally wounded who
died, and three severely wounded.[84] Of the less serious wounds and
accidents, from which very few escaped, no notice appears to have been
taken.
For three days the company was confined to barracks by order of the
Commandant, to allay the popular excitement. But whatever may be
thought of the part taken by the military artificers in this riot, certain it is
that it taught the dock workmen a good lesson, and had the effect of
repressing their insults and annoyances, and making their future demeanour
more pacific and respectful.
Several recruits having enlisted in Scotland for the companies at
Gibraltar, passage was provided for them on board a ship—the name of
which cannot be confidently traced—and they landed or “joined” at the
fortress on the 16th April, 1791. When in the Bay of Biscay the vessel
encountered a white squall, accompanied by terrific thunder and lightning,
which carried, away her main and foremasts. Each moment, indeed, her
final plunge was expected, and the passengers and crew, clinging to spars
and boxes, shreds of sails, and fragments of the dismantled bulwarks, as the
last and only chance for their lives, awaited in suspense the time when the
dread alternative must be taken. With the appearance of the morning,
providentially came the desired calm. All hands immediately set to work to
right the vessel; the jury-mast was rigged, and the shivered ship, once more
under weigh, wore on with struggling throes, and made good her passage to
the Rock. The wreck and its circumstances gave rise to a song, called “The
Bay of Biscay, O!”[85]
In January and February, 1792, the Woolwich company was employed at
the Tower of London, constructing an earthen battery for four guns in front
of the gates, and a wooden battery for four guns, projecting from the coping
of the wall of the fortress facing the Minories, to sweep the ditch and the
hill. These defensive measures were undertaken by Captain Holloway of the
engineers, sergeant John Watson being the overseer, and were intended to
oppose any attack on the Tower which might be attempted by the turbulent
Jacobins.

Royal Military Artificers Plate V.

UNIFORM 1792 Printed by M & N Hanhart.

The Prussian system of tactics being lately introduced into the army, it
was ordered that a union of corps should take place to ascertain its
efficiency. An encampment for the purpose was formed on Bagshot Heath,
early in July, under the Duke of Richmond, the Master-General of the
Ordnance. The regiments present were the 2nd, 3rd, 14th, and 29th Foot;
two regiments of light dragoons, two battalions of artillery, and one
company of military artificers, made up of men from the Woolwich,
Chatham, Portsmouth, and Gosport, companies, under Lieutenant-Colonel
Moncrief, royal engineers. The sergeant-majors of these four companies
were present. A large quantity of intrenching implements and tradesmen’s
tools accompanied the party. The encampment lasted for about a month, the
troops marching from one position to another, and manœuvring in a body,
as if in actual warfare. During this time there were three grand field-days
and two sham battles; at the whole of which his Majesty was present, as
also, on some occasions, were the Prince of Wales and the Dukes of York
and Gloucester. The company of artificers manœuvred with the troops when
not otherwise required; but more generally they were employed in making
bridges over small rivulets for the passage of the troops, throwing up
occasional earthworks, as well as mining and constructing wooden
redoubts. One of the mines was sprung on the 4th August, and created quite
a spectacle. It raised the earth in a solid mass about thirty feet in diameter,
throwing its contents to a considerable distance. Another mine was
exploded on the 7th August, under one of the advanced redoubts, with equal
success; but the third and last mine was the largest, and almost amazing in
its effects. Of this mine some particulars have been preserved. Upon a
round hill was erected one of Colonel Moncrief’s square wooden redoubts,
that the results of the mine under it might be better discerned. The artificers
broke ground against the side of the hill, 152 feet from the redoubt, and
about 20 feet below the summit of the hill. The first gallery was driven 112
feet in length, about 3 feet wide, and 3½ feet high, from whence
commenced a turning 22 inches wide and 3 feet high, which stretched under
the redoubt. A second turning of 6 feet was made for the chamber, into
which was put a wooden box of gunpowder lined with pitched canvas. The
quantity of powder used was 72 lbs., and was exploded by means of a
wooden trough containing a canvas pipe filled with powder. When fired, the

whole redoubt was lifted up about 40 feet, and disappeared in fragments,
dust, and smoke, leaving a large chasm where it stood, nearly 40 feet wide
and 20 feet deep. It was a magnificent sight, and called forth the
spontaneous acclamations of the throng that witnessed it, and the praises of
the Duke of Richmond.[86] These were the first field services in which any of
the military artificers had been employed. They returned to their respective
stations about the 8th August.[87]
This year the black felt round hat superseded the cocked hat. The
drummers' livery lace was a mixture of black, red, and yellow worsted—the
Ordnance device was not woven in it as formerly. It was sewn on the coats
in the same style as the privates' lace. Worsted wings of the three colours
intermixed were now worn by the drummers for the first time. The quality
of the cloth in all ranks was somewhat deteriorated this year. Plate V.
To suit the seasons the working dress was considerably altered. In
summer a plain raven duck jacket was substituted for the long frock of
1787. The duck waistcoat for summer was abolished. In winter a blue jacket
with black cuffs and collar was worn, precisely similar in cut and make to
the duck jacket. With this jacket a flannel waistcoat was worn, and serge
trowsers or pantaloons of the same form or style as the original pantaloons.
To the “Queen’s Bounty,” consisting of a pair of serge breeches and an
under serge waistcoat, was added a second serge waistcoat. The shirts were
now worn quite plain in front; the hair continued to be queued; and the
sergeants and corporals to be undistinguished in rank in the working dress.
Plate VI.

Royal Military Artificers Plate VI.

WORKING DRESS 1794 Printed by M & N Hanhart.

1793.

War with France—Artificers demanded for foreign service—Consequent effects—Detachment to
West Indies—Fever at Antigua—Detachment to Flanders—Siege of Valenciennes—Waterdown
Camp—Reinforcement to Flanders—Siege of Dunkirk—Nieuport—Another reinforcement to
Flanders—Toulon—Private Samuel Myers at Fort Mulgrave—Formation of four companies for
service abroad—Establishment and strength of corps.

Louis XVI. having been dragged to the scaffold and beheaded, the event
became the subject of grave consideration in the British Cabinet, resulting
in the dismissal of the French ambassador in London, and in the declaration
of war by the Convention against Great Britain. Immediately following this
publication of hostilities, British troops were sent to Holland to co-operate
with those of the Stadtholder against the common enemy, as well to the
West Indies for the reduction of the French settlements there.
The new position into which England was thrown by the declaration of
war, gave prominence to a feature in the royal military artificers, which had
almost been lost sight of;—that was, the liability of the men to serve in any
part of the world wherever their services might be required. Although every
care was taken to prevent misconception on this point, by obtaining from
every recruit a signed agreement, expressive of his willingness to comply
with this condition, still, it was regarded by all, as a mere formal
arrangement, never to be acted upon; and in this notion they were
afterwards strengthened by the fact, that when candidates were desired for
service at Gibraltar, none were sent there unless with their own free
consent. Now, however, their forgotten agreements were shown to be
binding, and, accordingly, men were demanded from the English companies
for active service in Flanders and the West Indies.
As may be supposed, the order occasioned no little surprise and regret, as
at this period, the military artificers were living under circumstances of the
most favourable character—treated indeed more like citizens than soldiers.
Many were married and had families; some few had property in land and

houses; and all, or nearly all, had profitable engagements in civil life, which
they were permitted by their officers to follow, after the demands of the
service had been attended to. To avoid therefore the chance of being
separated from such advantages, several obtained their discharges by
providing substitutes at considerable cost, whilst a far greater number took
the very dishonourable alternative of deserting. During the year 1793, the
desertions were, perhaps, more in number than in any other year since the
formation of the corps.
The Plymouth company was called upon to furnish one corporal and
seventeen private miners for the service of the Engineer department in the
West Indies, who, embarking in February, in due time, arrived at Grenada.
Divided between that island and Antigua, they had scarcely commenced
their duties before the unhealthiness of the climate began to be felt among
them. Fever, the prevailing scourge of the islands, seized them, and ere the
close of the year, all, except private William Trevethick, had died! He
survived his comrades about two and a half years; and with his decease was
completed the extermination, by fever, of the first foreign detachment of the
corps.
At Antigua, it should be mentioned, that the malady was conveyed on
shore through the unconscious imprudence of one of the party. He had gone
on board a vessel called the ‘Experiment,’ which had just arrived in English
Harbour in great distress, having lost nearly all her hands by fever. Of the
existence of the disease in the ship the artificer was not aware, and he slept
in a blanket belonging to one of the dead men. Seized with the disorder, he
died in a few hours, and his wearing apparel and blanket, being taken to the
Ordnance quarters as his property, the infection was thus communicated to
the rest of the detachment; next to the artillery, and from them it spread to
the 31st regiment, committing fearful ravages in its course.[88]
Five non-commissioned officers, 30 artificers, 50 labourers, and 1
drummer; total 86, collected from the different stations and formed into a
company at Woolwich, under Captain Gother Mann, R.E., embarked at the
royal arsenal on the 16th of March, to join the army in the Low Countries
under the Duke of York, taking with them an abundant assortment of
intrenching and tradesmen’s tools. Most of the men had been encamped, in
1792, at Bagshot Heath, and were in some measure acquainted with the art
of field fortification and military mining. Colonel Moncrief, who had

greatly distinguished himself during the American war, was appointed chief
engineer to the expedition.
Of the company’s landing, and its early services in Holland, nothing is
known, but at the siege of Valenciennes it played an important part. All the
non-commissioned officers, and most of the more skilful of the miners,
acted as foremen, and from 300 to 400 men were frequently placed under
the executive charge of one military artificer. Those of the company not
considered fit for overseers, were distributed singly among the working
parties to stimulate them by their example to equal zeal and exertion. In the
more difficult services of the siege, or when occasion required, the
labourers, miners, and artificers, of the company worked in twos or in
greater numbers. The working party from the line was seldom less than
14,000 a day.
In the final assault of the fortress, on the 25th of July, a portion of the
company under Captain Sutherland, R.E., was attached to the left column
appointed to attack the salient angle of the ravelin of the hornwork. Three
globes of compression which had been pushed under the works to be
stormed, were exploded at short intervals, after nine o’clock, with complete
success. Breaches being thus formed for the columns to enter the works,
they did so with great ardour and forced the enemy to fly into the fortress.
While these external operations were in course of accomplishment, the
miners bravely rushed from the ditch into the enemy’s subterranean
galleries, took the workmen in them, and saved the mine from being sprung.
To these underground manœuvres and the promptitude and gallantry of the
detachment of artificers and line workmen in preventing the explosion of
the enemy’s mines, the fall of Valenciennes was chiefly indebted. It
capitulated on the 28th of July. Sir James Murray, in a despatch, dated 26th
July, 1793, thus writes—“A detachment of the company of artificers, under
Captain Sutherland, accompanied the column to the ravelin of the
hornwork, and performed the duty allotted to them with great activity and
resolution.” One labourer—private Robert Freeman—was killed.[89]
General Dundas, about this period, introduced the system of drill so long
distinguished by his name; and to test its efficiency a camp was formed on
the 1st of July, at Waterdown, under the Duke of Richmond. The troops,
both horse and foot, numbered 7,000. To this camp was attached, by the
Duke’s order, four non-commissioned officers, thirty-six privates, and one
drummer of the military artificers, under Lieutenant George Bridges, R.E.,

who took with them a proportion of field implements and artificers' tools.
For three weeks, the season being exceedingly fine, the drill was briskly
carried on; but was succeeded by an interval of idleness and discomfort
occasioned by heavy and continuous rain. On the 4th of August, the troops
moved to Ashdown Forest, where they manœuvred for a week and finally
marched to Brighton: there they drilled for a fortnight, producing some
grand military displays in the presence of the Prince of Wales, and returned
to their stations on the 22nd of August. In the purely military evolutions of
the camp the artificers took no part; but when the troops were moving they
always preceded them to construct temporary bridges over the rivulets and
ditches that intercepted the march, and to cut away obstacles to afford an
easier road for the passage of the artillery. The materials for the bridges
were cut on the spot, formed into faggots, and hastily thrown over the
streams in view of the troops. At Brighton, the party was daily occupied in
bridge-making, and became very expert in that description of field service.
[90]

A few days previous to the dispersion of the camp, the Duke of
Richmond ordered another selection of four non-commissioned officers and
ninety-eight artificers and labourers, to be made from the English
companies to reinforce the corps in Flanders; and in order that the party
should be formed of the most efficient men, his Grace desired as many as
could be spared to be taken for the service from the Brighton detachment.
To press as lightly as possible upon individual interests, volunteering was
freely allowed, and the remainder were obtained by casting lots. The
companies at Woolwich, Portsmouth, and Gosport, were also required to
provide their quota; and being collected at head-quarters, they sailed late in
August, and in a few days arrived at Ostend. With this reinforcement, the
military artificers in the Low Countries amounted to 7 non-commissioned
officers, 41 artificers, 104 labourers, and 1 drummer; total 153.
Immediately on landing, they were marched to join the company then
before Dunkirk, and were employed in the operations for the reduction of
that fortress until the 7th of September, when the Duke of York was
compelled to abandon his position. On returning to the Artillery Park, the
artificers exerted themselves in spiking all the guns that could not be carried
with the army and in disabling their carriages, as well as in throwing about
500 barrels of gunpowder into the river and destroying nearly all the
intrenching tools. In this siege, three artificers were killed—privates

William Drummond, John Fairbairn, and John Wilson; and one was missing
—private Thomas Howell; but of the number wounded, no record can be
found. Colonel Moncrief, the chief engineer, was dangerously wounded in
repulsing a sortie by the enemy on the 6th of September, and died a few
days after at Ostend, where he was interred under the flagstaff by some of
his own company.
A portion of the corps was employed in October in the defence of
Nieuport, but in what manner cannot now be ascertained. Indeed, from the
paucity of information, either verbal or documentary, rendering it
impracticable to trace, with anything like distinctness, the services and
movements of the military artificers during the remainder of this and the
subsequent campaigns in the Low Countries, unsatisfactory gaps will
necessarily appear in this narrative at times, when the most interesting
details might have been expected.
Whilst the siege of Nieuport was progressing, Sir Charles Grey with his
expedition arrived at Ostend, and learning the critical situation of the
garrison determined to relieve it; but no sooner had he made arrangements
for doing so, than the enemy retired and left the fortress and the field in
quiet possession of the allies. To Sir Charles Grey’s force was attached 2
non-commissioned officers and 28 artificers, under Colonel Elias Durnford,
royal engineers, drafted from England, with which number the corps in
Flanders was augmented to 182 of all ranks. Winter setting in soon after,
and the strife in the Low Countries being suspended for the season, a
company was recalled from thence, and, on arrival at Spithead, sailed with
the fleet for active service in the West Indies.
In September, a detachment of 1 sergeant—Edward Smith—2 corporals,
and about 20 privates, were selected from Captain Nepean’s company at
Gibraltar, and sailed with the armament under General O’Hara for Toulon
on board H.M. ships ‘Egmont’ and ‘Terrible.’[91] The officers of engineers
with the party were Captain Nepean and Lieutenant De Butts. On landing,
the men were detached in twos and threes to the different points of defence
around Toulon; and their duties consisted in directing, under the general
superintendence of their officers, the several working parties employed in
constructing the batteries, &c. In the various actions and operations at this
place, the detachment was more or less engaged, and “all were most
zealous, active, and distinguished in their several capacities.” Some were
wounded; and in the desperate defence of Fort Mulgrave, three were killed.

At this fort, private Samuel Myers, who had previously served at the
siege of Gibraltar, was conspicuous in his exertions under Lieutenant John
Duncan, royal artillery, assistant engineer. At one of the guns all the
artillerymen were either killed or disabled, for the post was a dangerous
one; and the gun was consequently silent, though in a position to do much
service. Observing this, Myers, having given general instructions to those
who were under him as to the manner in which they were to perform their
work, repaired with some volunteers to the battery and manned the gun. For
a considerable time he laid and fired it himself with a precision and effect
that checked the fierceness of the enemy’s cannonade, and attracted the
notice of General Dundas. Highly approving of the zeal and gallantry of the
self-constituted gunner, the General made him a corporal on the spot, and
would have honoured him with a higher rank, only it was found that the
custom of the corps did not admit of this distinction being conferred.
Throughout the remaining period of the defence, Myers divided his
attention between this gun and the works, attending to both with an ardour
and fearlessness that gained him much praise. Early in the next year he was
killed in Corsica.
Two of the English companies out of six having already been sent
abroad, and the nature of our relations with France rendering it highly
probable that more would be demanded, the Duke of Richmond represented
to his Majesty the benefit that would result to the service, if a corps of
artificers and labourers were formed expressly for employment abroad. His
Grace the more readily recommended this measure, as the various stations
from which detachments were sent were compelled to hire civil tradesmen
to supply their places, at wages considerably higher than the estimates
warranted; and whilst it checked improvement in the labourers, which his
Grace was anxious to see developed, it also crippled, in some degree, the
general efficiency of the companies. Concurring, therefore, in his Grace’s
proposition, His Majesty granted a warrant under date the 11th September,
1793, for raising a corps of royal military artificers and labourers, to consist
of four companies and to be distributed as follows:—
Flanders 2 companies
West 1 ”
Indies
Upper 1 ”
Canada

The command and composition of the companies were to be similar in
every respect to the English companies; they were to be stationary in the
countries where they were appointed to serve; and the men were to receive
the like advantages in pay, allowances, and clothing. A distinct position
would seem to have been given to these foreign companies by the warrant,
but they nevertheless, though designated a corps, were comprehended with
the English companies in one united body, and depended upon the latter
companies for the maintenance of their strength and efficiency. Such,
however, it may be observed, was not the case with the companies at
Gibraltar, which yet remained a separate and independent body, though
differing from the home and foreign companies only in non-essentials of a
local character.
The warrant just alluded to does not appear to have been carried out in
the manner intended. Instead of sending a reinforcement to Flanders to
complete the companies there to the authorized establishment, one company
was withdrawn from thence and sent to the West Indies; while as regarded
the latter station, in addition to the company ordered, a party also embarked
with it, forming, with the detachment already in those islands, the nucleus
of a second company. The total number of artificers and labourers in
Flanders, after this change, was 82 of all ranks, and in the West Indies 126.
On what ground this reversionary alteration was adopted is not precisely
known; but it may reasonably be assigned to the pressing appeals from the
West Indies for more men, and the inactive position of affairs in the Low
Countries permitting it to be effected without detriment to the service. The
company for Canada was never embodied, though the idea of forming it
was cherished until December 1798, when it was abandoned.
At the end of the year the establishment and strength of the corps were as
under:—
Home companies 600
Foreign companies 400
Total 1000 establishment
Strength 588
Wanting to complete 412

1794—1795.

Working dress—Company sails for West Indies—Martinique—Spirited conduct of a detachment
there—Guadaloupe—Mortality—Toulon—Flanders—Reinforcement to company there—Return
of the company—Works at Gravesend—Irregularities in the corps—Causes—Redeeming qualities
—Appointment of Regimental Adjutant and Sergeant-major—Consequences—Woolwich becomes
the head-quarters—Alteration in working dress.

This year the working dress of the corps was considerably modified. The
raven-duck frock was succeeded by a plain round blue jacket for winter, and
a raven-duck jacket for summer. The colour of the working hat was changed
for the privates from black to white; and the corporals and sergeants were
distinguished from the inferior ranks by a band of gold lace round the pole
of the hat at the bottom. See Plate VI.
The company from Flanders under Colonel Elias Durnford, royal
engineers, intended for service in the West Indies, rendezvoused for a time
at Spithead. While there, every care was taken to make it as efficient for
active duty as possible; and several men who were suffering from the
fatigues of the sieges of Dunkirk and Nieuport, were accordingly re-
embarked and their places supplied by others from the Portsmouth and
Gosport companies. After being provided with the necessary field
equipment, the company sailed with the fleet from Spithead on the 3rd
November, 1793, and arrived at Barbadoes the 6th January, 1794. Its
strength on landing was ninety-four of all ranks, including its sergeant-
major—Matthew Hoey.[92]
From Barbadoes the company proceeded with the expedition under
General Sir Charles Grey and Admiral Sir John Jervis to Martinique; and
having landed, commenced and completed, during the night of the 10th
February, the erection of the required batteries on Mount Matherine against
Pigeon Island. On the surrender of this island on the morning of the 11th, a
portion of the company, under Lieutenants Fletcher and Durnford, royal
engineers, was formed in line with a brigade of the royal artillery and a part

of the 70th regiment, to protect the stores then landing, and to support the
left of the army in the attack upon the heights of Souririe. The post was
soon carried; and the entire company subsequently participated very
essentially in the siege of Fort Bourbon. After a month’s unceasing exertion
before that fort, it was captured on the 25th March, and Martinique then
became the prize of Britain. In noticing the services of the company, Sir
Charles Grey, in his despatch of 25th March, writes:—“Colonel Durnford,
with the corps of engineers, have also a claim to my warmest approbation
for their exertions in placing and constructing the batteries.” The casualties
were one killed—private William Simpson, on the 11th February at Pigeon
Island—and three wounded.[93]
After the successful attack on Souririe, corporal James Kerr of the royal
military artificers, and a detachment of the company under his orders, were
employed on field duty at noon-day in front of the army. A very superior
force of the enemy attempted to surprise them, but as soon as they
perceived their danger, they retired and defended themselves in so steady,
spirited, and soldierlike a manner, as to command the admiration of many
officers and others.
Nearly the whole of the company were subsequently employed in the
reduction of the Islands of St. Lucia and Guadaloupe; but what services
were rendered by them in those captures have not been recorded.
Sir Charles Grey, having succeeded in the enterprise with which he was
intrusted, left Major-General Dundas in command at Guadaloupe and made
arrangements to return home. The fever peculiar to the country, soon
afterwards made its appearance in the island and the General died. Taking
advantage of this event and the daily increasing sickness, the French rose
against the British and retook Fort Fleur d’Epée. Sir Charles Grey, hearing
of the disaster and anticipating its consequences, returned with all haste to
Guadaloupe and resumed the command of the troops. At this time the
company was divided into almost equal proportions at each of the
subjugated islands, to assist in carrying on the various works. Thirty-one
non-commissioned officers and men had been left at Guadaloupe on its
capture under Lieutenants Dowse and Durnford, royal engineers; but at the
period of the outbreak only twenty-one men were present, ten having
already died of the fever.
At Guadaloupe the military artificers were employed in the repairs of
magazines and barracks, and in the construction of field works at

Basseterre: subsequently they superintended the erection of batteries, &c.,
against Point à Pitre in the endeavours to recover Grandeterre; but as all
attempts to regain this branch of the island were now abandoned, the
detachment retreated to Berville with the army for the purpose of
preventing Basseterre falling into the hands of the enemy. Here the artificers
were engaged in various works for the defence of the camp, and shared in
repulsing the three attacks made on the position in September and October.
By climate, fatigue, and privation, their numbers gradually dwindled away;
and when the post was captured on the 7th October, only ten men were
living. Six of these were taken prisoners,[94] with Lieutenant Durnford of the
engineers; and the other four, under Lieutenant Evatt, R.E., served at the
defence of Fort Matilda from the 14th October to the 10th December, the
date of its evacuation.[95] During that protracted struggle, the services of
these four men, especially sergeant John Morris and private Samuel Bowes,
were found to be particularly useful in every respect. Such was the opinion
of Lieutenant Evatt, who, fifty years after, also afforded a general testimony
to the merits of the company, by stating that “wherever their services were
required they were ever conspicuously forward.”
The yellow fever continued its ravages throughout the year with frightful
violence, and carried off more than half of the company. In May the
sickness was very general among the artificers. That month twenty-five
died; and of the survivors, very few were found sufficiently effective for the
service of the works. In June, the party at St. Lucia, which so far had
escaped the prevailing scourge, was removed to Martinique to hasten the
restoration of Fort Bourbon. But little advantage, however, was obtained by
this arrangement, as nearly the whole of the men were immediately seized
by the sickness. At the close of the year sixty-five non-commissioned
officers and privates had died; of whom forty-two were at Martinique and
twenty-three at Guadaloupe; as also Colonel Durnford, Captain Chilcot, and
Lieutenants Dowse and Lawson of the royal engineers. The strength of the
company was now reduced to twenty-six of all ranks, including the
prisoners of war, but the effectives of this number did not exceed ten.
Toulon was evacuated in the middle of December, 1793, and the remnant
of the army employed there soon afterwards landed in Corsica. With this
force the detachment of military artificers shared in the various actions and
sieges of that island, particularly at San Fiorenzo, Bastia, Ajaccio, and
Calvi. In directing the construction of the required works and batteries,

more especially at the lengthened siege of Calvi, their services were highly
spoken of by their officers and the assistant engineers under whose
instructions they for the most part acted; and though so few in number, they
were considered by the army to be most useful and valuable soldiers.[96]
Most of them were killed at San Fiorenzo and Calvi, and the rest were
wounded; of whom two privates only survived. These two men, previously
to the evacuation of Corsica in October, 1796, were present at the capture of
the Island of Elba, and in January, 1797, returned with Lieutenant De Butts,
royal engineers, to Gibraltar.
Hostilities were resumed in Flanders as soon as the severity of the winter
had subsided. To compel the French to evacuate Flanders was now the
purpose of the allied commanders. To this end, on the 16th May, the whole
force made a forward movement. The column under the Duke of York, to
which the company of artificers was attached, marched to Lannoy and then
to Roubaix driving the enemy before it. On the 18th May the French,
making a determined stand, hotly pressed the British in front and rear by an
overwhelming force, and obliged his Royal Highness to resort to the daring
alternative of retreating through the enemy’s line, which he accomplished,
but with great loss. In this action the artificers had four wounded, one
missing—private John Smart—and seven taken prisoners.[97]
The Earl of Moira being appointed to command a corps intended to act
on the offensive against France, one sergeant, one corporal, twenty-one
artificers, and eight labourers of the home companies were selected to
accompany it. Early in January the detachment was forwarded to
Southampton and there encamped for several months, drilling with the
troops. Ultimately the destination of the expedition was changed, and his
lordship was directed to co-operate with the Duke of York. The armament
forthwith embarked, and sailing for Ostend, landed on the 26th June. After a
march of more than thirty days, executed with cheerful resignation, the Earl
of Moira effected a junction with the Duke of York’s column at a time
when, from the precarious situation of his Royal Highness, an addition to
his resources was imperatively needed. The detachment of artificers with
his lordship now joined Captain Mann’s company, the strength of which,
since the opening of the winter of the previous year, had been reduced by
deaths from eighty-two to seventy. With the present increase the total of the
corps in Holland amounted to 101 of all ranks; but of this number, many
were no longer equal to the fatigues of a campaign owing to the diseases

contracted by them, from unavoidable exposure, during a season of unusual
inclemency; and several suffering from incurable frostbites were placed in
the category of wounded men.
On the 12th May, 1795, the above company, transferred to the command
of Captain Johnson of the engineers, arrived at Woolwich. Its strength was
eighty-six, including its sergeant-major. Being no longer required for
foreign duty, the men were distributed among the Portsmouth and Gosport
companies and the Guernsey and Jersey half companies. Twelve were left at
Lisle sick and prisoners of war: three of them died, seven returned to
England at different periods and the other two—Private George Horn and
John Bristo—continued to be recorded as prisoners until February, 1797;
when, not having rejoined their corps, they were struck off the strength. By
the reduction of the Flanders company the establishment of the corps was
diminished from 1,000 to 800 of all ranks.
About this period, a detachment of one sergeant, thirty-three carpenters,
and two drummers, under Captain C. Holloway, royal engineers, was sent to
Gravesend to make various repairs and additions to the defences on the
shores of the Thames, as the state of European politics and our unsettled
relations with France rendered these precautionary measures absolutely
indispensable. They were picked men, of good qualification; and to
distinguish them from the corps employed at Woolwich, Purfleet, and
Chatham, were permitted to wear a very long fantastic feather of black,
topped with crimson. Tilbury Fort and the Blockhouse at Gravesend were
thoroughly repaired by this detachment, and the requisite arrangements and
appliances for establishing a communication across the Thames, by means
of barges for the passage of an army, were effected by them. They also
constructed two batteries for four 24-pounders each, with temporary
wooden barracks for artillerymen at Shornmead and Hop-Point, below
Gravesend. These services were barely finished when thirty of the
detachment were recalled to join the expeditions for St. Domingo and the
Caribbee Islands. The party that remained, was shortly afterwards increased
to one sergeant and fifteen carpenters. Detachments of varied strength were
also employed in strengthening the defences on the coast of Sussex, and in
repairing the castles at Hurst, Cowes, and Yarmouth.
Drunkenness and irregularity were now very prevalent in the corps.
Many of the men, from their abandoned habits, were insensible either to
advice or punishment: whilst others, whose moral conduct could not be

reproached, were negligent of that proper respect for personal cleanliness
and appearance which is one of the first considerations of a soldier in every
well-regulated regiment. In some degree to check these evils, a few of the
most incorrigible among the labourers were dismissed from the corps, or
were either turned over to the navy or sent to the West Indies. But even
these severe but necessary measures failed to produce that wholesome
impression on the habitual delinquents, which it was reasonable to
anticipate would be the result.
The first symptoms of disorder in the conduct of the men appeared when
they found they were liable to be sent abroad if occasion required their
services. Led by their constitution and employment to consider themselves
permanently settled, they were quite unprepared for any innovation which
had a tendency to subvert their position or to interrupt the advancement of
their individual interests. The married men particularly received it with
unequivocal dissatisfaction. Unwilling to submit to the change, which
struck at the root of their privileges, several deserted; and others, not daring
to involve themselves in the consequences of so serious a step, remained
only to drown their discontent in dissipation, and bring discredit on the
corps.
This was not the only source of demoralization. Ever since the formation
of the corps little or no attention had been paid to its military efficiency.
Discipline was almost entirely relinquished, and drill was an unfashionable
exercise. The former was relaxed on account of the men being regarded
more in the light of civilians than soldiers, and the latter was nominally
given up on the plea, that it was of far greater public benefit to keep them
constantly on the works than at drill. From the leniency of the one, numbers
paid but little regard to authority on military matters, and were only too
ready to evince a spirit of disaffection when anything occurred to infringe
upon liberties or privileges that the usages of the corps had given them a
sort of right to enjoy; and from the neglect of the other, they were awkward
and dirty in appearance and slovenly in their attire. By the many well-
intentioned and orderly men in the corps, the laxity of the discipline and
infrequency of the drill were certainly recognized and appreciated as
indulgences; but the advantages bestowed were more than counterbalanced
by the evils they induced; for several men—not labourers only, but
artificers—distinguished by their abilities as tradesmen, but too depraved to
profit by the mildness of the discipline, plunged into all the excesses of

disorder and drunkenness. Yet, with all this misconduct and want of training
in soldierlike principle and bearing, they always exhibited an active pride in
their fair name as mechanics, and committed, comparatively, but few
offences on the works.
Another element in producing the irregularity complained of is traceable
to the manner in which the corps was recruited. From the difficulty of
obtaining good tradesmen with satisfactory testimonials of previous
conduct, the pernicious system of receiving men without characters was
resorted to. Ability as tradesmen was the great specific, conduct being a
non-essential qualification. Consequently, in the removals from the line
especially, many men were transferred to the military artificers, whose
dissolute habits rendered their influence both mischievous and
demoralizing, although, from their merits as mechanics, they were found far
too valuable to dismiss, and too useful to be subjected to a protracted
punishment.
But with all this dissipation and disorder there was much in the corps to
approve, much to admire. The non-commissioned officers, the majority of
the artificers, and a goodly number of the labourers were well-conducted
men, and upheld their military character and appearance in a becoming
manner. On the works, besides being able and expert artificers, they were
found to be industrious and efficient, supporting and assisting their officers
in every duty or enterprise of difficulty or danger with readiness and zeal.
Though differing from other troops in many essential points, still there was
much sterling worth in the royal military artificers, rarely to be met with in
any other corps in the service.
Recourse to discipline and drill seemed to be the only chance of
preventing the increase of irregularity, and of permanently improving the
character and condition of the corps. At each of the stations the experiment
was now in partial operation, but, simultaneously with this judicious effort,
another measure had been effected which promised to be of material
advantage in bringing about the desired change. This was the appointment,
on the 15th May, of Lieutenant John Rowley of the royal engineers, to be
Regimental Adjutant to the corps. To each company, from its formation, an
adjutant had been and continued to be attached; who, however, from the
paramount importance of the works and other circumstances, was too
engrossed by his attention to professional duties and details to be of much
service to his company. The Regimental Adjutant was stationed at

Woolwich, and through him was carried on all the correspondence of the
corps. His office, however, was at Westminster. To assist him, therefore,
company sergeant-major Anthony Haig, who was an excellent drill-master
and a talented non-commissioned officer, was promoted to be regimental
sergeant-major on the Staff at Woolwich with the pay of 3s. a-day.
These appointments were immediately followed by an alteration in the
system of recruiting as conducted by the officers commanding companies.
Experience had proved that such a system was detrimental to the corps, and
that its discontinuance would narrow the sources from which some of the
existing evils originated and were fed. With this view, the particular charge
of the service was intrusted to the Regimental Adjutant. Recruits were now
enlisted for general service, and when ready to join the corps, were, in the
first instance, sent to Woolwich. On their arrival they were clothed,
equipped, and subjected to the same drilling as infantry soldiers under the
sergeant-major and adjutant; and, when trained, were posted to the
companies, whether at home or abroad, most in want of men. Even this
slight modification produced a more than corresponding improvement in
the corps, and revived in some degree, at the different stations, the
discipline and drill. At Portsmouth especially, at a later period, under
Colonel Evelegh, who was the first Adjutant of the corps and served with its
companies at the siege of Gibraltar—the disciplinary arrangements were so
satisfactorily enforced and sustained, that it was a custom for some years to
remove all the irregular men to that station, to place them under the
operation of a strict and wholesome surveillance. A few years after, about
1806, to give the corps the advantage of manœuvring in masses, the
companies at Portsmouth and Gosport, with all the subaltern officers in
command, were, once a week during the summer months, brought together
for drill under their respective Adjutants—Lieutenants Hamilton and
Oldfield.
Woolwich now became the head-quarters of the corps, and all invalids
were ever after sent to it from the different stations for discharge, instead of
being disposed of, as heretofore, by the captains of companies.
This year the working jacket was somewhat altered. Broad skirts with
pocket slashes were appended to it, and, for the sake of giving a more
military appearance to the men, a yellow worsted lace triangle was sown
between the two back buttons, and a frog was added to each side of the
collar. These ornaments on the sergeant’s jacket were of gold lace. The hats

of the privates were changed from white to black felt, and the sergeants, in
addition to the gold band, wore rosettes and crimson plumes. See Plate VII.
All ranks wore clothing of precisely similar fabric.

Royal Military Artificers Plate VII.

WORKING DRESS 1755 Printed by M & N Hanhart.

1795-1796.

Companies to St. Domingo and the Caribbee Islands—Reduction of St. Lucia—Conduct of company
there—Gallantry in forming lodgment and converting it into a battery—Attack on Bombarde—
Distribution and conduct of St. Domingo company—Mortality in the West Indies—Detachment to
Halifax, Nova Scotia—Dougal Hamilton—Detachments to Calshot Castle and St. Marcou.

War, coupled with fever, had by this time made considerable havoc
among the troops in the West Indies, and reduced the force to a number
totally inadequate for the services of the different islands, much less to
resist efficiently the encroachments of a vigilant enemy, and check the
insurrectionary demonstrations of a disaffected negro population. In some
respects to supply this deficiency, reinforcements having been applied for,
two expeditions were fitted out at Spithead, and sailed in November, 1795,
under Sir Ralph Abercrombie, for St. Domingo and the Windward Islands.
To each expedition a company of sixty non-commissioned officers and
men of the military artificers were attached, equipped with tools appropriate
to their trades, in addition to their arms. The company for St. Domingo,
under Lieutenant Crozier, royal engineers, was formed by men drafted from
the Woolwich and Chatham companies; and that for the Caribbee Islands,
under Lieutenant Gravatt, R.E., by men from the Gosport, Portsmouth, and
Plymouth companies.
Both companies arrived—after a long and dangerous passage,
particularly in clearing the Channel—in March, 1796. In disposing of the
two companies, Sir Ralph despatched, under Lieutenant Crozier, thirty-three
non-commissioned officers and privates, including two men who had been
prisoners of war at Guadaloupe, to St. Domingo, detaining the remainder to
act under himself with the Caribbean company, which now reached the
strength of seventy-seven of all ranks.
The reduction of St. Lucia was early the intention of Sir Ralph, and the
expedition accordingly sailed thither. The company of artificers, under the
command of Captain Hay, royal engineers, landed on the 26th April, and at

once were told off for the duties of the siege. In addition to the construction
of some extensive batteries to act against Morne Fortuné, they
superintended the formation of a communication by means of a new road
from Choc Bay to the Morne. By the 24th May the English had pushed up
to within 500 yards of the fort, and the garrison capitulated on the 26th
May.
From the nature of the ground and other circumstances, the operations for
the reduction of the fort were extraordinary and arduous, and the exertions
of the company conspicuous. These attracted the notice of Sir Ralph, who,
through the medium of Captain Hay, conveyed his thanks to the military
artificers for their good conduct and soldierlike behaviour at the siege.
In the attack on the enemy’s advanced posts at Morne Fortuné on the
24th May, a detachment of about twenty noncommissioned officers and
men of the company, under Lieutenant Fletcher, R.E., with handspikes,
axes, and picks, rushed gallantly forward and formed a lodgment, which
was rapidly converted into a battery of five 24-pounders to breach the body
of the place. The exertions of this party greatly contributed to the success of
the assault and to the fall of St Lucia. Lieutenant Fletcher was wounded, as
also two rank and file.[98] Of the other casualties in the company from the
opening of the siege to the assault no record has been preserved.
The detachment of thirty-three non-commissioned officers and men,
under Lieutenant Crozier, R.E., arrived at Cape Nichola Mole, St. Domingo,
on the 2nd May, and Captain W. M‘Kerras, royal engineers, assumed the
command of it. On the 8th June following, about twenty of the party were
engaged in the attack on Bombarde, in which one private—John M‘Donald
—was mortally wounded, and one sergeant—Hugh Taylor—was taken
prisoner.[99] On the 11th June, the St. Domingo detachment was further
increased by the arrival from St. Lucia of one sergeant and fourteen privates
under Lieutenant Stewart.
Of the ulterior active services of this detachment, nothing can be
satisfactorily traced. It was, seemingly, broken up into small parties, and
disposed of at St. Marc, Jeremie, Grande Ance, the Mole, and Port au
Prince, superintending under their officers, the execution of various works
which were deemed essential for defence, on account of the arrival at Cape
François of Rochambeau, Santhonax, and several other republicans of
consequence. In these and former works the men seem to have exerted
themselves with zeal, and to have obtained commendation for their good

conduct. “Indeed, I must say,” writes Captain M‘Kerras to Sir William
Green, the chief engineer, under date July, 1796, “that I have never seen a
better set of people in every respect and manner than they were.”
To a great extent the fever still prevailed in the West Indies, and had
raged fearfully during the months of June and July. It was not confined to
any particular island, but was general throughout the group. Never had a
more melancholy scene of mortality attended any expedition than befel
those to St. Domingo and the Windward Islands. Of the company of
military artificers at the former island, twenty-five had died in June and July
alone, and by the end of the year it was reduced to nineteen men only. The
Caribbee Islands' company, during the same period, suffered still more
severely; inasmuch as it was diminished from seventy-seven to thirty-one of
all ranks; whilst the company that served at the captures of Martinique, St.
Lucia, and Gaudaloupe, in 1794, had frittered away by deaths and
invaliding to eighteen non-commissioned officers and men.[100] Of the
survivors more than half were incapacitated for duty from sickness, and,
consequently, the services of the department pressed very heavily upon the
effectives. On the 1st September the remnants of the two latter companies
were amalgamated, and reached a total of 49 of all ranks.
In June a detachment of one sergeant, two corporals and twenty artificers,
embarked for Halifax, Nova Scotia, where the classes of tradesmen most
needed for the works could not be obtained except at extravagantly high
wages. Some care was therefore taken to select mechanics fully equal to the
requirements of the settlement. The detachment landed in September
following, and Captain James Straton, commanding royal engineer, was
appointed to command it. Various works were in progress at the time of
their arrival, to which they were distributed according to circumstances; but
the service upon which they were chiefly employed was the erection of the
lighthouse in Halifax harbour. Over this work, private Dougal Hamilton, a
very intelligent and skilful mason, was appointed foreman, and acquitted
himself throughout with credit. Subsequently, when about to quit the
province as an invalid, H.R.H. Prince Edward ordered his immediate
disembarcation, and placed him at the disposal of the treasurer of the
settlement, by whom he was employed as a foreman in building the
Shelburne Lighthouse on the coast of Halifax.
Early in the spring a party of the Portsmouth company was detached to
Calshot Castle to repair and strengthen it; and another from the Guernsey

half company, to renew the defences at the Island of St. Marcou. In carrying
on the works at the latter place, privates Roger Hambly and Hugh
M‘Laughlin were dreadfully wounded by the explosion of a mine in the
execution of their duty.

1797.

Detachments to Portugal—To Dover—Transfers to the Artillery—Enlistment of artificers only—
Incorporation of Gibraltar companies with the corps—Capture of Trinidad—Draft to West Indies
—Failure at Porto Rico—Fording the lagoon, by private D. Sinclair—Private W. Rogers at the
bridge St. Julien—Saves his officer—Casualties by fever in Caribbean company—Filling up
company at St. Domingo with negroes—Mutinies in the fleet at Portsmouth—Conduct of
Plymouth company—Émeute in the Royal Artillery, Woolwich—Increase of pay—Marquis
Cornwallis’s approbation of the corps—Mutiny at the Nore—Consequent removal of detachment
to Gravesend—Alterations in dress.

Early in January, Lieutenant F. W. Mulcaster, R.E., with a party of one
sergeant, one corporal, five artificers, and four labourers of the Woolwich
company, embarked for Portugal to join the force under the command of
Lieutenant-General Charles Stuart, which was sent to that country for the
purpose of preventing its invasion by the armies of France or Spain. The
nature of the service did not call for any display of character, and the
detachment being withdrawn in October 1798, immediately proceeded with
the expedition to Minorca.
In February one corporal and seven miners of the Plymouth company
were detached to Dover to carry on the mining operations at that station
under Captain H. Bruyeres, R.E. They were farther increased in October to
two corporals, eleven artificers, ten labourers, and one drummer, as well to
conduct the mining as to assist in repairing the works on the Western
Heights. A detachment was also sent from this company to Berryhead near
Torbay, to erect fortifications.
A great deficiency occurring in the numerical establishment of the royal
artillery, the Master-General desired that as many of the labourers of the
corps of artificers as were anxious to avail themselves of the opportunity of
transferring their services to that regiment, should be permitted to do so.
The transferring continued from March to May, and the corps was thus
reduced sixty-seven men, each of whom received one guinea on being
accepted by the Artillery.[101]

This reduction in the establishment of the labourers was followed in
August by an order, that the recruiting for the corps should be limited to the
artificer part only. Labourers and men not bred to the regulated trades were
no longer enlisted, and every artificer so enlisting only received the bounty
and subsistence of a labourer, until he had been approved as a competent
artificer. This was a wholesome precaution, as those enlisted under the
assumed name of mechanics were continued as labourers, until industry and
improvement had rendered them worthy of advancement.
In June the soldier-artificer corps at Gibraltar was incorporated with the
royal military artificers. Ever since its formation in 1772 it had held a
distinct position, and was an integral body of itself. Its establishment was
two companies of 5 sergeants, 5 corporals, 2 drummers, and 125 private
artificers each, with 1 sergeant-major to both companies; but its actual
strength on the amalgamation was only 255 of all ranks. In the regular
monotonous routine of that garrison there was little occasion for their
services except as artificers. At this period their conduct was far from
commendable. Much addicted to drunkenness, they were the constant
subjects of courts-martial; but on the works, under the eye of their officers,
they behaved well and were very good mechanics, particularly the non-
commissioned officers, who, besides, were skilful foremen. By the
incorporation of these companies with the corps, it was increased from 801
to 1,075 of all ranks; but its actual strength only reached 759 men.
Sir Ralph Abercrombie having resolved to make an attempt on the island
of Trinidad, an expedition under himself and Admiral Harvey sailed
accordingly from Martinique on the 12th February. To this force were
attached one sergeant-major, two corporals, and nineteen artificers, under
Major Charles Shipley, and Lieutenants Gravatt and Lefebure, royal
engineers. From an accident by fire, which consumed the enemy’s ships on
the night preceding the morning arranged for the attack, the island became
an easy conquest and surrendered by capitulation on the 18th February.
Soon after the taking of this island, a detachment under Lieutenant Ford,
R.E., of three sergeants, two corporals, and twenty privates, drafted from
the Portsmouth company, landed and joined Major Shipley’s company at
Martinique, the strength of which, with the increase, amounted to sixty-five
of all ranks.
Sir Ralph Abercrombie and Admiral Harvey now assembled an
expedition against Porto Rico and landed there on the 17th April. The

company of artificers furnished about forty non-commissioned officers and
men for this service, including Lieutenant Ford’s party. Here they
constructed, assisted by a party of the 14th regiment, two batteries, one for
mortars and the other for guns. A large magazine abandoned by the enemy,
was also partially converted into a battery for two mortars, but its
completion was relinquished in consequence of the ordnance intended to
arm the battery having been swamped in a morass in crossing.
Notwithstanding the exertions made to reduce the place, the enterprise
failed, and the troops were withdrawn on the 30th April. Previously,
however, to effecting the evacuation, the artificers, to prevent the enemy
following in the retreat, destroyed the bridge which connected the island of
St. Julien with the main; and afterwards hastily reared a breastwork of
sandbags to cover the embarkation, which, however, was not required, as
the expedition was suffered to leave the island unmolested. The casualties
in the military artificers were five privates killed, viz., Joseph Featherstone,
George Clark, Samuel Hague, George Winter, and John Cameron, and four
severely wounded; besides about twenty more who sustained slight
contusions or mutilations.[102]
Among the measures suggested for reducing Porto Rico was one for
taking the town, by forcing the troops through the lagoon bounding the east
side of the island. Before the project could be entertained, it was considered
advisable to ascertain if the stream were fordable. An officer of Sir Ralph’s
staff having requested permission to undertake the service, he was
voluntarily accompanied by private David Sinclair of the military artificers.
In the night, at the appointed hour, both entered the lagoon together, each
provided with a long staff. With this support they probed their adventurous
way, and at length succeeded in gaining the opposite slope; where, standing
near one of the redoubts which defended a broken bridge, they distinctly
heard the vigilant sentinels talking and walking on their beats. With the
same caution as before, they picked their course back again, and then coolly
repeated the duty without the aid of props. The officer reported the ford to
be fully practicable, and at the same time lauded the intrepidity of the
soldier who accompanied him. Thereupon Sir Ralph praised him for his
gallantry and rewarded him with a johannes—a piece of eight dollars. The
idea of making the assault by passing the stream was given up, in
consequence of the British force being too weak to cope with an enemy
powerful in men and means, and almost impregnable in position. Sinclair

died the 28th July, 1797, and during his short career in the West Indies, an
officer under whom he served has left this testimony to his worth, “that he
was ever conspicuous in every service.”
Determined upon relinquishing Porto Rico, Sir Ralph ordered Lieutenant
C. Lefebure, of the royal engineers, with a detachment of the artificers,
early in the morning of the 30th April, to repair to the bridge which
connected the island of St. Julien with the Main and demolish it, for the
purpose of preventing the Spaniards following and harassing the army
during the retreat. The bridge was an old crazy structure of stone consisting
of nine arches. All were directed to work at the road-way of the centre arch,
but to private William Rogers, at his particular request, was assigned the
difficult and dangerous duty of dislodging the key stone. The ground was
soon harrowed up, a gap made across the middle, several stones were
removed from the pier-heads, and the bridge exhibited signs of instability.
Nothing daunted, Rogers boldly stepped upon the crown of the arch, and
after a few heavy blows with his pickaxe, scooped the stone from its bed. At
once the arch gave way; and the others leaning towards it, cracked as
though torn by an earthquake and fell beneath him. Rogers’s situation was
one of imminent peril, but with a fearlessness that was remarkable, he
plunged from the crumbling bridge into the stream, and was fortunately
preserved from any serious harm, whilst five of his comrades were crushed
to death by the fall; four also were severely wounded; and all the rest, save
corporal William Robinson, were injured.
Nor was this all. Rogers swam about the heap to afford help to those who
were suffering and dying. It was yet dark, and the thick dust still rising from
the fall, made the darkness denser. Groping, therefore, among the ruins, he
found an individual who still had signs of life, struggling, ineffectually, to
free himself from some massive fragments that entangled him. Rogers set to
work to release the drowning man: this he quickly accomplished, and,
swimming with his charge to the shore, the rescued turned out to be his own
officer—Lieutenant Lefebure. The life of that gallant subaltern, however,
was only prolonged to fall a sacrifice to his heroism on the walls of
Matagorda in 1810. Rogers’s exertions were not confined to his officer
only, for several of his comrades who were precipitated into the water and
were unable to swim, he saved, assisted by those of the party who had
sustained but trivial injuries.

A desolating epidemic still raged in the Caribbee Islands and greatly
diminished the numbers of the company. In November particularly, the
climate was extremely hot and unhealthy and the deaths by fever
considerable. During the year the casualties were, deaths, thirty-one, of
which fifteen occurred in November; sent home invalided, six; deserted,
two; total, thirty-nine; leaving the company, of all ranks, only thirty-three
strong at the end of the year.
At St. Domingo the great want of artificers for the service of the
engineering department being severely felt, Captain McKerras, R.E., in
February, represented the expediency of keeping up the company with
negroes. The number of the military artificers then serving in the colony
was nineteen of all ranks, a third of whom were constantly unfit for any
kind of duty, suffering as they did from over exertion and frequent relapses
of remitting fever. To Europeans the climate was “the most pernicious and
abominable in the universe,” and none but the strongest could at all bear up
against its influences. To fill up the vacancies in the company, therefore, by
drafts of mechanics from England, would have incurred a heavy outlay
without reaping a commensurate return. Considerations like these prompted
Captain McKerras to suggest the measure, and he was further influenced by
the conviction, that, since civil labour could not be procured in the colony
unless at an enormous expense, that of the slave would, after receiving
instructions from the present climatized artificers of the company, be found
of great advantage to St. Domingo, and a vast saving to the public. The
slave artificer was to receive food, clothing, and barrack accommodation,
but no pay. Whatever attention may have been paid to the proposal, certain
it is, that the company was never recruited by blacks. This probably arose
from the island having been abandoned in the autumn of 1798.[103]
The memorable mutinies in the fleet at Spithead at this time were
followed by the rising of some unprincipled men, who, as emissaries of
revolt, traversed the country endeavouring by every device to shake the
allegiance of the soldiery. Efforts of this kind were also attempted with the
royal military artificers, particularly at the ports, but beyond a few
desertions, without effect. Most of the companies publicly opposed these
agencies; but the Plymouth company in an especial manner distinguished
itself by its open and soldierlike activity against their disloyal exertions.
The document,[104] printed by the company and widely circulated through
Devonshire, was sent by Major-General Mercer, captain of the company, to

Lord Cornwallis the Master-General; who expressed very great satisfaction
with the loyal sentiments it avowed, and highly approved of the spirit and
zeal of the men in giving the declaration publicity at so opportune a
moment.
Some delay occurring in extending the King’s beneficence to the
Ordnance corps with respect to the increase of pay, the royal artillery at
Woolwich, impatient to obtain it, exhibited unmistakable symptoms of
discontent and insubordination. “More pay; less drill!” were their constant
complaints, and hundreds stood by their arms ready to use them in
compelling attention to their claims. One night particularly there was much
disturbance, and next morning about daybreak, the Commandant of the
garrison, Colonel Farringdon, of the royal artillery, ordered the whole of the
military artificers to proceed to the artillery barracks and barricade the rear
entrances. Captain Holloway, R.E., complied; and whilst the men were
effecting the service as quietly as circumstances would admit, they were
discovered by the mutineers, who showered upon them sundry articles of
barrack furniture; and then bursting open the doors, fell upon the party and
forced them from the barricades. Colonel Farringdon, who was witnessing
the progress of the work, felt the shock of the sortie, and at once ordered the
company of artificers to be withdrawn to preserve them from further
danger. In the course of the morning the Duke of York made his appearance,
and on promising to give the claims of the regiment immediate
consideration, the disaffected were appeased and returned to duty.
Already the subject of pay to the Ordnance corps had been under review,
but the émeute at Woolwich hastened the decision upon it. It was clear that
the various allowances—permanent, incidental, and temporary—were
insufficient to answer the objects for which they were intended; and also,
that the application of them from sundry causes was both intricate and
difficult. It was therefore recommended to discontinue all extra allowances,
except a small sum, annually, for defraying the expense incurred in altering
clothing; and issuing a rate of pay to all ranks adequate for every purpose,
which measure His Majesty approved in a warrant dated 25th May. A
comparison of the military allowances of the artificers prior to the
promulgation of the new warrant, and the pay sanctioned on 25th May, is
subjoined:—
Pay per Extras Pay per
diem a-day. diem

[105]
before by Warrant
25th May, of
1797. 25th May,
1797.
s. d. d. s. d.
Sergeant- 2 3 1 2 9¼
major
Sergeant 1 9 1½ 2 3¼
Corporal 1 7 1½ 2 0¾
Artificer 0 9 1¾ l 2½
Drummer 0 9 1¾ 1 2½
Labourer 0 6 2¼ 1 0½
In promulgating the augmentation of pay to the corps, Lord Cornwallis
felt it his duty to accompany the pleasure of the King with an expression of
his own sentiments; and accordingly, in the orders dated 31st May, issued
on the 2nd of June, he thus wrote:—
“Marquis Cornwallis, Master-General of the Ordnance, feels himself
happy in announcing to the corps of royal military artificers and labourers
the increase which His Majesty has been graciously pleased to make to their
pay, which puts it in their power to enjoy every comfort which a good
soldier can reasonably desire.
“The Master-General takes this opportunity of expressing his satisfaction
at the regular behaviour and good conduct which this corps has manifested,
and trusts it is not in the power of the most artful traitor to seduce the
soldiers of the royal military artificers and labourers from their loyalty and
attachment to their King and country; and when he assures them he shall
always take the greatest pleasure in rendering them a service, he is
persuaded they will continue to prove themselves deserving of his good
offices.”
Scarcely had the mutinies at Portsmouth subsided, before a more
formidable one appeared in the fleet at the Nore. Equitable concessions had
already been made to the navy; but at the Nore these were not received with
satisfaction. Other exorbitant demands were made by the Nore seamen, and
legitimate authority was resisted even by force of arms. This bold menace
then led the Government to compel unconditional submission; and the
instigators of the mutiny, with Richard Parker at their head, suffered the

extreme penalty of the law. During this alarming outbreak, the company of
artificers in the Medway division were very zealous in the completion of
various works to be employed against the mutineers, should the crisis arise
to require them. The companies at the different ports were also on the alert
and distributed to several posts of importance. A detachment of sixteen non-
commissioned officers and men—withdrawn from Gravesend in April—
were returned to that station in June. This detachment erected two batteries
at Northfleet for four and two guns of heavy calibre, to fire into the
‘Neptune,’ 98, and ‘Lancaster,’ 64, lying off Greenhithe, should they
attempt without proper orders to pass to the Nore. They also made such
repairs as were necessary to the blockhouse and batteries at Gravesend, and
also strengthened the fortifications and renewed the furnaces for heating
shot red-hot at Tilbury Fort. Here also, before returning to Woolwich in
August 1798, the detachment built a wooden river-wall at the Ferry-house.
This year the cocked hat was revived. It was an adaptation of the
pinched-up Nivernois hat and the ample Ramilies. The flaps were edged
with broad black binding instead of gold lace as formerly. The cockade and
gold loop were retained; but the short red feather was displaced by an eight-
inch length white heckle. At each of the shoots or angles of the hat was a
rose-shaped ornament of gold lace. The hats of the sergeants and sergeant-
majors were of equal fineness and edged with black silk lace, flowered;
while those of the corporals, artificers, and drummers were much superior
to the labourers. The latter did not wear roses. Alterations were also made in
the dress, inasmuch as the coatee, with its long skirts, was reduced to what
was called a half-coat with short skirts. Lappels were abolished, and the
laced looping was succeeded by frogging. The drummers wore scarlet for
the first time, with the usual livery lace. Clubs were still in vogue; but the
use of hair powder ceased. Sashes were now worn over the coatees of the
ranks entitled to the distinction. See Plate VIII.

Royal Military Artificers. Plate VIII.

UNIFORM, 1797 Printed by M & N Hanhart.

1798-1799.

Contribution of corps to the State—Detachment with expedition to maritime Flanders—Destruction
of the Bruges canal—Battle near Ostend—Draft to West Indies—Capture of Surinam—St.
Domingo evacuated—Expedition to Minorca—Conduct of detachment while serving there—
Composition of detachments for foreign service—Parties to Sevenoaks and Harwich—Mission to
Turkey—Its movements and services—Special detachment to Gibraltar to construct a cistern for
the Navy—Detachment with the expedition to Holland—Its services—Origin of the Royal Staff
Corps.

France, having but little occupation for her armies, turned her attention to
England and matured arrangements on a scale of surpassing magnitude for
its invasion. In this country all ranks and orders of men were affected by the
threat; and such was the spirit of military ardour it induced, that corps of
volunteers were rapidly embodied to meet the exigency of the times.
Throughout the kingdom the wealthy contributed largely to assist the
measures for defence; and the army, influenced by the popular feeling,
joined in the demonstration and tendered subscriptions to the Government
to aid in the realization of its purposes. The corps of military artificers also,
prompted as well by a desire to relieve the general burden of the nation as
from gratitude to the King for the recent addition to their pay, gave, in
February, a contribution of three days' pay to the Treasury, to be applied as
should be considered best for the defence of the state.[106] In acknowledging
the letter conveying the gift, General Morse, the Colonel-Commandant,
writes under date of 13th February, “their loyal and laudable offer has
afforded me great satisfaction.”
An expedition under Major-General Coote was fitted out in May, at
Margate, for service against maritime Flanders. The design of the enterprise
was to destroy the works and sluices of the Bruges canal near Ostend, and
to cripple the internal navigation. To effect these services a detachment of
the corps, experienced in mining, from the Chatham and Plymouth
companies,[107] under Lieutenant Brownrigg, royal engineers, was attached

to the force and sailed from Margate on the 14th May on board H.M.S.
‘Expedition,’ in which was General Coote himself.
The force disembarked in three divisions on the 19th May, and the
artificers, who had been instructed on board ship by Lieutenant Brownrigg
in the duties required of them, accompanied the first division, provided with
intrenching tools, wooden petards, &c. On landing, the troops took
possession of the forts that protected the sluices, in order that the intended
work of destruction might be carried on successfully. The artificers, with a
company from the 23rd regiment and a detachment of royal artillery,
commenced the appointed work, and in about four hours laid the locks,
gates, and sluices in ruins, burned several gun-boats, and effected an
explosion in the basin of the canal that almost demolished it, and drained it
dry. In this service the exertions and efficiency of the party may be inferred
from the praises bestowed by General Coote upon Lieutenant Brownrigg.
[108]

Having thus accomplished the object of the expedition the troops were
ordered to re-embark. At the appointed hour the weather had become
boisterous, and the violence of the surf rendered it impracticable to reach
the shipping. A position was, therefore, taken up on the sand-hills before
Ostend, which was strengthened in the night by the military artificers with
intrenchments suitable to the occasion; but on the 20th, the British, hemmed
in by a much stronger force, were compelled, after an obstinate contest, to
surrender themselves prisoners of war. The casualties in the detachment
were—killed, two; wounded, five; and thirteen, including the wounded,
taken prisoners.[109] The survivors returned to England, and rejoined their
companies in March, 1799.
In the West Indies the Caribbean company was reduced at the end of the
previous year by fever to thirty-three men, who were distributed in ones and
twos through different districts of the conquered islands. None could be
spared for active duty without detriment to other services equally important;
and several expeditions were, therefore, undertaken without a military
artificer accompanying them. In some measure to supply the numerous
vacancies that had occurred, one corporal and twenty-nine privates
embarked in February on board the ‘Union’ transport under Lieutenant T. R.
I’Ans, R.E.; and on their arrival the company was increased to fifty-seven
non-commissioned officers and men.

On the 20th August, the expedition under Lieut.-General Trigge, which
included three corporals and eleven men of Lieutenant-Colonel Shipley’s
company, captured the Dutch settlement of Surinam, which surrendered
without resistance. One artificer, John Nancarrow, mason, was accidentally
drowned on this service; and this was the only casualty that occurred to the
expedition.
At St. Domingo the detachment fast wasted away on account of the
arduous services of the island and the diseases of the climate; and on the
evacuation of the place in September only two of the company, with
Lieutenant H. Morshead, of the corps,[110] survived to embark with the
troops. Of the original company, which numbered forty-seven on its arrival
in May, 1796, thirty-six died, seven were invalided, two deserted, and the
remaining two[111] were sent to do duty at Jamaica.
In November three sergeants, four corporals, fifty-five artificers, three
labourers, and one drummer, total, sixty-six, formed from the party
employed in Portugal, and from artificers of the companies at Gibraltar,
were sent with the force under General Charles Stuart against Minorca. On
landing, the Spaniards, without offering any resistance, retired into the town
of Citadella, which possessed a sort of fortified enceinte. A battery for a few
field-pieces was constructed against it in the night by the artificers under
Captain D’Arcy, royal engineers, and after firing a few shots the place
surrendered on the 15th November. Soon after the capitulation, the
detachment was very much dispersed through the island, employed on
various defensive works; and on Sir Charles Stuart quitting it, the military
artificers remained to restore the fortifications. In January, 1801, the
detachment was denominated the Minorca company; but in August, 1802, it
was withdrawn, and being disbanded, the men were distributed among the
companies of the corps at home and at Gibraltar.
During their stay in Minorca it seems that their conduct was not above
reproach, nor their services on the works as useful as desired. Sir Charles
Pasley has recorded that they were found to be very inefficient, and ascribes
it to their having been selected for the expedition from the Gibraltar
companies, which, from circumstances, were for a number of years the
worst in the corps.[112] Here, however, it is proper to add, that their
inefficiency did not arise from their want of ability and skill as mechanics,
[113]
but from their general irregular behaviour occasioned chiefly by
intemperance. Writing of the Gibraltar companies, Sir Augustus de Butts, in

a letter dated 11th July, 1848, says:—“I cannot speak so confidently of their
general conduct, but on the works, under the eye of their officers, they
behaved well, and were very good artificers, particularly the non-
commissioned officers.”
On the composition of detachments for foreign duty, Sir Charles Pasley
has made some observations which may not inappropriately be introduced
here. “When any expedition,” he writes, “was to be undertaken, the number
of royal military artificers required were in all cases, selected by small
detachments out of the stationary companies; and as the commanding
engineers at the several fixed stations were naturally averse to parting with
their best men, the detachments thus formed for field service, were
generally composed of the stupidest and least trustworthy non-
commissioned officers, and of the most ignorant, profligate, and abandoned
of the privates.”[114] This was, it would appear, the general rule, but
exceptions may fairly be taken in favour of the detachments forwarded to
Toulon, St. Domingo, Halifax, and Ostend, as well as to some of the
reinforcements sent to the Caribbee islands. These detachments were not
formed of bad men weeded from the different companies, but of non-
commissioned officers and privates whose qualifications and utility as
mechanics were unquestionable, and whose conduct was approved.
In April and May a corporal and party of carpenters of the Woolwich
company were detached to Sevenoaks, and there built temporary wooden
barracks for a company of artillery; a second party was employed in
repairing Falmouth Castle from May to November; and in the latter month
two carpenters and two masons, all privates, were sent to superintend
workmen in the erection of fortifications and temporary defences at
different places from Chelmsford to Harwich, in which duty they continued
until April 1800.
Napoleon, by a series of successes, had gained a firm footing in Egypt,
and the subjugation of India was contemplated by the French Directory. As
well to thwart the intention, as to stimulate the Turks, the British
Government determined to send a military mission to the dominions of the
Sultan, to cooperate with the Ottoman army in their hostile movements
against the French. The mission being formed of artillery, engineers, and
artificers, in all seventy-six persons, under Brigadier-General Koehler, of
the royal artillery, embarked in the ‘New Adventure’ transport in February,
but did not sail from England till April. The military artificers, selected by

Major Holloway, royal engineers, from the Woolwich company, numbered
one sergeant—Edward Watson—two corporals, nineteen artificers, and two
labourers; and as Major Holloway had proceeded overland to
Constantinople,[115] were consequently placed under the orders of Captain
Lacy, R.E. On the near approach of the ‘Adventure’ to Gibraltar she was
partially wrecked. A quantity of stores and some pontoons were thrown
overboard, and private Philip Patterson, whilst exerting himself in casting
away the stores, was washed off the deck by a wave into the sea and
drowned. On the 14th June the transport arrived at Constantinople, and
Major Holloway assumed the command of the artificers.
On the removal of the mission to Levant Chiflick, five of the detachment
were detained with the officers at Buyukdere, and the remainder were
occupied in various services at the former place and Kaithana, where they
erected a furnace for heating shot. Shortly afterwards experiments with red-
hot shot were carried on in the presence of the Sultan, who, at the close of
the practice, having reviewed the mission, presented each person with a gift
suitable to his rank. Whilst building the furnace, the artificers, exposed to
marsh miasma, were early attacked with fever. At first the cases were slight,
but relapses following with malignity, three of the detachment died. To
preserve the mission, therefore, it was removed in October to the
Dardanelles. Previously to the embarkation, the artificers constructed a
handsome model of the upper castle at Chennekalleh, on the Asiatic side of
the Dardanelles, with Major Holloway’s improvements, which model was
presented by that officer to Hadgi Ibrahim Effendi, Secretary at War for the
Ottoman Porte. Subsequently, at the Dardanelles,[116] they were employed in
effecting various alterations and additions to the castle until the 2nd
December, when the mission was suddenly recalled to Constantinople; and
landing on the 4th, awaited orders to proceed on more active service.[117]
At the instance of the Admiralty, a detachment of one sergeant, one
corporal, and forty privates, chiefly masons and bricklayers, able-bodied
men and good artificers, under Lieutenant C. Mann, royal engineers, sailed
for Gibraltar in May on board the ‘Fortitude,’ and landed there the
following month. The party was specially employed in constructing a
cistern for naval purposes, under the military foremanship of sergeant
Joseph Woodhead; and in October, 1800, it was incorporated with the
Gibraltar companies.

England and Russia having concluded a treaty to send an army to
Holland to reinstate the Stadtholder, a corps of 12,000 men, under Sir Ralph
Abercrombie, embarked for the Helder and landed on the 27th August.
Attached to this expedition was a party of military artificers, consisting of
one sergeant, two corporals, thirty-five artificers—seventeen of whom were
carpenters—and one drummer, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Hay,
R.E. The detachment embarked on board the ‘Amphitrite,’ and
disembarking with the second division, were present in the action of that
day.
After forming the engineer park near the Helder, about ten men were left
to repair the fort; and the remainder, divided into brigades of four to each
brigade, followed the troops in their forward movement in charge of the
intrenching equipment of the expedition, which was conveyed in waggons.
Early in September, the detachment constructed several batteries for guns
and mortars to defend the post at Zuyp; as also, subsequently, at Hoorn and
Egmont-op-Zee; and to facilitate the march of the army to the latter place,
they assisted in the formation of three flying bridges over canals that
intersected the route. In the retreat, they were continually employed in
throwing small bridges across the canals by means of planking, felled trees,
and other chance materials. At Alkmaer they constructed several defensive
works; and on retiring from thence, where three roads met, they raised, in
an incredibly short time, a mound of earth about twelve feet high, across the
junction, with the view of impeding the enemy in their pursuit of the
British. None of the military artificers were killed or wounded on this
service. On the evacuation of Holland in November the detachment rejoined
the companies.
Here, perhaps, it would be proper to allude, in a general remark, to the
practice of providing detachments for foreign service. It will already have
been observed, that whenever any expedition was undertaken, resort was
invariably had to the royal military artificers for a selection of men to
accompany it, suitable to the work upon which it was contemplated they
would be employed; but the numbers furnished were always insufficient for
the purpose, and no representations or remonstrances could avail in altering
a custom, which, from causes not easily surmised, seems to have been
pertinaciously persevered in.
This remark is fully borne out by the statement of a highly distinguished
officer;[118] and is moreover corroborated by the fact, that about this time,

the particular attention of the Commander-in-Chief was drawn to the
subject, without, however, accomplishing what the interests of the service
greatly needed. It is said, that when the Duke of York was preparing his
expedition for Holland, he demanded efficient assistance from the royal
engineers and royal military artificers, which, for some reason, the
Ordnance authorities reluctantly met with an inadequate provision.
Annoyed by the limited number tendered, his Royal Highness determined to
establish a corps competent to discharge the duties usually devolving upon
the royal engineers, “which should be absolutely at the disposal of the
Horse Guards; and as his Royal Highness held office in times when the
thoughts of statesmen were bent rather to render the means of the country’s
defence complete, and to aid other nations in opposing the aggressions of an
arrogant and unscrupulous power, than to effect savings in the public
expenditure, he found no difficulty in consummating his wishes, and hence
arose the royal staff corps.”[119]

1800.

Mortality in the West Indies—Blockade of Malta—Capture of a transport on passage from Nova
Scotia—Movements and services of detachments in Turkey; attacked with fever—Anecdote of
private Thomas Taylor at Constantinople—Cruise of expedition to Cadiz—Attack on the city
abandoned—Subsequent movements of the expedition; Malta; and re-embarkation for Egypt—
Statistics of companies at Gibraltar.

From the diminished state of the company in the West Indies, and the
impracticability of filling up the constantly-recurring vacancies by drafts
from England, authority was given to the Commanding Engineer in the
Leeward Islands, to obtain on the spot, men for the company properly
qualified and climatized, either by enlistment or transfer from other corps.
This led to an immediate incorporation, in April, of one sergeant, twenty
privates, and two drummers, from the 43rd and other regiments; and though
the plan was attended with considerable success, the still greater mortality
from fever always kept the company greatly below its establishment.
In addition to the repeated allusion made to the military artificers in the
West Indies, the following statistics of mortality, as far as the same can now
be ascertained, affording a tolerably correct idea of the unhealthiness of the
climate, and the sufferings to which the men must have been subjected, may
here not be misplaced.
Number of Deaths.
1793 17
1794 65
1795 19
1796 70
1797 37
1798 12
1799 10
1800 9

—
Total 239
The aggregate number of artificers and labourers sent there from year to
year, including those transferred from other corps and enlisted on the spot,
amounted to about 350. More than two-thirds of the number, therefore, fell
victims to the war and the climate! Many also were sent home invalided,
several of whom died on the passage, or soon after landing in England. At
the close of 1800, the strength of the company did not exceed seventy-eight
of all ranks, twenty-two being required to complete it.
In February, private Evan Roberts, an active and intelligent artificer, was
chosen from the Minorca company for service at the blockade of La Valetta,
and arrived at Malta before the end of the month. From that time until the
surrender of the fortress on the 15th of September, he served in the
department with zeal and efficiency under Captain Gordon, royal engineers;
and continued, though a private, to discharge the duties of an overseer of
works until the formation, in 1806, of the first company of Maltese
artificers, to which he was transferred as sergeant.
At Halifax, Nova Scotia, three invalids embarked on board the
‘Diamond’ transport on the 15th of September, with several invalids of
Captain R. Wright’s company of royal artillery, and sailed with the fleet on
the 19th of that month. Previously to weighing anchor, private Walter Allan
was accidentally drowned in the harbour by falling overboard; and the other
two, privates Ninian Kerr and Samuel Milman, were captured by the French
some time in October. But all efforts to ascertain where, or how, the enemy
effected the seizure of the vessel with her crew and passengers, have proved
unsuccessful.
Soon after the removal of the mission from the Dardanelles to
Constantinople, Captain Lacy and Lieutenant Fletcher, R.E., were detached
to join the Turkish army in Syria. With these officers two military artificers
were also sent, one of whom returned from Cyprus with the former officer
in April, and the other reached the mission again, some two months later,
with Captain Lacy. On the 13th of June, the artificers sailed from
Constantinople[120] with the mission, and landed at Jaffa on the 2nd of July,
where they encamped with the Turkish army and commenced, under the
foremanship of sergeant E. Watson, the improvements suggested by Major
Holloway in the fortifications of that port. These, however, though far
advanced, were ultimately set aside, and the artificers were appointed to

erect several new works in front of Jaffa; which, in consequence of the
French being in great force at Catieh, were considered to be more essential
than the proposed alterations to the defences of the town. With great
ceremony, on the 30th of August, the first stone of the intended new bastion
was laid by the Grand Vizier; and shortly after, his Highness having
reviewed the mission, marked his approbation of their appearance by a
present to each non-commissioned officer and soldier. In December the
fever, which had been alarmingly rife in the Turkish camp, attacked the
mission. Its first victim was a military artificer; and before the end of the
month, though the cases of mortality were few, the mission had to lament
the loss by death, of their commander, General Koehler, R.A., and his lady.
Major Holloway, royal engineers, then assumed the command, and at the
close of the year, a change of cantonment having re-established the health
of the men, the works at the new bastion progressed vigorously.[121]
In April, a detachment of one sergeant, two corporals, and thirty
artificers, under Captain Bryce, R.E., accompanied the expedition under Sir
Ralph Abercrombie, for employment on secret service. The men were
selected from the different home companies, and all were “sufficiently
qualified in their respective trades, as well as able-bodied.” Proceeding to
Portsmouth, they remained inactive for about six weeks; and, at length
embarking on board the ‘Asia’ transport, sailed in June with the expedition.
In the Channel off Portland, the fleet encountered a gale, and was driven
back to Portsmouth; but on a fair wind springing up, got under weigh again,
and in due time ran up the Tagus. From thence the ‘Asia’ proceeded to
Gibraltar, lay there about a month, and sailing for Minorca, soon reached
that island and landed the artificers; where, for about seven weeks, they
were employed in the construction of temporary barracks, &c., for the
troops put on shore. At the expiration of this period, the artificers returned
to the ‘Asia’ and retracing the route to Gibraltar, anchored for a fortnight.
There they were reinforced by one sergeant, one corporal, and five miners
of the companies at the fortress; and at the appointed hour, the ‘Asia,’ again
weighing anchor for Tetuan Bay, took water there and sailed with the fleet
for Cadiz.
When off Cadiz, the artificers were told off into two brigades, and six of
the boldest and most expert men were selected to land with the first
division, and the remainder with the second. On the morning of the day in
which the attempt was to be made, the artificers, as a preliminary measure,

removed all the intrenching tools and engineers' stores into the launches,
and then took their places in the boats, provided with adzes, pole-axes, and
miners' tools for removing impediments, &c. A long interval of breathless
suspense followed, in which the seamen rested impatiently on their oars;
but, as an epidemic raged at the time in the city, the landing was
countermanded, and the men and stores being reshipped, the meditated
attack upon Cadiz was relinquished. The ‘Asia,’ consequently, sailed for
Tetuan Bay, where, exposed to a storm, she was compelled to cut her cable
and run for Cape Spartel. There she anchored for four days, and on the wind
shifting again made for the bay.[122]
At this rendezvous the fleet was divided into three divisions, and the
artificers accompanied that under Sir Ralph Abercrombie to Malta. There
they were landed; and after a stay of about seven weeks, during which they
were employed preparing platforms and fascines, re-embarked on the 17th
of December, seven on board the ‘Ajax,’ 74, Captain the Hon. Sir
Alexander Cochrane, and the remainder on board the ‘Asia’ transport.
Hitherto the service of the expedition had been expended in a series of
cruises or reconnaissances alike harassing and wearying, but at length, a
glimpse of approaching activity burst upon the armament. Soon the
enterprise commenced, and terminated with glory to Britain by rescuing an
inoffensive nation from the eagle grasp of an oppressive republic.
Ever since the incorporation of the Gibraltar companies with the corps,
the power to recruit for those companies was vested in the commanding
royal engineer at the fortress, and, so far, was exercised with tolerable
success. This permission was the more necessary, as, from the frequent calls
made upon the home companies to detach parties for the service of
particular expeditions, it was impossible, so to attend to those companies as
to keep them numerically complete. The effect of that power was, that from
the date of the incorporation to the end of 1800, ninety-six artificers had
either been enlisted or received as transfers from regiments in the garrison;
but from the unavoidable exposure of the men to the sun in carrying on
their working duties, and the general unhealthiness of the climate, the
casualties in the companies far exceeded the number that joined. Of the
increase and decrease in the companies for the above period, the following
is an accurate exposition:—
Strength at the incorporation, of all ranks 255
Joined from employment at the naval reservoir 36

Enlisted or transferred from regiments in garrison 96
Total 387
The decrease was:—
Deaths 45
Discharges 31
Invalided 38
Desertions 4 118
269
Wanted to complete 6
Establishment 275

1801-1802.

Distribution of corps—Dispersion of West India company—Statistics—Detachment to St. Marcou—
Capture of Danish settlements—Casualties in West India company—Compared with mortality in
Gibraltar companies—Working dress—Services, &c., of detachment at Gibraltar—Conduct of
Sergeant W. Shirres—Concession to the companies by the Duke of Kent—Cocked hat superseded
by the chaco.

On the 1st January the corps was distributed in companies and
detachments as follows. The names of the officers in command and the
senior non-commissioned officers at the several stations are also added:—
Sergeant-majors.
Woolwich Lieut.-Col. B. Fisher John Eaves.
Lieut.-Col. Thos.
Chatham John Palmer.
Nepean
Portsmouth James Smith.
Gosport } Col. John Evelegh { Alexander Spence.
Maj.-Gen. Alex.
Plymouth William Browne.
Mercer
Jersey Capt. John Humfrey Anthony Haig.
Lieut.-Col. J.
Guernsey Andrew Gray.
Mackelcan
Dover
Gibraltar Lieut.-Col. Wm. Fyers Joseph Makin.
Sergeant Jas. Shirres,
Minorca Capt. Robert D’Arcy { Foreman of
Carpenters.
Sergeant John Catto,
Nova Scotia Capt. Wm. Fenwick { Foreman of Masons.

Serg.-Maj. Matthew
West Indies Col. Chas. Shipley
Hoey.
Sergeant John
Egyptian
Expedition
Capt. Alex. Bryce { McArthur,
Master Smith.
Jaffa, with
Sergeant Edward
the
Ottoman } Major C. Holloway { Watson,
Master Carpenter.
Army
The head-quarters of the West India company were at Martinique, from
which non-commissioned officers and men were detached to St. Lucia, St.
Vincent’s, St. Kitt’s, St. Pierre’s, the Saintes, Surinam, and Barbadoes, for
the purpose of acting as overseers on the works or for employment on
particular services.
The establishment of the corps was 975; but wanting 232 to complete, its
strength only amounted to 743 of all ranks. Of this number 403 were abroad
and 340 at home.
Early in the year a small party of one sergeant, and seven artificers from
the Portsmouth and Gosport companies were sent to St. Marcou, an island
on the coast of France, seven miles east of Cape la Hogue, to repair the
fortifications; and having accomplished the service returned to their
companies in November.
To the expedition which proceeded against the Danish settlements in
March, under the command of Lieut.-General Trigge, were attached one
sergeant-major, two corporals, and twenty privates of the military artificers,
who were present at the capture of the islands of St. Bartholomew, St.
Martin, St. Thomas, St. John, and Santa Croix.
The loss in the West India company by fever and other diseases during
the year amounted to twenty, whose vacancies were immediately filled up
by transfers from the line.
In May the working dress consisted of a blue cloth jacket with skirts, two
serge waistcoats with sleeves, two pairs of blue serge pantaloons, a black
round hat, and a pair of half black gaiters. One of the waistcoats and a pair
of pantaloons formed the second working dress. The new jacket was made
of stouter and better cloth than formerly; sleeves were added to the serge
waistcoats, and the second pair of pantaloons were substituted for the
canvas ones. These improvements were considered equivalent to a linen

shirt, a pair of stockings, and a canvas jacket previously supplied with the
working suit, but which, from this year, ceased to be issued to the corps.
At the opening of the year the military artificers with the British mission
to Turkey, reduced to fifteen men, were occupied in the erection of the new
bastion at Jaffa, which was finished and the guns placed on the platforms
with great pomp on the 27th January. Of the detachment with the mission,
two were styled labourers, from their not having been promoted to the rank
of artificers; and they, when not immediately occupied on the works, acted
in the capacity of servants to Major Holloway. One of these labourers when
out one afternoon some distance from Jaffa, exercising the Major’s horses,
was attacked by a party of Arabs on a predatory excursion, by whose fire
the Major’s horse was killed, and the bâtman wounded with balls and slugs
in nine different places. The servant of Major Hope, R. A. was also in the
assault; and by great exertion succeeded in bearing his comrade back to the
camp. Dr. Wittman, of the mission, with celerity equal to his skill, extracted
the missiles and the sufferer speedily recovered.[123]
On the 2nd February, Captain Lacy, royal engineers, was despatched to
El Arish to collect military information, accompanied by a private of the
artificers who early fell a sacrifice to the plague that prevailed there. On the
25th of that month, the Ottoman army commenced its march to Grand
Cairo, the British mission being attached to the body guard of his Highness
the Vizier, mounted on fine horses superbly caparisoned, and attended by
Arabs. Passing through Ashdod, the army encamped for a while at Gaza,
where the military artificers were separated into three parties, and attached
to the divisions respectively commanded by the Grand Vizier, Mahomed
Pacha, and Taher Pacha; but it is difficult to record with satisfactory
distinctness, the particular services in which they subsequently participated.
On the 28th March the army entered the Desert at Kahnyounes, and
traversing that arid and inhospitable region for about 150 miles, subjected
to occasional deprivation of food and water, and exposed to sultry heats,
infectious diseases, and danger, reached Salahieh on the 27th April, after a
tedious and harassing march of thirty-two days. Two of the military
artificers died in the Desert; and the survivors, who were present at the
capture of Salahieh and Belbeis, and in the action near the village of
Elhanka, entered Cairo on the 11th July. There they were employed during
the remainder of the year, in renewing the bridge of boats across the Nile
constructed by the French to preserve a communication with Gizeh, and

also in repairing the fortifications of the city, until the 19th February, 1802,
when they quitted for Rosetta. From this town they were removed to
Alexandria, and afterwards to Malta, where, finally embarking for England,
they arrived at different periods in the fall of 1802 and spring of 1803.[124]
The strength of the detachment on joining the Turkish mission, was twenty-
four of all ranks; eleven only returned! Of the casualties eleven died of
fever or the plague, and two were drowned accidentally. “After a series of
painful, harassing, and critical events,” says the journalist, “the labours of
the mission closed; and the patience, forbearance, and circumspection of the
individuals engaged in this long and perilous service, were manifested on a
variety of trying occasions, which required all the energy inherent in the
British military character.”[125]
Meanwhile the detachment of the corps with the force under the
command of Sir Ralph Abercrombie reached Marmorice Bay; and with the
exception of the party on board the ‘Ajax’, landed, and prepared a shipload
of fascines and gabions to be used in the intended enterprise. Five of the
‘Ajax’ men were employed in different repairs to the vessel; and the other
two, assisted by a corporal of the 44th regiment, made an elegant double
couch of mahogany covered with various beautifully-marked skins from
Rhodes, for the Turkish General Mustapha, which was presented to him by
Captain the Hon. Alexander Cochrane, R.N. On the 17th February, the fleet
set sail for Egypt, and running into Aboukir Bay on the 1st March, the
troops landed on the 7th, and then followed a display of invincible ardour
and bravery on the part of the British, that checked France in her career of
success, and turned all her glorious Egyptian conquests into painful
disasters and capitulations.
With the first division were landed the seven military artificers of the
‘Ajax,’ who were present in the action of that morning; and eight hours
afterwards commenced to trace the necessary works for besieging Aboukir
Castle. Next day the remainder of the detachment landed from the ‘Asia’
transport, and dispersed in small parties of about four each to the several
brigades of the army, advanced to Alexandria. Under the direction of their
officers, the ‘Ajax’ artificers superintended the construction of batteries for
eleven guns and three mortars in front of Aboukir, laying all the platforms
themselves, and restoring, when damaged by the enemy’s fire, the cheeks of
the embrasures which were formed by a double row of sand-bags backed or
strengthened by a row of casks filled with earth, a plan suggested by Major

M‘Kerras, royal engineers, previously to his being killed; but which was not
again resorted to, during the subsequent operations of the campaign. On the
19th March the castle surrendered.
On the heights of Alexandria, the artificers with the column under Sir
Ralph Abercrombie, superintended the erection of batteries and redoubts of
sand-bags, fascines, and gabions, which formed a strong line of defence
from the sea to Lake Maedie. The Aboukir party joining on the 20th, also
assisted in the works until their completion. Unable, from being unarmed,
to take an active part in the battle of Alexandria on the 21st March, they
occupied themselves in the essential duty of carrying shot, shell, and
ammunition to the artillery and the troops.
After the battle the military artificers had the charge, under their officers,
of renewing the works on the heights, and when completed were appointed
to aid in effecting the inundation of a portion of the country. This was
accomplished by cutting seven channels in the dyke of the canal of
Alexandria, through which the waters of Lake Aboukir rushed into Lake
Mareotis, then nearly dry, and about ten feet below the level of Lake
Aboukir. Across the Nile they subsequently threw a bridge of boats, to
facilitate the communication between Alexandria and Rosetta, re-forming it
when swept away by the rapidity of the current; and afterwards they
assisted in the construction of a similar bridge across the openings in the
dyke of the canal of Alexandria for the convenience of the shipping.
Four of the artificers who were at the siege of the castle of Aboukir were
attached to the brigade under Colonel Spencer, and served at the reduction
of Rosetta, Fort St. Julian—against which they constructed batteries for two
guns and two mortars—Elhamet, Alkam, and Rahmanieh.
Shortly after they proceeded to Grand Cairo and were present at its
surrender on the 27th June. A brief interval elapsed, when they returned to
Alexandria, by the river Nile, in the large which contained the field
equipment of the detachment. On reaching Alexandria, the entire
detachment was divided into two parties, one under Captain Bryce, the
chief engineer, and the other under Captain Ford, royal engineers; and were
subsequently present at the siege of the castle of Marabout, the taking of
Redoubt de Bain, and at the final fall of Alexandria on the 27th August. No
casualties in killed and wounded are reported to have taken place among the
men during the campaign; and though no particular testimony to their
merits appears to have been recorded, from the circumstance of their being

so few in number, and from the absence of prominent occasions of
exhibiting their zeal and efficiency, arising from the enemy capitulating and
surrendering many of his works without resistance, still they were permitted
in common with the other troops that served in Egypt, to wear the device of
the Sphinx on their appointments. A like honour was also conferred upon
the military artificers who served with the mission to Turkey.
Immediately following the capture of Alexandria, an expedition was sent
to Elba, under Admiral Lord Keith and General Sir Eyre Coote. Five
military artificers were attached to it on board the ‘Amphitrite’ transport,
under the orders of Captain Birch, royal engineers; but, when between
Rhodes and Candia, an English man-of-war brought intelligence of peace to
Lord Keith, and the descent upon the island was relinquished. Thereupon
the ‘Amphitrite’ sailed for Malta, where the artificers remained for six
weeks, employed in repairing the fortifications. During this period, they
were joined by others of the detachment from Alexandria, and re-
embarking, arrived in England in February, 1802. The residue of the
detachment, detained for a while at Alexandria and Malta watching the
development of events, reached these shores in August, 1803.
On the Duke of Kent being appointed Governor of Gibraltar, his first care
was to introduce some wholesome regulations for diminishing the
drunkenness and crime so prevalent in the garrison. Stringent measures
were therefore adopted with regard to the sale of liquors and wines in the
canteens, scrupulous attention was paid to the appearance of the men in the
streets, and drill and discipline were rigorously enforced. These reforms,
however, were received with much discontent; and on Christmas-eve of
1802 the stifled feeling of insubordination broke out into mutiny.
In this émeute the greater part of the military artificers took an
unequivocal but unimportant part. The Duke’s new rules interfered more
essentially with the practices and indulgences of the companies, than with
any other troops in the garrison. Besides being subjected to the general
rigours imposed on the troops, the artificers were deprived of the privilege
of working privately in the town, and were once a week taken from the
command of their own officers, and drilled and disciplined by the Town
Major. These innovations upon old usages produced considerable
disaffection in the companies, and many of the more reckless and turbulent
were not backward in ranging themselves on the side of the mutineers.
Joining a party of the Royals at night, at the Town Range Barracks, they

proceeded in company to the South Barracks, where, on approaching to
make arrangements for a simultaneous rising, the 18th Royal Irish fired
upon them, with no better result than tearing the feather from the hat of one
of the privates of the artificers.
This harmless volley had the effect of cooling the ardour of the
mutineers, and the rebel artificers becoming tranquil, returned home; but on
the Saturday following, another and more decided exhibition being
expected, the officers of engineers met at the barracks, to endeavour to
prevent any co-operation with the mutineers. Meanwhile the companies
received their working pay, and all restrictions being taken off the canteen,
the intemperance that followed soon rendered the men too insensible to
discharge any duty effectually, either for the Crown or the mutineers.
During the night a strong party of the 25th regiment appeared at the gates to
demand the services of the companies; but sergeant William Shirres,
assisted by a small guard of the corps, closed and daringly held the gates
against the exasperated rebels, and prevented any communication with the
barracks. Without entering further into the progress of the mutiny, it will be
sufficient to add, that it was soon suppressed, and three of the ringleaders of
the 25th regiment were shot on the Grand Parade by sentence of a general
court-martial.
A few days after the Duke of Kent ordered the companies to be specially
paraded for his inspection. Having passed down the ranks and moved to the
front, his Royal Highness addressed them. He appeared to have been
informed that the artificers had joined with the Royals and 25th regiment in
their intemperate display; but added, that he felt every reluctance to give
credence to the report, and also made some complimentary allusions to the
services of the companies at the fortress. He then desired to know if there
were any complaints, in order, if reasonable, to adjust them. The men, thus
courteously invited, having stated their wish to be drilled by their own
officers, his Royal Highness directed the Town Major to manœuvre the
companies. Carefully the Duke watched the firelock exercise and the
execution of the various evolutions, and, expressing his satisfaction with
their appearance and drill, granted their request.
This year the cocked hat, worn since 1797, was superseded by the chaco,
similar in size and shape to the one commonly adopted in the army. So
strange an alteration—from the sage-like cocked hat to its trim substitute—
obtained for the new head-gear the cimmerian appellation of the “smoke-

jack.” The white heckle feather worn with the cocked hat, was retained. See
Plate IX. As time wound up, this description of chaco lost its upright lines
for one which, approaching a cone in shape, was called the “sugar-loaf
cap.” The latter, again, was superseded by another in 1813, which, from its
peculiar form, was familiarly styled the “bang-up.”

Royal Military Artificers Plate IX.

UNIFORM 1802 Printed by M & N Hanhart.

1803-1805.

Party to Ceylon—The treaty of Amiens broken—State of West India company—Capture of St. Lucia
—Tobago—Demerara, Essequibo, and Berbice—Works at Spike Island—Capture of Surinam—
Conduct of private George Mitchell—Batavian soldiers join West India Company—Fever at
Gibraltar—Consequent mortality.—Humane and intrepid conduct of three privates—Invasion of
England—Works at Dover—Jersey—Chelmsford—Martello towers at Eastbourne—Bomb tenders
at Woolwich—Recruiting—Volunteers from the Line and Militia—Treaty of St. Petersburgh—
Party to Naples—Ditto to Hanover.

Lieutenant-Colonel Bridges having been appointed commanding royal
engineer in Ceylon, he applied for a detachment of the military artificers to
accompany him to that station. The requisite sanction being procured, six
artificers, comprising one corporal, two carpenters, one mason, one
bricklayer, and one smith, embarked for the East in January. The precise
object of despatching so small a party to so distant a settlement cannot now
be learned, but every care was taken to choose men for the service whose
activity and abilities as craftsmen were well known, and whose conduct was
unexceptionable. “Select,” says the order to the officer called upon to
furnish the party, “such men as you would prefer if going on the service
yourself.” In June the party arrived at Trincomalee, but what specific
services were performed by them in the colony it would be idle to
conjecture. Before the autumn of 1806, four of the men died, but the other
two held up against the climate till 1815, when one left for England and was
discharged,[126] and the other died in April, 1817.
The treaty of peace between France and Great Britain was signed on the
27th March, 1802, and hailed everywhere with exultation. Soon, however,
Buonaparte began to exhibit a spirit at variance with the solemn
engagement, and his irrepressible ambition forced him to seek occasions for
gratifying it. Increased power and dominion were the engrossing objects of
his genius; and, singular as it may appear, states and republics fell under his
sway without his lifting a sword to conquer them. All this transpired while
yet the burst of joy at the peaceful negotiation was ringing in the courts of

Europe; but Great Britain, though a sullen spectator of these events, caring
more to be blamed for reluctance than impetuosity, at length interfered, and
the result was, that war was declared with the French republic on the 18th
May, 1803.
At that period the company stationed in the West Indies had nearly
reached its establishment; and, as the sickness, so rife in former years, had
greatly lessened both in malignity and extent, the general health of the men
had much improved. So keen was Lieutenant-Colonel Shipley about
maintaining his company complete, that whenever a death occurred or an
artificer quitted the station through ill health, he invariably applied direct to
the general officer in command of the troops, to order a tradesman of
approved qualification and conduct to be transferred to it from the line.
Alike interested in the efficiency of the company, the general officer always
acceded to his request; and the company, consequently, was in excellent
condition for affording effective co-operation in any active service.
Intelligence of the renewal of hostilities soon reached the West India
islands, and an expedition was forthwith prepared to be employed in the
capture of St. Lucia, under the command of General Grinfield and
Commodore Hood. To this force were attached one sergeant-major, three
sergeants, five corporals, and sixty-eight privates of the military artificers,
who were engaged, on the 22nd June, in the storming of Morne Fortuné and
taking of St. Lucia. Corporal William Dyson was killed at the storm,[127] but
of the wounded, no particulars exist. Of the services of Colonel Shipley and
his company in this capture, the General, under date of June 22nd, thus
wrote:—“To Lieutenant-Colonel Shipley and the royal engineers, he is
indebted in a high degree for assistance and professional advice.”[128]
In July the same company was present at the capitulation of Tobago,
which surrendered without bloodshed to the forces under General Grinfield.
“Great praise,” says the General in his orders of the 1st July, “is also due to
the alertness and readiness of the royal artillery and royal artificers in their
embarkation and disembarkation, both of themselves, ordnance, and stores,
and for their attention to their discipline and duties” [129]
In the following September, Colonel Shipley and one sergeant-major,
three sergeants, one corporal, and thirty-three privates, were attached to
another expedition under the same General, and were present at the capture
of the colonies of Demerara, Essequibo, and Berbice. Like Tobago, these
islands surrendered without resistance. At each of the subjugated

settlements and at Trinidad, a small party was left to carry on the current
services and improve the defences. The head-quarters still remained at
Martinique. During the year the deaths in the company did not exceed
twelve men; and its strength at the end of the year was eighty-seven of all
ranks, of whom only eight were ineffective from sickness.
Early in the year Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Charles Holloway was
appointed commanding royal engineer at Cork, and at once commenced a
minute examination of the fortifications under his charge. These were found
to be defective, inasmuch as they did not sufficiently command the
surrounding country and harbour. Sir Charles, therefore, among many
works which he suggested for the defence of the district, projected an
extensive fort for Spike Island to be erected on the site of Westmoreland
Fort, which was to be demolished. Authorized to carry his plans into
execution, he applied and obtained in October, the services of an efficient
detachment of tradesmen, consisting of a sergeant, and master mason,
thirteen artificers, and one labourer of the Woolwich company, to aid in
destroying the old fort and in erecting the proposed new one. As the works
progressed and their completion was pressed, the detachment, in December,
1804, was augmented to thirty-eight non-commissioned officers and
artificers; and in January, 1805, to a full company of one hundred strong,
under the denomination of the “Spike Island Company.” Between five and
six thousand civil mechanics and labourers were daily employed at the fort,
over whom, to a certain extent, were placed the non-commissioned officers
of the company, as masters of the respective trades, or foremen of particular
portions of the work.
Arrangements for an expedition against Surinam having been perfected,
Major-General Sir Charles Green and Commodore Hood sailed there in
April. Lieutenant-Colonel Shipley, royal engineers, as also one sergeant-
major, two corporals, twenty privates, and one drummer of the artificers
accompanied it, the rest of the company not being available for the service
in consequence of being greatly dispersed through the different islands.
Surinam being very difficult of approach, Lieutenant-Colonel Shipley, on
the 29th April, went on shore to procure tidings with respect to the best
means of reaching the settlement. On returning, he reported that a body of
troops might be conducted to the rear of Forts Leyden and Frederici.
Accordingly, twenty of the military artificers with side arms and felling
axes, ten of the 6th West India regiment similarly provided, a detachment of

140 men of the 64th regiment, and about thirty seamen, all under Brigadier-
General Hughes, landed on the night of the 29th, and proceeded through
almost impassable woods, led by negro guides, to the place of assault. After
five hours' laborious marching, the stormers arrived near the rear of
Frederici Battery, which was gallantly taken, as was also Fort Leyden soon
after; and Surinam surrendered on the 5th May. “No obstacle,” says the
despatch of Sir Charles Green, “could damp the enterprising spirit of our
seamen and soldiers. They underwent great fatigue in executing these
works, which, however, they cheerfully submitted to under Lieutenant-
Colonel Shipley, who, as usual, was unceasing in his exertions.”[130] Severe
as the storming is described to have been, only three soldiers were killed; of
whom one was a military artificer,[131] private James Connolly, at the assault
of Fort Leyden. Of the number wounded, no official account has been
traced.
Private George Mitchell, represented as a highly-meritorious soldier,
distinguished himself in the assault, as, indeed, did the whole of the
detachment. As well on the march as in the two successive assaults, he was
conspicuous for his perseverance, promptitude, and bravery, and when
entering Frederici with the foremost troops, was severely wounded by the
side of his officer, Lieutenant J. R. Arnold, R.E., who led the storm. For his
services on this occasion he was promoted to be corporal, and subsequently
for the same reason to the rank of sergeant. He also received a present from
the Patriotic Fund at Lloyd’s, in testimony of the opinion entertained of his
services.[132]
On the reduction of the place, the Batavian troops were released from
their former allegiance, and at liberty to become either citizens in Surinam,
or soldiers in his Britannic Majesty’s forces; but the barren and uninviting
prospects that a captured country presented prevented many from settling,
and they readily offered to enrol themselves under the British standard.
Availing himself of the opportunity, Lieutenant-Colonel Shipley accepted
the services of seventeen Batavian artificers and enlisted them for the
company. Fourteen deaths were reported in the company during the year;
and on the 31st December its strength was eighty-eight of all ranks.
A fever of a very malignant character appeared at Gibraltar in August,
and continued its ravages during the autumnal months. Brought in by a
foreigner, who took up his abode in the vicinity of the married quarters of
the royal artillery, the disorder was soon communicated to the latter; and, by

the end of September, it spread with a rapidity only equalled by its
virulence. Ere long the whole fortress was infested by the pestilence; and,
as if to render the calamity more awful, it was preceded by an earthquake,
which agitated the whole Rock. Out of a population computed at 10,000,
including 4,000 troops, no less a number than 5,946 died between the 1st
September and 31st December. So great a mortality in so short a period is
unexampled in the history of that fortress.[133]
The two companies of artificers in the garrison were early visited by the
epidemic and but few comparatively escaped. Of those who were fortunate
enough to bear up successfully against the disease, it was ascertained that
the chief part had previously suffered from yellow fever in the West Indies.
The artificers' barracks at Hargraves' Parade were a considerable distance
from the locality where the disorder originated, and consequently, for a
time, were free from fever; but several of the men having been employed in
attending the sick civil master artificers of the department, at their own
homes in the town, and the married families of the companies having
unrestrained access to the Parade, infection was thus communicated to the
single men in barracks; and the effect was seen too late to adopt any
sanitary measures or restrictions to prevent its ingress. In August three men
died, and in September ten, whilst the numbers affected by the malady were
very considerable. By the beginning of October the fever had extensively
spread; and all work in the engineer department being suspended, the
companies were confined to barracks, and the families in quarters
prohibited from appearing in the streets of the town unless from urgent
necessity. Soon afterwards, to preserve their health, they were removed into
camp at Beuna Vista. Nothing, however, could arrest the advance of the
disorder: gloom and horror hourly increased, and in a very few days the
sickness at the encampment far exceeded anything that had occurred at
Hargraves', By the end of the month a mournful diminution had taken place,
ninety men having fallen a prey to the epidemic! In November,
providentially, the fever sensibly waned, and only twenty-three men died;
and in December, after carrying off four more men, its influence ceased to
be felt at the fortress. At the approach of the disease the companies
mustered 263 of all ranks; but by the termination of the year 130 had died;
thus reducing the companies to the strength of 133.[134] Here it may be
added, that the royal military artificers lost during the fever more men
proportionally than any regiment or corps in the garrison.[135]

Amidst so much mortality, great alarm and irresolution naturally
prevailed; and whilst many excusably avoided all possible contact with the
infected, there were not wanting men of humanity and courage to volunteer
their attentions and services to the sick and dying. Several instances of
signal disinterestedness could be recorded, and the names of not a few
mentioned, who fell a sacrifice to their generous zeal; but the following
men, by their exertions and unshaken devotion in the discharge of the
onerous offices assigned to them, seem to have been regarded with peculiar
admiration, and therefore deserve whatever notice can be accorded to their
merits in these pages.
Private John Inglis performed the important duty of orderly to the sick in
the hospital at Windmill-hill, and to assiduous attention united marked
kindness and tenderness, shrinking from no difficulty and dreading no
danger. During the fatal month of October his watchfulness and exertions
were incessant, and his patience and humanity were as conspicuous as his
fortitude.
Private James Lawford undertook the melancholy service of receiving the
dead, both for the artificers and the artillery, and conveying them to the
burying-ground near the Grand Parade. Horrible and hazardous as was this
duty, he persevered in its performance with a coolness and intrepidity that
was perfectly amazing.
Private James Weir was the principal gravedigger, and attended to his
appointment with unflinching ardour and self-possession. Surrounded by
the pest in its worst forms, and inhaling the worst effluvia, he never for a
moment forsook the frightful service, but laboured on, inspiriting those who
occasionally assisted him, until the necessity for his employment no longer
existed.[136]
An attempt at invasion being daily expected from the French, earnest
attention was turned to those parts of the coast of England upon which the
descent would probably be essayed. Immense sums of money were
accordingly placed at the disposal of the officers of engineers to carry into
effect whatever projects might be approved for rendering the shore defences
more secure. Increased exertions were, therefore, made in strengthening the
permanent fortifications, enlarging the defences of Dover and Chatham,
“constructing batteries at various points, building temporary barracks along
the coast, and studding our shores with martello towers.”[137]

Besides using all vigilance and exertion at the different ports where the
royal military artificers were stationed, in furtherance of the general
business of preparation and defence, detachments of the corps were
constantly on the route from one place to another, erecting temporary or
permanent works. In April, at the suggestion of Major-General Twiss, then
commanding royal engineer in the Southern District, the party at Dover was
much increased to assist in forming casemates in certain positions of the
works on the western heights, by which to remedy the defects in the
original construction.
At Jersey, in the same month, every precaution was taken to render the
island capable of resisting any encroachment from its turbulent neighbours;
and all the batteries and forts, as far as practicable, were manned with
ordnance. In the execution of this service corporal and master-carpenter
Daniel Brown, described as “a worthy man and a useful artificer,” was
killed by a fall from the top of Platte Rocq Tower.
In September a small party was detached to Chelmsford, and
superintended, under the direction of Captain G. Whitmore, royal engineers,
the construction of a chain of temporary fieldworks, consisting of
intrenchments, batteries, and redoubts, from Woodford Windmill to the
windmill at Gallywood Common, a distance, by the line of works, of about
two miles and a half. Various regiments of militia provided their contingents
to execute these works, in which they were assisted by detachments from
the royal waggon train and royal staff corps.
About the same time another party was despatched to Eastbourne to aid
in building the circular redoubt there, as also in erecting several martello
towers on the coast, at points best suited to protect our shores. Fluctuating
in strength according to the general emergencies of the service, this
detachment continued to work in the Eastbourne district until the summer of
1817, when, after assisting in the erection of all the towers as far as Rye
Bay on the one side of Eastbourne, and Seaforth on the other, it quitted the
district and the men composing it rejoined their companies.
At Woolwich, during the later months of the year, parties were specially
engaged in preparing and fitting out bomb tenders for the Channel fleet, by
casing their magazines, making racks for shot, and executing such other
precautionary services as would insure them from explosion and destruction
in action.

Nor should the efforts made to carry on the recruiting with success be
overlooked, since the steps taken were chiefly induced by the spirit of the
times, and the anticipated wants of the coming war. In the previous year,
after the treaty of Amiens was signed, the recruiting was suspended; but in
June, 1803, it was resumed with an energy that promised to yield an
abundant result. In addition to the old stations, several new ones were
opened for obtaining candidates, and the bounty for recruits was increased
to 14l. 3s. 6d. each! whilst the reward to the soldier, to stimulate him to
exertion and vigilance, was augmented to 4l. 14s. 6d.! The former levy
money was ten guineas, but the improved premium amounted to nineteen
guineas.
Notwithstanding the great demand for men, every care was taken to
receive none in the corps who were not in every particular fully equal to its
various duties; and the officers employed on the service were specially
enjoined to engage such candidates only as were “stout made, able-bodied,
well-limbed, healthy, and active, of good character, and good abilities as
tradesmen; not over 30 years of age, nor under 5 feet 6 inches in height.”
Under these restrictions, and as the call for mechanics in civil life was loud
and pressing, only 53 artificers were received and approved of this year,
leaving at its close 351 men to complete the corps to its establishment of
1,075.
No better success attended the recruiting in the year 1805. Full
employment was offered by the country to every artisan disposed to handle
his tools, and the sources of enlistment, therefore, were almost choked up.
In this extremity, as the corps was very much below its establishment,
application was made to the different regiments of militia for candidates;
and the effect was, that 134 volunteers—all tradesmen and miners—joined
the artificers, in April and May, from forty-six regiments. After a short
interval, a similar application was made to the Horse Guards to allow
artisans from the line to enter the corps. His Royal Highness the Duke of
York, acquiescing in the proposal, conveyed his commands on the 8th July
to every battalion in the service, both at home and abroad, to have
volunteers, to the number of two carpenters and three bricklayers from
each, transferred to the military artificers. By this arrangement the corps,
which was 112 men in arrear of its establishment when the order was
promulgated, was rendered complete by the end of the year. To each
volunteer received was paid a bounty of ten guineas. The total number of

recruits and men transferred from the line and militia during the year
amounted to 435.
Filling up the corps in this manner was highly prejudicial to its best
interests and general efficiency, so far as the transfers from the regiments of
the line were concerned. Officers of those regiments were naturally averse
to parting with their good men, and out of a batch of volunteers the five
least reputable in every battalion, unless under extraordinary circumstances,
were selected to be transferred. To prevent the reception of objectionable
men, every precaution was taken by the officers of engineers appointed to
this duty; but, with all their circumspection, some of the most abandoned
characters were passed into the corps. With the different militias, however,
this was not the case. All the volunteers were unreservedly surrendered to
the recruiting-officer, who was at liberty to pick from the number those
whom he desired, and subject them to whatever examination he pleased
before accepting them. In this way some of the ablest mechanics and many
of the best-conducted men and finest-looking soldiers joined the corps, and
their behaviour and usefulness in after service furnished the best test of the
advantages derived by receiving volunteers from the militia.[138]
England had not yet taken any active measures against France, busied as
she was in endeavours to protect her own shores; but as soon as the Powers
of Europe had formed themselves into a coalition, under treaty signed at St.
Petersburgh on the 11th April, to check the progress of Buonaparte, the
British Government lost no time in giving effect to the engagement.
Accordingly in that month, a body of troops under Sir James Craig
embarked for the Neapolitan States to join with the Russians in expelling
the French. To this expedition was attached a party of one sergeant, one
corporal, and thirteen artificers of the Woolwich company, under the
command of Captain C. Lefebure, royal engineers, which landed at Naples
in November. Here the expedition remained inactive until the 19th January,
1806, when, from the defection of the Russians, it was deemed prudent to
withdraw the troops and proceed to Messina, where the military artificers
landed on the 18th February, 1806.
In October, another force was sent to Hanover, under Lord Cathcart,
which, after it should achieve the liberation of that State, was destined to
advance into Holland for the same purpose. One sergeant, one corporal, and
fourteen privates of the Chatham company, under Captain J. F. Birch of the
engineers, accompanied the expedition and landed in Swedish Pomerania

the same month; but, by the time the force was prepared to enter into the
contest, affairs were on the change; and Buonaparte having gained the
brilliant victory of Austerlitz, the treaties of Presburg and Vienna followed,
putting an end to the war, and leaving England alone an enemy to France.
Unable, without assistance, to re-establish the independence of Hanover and
Holland, Lord Cathcart’s army returned to England early in 1806, and the
detachment of artificers rejoined the Chatham company in February of that
year.

1806.

First detachment to the Cape of Good Hope—Misfortunes at Buenos Ayres—Reinforcement to
Gibraltar—Services at Calabria—Formation of Maltese military artificers—Increase of pay to
royal military artificers—Augmentation to the corps and reorganization of the companies—
Establishment and annual expense—Working pay—Sub-Lieutenants introduced—Indiscipline and
character of the corps.

In August of the previous year, an expedition under Sir David Baird
sailed against the Cape of Good Hope, to which were attached one sergeant,
two corporals, and seventeen artificers of the Plymouth company under
Captain J. C. Smith of the royal engineers, who embarked on board the
‘Melantho’ transport. The artificers landed on the 4th January, 1806, with
the artillery, and marched and encamped with them in the field; but Sir
David Baird, conceiving that their services would be more beneficial in the
castle after its capture, than in action, would not permit them to take part in
the operations. They therefore halted about a quarter of a mile to the right
rear of the position, and there remained until they marched with the troops
into the castle. Ever since this capture, a detachment of the corps of varying
strength has been employed in the colony, not only at Cape Town, but at
many posts and forts at a considerable distance inland and upon the
frontiers.
Two privates of the Cape detachment under Captain Kennett, of the
corps, sailed in April with the force under General Beresford against
Buenos Ayres. Landing at Point de Quilmes on the 25th June,[139] they were
present at the surrender of the city on the 27th following. After a time the
Spaniards, recovering from the panic which lost them their capital, retook it
with signal success, and those of the British not killed, were taken
prisoners. Captain Kennett was among the former, and one of the artificers
was wounded. On the loss of their captain, the two men were attached to the
artillery and served in the action of the 12th August, 1806, under Captain
Alexander Macdonald, royal artillery: they subsequently were taken

prisoners and remained so until January 1808, when they returned to
England with the forces under General Whitelocke.
To supply the casualties at Gibraltar occasioned by the fatal fever of
1804, a detachment of 133 artificers,[140] under Captain H. Evatt, royal
engineers, embarked on the 31st December, 1805, and landed at the fortress
in February following. The strength of the companies was thus increased
from 174 to 307 of all ranks.
Sir John Stuart, who commanded the army in Sicily, now undertook, at
the solicitation of the Court of Palermo, an expedition against the French in
Calabria. The detachment of artificers at Messina, reduced to twelve in
number, furnished ten men, under Captain C. Lefebure, royal engineers, to
accompany the troops. They were present on the 4th July at the battle of
Maida; and afterwards at the siege of Scylla Castle from the 12th to the
23rd of the same month. Shortly after the capture, six of the party returned
to their old quarters at Messina, leaving two non-commissioned officers and
two artificers under Lieutenant George Macleod of the engineers, to
superintend the restoration of the castle defences. In October the four men
rejoined the detachment at Messina, where the whole continued to be
employed in various engineering services for several years.
Artificers under military control and discipline being much required for
the works at Malta, Lieutenant-Colonel R. T. Dickens, R.E., recommended
the formation of three companies of Maltese tradesmen for the service of
the engineer department; two to be stationed at Malta and Gozo, and one for
employment in general duties in the Mediterranean, Gibraltar, and Egypt.
English companies of artificers would have been proposed for the works of
the stations named, had the efficiency and conduct of detachments
previously sent from Gibraltar to Minorca, Sicily, and other parts of the
Mediterranean, warranted it; “but,” says Sir Charles Pasley, “as the
Gibraltar companies were, from circumstances, the worst in the corps, the
detachments formed from them * * * * were found so very inefficient, that
Maltese and Sicilians were preferred to Britons in the Mediterranean, for
the important service of the royal engineer department.”[141] As well from
this, as from other local[142] and economical considerations, the Government
approved of the measure, and the royal authority for its accomplishment
being obtained, the companies were formed on the 1st May.
The Mediterranean or war company consisted of—
4 sergeants,

4 corporals,
100 privates,
1 drummer,
10 boys.
Total 119
and the companies for Malta and Gozo, numbered each—
2 sergeants,
4 corporals,
60 privates,
1 drummer,
Total 77
An adjutant from the royal engineers was appointed to the 1st company,
and one, a foreigner—Matteo Bonavio[143]—to the other two companies at
Malta and Gozo, to which was also added one sergeant-major and
quartermaster-sergeant Guiseppe Sinerco, stationed at Malta. The total
number of these companies with the staff amounted to 276. The pay of the
war company was assimilated to that of the royal military artificers, while
that of the other companies was fixed as under:—
s. d.
Sergeant-major or quartermaster- 3 0 a-
sergeant. day.
Sergeant 1 6 ”
Corporal 1 3 ”
Private, or drummer 1 1 ”
Boy 0 6 ”
[144]
The adjutants received 3s. per day each extra, and the working pay of the
non-commissioned officers and men was divided into two classes of 6d. and
9d., which they received in addition to their regimental pay. The non-
commissioned officers, who were foremen, received as working pay 1s. a-
day each.
These companies were formed into a corps with the title of Maltese
military artificers, and, like the old artificer company at Gibraltar, remained
a distinct and separate body. They were officered by the royal engineers.
Their clothing consisted of a close blue cloth jacket with black collar and

cuffs, and Ordnance buttons; open blue cloth pantaloons and a military hat
and feather. The sergeants were distinguished by sashes, the corporals by
chevrons, and the sergeant-major by a uniform like the sergeant-major of
the English companies.[145]
This year Mr. Windham, the Secretary-at-War, warmly espoused the
cause of the army, and ultimately obtained for it the redress he so earnestly
sought. This was promulgated in the well-known Warrant called “
Windham’s Act,” which increased the pay of the soldier while serving, and
provided a liberal pension for him on retirement, corresponding to his
infirmities and services. On the 1st September, the Act alluded to was
extended to the royal military artificers, and the advantages conferred upon
the corps were as under:—
Total amount
of
pay a-day.
Increase.
d. s. d.
Sergeant-major on the staff. 5¼ 3 11½
Sergeant 3¼ 2 6½
Corporals:—
After 14 years 3¾ 2 4½
Between 7 and 14 years 2¾ 2 3½
Under 7 years 1¾ 2 2½
Privates and Buglers:—
After 14 years 2 1 4½
Between 7 and 14 years 1 1 3½
Under 7 years no increase 1 2½
In the prospect of a long war, to provide reinforcements for the execution
of the extensive works in progress at Dover and Nova Scotia, and to be
capable, to a certain extent, of meeting the contingencies that might arise, a
royal warrant was issued dated 5th September, sanctioning a reorganization
of the corps for general service, an augmentation of two companies, and a
small increase to each of the other ten companies.
Under this arrangement the corps was distributed as follows, and the
companies for the first time, appear to be distinguished by numbers; which,

however, from the long habit of designating them by stations, soon became
obsolete:—
1st. Woolwich Captain G. Hayter.
2nd. Chatham Major R. D’Arcy.
3rd. Dover Captain W. H. Ford.
4th. Portsmouth. Captain R. Fletcher.
5th. Gosport. Captain T. Fyers.
6th. Plymouth. Lieut.-Colonel T. Skinner.
7th. Spike Island Lieut.-Colonel Sir C. Holloway.
Jersey Captain J. Humfrey
8th {
Guernsey. Major J. Mackelcan.
9th. Gibraltar Captain H. Evatt.
10th. Gibraltar Captain G. Landmann.
11th. West Indies. Lieut.-Colonel W. Johnston.
[146]
12th. Nova Scotia Captain W. Bennett.
By the authority of the warrant alluded to, the establishment of each
company was remodelled, the ranks of Sub-Lieutenant and second corporal
were created, and the total of all ranks per company increased from 100 to
126. Under the previous system of detaching men, the companies were
mutilated, disordered and reduced; but under this enlarged organization, it
was considered they would be more accessible, and better able to afford
such accidental assistance as might be needed, without diminishing the
companies to an inconvenient strength, or without particular detriment to
the station. The subjoined detail shows the approved composition of a
company at this period.
1 Sub-Lieutenant,[147] a new rank, with pay of 5s. a-day.[148]
1 Sergeant-major.
5 Sergeants.
5 Corporals.
10 Second Corporals,[149] a new rank, pay fixed at 1s. 9d. a-day.
30 Carpenters, including 4 top sawyers.
20 Masons,
18 Bricklayers, }
including slaters, tiles, and plasterers.
10 Smiths,

10 Miners,
4 Wheelers,
4 Collar Makers,
2 Coopers,
2 Painters,
4 Drummers.
Total 126
The total establishment of the corps, including the adjutant and sergeant-
major on the staff, amounted to 1,514, exhibiting an increase above the
former establishment of 439 men; and its expense for one year, exclusive of
the working pay and other miscellaneous allowances, reached the sum of
45,500l. 17s. 7¼d. With the three companies of Maltese artificers, the corps
mustered a force of 1,790 officers, non-commissioned officers, and men.
As a means of encouraging the men to exertion and good behaviour, their
working pay was permitted to be increased, under the authority of the
warrant before mentioned, from 6d. to 9d. or 1s. a-day. The non-
commissioned officers invariably received the highest rate. None, however,
could be advanced from the lowest to the superior rates without first being
recommended to the commanding royal engineer at the station, by the
junior officers, foremen, or overseers; and this system of rewards, except
for special services, has been observed in the corps ever since.
The sergeant-majors who received the first commissions had been in the
artillery, and were distinguished for their good services and bravery. To
their zeal and expertness as soldiers, they added an intimate knowledge of
drill and discipline—requisites of essential importance in the organization
of a new force, but which, from the vague and indefinite character of the
corps, became, almost necessarily, too temporizing and elastic to be
sufficiently beneficial or respected.
Efforts had on one or two particular occasions been made to avoid the
faults and supply the omissions of earlier years; but the improvement before
alluded to, had not reached the expectations of those who felt an interest in
the corps. One obvious reason was, the nominal appointment of officers to
companies, who were so incessantly shifted, that it was not uncommon to
find a company passing under the command of three or four different
officers in the course of twelve months;[150] and another was, the reluctance
with which some commanding officers permitted the temporary withdrawal

of the men from the works for the purposes of drill and discipline.[151] The
free use of the means to train the men to subordination and the use of arms,
to restrain them from irregularities, and fully to develop the organization
and purposes for which the corps was raised, being thus interrupted,
naturally tended to vitiate and lower its military pride, spirit, and
appearance.
Bald and grey-headed non-commissioned officers with ages varying from
forty-five to sixty-five, good artificers and foremen, but lacking the energy
and demeanour of soldiers, were no rarities in the royal military artificers.
Disinclined to learn, they but very imperfectly understood their military
station, and seldom exercised their authority, except in the emollient guise
of persuasion and advice. On all sides there was a yielding, that in some
measure obliterated the lines of distinction between the different grades.
Their interests seemed to be reciprocal and interwoven, and the best
workman was generally esteemed the best man. Almost every military idea
was sacrificed for “the works,” in which it would be hazardous to say, that
they did not labour with ability and industry.
To check the growth of these unmilitary principles and practices, to
enforce respect for position and authority, and to assist in maintaining in the
corps the exercise of proper discipline and drill, the Sub-Lieutenants were
established. Their duties were like those of adjutants, whom they
superseded, and were, therefore, held responsible to their Captains for the
conduct, efficiency, internal management, and payment of their respective
companies. This, however, was but a transient expedient. An instalment
only of the good that was expected was realised;[152] and it was left for a
later period to enlarge and perfect what in this year, though spiritedly
commenced, fell considerably short of success.

1807.

Appointments of Adjutant and Quartermaster—Captain John T. Jones—Disasters at Buenos Ayres—
Egypt—Reinforcement to Messina—Detachment of Maltese military artificers to Sicily—
Newfoundland—Copenhagen—Captures in the Caribbean Sea—Madeira—Danish Islands in the
West Indies—Hythe.

It having been determined to consolidate the appointments of Adjutant
and Quartermaster to the royal military artificers, Major John Rowley[153]
and Colonel George W. Phipps[154] resigned their offices.
To succeed to the vacancies thus created, Captain John Thomas Jones, an
officer of undoubted ability and military experience, was brought from
Sicily, and on the 1st January commissioned to hold both appointments.[155]
Upon him, therefore, devolved the difficult task of arranging and directing
the details of the new organization both at home and abroad, and of carrying
into effect a general system of drill and discipline.[156] In this duty he
continued until July, 1808, when, ordered on a particular service to the
Asturias, he resigned the staff rank. From the time of the appointment of
Captain J. T. Jones, the Adjutant was permanently stationed at the head-
quarters at Woolwich, and his office also was established there.
Early in the year an expedition was sent against Chili under Major-
General Crawford, accompanied by a sergeant and ten artificers under
Captain J. Squire, R.E. Instead of proceeding to Chili, counter orders were
received, and Captain Squire and his eleven men sailed with the force to
Buenos Ayres. Arriving at Monte Video on the 14th June, they were
accordingly landed and took part in the disastrous attack on Buenos Ayres,
in which all the artificers were taken prisoners, and so remained until
January, 1808, when they quitted with the force under General Whitelocke.
On the 6th March, Major-General Frazer, at the head of a small
armament, sailed from Messina to dispossess the Turks of Egypt. To this
force were attached, under Captain J. F. Burgoyne, royal engineers, four of
the military artificers furnished from the detachment in Sicily, who

embarked on the 19th February. Having in due time landed at Alexandria,
they served at the capture of that city, also in the attack of Rosetta, and in
the retreat to Alexandria. In September following these four artificers
rejoined the party at Messina.
In the meantime the detachment at Messina was reinforced by a sergeant,
one corporal, and eighteen privates of the Gibraltar companies, under
Lieutenant George J. Harding, R.E., who embarked at the Rock on the 14th
April. With the exception of the non-commissioned officers, this party was
composed of irreclaimable drunkards, worthless alike as artificers or
soldiers.
From the inefficiency of these men, the Maltese war company was
ordered to furnish its contingent for service in Sicily, and accordingly a
detachment of one sergeant—Evan Roberts—one corporal, and twenty-nine
artificers, embarked at Malta on board the ‘Charlotte’ transport on the 23rd,
and landed at Messina on the 30th July. In the autumn following, the whole
of the party with two men of the royal military artificers as foremen, were
detached to Augusta and Syracuse, to be employed on the works under
sergeant Roberts.
Newfoundland now became a station for the corps. A detachment of
eighteen non-commissioned officers and men, all masons and miners,
embarked at Plymouth in May, on board His Majesty’s ship ‘Isis,’ under
Captain George Ross of the royal engineers, and arrived there in July.
Before the end of August, the detachment was further strengthened by six
artificers from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Until proper accommodation could be
provided, they lived in huts like the Esquimaux or emigrant fishermen, or
under canvas in a dreary uncleared valley between Signal Hill and the sea.
In some measure to relieve the monotony and mitigate the rigours of an
inhospitable country and climate, permission was granted to the men to
spread their nets in the waters near St. John, and to catch as much fish as
was needful for the sustenance of themselves and families. Provisionally,
also, the married portion of the detachment were allowed small allotments
of land, which they cleared and cultivated at intervals, when they were not
employed on the works. From these sources of occupation they were kept in
constant industry and amusement, and their health effectually preserved and
invigorated.
Two sergeants, two corporals, six second corporals, and forty-one
artificers, with Captain Fletcher, R.E., embarked at Woolwich for

Copenhagen on the 29th July, and landed there the 16th August. In the
bombardment of that capital they served under the immediate direction of
Lieutenant-Colonel R. D’Arcy, R.E.; and, in returning to England, served as
Marines under Lieutenant Bassett of the royal navy. The party rejoined their
companies on the 7th November.
One second corporal and three privates of the West India company were
embarked in August, on board His Majesty’s ship ‘Blonde,’ V. V. Ballard,
Captain, to act as artificers and seamen during a short cruise in the
Caribbean sea; and while forming part of the crew of this ship, they served
at the guns in the capture of the undernamed French privateers:—
Guns. Men.
15th August ‘La Dame Villaret’ 5 69
16th ” ‘L’Hortense’ 8 90
14th ‘L’Hirondelle’ 8 84
September
23rd ” ‘Duquesne’ 17 123
14th October ‘Alerte’ 20 149
An expedition was sent to Madeira in October under General Beresford,
to which was added a detachment from the Spike Island company of one
corporal, one second corporal, and ten privates, under Captain A. Morshead,
royal engineers. They landed in December, and were stationed at Funchal
until May, 1812, when they were withdrawn and despatched to their
companies in Portugal.
In December, General Bowyer ordered a party of the West India company
to be attached to his expedition about to sail against the Danish islands of
St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Croix. Three sergeants, four corporals, and
forty-two privates were accordingly selected, and embarked for that service
on the 16th December; but the islands having surrendered without
resistance, the detachment rejoined at Barbadoes on the 13th January, 1808.
A sergeant was left at St. Croix to superintend repairs to barracks, &c. Six
mechanics belonging to the Danish service, taken prisoners at St. Thomas
and St. Croix, enlisted into the company.
Throughout the year a small party of the Dover company was employed
on the works at Hythe, under sergeant Adam Cowan, and continued so
occupied for several years.

1808.

War in the Peninsula—Expedition thither—Detachments to the seat of war, with Captains Landmann,
Elphinstone, Squire, Burgoyne, and Smyth—Captain John T. Jones—Reinforcement to
Newfoundland—Discipline at Halifax—Services at Messina—Parties temporarily detached to
different places—The queue.

Napoleon had now fairly reared his eagles in Spain and Portugal, and
compelled the reigning monarchs of those countries to renounce their
thrones. To his brother Joseph he gave the sovereignty of the former
kingdom, retaining for himself the sceptre of the latter. England, more
indignant than alarmed at these spoliations, but eager to dispossess the
invader of his acquisitions, at once willingly responded to the desire of
Portugal to restore the dynasty of Braganza to the throne, and also tendered
her assistance, uninvited, to Spain, to carry on the war.
No sooner had the ministry determined upon sending succours to the
Peninsula to effect the overthrow of Napoleon, than different expeditions
were fitted out and sent to the seat of war. Small parties of the military
artificers, selected from the various companies of the corps, were at the
same time forwarded with these forces.
On the 13th May, two miners, under Captain G. Landmann, royal
engineers, were sent from Gibraltar to Cadiz with the division under
General Brent Spencer, and were afterwards removed to the scene of active
operations in Portugal.
On the 18th June, one sergeant, one second corporal, and eleven privates,
armed with small swords only, embarked at Woolwich under Captain
Elphinstone, R.E., and joined the force under Sir Arthur Wellesley. Both
these parties were present at the battle of Roliça on the 17th August, and
Vimiera on the 21st of that month.
A detachment of one sergeant, one second corporal, and twelve privates,
under Captains J. Squire and J. F. Burgoyne, royal engineers, was
forwarded on the 29th April with Sir John Moore’s army to Gottenburg to

assist the Swedes against the Russians. The arms and appointments of the
corps were taken from them, and they were supplied for defence with a
short hanger sword. Several of the party had already been on service at
Buenos Ayres under Captain Squire, and were again solicited by that officer
for this expedition. The rest were men specially selected for the duty, both
on account of their abilities and conduct as artificers and soldiers. After the
force was recalled from its inactivity in Sweden, the detachment of
artificers accompanied it to Portugal.
About this period three artificers proceeded to the Peninsula with Sir
David Baird’s division, and one man was attached to the force under Sir
Harry Burrard.
In September, one corporal, one second corporal, and fourteen privates
embarked for Spain on board the ‘Sisters’ transport under the command of
Captain J. Carmichael Smyth, R.E., and joined the army under Sir John
Moore in November.
The total artificer force in the Peninsula, comprising six different parties,
was forty-nine of all ranks. This number does not include Captain J. T.
Jones, the adjutant, who quitted Woolwich in July for special service in the
northern provinces of Spain under the orders of Major-General Leith.[157]
To reinforce the party in Newfoundland, a detachment of one sergeant,
one corporal, one second corporal, and forty-six privates embarked at
Portsmouth in June, and landed at St. John’s from the ‘Vestal’ frigate on the
18th July. Early in the following year the detachment was increased to the
establishment of a company.
Lieutenant Oldfield of the royal engineers—a painstaking officer—was
removed to Halifax about this time and appointed adjutant to the company
stationed there. Having previously held a similar commission at Portsmouth
—the model station for discipline—he commenced his duties with a
favourable prestige. The materials he had to work upon were old in years,
misshapen from habit and labour, and somewhat addicted to the prevailing
vice of intemperance; but even these worn-out men he moulded by his once
a-week drill into an appearance which enabled them to march past
creditably with the Line on the Sunday garrison parades. Most of the
company had been many years in the Province, and though not very tight
and tidy soldiers, were nevertheless valuable as workmen and specially
useful as foremen when military working parties were employed.

Both parties employed in restoring the fortresses at Syracuse and Augusta
were recalled to Messina, and assisted to repair and improve the defences of
that place.
At the Cape of Good Hope parties were detached at intervals during the
year to Stellenbosch, Simon’s Town, and Hout’s Bay; and at Halifax to St.
Andrews and Fort Clarence. At the latter fort, the non-commissioned officer
detached was employed surveying. From Newfoundland a detachment was
sent to Cape Breton; and from Gibraltar, also, second corporal Thomas Paul
and four privates were detached to Perexil, a small islet opposite the Rock
between Ceuta and Apes' Hill, where they dismantled all its batteries,
magazines, and storehouses. Parties were also employed at Hurst Castle and
the Isle of Wight.
The time-honoured queue, which had long formed a conspicuous
appendage to the soldier’s head-dress, was abolished in the corps in August;
and the closely-cropped hair of the present day, and small whisker
extending to the lobe of the ear, were then adopted.

1809.

Retreat to Coruña—Miserable state of the detachment on reaching England—Hardships of the
stragglers—Capture of Martinique—Skill of George Mitchell at the siege—Fever in the West
Indies—Reduction of the Saintes—Detachment to Portugal—Battles of Oporto and Talavera—
Casualties in the retreat, and distribution of the party—Naples—Zante and the Ionian Islands—
Term of service of the Maltese military artificers—Siege of Flushing—Services of the military
artificers there—Gallantry, in the batteries, of John Millar, Thomas Wild, and Thomas Letts—
Conduct of corps at the siege—Casualties by the Walcheren fever—Skilful conduct of Corporal T.
Stevens in the demolitions at Flushing—Captain John T. Jones—Servants—Incidental
detachments.

Excepting the two miners with General Spencer, the whole of the royal
military artificers in Spain joined Sir John Moore’s army. When the force
was put in motion, the senior sergeant of the detachment was left at Lisbon
for special duty. The remainder accompanied the army in the retreat, and
with the exception of two men taken prisoners and seven stragglers, were
present at the battle of Coruña.
Immediately after, the detachment embarked for England. The season
being stormy there was no regularity in the arrivals. Some, therefore, landed
at Portsmouth and others at Plymouth between January and March. They
were destitute of every article essential to their comfort or equipment.
Several were shoeless and clad in tatters and undistinguishable uniforms;
while the majority, haggard and attenuated, suffering from shipwreck,
privation, and sickness, afforded indubitable evidence of the severe and
arduous campaign, through which the necessities of war had recently
carried them.
Left to their own resources, the seven stragglers retraced their steps,
between 300 and 400 miles, to Lisbon. In undertaking the journey, during a
very inclement season, they encountered many dangers, endured frequent
trials and hardships, and barely supported life upon the scanty offerings
which chance and a ransacked country afforded them.

On the 28th January, three sergeants and seventy-one rank and file of the
West India company, under the command of Brigadier-General Shipley,
embarked at Barbadoes with Lieutenant-General Beckwith’s expedition and
landed at Martinique on the 30th. The company was further increased by a
sergeant, three corporals, and seventeen artificers under Lieutenant Robert
Thomson, royal engineers, who embarked at Halifax, Nova-Scotia, with
Lieutenant-General Sir George Prevost’s division. Both parties, when not
engaged as overseers, were employed in the general labour of the trenches
and the park, and performed the duties allotted to them, particularly in the
destruction of Forts Bourbon and Desaix, with activity and zeal. Several
non-commissioned officers and men were distinguished by special
commendation; and the skill of corporal George Mitchell gained for him the
reputation of being the best miner in the service. Private George Thomas
was killed 22nd February in the advanced battery before Fort Bourbon.
After the surrender of Martinique it became the head-quarters of the
company. The Nova Scotia party returned with Sir George Prevost and
landed at Halifax the 17th April. During the operations the rains were heavy
and incessant, and the men being much exposed, fevers and dysentery were
rife among them. By the end of the year, twenty-one of the company had
died and five were invalided.
In April, two sergeants and seventeen rank and file were present at the
reduction of the Saintes under the command of Lieutenant Hobbs, R.E., and
were employed during the service in the construction of the required
batteries, magazines, &c. The party returned to Martinique the latter end of
the month.
A detachment of one sergeant and eighteen rank and file embarked at
Portsmouth, on the 14th March, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel
Fletcher, for Portugal, and arrived at Lisbon on the 5th April. It was
composed of men chosen from the Portsmouth and Gosport companies,
among whom were several who had served in the previous campaign.
Writing from Portsmouth, the Colonel says, “I find that all the men now
here, who were with me before, are very anxious to go out again, but one
cannot ask for everybody.” On arriving at Lisbon the party was joined by a
sergeant and the seven stragglers of the Coruna party. It was thus increased
to twenty-eight total, and shortly after another private from England was
added to the number.

On the 12th May was fought the battle of Oporto: twenty-five men of the
artificers were present. They afterwards repaired the wooden bridge which
led into the town. Moving with the army they mustered at Coimbra on the
1st June, and at Castello Branco on the 1st July. At the battle of Talavera, on
the 27th of that month, fifteen of the detachment were present. Private
Aaron Delacourt was taken prisoner while endeavouring to convey to the
rear Captain Boothby of the royal engineers, who was wounded, and had
his leg amputated. Of the artificers not present at the battle, two were at
Lisbon, three on route to join the army, four at Abrantes, sick; and one on
the Alberche. With the exception of two at Lisbon all joined at Talavera
before the end of July.
A severe retreat succeeded the battle, in which the party suffered very
much. At Merida they were mustered on the 1st September. Lisbon was
their head-quarters in November, at which time they were greatly scattered.
A sergeant only was at Lisbon and the rest were distributed as follows:—
one Abrantes, one Badajos, one Oeyras, four Sobral, and six Torres Vedras.
Of the other artificers in Portugal, four were in the general hospital sick,
and one a prisoner of war. The casualties since the opening of the campaign
were six deaths, two missing, and two invalided to England.
The company of Maltese military artificers at Messina was increased in
April by seventeen rank and file from Malta. On the 1st June following,
sergeant Roberts and thirty-eight men of the company, were attached to the
expedition for the invasion of Naples. Twelve of the royal military artificers
also went with the expedition, and served under the command of
Lieutenant-Colonel A. Bryce, royal engineers, in the reduction of the
islands of Ischia and Procida.
Returning to Messina in August, six of the royal and eight of the Maltese
artificers were added to the force under Brigadier-General Oswald, and
were present, on the 2nd October, at the surrender of Zante and other Ionian
islands. These parties continued at Zante until after the taking of Santa
Maura in the next year.
The Maltese artificers being enlisted for a term of three years only, their
engagements expired in the summer. Upwards of sixty men consequently
claimed their discharge, and in July the third Maltese company was re-
formed.
In the mean time a force of one sub-lieutenant—George Robinson—two
sergeant-majors—Joseph Forbes and John Smith—ten sergeants, and about

280 rank and file[158] had been selected for an expedition to Holland under
the Earl of Chatham, to destroy the fleet and arsenals on the Scheldt. The
youngest and most active men were chosen for the service, and were
provided with swords and belts. The greater portion were also armed with
muskets, under an impression that they would have to fight their way on
shore. The detachment was divided into two operations to proceed against
Flushing and Antwerp; the former under the command of Lieutenant-
Colonel R. D’Arcy, R.E., the latter under Colonel Fyers, R.E. Both brigades
embarked the 19th July, and having landed near Goes and Walcheren, a
small force was employed in the operations in South Beveland under
Captain Squire, R.E., and the remainder, with Sub-Lieutenant Robinson,
were engaged in the bombardment of Flushing. The meditated attack on
Antwerp was abandoned. Private Anthony Webster was killed at the
seamen’s battery on the 13th August, and two men were wounded.
During the bombardment, fifty of the detachment were permanently
employed in making fascines and gabions, and about eighty carpenters
prepared and put up the splinter-proof magazines and laid the platforms.
The remainder were distributed to the batteries as sappers and miners or
overseers. One of the batteries which was required in a hurry was worked
solely by the royal military artificers, and completed in twenty-eight hours.
[159]
Generally they attended to the more difficult and dangerous portion of
the batteries, and besides repairing the parapets and platforms, improved the
embrasures when injured by the enemy’s cannonade.
In this service privates John Millar,[160] Thomas Wild, and Thomas Letts
acted very praiseworthily in situations of great danger, and showed
examples of courage, zeal, and attention to duty much beyond the rest of the
detachment. On occasions when particular parts of the batteries were
broken, these men fearlessly forced themselves into the embrasures to
renew the work. The firing upon them was usually heavy. To effect their
purpose with less interruption, they spread across the mouths of the
embrasures, wet bulls' hides with the hairy surfaces to the fortress; and
bearing as they did a resemblance to the newly disturbed earth, the enemy
was deceived and withdrew their firing upon the work. The injured parts of
the embrasures were thus restored with incredible dexterity. The two former
were promoted to be second-corporals for their gallantry, and a similar rise
was offered to Letts but he preferred to remain a private.

The conduct of the detachment at Walcheren is thus noticed by the Earl
of Chatham:—“The active and persevering exertions of the corps of royal
engineers have been conducted with much skill and judgment by Colonel
Fyers, aided by Lieutenant-Colonel D’Arcy.”[161] Elsewhere their exertions
in the construction of the batteries are stated to have been indefatigable.[162]
After the occupation of Flushing, the fever common to the country set in
with peculiar virulence; and the royal military artificers suffered very
severely. Employed as they frequently were in conducting excavations in
marshy and unhealthy situations, nearly the whole of the detachment were
seized with the malady and thirty-seven died. Sergeant-major Forbes was of
the number.
By repeated removals of the sick, the detachment was reduced to about
eighty of all ranks, who were employed, previously to the evacuation of the
island, in the demolition of the basin of Flushing and the naval defences of
the place under Lieutenant-Colonel Pilkington, royal engineers. Second-
corporal Thomas Stephens was intrusted with the practical conduct of the
destruction of one of the piers of the flood-gates. The task imposed on him
was so ably executed, that when the explosion took place, the bottom of the
pier was forced out and the superincumbent masonry fell without projecting
a stone to any distance. Though only a second corporal he was appointed
lance-sergeant on the spot for his skilful conduct.
Captain John T. Jones, the adjutant, was removed from the royal military
artificers, on the 1st July by promotion, and was succeeded in the
appointment by Captain Gilbert Buchanan, R E. In reorganizing the corps,
Captain Jones had effected considerable improvements and raised in a high
degree its morale and military efficiency.
The practice of employing men of the corps as servants to officers of
royal engineers was discontinued in August. On active service the custom
was found to be a great disadvantage. Stringent measures were therefore
adopted to prevent its recurrence; and to this day, the officers are required to
affirm quarterly, that they do not employ any men of the corps in their
private service.
Detachments are traced during the year at the following new stations:—
to Alderney, seven rank and file were removed from Guernsey by order of
Lieutenant-General Sir John Doyle. Two armourers were employed in the
royal manufactory for small arms at Lewisham, and continued on this
service for many years. The Eastbourne party was scattered along the

Sussex coast, working chiefly at Hastings and Bulverhithe. The
Newfoundland company gave a strong party for the King’s works at the
south side of the harbour, which remained there for many months. A non-
commissioned officer of the Halifax company was employed on a tour of
inspection to Cape Breton and Prince Edward’s Island; and the detachment
at the Cape of Good Hope was distributed to Simon’s Town, Hout’s Bay,
King’s Blockhouse, and Muyzenberg.

1810.

Capture of Guadaloupe—Of St. Martin’s and St. Eustatius—Torres Vedras—Anecdote of Corporal
William Wilson at the Lines—Almeida and Busaco—Detachments to Cadiz—Puntales and La Isla
—Destruction of Forts Barbara and St. Felipe, near Gibraltar—Santa Maura—Occasional
detachments.

On the 22nd January, Colonel William Johnston and Lieutenant Hobbs,
royal engineers, with three sergeants and forty-five rank and file of the West
India company, embarked at Martinique under Lieutenant-General
Beckwith. The detachment was appointed to the fifth or reserve brigade
under the command of Brigadier-General Wale; and having landed at St.
Mary’s Capisterre, served at the taking of Guadaloupe.
A small party under Captain Hobbs, R.E., afterwards accompanied the
force under Brigadier-General Harcourt, and was present at the capture of
the islands of St. Martin’s and St. Eustatius.
The celebrated Lines of Torres Vedras, commenced in October, 1809,
were fully completed late in 1810. The number of the royal military
artificers employed in their construction never exceeded eighteen of all
ranks, who were distributed in ones and twos throughout the whole extent
of country to be intrenched.[163] Under the superintendence and control of
their officers, they directed the labours of many hundreds of the peasantry.
Some of the party were responsible for the efficient services of no less than
500 to 700 workmen. In this duty second-corporal William Wilson and
private James Douglas rendered themselves conspicuous by their skill and
activity. Both were promoted in consequence.
Corporal Wilson was selected by Colonel Fletcher, the commanding
engineer, to be his orderly, in which capacity he served until the death of his
chief at St. Sebastian. At Torres Vedras the corporal had charge of a work,
and a party of the Portuguese Ordenanza Militia was placed under his
orders to execute it. Two of the men were put to a task to be completed
within a certain time; but regarding the work as impossible, they refused to

comply and complained to their officer, who took their part and was
inclined to censure the corporal. However, with more manliness than
soldier-like propriety, the corporal offered to bet the officer a dollar that he
would accomplish the task himself within the time. The bet was accepted.
Corporal Wilson stripped, easily won his dollar, and prevented the
recurrence of similar complaints during the progress of the Lines.
Four of the royal military artificers were attached to the army on the Coa,
and were present at the action near Almeida in July, and the battle of
Busaco in September. Retreating with the army to Torres Vedras, the four
men rejoined the detachment, and the whole continued to do duty in the
Lines until removed for more active service.
On the 13th March, one corporal and eleven men of the Portsmouth and
Gosport companies embarked with the force under Sir Thomas Graham for
Cadiz. The non-commissioned officers were “careful trusty persons,” and
the men “stout, able, and good tradesmen.” They landed from the ‘Concord’
transport on the 24th March, and were commanded by Major C. Lefebure,
royal engineers, until he received his death wound, which took place in
April as he was descending the walls of the fortress of Matagorda during its
evacuation. Meanwhile a reinforcement from Portsmouth increased the
party to two sergeants and forty-eight rank and file; and in October it was
again augmented, by artificers selected from the different companies, to
three sergeants, nine corporals, five second-corporals, two drummers, and
seventy-three privates, with Sub-Lieutenant R. Davie. The last draft landed
at Cadiz from the ‘Diadem’ transport.
In defending the fort of Puntales, which sustained a bombardment from
across the water, a portion of the company was always employed. There
private Benjamin Hall was killed, and several privates were injured by a
wall, under which they were mining, falling on them. The remainder of the
company were occupied in fortifying the position of La Isla for the defence
of Cadiz. Their particular duty consisted in making platforms, palisades,
&c., and in acting as overseers to the military working parties of the line,
assisted by artificers drawn from the regiments in garrison. The principal
share of the work was done by task, which, being laid out beforehand, the
royal military artificers showed the workmen their respective portions as
soon as they arrived on the ground,[164] and superintended its correct
execution, both in quantity and detail. At La Isla, the company was

stationed at the park, and domiciled in one of the powder-magazines which
had been made defensible.
Under the direction of Lieutenant-Colonel Evatt and Captain G. J.
Harding, royal engineers, Forts Barbara and St. Felipe, on the Spanish lines
in front of Gibraltar, were demolished by a strong detachment from the two
companies stationed at the fortress. The operations occupied a few months;
and during the work the detachment was covered by a force from the
garrison of 500 to 800 soldiers. In firing a mine near St. Felipe, private John
Barber lost an arm, both eyes, and part of his chin and teeth. In springing
another mine near Tarifa, private Thomas Hughes was killed.
From Zante a party of five royal and eighteen Maltese military artificers
sailed with the force under Brigadier-General Oswald, and were present on
the 16th April at the capture of Santa Maura. This service effected, the
detachment returned to Messina, leaving for the works of the newly-
captured island a corporal and a mason of the royal military artificers.
During the year, parties or individuals of the corps were employed on
particular service abroad—at Ceuta, Tarifa, and at Sidney in Cape Breton;
while, at home, men were detached to Hythe, Isle of Wight, and Northfleet.
At the latter place the party was employed, from August to December, in
surveying under Mr. Stanley of the royal military surveyors and draftsmen.

1811.

Mortality in the West Indies—Strength and distribution of detachments in the Peninsula—Recapture
of Olivenza—Field instruction prior to siege of Badajoz—Conduct of corps at the siege—Conduct
of Sergeant Rogers in reconnoitring—Reinforcement to Portugal and duties of the detachment—
Its distribution and services—Battle of Barrosa; gallant conduct of Sergeant John Cameron—
Tarragona—Defence of Tarifa—Augmentation to corps and reconstruction of companies—Annual
expense of corps—Command of the companies—Their stationary character—The wealthy
corporal—New distribution of corps—Commissions to Sub-Lieutenants, and ingenious inventions
of Lieutenant Munro.

The West India company being gradually reduced to about fifty men, it
was strengthened in March to 110, by the arrival at Barbadoes, in the
‘Flora’ transport, of fifty-eight men. During the years 1810 and 1811 the
number of deaths in the company from yellow fever was thirty.
The detachment of the corps in Portugal was increased to seventy-eight
of all ranks, by the landing at Lisbon of two sergeants and fifty-seven rank
and file under Lieutenant P. Wright of the royal engineers. Thirty-four of the
reinforcement were forthwith sent to the Lines of Torres Vedras and the
Almada position; and the remaining twenty-five joined the head-quarters of
the army, under Captain George Ross and Lieutenant Stanway.[165]
While these movements were being effected, two artificers of the
detachment were present at the recapture of Olivenza in April, under the
command of Captain Squire, R.E.[166]
Soon after the reduction of Olivenza the siege party was augmented to
twenty-seven, by the arrival at Elvas of twenty-five men under Captain
George Ross. Of this increase not a man had ever seen the construction of a
sap, battery, or trench. The whole were therefore daily drilled in the
formation of fieldworks and in making fascines and gabions.[167] In these
instructional operations they soon acquired sufficient knowledge to render
themselves useful to their officers; and, at the same time, showed
intelligence and alacrity in aiding in the construction of the flying-bridges
across the Guadiana at Juramenha.

These twenty-seven men were employed in the first siege of Badajoz.
Reduced by two, they were also present at the second siege of that fortress.
On both occasions the diligence and exertions of the detachment were
prominent; and, assisted by the line workmen, they quickly repaired the
broken batteries and damaged embrasures. “Many a fine fellow,” says a
well-known author, “lost his life in endeavouring to vie with the men of the
engineers.”[168]
In the second siege, on the night before the storming, sergeant William
Rogers, and three intrepid men of the corps, accompanied Captain Patton,
R.E., on the dangerous service of reconnoitring the fords of the Rivillas,
and the approach to the castle breach beyond the river. They conducted the
examination for a time and then returned to the works for a file of men as a
guard. With this escort they retraced their steps; but left it behind at a short
distance from the breach, when the captain and his “trusty sergeant” went
forward alone and completed the reconnaissance. In returning to the guard
the captain stumbled, and the clanking of his sword drawing the attention of
the French sentinels, they fired, and he fell mortally wounded. Sergeant
Rogers protected his captain till he gained the escort, with whose assistance
he succeeded in bearing him alive to the trenches. Captain Patton was able
to make his report of the practicability of the assault and soon afterwards
expired.[169] Sergeant Rogers died at Fuente Guinaldo in the following
August. Of him Colonel Fletcher wrote: “he was an attentive, good soldier,
and in every way a most estimable character.”
In May the detachment under Lieutenant-Colonel Fletcher received an
addition of thirty-nine men; and on the 29th June a further reinforcement of
sixty-three non-commissioned officers and men under Lieutenants
Melhuish and De Salaberry, royal engineers. In consequence of this
augmentation, the men of the infantry acting as overseers and mechanics on
the lines, rejoined their respective regiments; and the posts thus vacated
were occupied by the newly-arrived detachments of military artificers.[170]
The whole force of the corps in Portugal amounted in July to 8 sergeants,
5 corporals, 16 second corporals, 3 drummers, and 145 privates; total, 177.
Of this number a comparatively small party only was kept with the army,
whilst the remainder were distributed to the lines, Sobral, Oeyras, the
Almada position, Peniche, Abrantes, Alhandra, Fort St. Julian, &c. In
conducting the works at those places, “the abilities and good conduct of the
men were found of the utmost advantage.” At Fort St. Julian particularly,

where they were employed in the formation of four extensive jetties for the
embarkation of troops in case of necessity, their skill and expertness were
found of great importance. Sergeant John M‘Kay had the executive
superintendence of the work under the direction of Captain Holloway, R.E.
The detachment with the moving army was broken up into sections of
five or six men to each division or corps, and one or other of them was at
the blockade of Almeida, Fuentes d’Onoro, Albuera, Campo Maior, and the
several other actions which occurred in the Peninsula during the campaign
of 1811.
From Cadiz Sub-Lieutenant Davie and fifty men under Captain J. F.
Birch of the royal engineers, were detached with Sir Thomas Graham’s
force, and landed at Algeciras 22nd February. Being armed with short
swords only, Sir Thomas caused them to be furnished with such spare
muskets, accoutrements, and ammunition as could be collected, to defend
themselves if necessary on the march. They were then placed at the head of
the column to remove obstructions and facilitate the advance of the army.
On the 5th March, Barrosa was fought, and the detachment of artificers was
present in the battle. Here sergeant John Cameron gave a manifestation of
his zeal by leading to the charge a section of seven men. They pressed
where the fight was warmest; and in a few moments lost one private—John
Storie—killed and two wounded. The blue uniform of the artificers was
distinctly seen among the red coats of the line, and Sir Thomas Graham
ordered the instant withdrawal of the party to the rear, observing that he
might want it for other work. The sergeant was to have been tried by a
court-martial for taking the men into action without orders; but his bravery
saved him.
In June a second-corporal and four military artificers of the Cadiz
company under Lieutenant Harry D. Jones, were attached to Colonel
Skerrett’s expedition to assist the Spaniards in sustaining the siege of
Tarragona; but the fortress fell while the British troops were in the
roadstead. The party of artificers landed and occupied quarters in St.
George’s Barracks, near Mahon, in the island of Minorca, and returned to
La Isla in July.
In the following October, two artificers were sent from Cadiz for the
defence of Tarifa under Captain C. F. Smith, R.E. Two also were sent there
from Gibraltar by Colonel Sir Charles Holloway, the chief engineer at the
fortress. Ultimately the engineers' means were increased to seventeen men

of all ranks, who were employed as overseers in strengthening the defences
of the place, and they carried on their duty with energy and credit. One
private was wounded on the 29th December. A detachment of variable
strength continued at Tarifa until April, 1813, when it returned to Cadiz.
A reinforcement of twenty men under Sub-Lieutenant Stewart Calder,
sailed in November on board the ‘Tartar’ transport for Cadiz, and landed
before the end of the year. The artificer force there now counted 101 of all
ranks.
Anholt, an island of Denmark in possession of the British, had been
attacked by the Danes in March, and the fortifications consequently were
much damaged. No officer of the royal engineers being available for the
duty of restoring the defences, corporal Alexander Borthwick of the royal
military artificers, an experienced mechanic, was sent there in His
Majesty’s ship ‘Helder,’ with two privates as overseers. They landed in
September and were quartered in Fort Yorke under Lieutenant John Bezant,
the ordnance storekeeper. The marines on the island were employed on the
works, and each received for his labour 2s. 4d. a-day. They worked with
attention and spirit. In six months all the authorized renewals and
improvements were executed; and in May, a further sum of 3,700l. having
been voted for completing the defences of the island, additional works were
commenced to place the fortifications in a state to sustain a regular siege. In
preparing to meet an apprehended attack on the island by the Danes,
corporal Borthwick made various effective arrangements for the disposition
and employment of the working parties, and gained the thanks of the
Military Commandant, Major Torrens, royal marines. Shortly after, Admiral
Martin being of opinion that the fortifications were sufficiently tenable to
stand an attack, the works were suspended; and in August, 1812, Borthwick
and his overseers returned to England. For his conduct and services at
Anholt he was promoted to be sergeant; and a commission to a sub-
lieutenancy was to have been conferred on him, but in the interim he
became involved in some serious irregularities, which prevented the reward
and ultimately ruined him.
So many detachments had been provided for the colonies and the war,
that appeals for reinforcements or more extended aid could only
occasionally be attended to. From the Peninsula and elsewhere, therefore,
representations had been made of the necessity for increasing the corps, and
augmenting the engineers' means for carrying on with efficiency the duties

of the department. The proposals at length met with due consideration; and
on the 28th May a warrant was issued for an improved organization of the
corps, enlarging its establishment to an extent commensurate with the
precautions which the disturbed state of Europe rendered advisable.
The warrant sanctioned an increase of 1,347 men, abolished the rank of
company-sergeant-major, added to the number of the sub-lieutenants, and
divided the corps into four battalions of eight companies, each company
being constituted as follows:—
Sub-Lieutenant 1
Sergeants 5
Corporals 5
Second-Corporals 5
Drummers 3
Carpenters 15
Masons 10
Bricklayers 6
Smiths 4
Wheelers 2
Collar-makers 2
Cooper 1
[171]
Miners 30
Total 89
The establishment of the corps was fixed as under:—
Adjutants[172] 4
Sergeant-majors 4
Staff
Quartermaster-Sergeants 4
Drum-major 1
Sub-Lieutenants 32
Sergeants 160
Corporals 160
Second-Corporals 160
Drummers 96
Privates 2,240

Total 2,861
exclusive of the three companies of Maltese military artificers.
The annual expense of the corps, not including working pay and other
fluctuating contingencies, amounted to 87,736l. 14s. 3¼d. At this period 5
sub-lieutenants, 1 sergeant-major, and 130 men were employed on the
recruiting service.
In all practicable cases, general and field-officers were deprived of the
command of companies, which now ceased to be stationary, but were
removed by rotation of relief from one station to another, the same as the
companies of the royal artillery. The employment of men on detached duties
was also discouraged, and companies were composed of a convenient
strength to enable them to move in bodies.
Upon the stationary condition of the corps a celebrated officer of the
royal engineers has made the subjoined correct remarks:—[173] “From the
close of the American war till the year 1811, all the companies of royal
military artificers were kept permanently fixed at their respective stations,
both at home and abroad, where they remained for life, in what may, for
military men, be styled a state of vegetation; so that they were, at that
period, a vast number of men who had actually grown grey in the corps,
who had never entered a transport, nor made a single day’s march from the
head-quarters of their company. To the men at Gibraltar and other foreign
stations the service of the corps was thus rendered almost equivalent to
transportation for life. Everywhere they intermixed with civilians; they
married in a proportion unknown in any other corps; so much so, that the
number of women and children belonging to one company was often equal
to that of a battalion of the line.”[174]
Under the new arrangement the companies were distributed as follows:—
Companies.
Woolwich 6
Chatham 2
Portsmouth and Gosport 3
Plymouth 2
Dover 2
Guernsey 1
Jersey 1

Cork 2
Gibraltar 3
Newfoundland 1
Halifax 1
West Indies 2
Cadiz 2
Portugal 4
with detachments from the above to Eastbourne and the Sussex coast,
Hythe, Cape Breton, New Brunswick, Ceylon, Cape of Good Hope, Sicily,
the Ionian Islands, and Madeira.
The companies at Cadiz were the sixth and seventh of the first battalion;
and those in Portugal were the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth of the second
battalion. At this time the corps counted a force of nearly 1,500 men. More
than half were employed in foreign possessions and colonial defence. The
remainder, distributed in home garrisons and the Channel Islands, included
a large proportion of aged men, invalids, and recruits. By the end of the
year the reconstruction of the companies was completed; and from
continual accessions of squads of recruits, rapidly equipped and disciplined,
the corps was soon in a condition, to a greater extent than heretofore, to
meet such incidental necessities as might arise.
Eleven sergeants were commissioned to be sub-lieutenants during the
year. Some joined from the royal artillery. All were distinguished either as
soldiers or artificers, particularly Sub-Lieutenant Munro, who was an
“ingenious and skilful mechanic,” and his inventions, which met with
general approbation, were attended with considerable saving to the
Government. The captain of his company, in making a record of his
acquirements, wrote that Lieutenant Munro “was the most zealous and
intelligent non-commissioned officer whom he had met in the course of his
services.”[175]

1812.

Plymouth company instructed in field duties—Engineer establishment at Chatham—Major Pasley
appointed its director—Discipline and drill of corps—Its character—Sir John Sinclair ex-private
—Title of corps changed—Captain G. Buchanan—A sergeant acrobat—Cuidad Rodrigo—
Exertions of a company on the march to the siege—Repairs to the fortress—Siege of Badajoz—
Difficulties in removing the stores to the park—Duties of the sappers in the operation—Gallant
behaviour of Patrick Rooney and William Harry—Also of a party at Fort Picurina, and of Patrick
Burke and Robert Miller—Hazardous attempt to blow down the batardeau in the ditch of the
lunette, and conduct of corporal Stack—Bravery of a party in mining under the bridge of the
inundation—Distribution of the Peninsular companies and their services—Bridges of Yecla and
Serrada—Reinforcement to Spain—Salamanca—Burgos, and boldness of Patrick Burke and
Andrew Alexander at the siege—Bridge of Alba—Carthagena—Reinforcement to Cadiz; action at
Seville—Reinforcement to the Peninsula and distribution of the sappers—Green Island—
Tarragona—First detachment to Bermuda.

Major Pasley, R.E., on his appointment to the Plymouth station,
occasionally practised his company in sapping and mining. He was one of
those officers who took pains to improve the military appearance and
efficiency of his men, and to make them useful either for home or foreign
employment. He is believed to have been the first officer who represented
the advantage of training the corps in the construction of military field-
works.
After the failure of Badajoz in 1811 the necessity of this measure was
strongly advocated by the war officers. Then it was recommended to form a
corps under the name of royal sappers and miners, to be composed of six
companies chosen from the royal military artificers, which after receiving
some instruction in the art, was to be sent to the Peninsula to aid the troops
in their future siege operations.[176] Early in this year [1812] the suggestion
was repeated by Sir Richard Fletcher; and Lord Wellington having also, in
the most forcible manner, brought the subject to the notice of the Secretary
of State,[177] a warrant was issued under date of the 23rd April for the
formation of an establishment for instructing the corps in military field-
works.

Lord Mulgrave, the Master-General, selected Chatham as the most
suitable place for carrying out the royal orders, and appointed Major C. W.
Pasley director of the establishment. The exertions of that officer at
Plymouth naturally singled him out for the post. The better to effect his
purpose, he published for the use of the corps, elementary works on
fortification, geometry, &c. of the greatest simplicity; and they have ever
since been the text-books of the institution. In addition to sapping and
mining, his system comprised bridge-making, pontooning, the use of ropes,
mechanical appliances, and all other arts and contrivances, which the corps,
in its connection with the engineer department, is likely to be called on to
perform. “Uniting,” says Sir John Jones, “great zeal and unwearied
perseverance with good talents” and judgment, Major Pasley “succeeded in
extending the course far beyond these objects,” and not only “filled the
ranks of the corps with good scholars, good surveyors, and good
draughtsmen,” but enabled many, after quitting the service, to occupy with
ability and credit, situations of considerable importance in civil life.[178]
The formation of the school at Chatham increased the means for
discipline and drill. Other stations, stimulated by the example, paid greater
attention to their enforcement. The injurious system of changing officers
incessantly was now abolished; and the juniors, among a stated number of
the second captains, first lieutenants, and second lieutenants of the royal
engineers, were appointed regimental officers of the companies. Sir John
Jones has recorded that “the men generally were of superior acquirements
and well-disposed,” and the above changes had the best possible effect upon
their general behaviour.[179] “By linking officers and men together,” he
added, “and closely connecting their mutual interests, discipline and pride
were given to the soldier,” and character to the corps.[180]
More fully to accord with its recognized duties the Master-General on the
4th August, ordered that the royal military artificers should be hereafter
styled, Royal Military Artificers or Sappers and Miners.[181]
Captain G. Buchanan, the adjutant, resigned the appointment, and
Captain Rice Jones, under commission dated 1st February, succeeded to it.
During his period of office, Captain Buchanan, besides attending to its
many official requirements and details, performed duty on the works like
other officers of engineers. By his application and exertions he ruined his
health. Captain Rice Jones was relieved from the duties of the district, and
the pay of the appointment was increased from 6s. to 10s. a-day.[182]

The siege of Cuidad Rodrigo began on the 8th and terminated on the 19th
January when the fortress was carried by storm. In this siege eighteen rank
and file of the royal military artificers were present, of whom one was
killed and ten were wounded. In carrying on their duties they were
sometimes annoyed by the presence of light balls thrown by the enemy into
the sap. The instant they alighted some bold sappers, heedless of the peril
they incurred, rushed to the spot, and in a few seconds extinguished them
with sand-bags or smothered them by shovelling earth upon the flames.[183]
The conduct of the party during the operations was praised by Lord
Wellington.[184]
To join the siege party, the fifth company second battalion of forty-one
men, had been embodied at Alhandra from the different districts of Torres
Vedras, and marched for Cuidad Rodrigo on the 2nd January. It had in
charge a large assortment of intrenching tools to be used in the works
before that fortress. The weather was bitterly cold, a considerable quantity
of rain had fallen, and the roads were cut into deep ruts and covered with
pools. Frequently the jaded mules dropped from fatigue; and to relieve
them, the men were constantly compelled, either to lead them instead of the
disaffected muleteers, or take the labour of the animals themselves. After a
trying and toilsome journey of seventeen days, the company arrived in front
of Cuidad Rodrigo on the night of the 19th January, but took no part in the
storming.[185]
The above company and detachment were afterwards employed in
restoring and improving the defences of the place. Paid by measurement for
their labour, they greatly exerted themselves, notwithstanding the bitter
weather to which they were exposed. Corporal James Douglas was intrusted
with the charge of the restoration.
In the siege of Badajoz from 16th March to 6th April, the military
artificers bore an important part. There were present 115 of all ranks, being
portions of the fifth and seventh companies, second battalion, from Cuidad
Rodrigo; and the sixth of the second battalion from the Almada position. A
company from Cadiz comprising men of the sixth and seventh companies,
first battalion, did not join till nearly the conclusion of the siege. The
company disembarked at Ayamonte and ascended the valley of the
Guadiana on the Portugal side, partly by boats and partly by marching. No
British soldiers, save this company, had ever been in that part of Portugal.

All the engineers' means for the operation were conveyed from Elvas to
Badajoz under charge of the corps, for which purpose 120 pairs of bullocks
were pressed into the service. The effectual removal of the stores was
accomplished under great difficulties. From the desertion of the drivers,
taking with them their oxen, and the weakly condition of others, many of
the sappers frequently yoked themselves to the abandoned burdens, and in
carrying them through the Guadiana at the fords, were sometimes borne
down the stream by the rapidity of the current. Nearly all the stores,
however, reached the depôt at the appointed time.
In the distribution of the men, a strong party was nominated for the duty
of the park, to repair tools, make scaling-ladders, platforms, &c., and the
remainder, told off into seven brigades, performed good services as
overseers and leading sappers in the trenches and the batteries. Sub-
Lieutenants A. Wallace and R. Gibb who joined in January, volunteered
their services as assistants in the trenches, and both discharged their duties
“extremely well.” Their conduct was noticed in flattering terms in a letter to
General Mann, the inspector-general of fortifications.
Soon after commencing operations, corporal Patrick Rooney signalized
himself by laying gun platforms in the day-time under a warm fire from the
enemy. No less conspicuous was private William Harry, who opened in
daylight under fire of the Picurina, the embrasures of a masked battery. In
executing these dangerous services, their firmness and skill had the effect of
stimulating the workmen to the prompt performance of similar exploits.
At the storming of Fort Picurina the royal military artificers who
preceded the columns, conducted themselves with the “greatest gallantry
and coolness.” Particular mention is made of those who accompanied
Captain Holloway of the royal engineers, in leading the reserve column to
the place. Encumbered with ladders and axes, they broke through a line of
palisades on the covertway, planted the ladders against the counterscarp,
and then, descending into the ditch, moved the ladders across to the scarp
with the greatest “steadiness and precision.” Instantly they mounted, and
after tearing down the fraises to a sufficient extent for the escalade,
ascended the ramparts and dashed through the embrasures into the fort.
Private Patrick Burke, a bold soldier, took a leading part in the assault and
was amongst the foremost that entered the place. On the parapet Captain
Holloway fell severely wounded. Lance-corporal Robert Miller rushed to

his rescue, and at imminent personal peril, guarded his body and bore him
in safety to the camp.
Late in the siege a hazardous attempt was made by Lieutenant Stanway,
R.E. to blow down the batardeau in the ditch of the lunette for the purpose
of drawing off the inundation. He was accompanied by an officer and
twenty men of the royal military artificers, of whom lance-corporal William
Stack gave proof of prominent zeal and daring. The powder-barrels were
duly placed against the dam and fired; but the effect intended was not
produced, and the party returned to the trenches without loss.
In the final assault of Badajoz, selected men of the corps accompanied
each of the columns to the breaches, bearing ladders, hatchets, crowbars,
&c., and executed the duty allotted to them with the utmost bravery. After
storming the lunette St. Roque, a party of the royal military artificers, under
Lieutenant Wright, R. E. displayed expertness and courage in mining under
the dam and bridge of the inundation. Of the general services and conduct
of the sappers “during the operations of the siege and in its close,” it is
recorded that they “distinguished” themselves.[186]
Privates William Bond and Edward Doran were killed, and five rank and
file wounded at the storming. In the trenches, during the operations,
corporal John Blackadder was killed, and Sub-Lieutenant Wallace
wounded. Many others also were wounded, but the precise number cannot
be traced.
Soon after the capture, the detachment of the sixth and seventh
companies, first battalion, returned to Cadiz, Major-General Cooke having
represented the desirableness of maintaining the corps in adequate strength
to carry out the defensive operations under his orders.[187] The sixth of the
second battalion was attached to the expedition for besieging Tarragona,[188]
and portions of the fifth and seventh companies, second battalion, remained
at Badajoz to assist in the repairs of the breaches, and in improving the
defences of the town. One private was killed by the unexpected explosion
of a blast when he applied the match to fire it. The restorations were
effected before the close of the year, and to mark the date, some masons of
the corps built the number of the year with 24-pound shot in the escarp wall
of the face of the bastion La Trinidad.
The bridges of Yecla and Serrada, which spanned the Yebra—a branch of
the Douro between Salamanca and Cuidad Rodrigo—were mined in
December 1811 by Spanish miners, with a few privates of the sappers as

overseers, under the direction of Lieutenant W. Reid, royal engineers.
Owing to the flinty nature of the cement giving the compactness of rock to
the structures, it required a fortnight’s unceasing toil—day and night—to
drive the shafts. The mines were fired in April, following, when one arch of
the Yecla was blown down, and a pier and two arches of the Serrada were
destroyed.
Sub-Lieutenant C. Booth and ninety-five men reinforced the companies
in Spain under Sir Richard Fletcher. Nine men also joined from Madeira.
Both parties landed in April increasing the artificer force to 273 of all ranks.
All the effective men were attached to the different divisions of the army, or
were dispersed on various duties throughout the country. Those remaining
at Badajoz were instructed in sapping and mining under Lieutenant Harry
Jones of the royal engineers.
In June, nine rank and file were present under Lieutenant-Colonel
Burgoyne, R.E., at the siege of the fortified posts at Salamanca. Private
James Durant was killed in the trenches on the night of the 17th June, and
four privates were wounded. Thanks for their good conduct in the siege of
the forts was conveyed to them in general orders.[189]
Eight of the corps were present in August at the capture of the Retiro at
Madrid, and at the siege of Burgos in September and October. All were
employed as overseers in the park and the trenches. Corporal M. Develin
was killed, and the remaining seven were wounded. The whole party proved
themselves to be good soldiers and skilful miners. Deriving their
instruction, in great part, from the labours of previous sieges, they knew the
best methods to achieve success. At Fort Christoval the want of experienced
miners rendered it impracticable to crown the glacis and prevent the
garrison removing the debris from the foot of the breach. At Burgos, on the
contrary, though the assaults were frequent before the place fell, this
handful of sappers, assisted by some miners from the guards, successfully
worked up to the fortress, and formed effective breaches by mining, in the
castle walls.[190] Private Patrick Burke, a distinguished stormer at Badajoz,
was remarked for his usefulness and resolution in the explosion of a mine;
and private Andrew Alexander for his valour in leading the workmen to
crown the crater of a mine on the enemy’s glacis before the breach. The
fifth company, second battalion, was sent in advance with stores for the
siege but arrived too late to share in the operation.

In the retreat to the frontier of Portugal a few men of the corps mined the
bridge at Alba on the Tormes, under Captain Goldfinch of the engineers. An
eye-witness who observed their exertions says, “In crossing the bridge, we
found the sappers hard at work mining and laying barrels of gunpowder to
blow up the centre arch.”[191] The bridge was accordingly destroyed to check
the advance of the enemy. This small party also assisted in the hasty
intrenchments thrown up to defend the castle, and was present in repulsing
the attack on the place.
In January a corporal and nine privates were detached from La Isla to
Carthagena to strengthen the fortifications there. Private Thomas Grewer
was killed in springing a mine. The detachment returned to La Isla in April,
1814.
A draft of twenty-eight non-commissioned officers and men landed at
Cadiz in April to reinforce the sixth and seventh companies, first battalion.
In August following, a sergeant and ten rank and file were present with
Colonel Skerrit’s force in the action at Seville on the 27th of the month.
They rejoined their companies in September.
Late in the year Lieutenant Matson of the royal engineers, having under
his command Sub-Lieutenants R. Turner and C. Gratton and 135 non-
commissioned officers and men, joined the corps in the Peninsula. Many of
them had been instructed in the formation of military field-works. The total
of the artificer force in Spain and Portugal in December, reached the
following numbers:—
Lisbon, Badajoz, and with the army in the 303
field
Alicant 92
Cadiz 103
Tarifa 11
Carthagena 6
Total 515
including Sub-Lieutenants Wallace, Gibb, Booth, Turner, and Gratton.
During the year the casualties in the detachment under Sir Richard Fletcher
were, nine invalided and forty-three deaths. In May the number sick
counted thirty-one; in December it was increased to sixty-one.
At Green Island, opposite Algeciras, four privates were employed in
repairing the defences early in the year under Lieutenant A. Brown of the

corps. When completed they returned to Gibraltar.
The first company of Maltese Artificers of forty-one total, and one smith
of the royal military artificers, left Messina in June under the command of
Major Thackeray, R.E., with the expedition against Tarragona. At Port
Mahon, Minorca, they were joined by the sixth company, first battalion.
Both companies soon afterwards landed at Alicant, and portions of them
were employed on such occasional services as the course of events
demanded.
Bermuda was this year appointed a station for the corps. Two sergeants,
one drummer, and fifty rank and file, embarked on the 21st August on board
the ‘Catherine,’ freight-ship, and arrived at the island 20th November. The
detachment generally were inferior artificers and ill-behaved men.
Throughout the voyage they were discontented and mutinous; and after
landing, animadversion and punishment for a long time had but little effect
in checking their excesses and insubordination. Captain Cunningham, royal
engineers, commanded the party.

1813.

Designation of corps modified—Uniform—Working-dress—Arms—Mode of promoting non-
commissioned officers—Rank of colour-sergeant created—Company to Canada—Reinforcement
to Bermuda—Sub-Lieutenant Mackenzie appointed Town-Major there—Sickness at Gibraltar—
Services of company in East Catalonia—Malha da Sorda—Services on the advance to Vittoria—
Bridge at Toro—Blockade of Pampeluna—Pyrenees—Stockades near Roncesvalles—San
Sebastian and services of the corps at the siege—Valour of sergeants Powis and Davis—Of private
Borland; and of corporal Evans—Casualties in the siege—Restoration of the fortifications-
Pontoon train—Bidassoa—Bridge across it, and conduct of privates Owen Connor and Nowlan—
Vera—Nivelle, and behaviour of corporal Councill—Bridge over that river—Bridges over the
Nive, and daring exertions of private Dowling—Fording the Nive, and posts of honour accorded
to corporal Jamieson and private Braid—Strength and distribution of corps in the Peninsula—
Recruiting.

To correspond with the intentions of the Government with respect to the
future duties of the corps, the title was again changed on the 5th March,
from “royal military artificers or sappers and miners,” to “Royal Sappers
and Miners.” Some mistrust and discontent were occasioned by this second
alteration, but conciliatory explanations restored confidence and
satisfaction.
A change of dress followed the change of name. This originated with the
war officers in the Peninsula. Working with the line at the sieges, it was
considered desirable to assimilate the dress of the two services; and scarlet
with blue facings was introduced to render the men less conspicuous to the
enemy and less subject to danger. No material alteration was made in the
cut and frogging of the coatee. For particular parades, the white breeches
and long gaiters were continued, except in the Peninsula, where grey
trousers and ankle gaiters were substituted. The chaco—a singular
concoction from the German mitre, preserved in Hogarth’s “March to
Finchley,” and the “smoke-jack”—was much higher in front than in rear
and decorated with yellow cords and tassels. A short white feather, worn at
the left side of the chaco, just peered above the curve of the fan. See Plate
X.

The working dress consisted of a plain red jacket with short skirts, grey
trousers with red stripes, short spats, shoes with brass clasps, and a leather
cap worn lengthways, or square, bearing on its front leaf in brass, the
initials of the corps, and subsequently a crown and garter ornament. This
much-disliked head-covering was a remote but unsightly variety of the
cocked hat; and in lieu of tassels was furnished at the corners with black
silk ribbon ties of some length. See Plate XI. Some companies wore white
linen overalls, buttoned the whole length of the outer seam. At Cadiz,
previous to the general change, the companies wore grey trousers with a
black stripe down each outer seam, and a grey cloth forage-cap, trimmed
with black braid, and the letters R. M. A. on the left side of the cap.
Greater attention was now paid to arming the corps. Heretofore, in this
respect, many irregularities had crept in. At Newfoundland the detachment
was armed with swords, cutlasses, and accoutrements of every shape, saved
from the American war. In the West Indies the companies used the shattered
remains of old armouries and black accoutrements of various patterns. In
Sicily the military artificers could only muster a few foreign cumbersome
firelocks; whilst the Maltese artificers were unable to appear with a weapon
of any kind. For a number of years the Gibraltar companies wore the
obsolete accoutrements and cartouche-boxes of a disbanded Newfoundland
regiment; and a party of the corps on its way to the Peninsula, did duty with
pikes and blunderbusses. Among the sergeants the swords and belts were
very dissimilar. Permitted to purchase their own arms, more attention was
paid to fancy and ability of payment than uniformity. These and other
anomalies were progressively removed from the corps in consequence of
the improved method of officering the companies.

Royal Sappers & Miners Plate X.

WORKING DRESS, 1813 Printed by M & N Hanhart.

Royal Sappers & Miners Plate XI.

UNIFORM. 1813 Printed by M & N Hanhart.

In March an important plan was adopted for the promotion of non-
commissioned officers. All men at home recommended for advancement,
were sent to Woolwich to be examined. If found competent as artificers and
soldiers, they were especially instructed in a uniform system of routine and
drill, and returned perfect to their companies. A few years, however, showed
the expense and inconvenience of the system, and it was necessarily
relinquished.
In July the rank of colour-sergeant was granted to the corps. One was
appointed to each company with the pay of 2s. 9¼d. a-day, and was
distinguished by the badge of the open colour and cross swords on the right
arm. Sixpence a-day was also added to the pay of the sergeant-majors,
which raised it to 4s. 1¼d. a-day.
The third company, third battalion, of eighty-one men under Lieutenant
G. Philpotts, R.E., and Sub-Lieutenant James A. Stephenson, sailed for
Canada on board the ‘Zodiac’ transport on the 23rd April, and landed at
Quebec on the 5th June. They had been trained in the field duties of the
department at Chatham, and were the first of the corps ever employed in the
Canadas. Nothing satisfactory is known of their services; but they appear to
have been much dispersed through the country, the greatest numbers being
at Burlington Heights, Prescott, Point Henry, York, and Kingston. The last
station was the head-quarters of the company.
In the summer the detachment at Bermuda was increased to a company
by the arrival of thirty men under Sub-Lieutenant Hugh B. Mackenzie,[192]
from his Majesty’s ship ‘Ardent.’
At Gibraltar the companies suffered much from sickness during the year.
Ophthalmia was also very prevalent. In December a malignant epidemic
appeared in the garrison and nineteen deaths occurred in the companies.
Nine other deaths took place in the year, and twenty-four were invalided.
The three companies at the Rock were now reduced from 267 to 141 of all
ranks.
The sixth company, second battalion, attached to the Anglo-Sicilian army
at Alicant, sent during the year portions of the company with three
expeditions undertaken by Sir John Murray and Lord William Bentinck,
who were present in the several movements and affairs of the campaign,
including the action at the Biar Pass, battle of Castalla, siege and capture of

Fort Belaguer, and the second and third sieges of Tarragona. Thirty-nine
men of the Maltese sappers and miners accompanied these expeditions.
Detachments of both corps were also cantoned, at different intervals, at
Valencia; and thirty men of the company made, in the island of Ivica, a
liberal provision of fascines, gabions, and platforms, for the last siege of
Tarragona. After Suchet evacuated the place, and Lord William had
marched to Villa Franca, the royal and Maltese sappers and miners
commenced to clear and repair the breaches, and to restore, generally, the
fortifications. Until April 1814 they continued so employed, when, the
works having been placed in as defensible a state as before their recent
destruction,[193] they sailed to rejoin the force under Lord William Bentinck
in Italy.
With the exception of a few scattered detachments, the companies in the
Peninsula under Sir Richard Fletcher were concentrated at Malha da Sorda,
and in January the seventh company, first battalion, from Cadiz, also joined
there. All were practised as occasion permitted in the construction of field-
works under Lieutenant E. Matson, royal engineers. Sub-Lieutenant
Gratton, who was appointed adjutant, drilled the companies and conducted
the roster.
On the army breaking up cantonments, the seventh company, first
battalion, and the fifth and seventh companies, second battalion, with Sub-
Lieutenants Calder, Gratton, and Wallace, were attached to the pontoon
train. The royal staff corps also accompanied it. Both corps assisted in the
formation of bridges for the passage of the army. Carrying the pontoons
down the steep banks of the Esla was an arduous service, but the bridge was
thrown across the river with promptitude. Without loss or material casualty,
the companies reached Vittoria, but were not present at the battle. At
Zamora and Toro parties were left to construct earthworks for cover in the
event of a retreat. Others stationed on the Douro and the Esla, guarded and
used the flying bridges over those rivers whenever required by the troops.
The eighth company, second battalion, with Sub-Lieutenant Turner, was
attached to the light division and encamped with the 43rd regiment. At
night, while the Toro bridge was still burning, the company repaired the
broken arch with ladders, trees, and planks, under the direction of
Lieutenant Edward Matson, R.E.,[194] and was present at the battle of
Vittoria on the 21st June, but not actively engaged. One private was

severely wounded; and Sub-Lieutenant Turner received three shots about
his person, but remained unhurt.
At the blockade of Pampeluna, from 25th June to 1st November, a
detachment of twelve sappers and miners was employed and superintended
the working parties under the direction of Major Goldfinch, royal engineers.
Private James Napier was killed.
The seventh company first battalion, with Sub-Lieutenant Calder,
attached to the corps of the army under the command of Lieutenant-General
Sir Rowland Hill, was present at the operations in the Pyrenees, including
the actions at Maya and Roncesvalles.
Under Lieutenant Peter Wright of the engineers, this company, assisted
by working parties from the line, erected several musket-proof stockade-
redoubts on the summits of the ridges in the neighbourhood of
Roncesvalles; and as the weather was extremely cold, accompanied with
rain and sometimes snow, the interior was so constructed as to serve the
purpose of a barrack to shelter a garrison of about 200 men. Young trees
were found in great abundance on the mountain sides, which were sawn in
two for the work, and “the berms were filled up with a triangle of earth,” to
prevent the enemy creeping up the slopes and firing into the loop-holes.
Attention was also paid to providing the troops with sufficient sustenance
and the means of defence for a fortnight. Water was obtained from a cask
sunk in the centre of the stockade, and an ample supply of loaded shells was
procured from a foundry in the neighbourhood, to roll down the mountain
should the enemy attempt to pass at its base, or to hurl into the ditch should
he assail the garrison. The stockades were also provided with small
ordnance when the situation required a more powerful armament.[195]
The fifth, seventh, and eighth companies, second battalion, and
detachments of the sixth and seventh companies, first battalion, were
present at the siege of San Sebastian from the 11th July to the 8th
September. The second company, second battalion, joined there on the 20th
August from England, and was the first company in the corps that appeared
in the scarlet uniform. All the men composing it had been instructed at
Chatham, and were derisively styled “Pasley’s cadets.” The greatest number
at the siege counted five Sub-Lieutenants—Gratton, Stratton, Turner,
Wallace, and Johnson, and 305 non-commissioned officers and men. The
eighth company, second battalion, with Lieutenant Turner, was posted on
the Chofre hills, and the other companies on the isthmus. The men were

divided into three reliefs; each relief was on duty eight hours, but when the
works required to be pressed, the periods of rest were shortened to meet the
emergency. The sub-lieutenants acted as assistant engineers. A large party
of the corps did duty in the park, and the remainder were employed as
overseers of the working parties. They also had to place the gabions,
fascines, platforms, &c., open and repair the embrasures, and execute all
services requiring more than ordinary skill, such as commencing the saps
and leading their progress. In the early part of the siege the batteries and
communications were wholly constructed by the sappers; but from the 16th
July, these services, except in occasional instances of difficulty and danger,
were performed by the line.
In both assaults parties of the corps assisted in carrying and placing the
ladders for the stormers; others bore axes, crowbars, and intrenching tools.
In the second assault it is recorded, that the party with picks and shovels
“long persevered, with cool intrepidity, to form cover on the face of the
breaches, but in vain.” The assault, however, ultimately succeeded. As well
in the trenches as at the stormings, the sappers and miners distinguished
themselves by their usefulness, intelligence, and gallantry.[196]
Here may be given a little incident to show how cool were the sappers in
carrying on their duties. Colonel Pasley has stated that “several of the
embrasures of the breaching battery were cut in broad daylight, under fire,
by a party of the corps under Lieutenant E. Matson, R.E., after the guns in a
part of the battery previously finished, had actually opened against the
fortress.”[197]
Another instance is equally worthy of notice. “At one time,” according to
Major Reid, “the trunk of a large poplar tree completely stopped the
progress of the men and defied all their efforts to move it, until a daring
sapper gallantly jumping from the trench, stood exposed until he moved it
from the head of the sap, and returned without being wounded.”[198]
Striking instances of individual exploit follow, which are creditable to the
soldiers whose names are associated with their performance. Sergeants
William Powis and John Davis accompanied the first assault. Forced down
the breach with the retreating stormers, they perceived Captain G. G. Lewis,
R.E., lying badly wounded exposed to the enemy’s fire; and Davis, who but
a few moments before had been wounded in the arm, returned with Powis
to the breach and carried off their officer to the trenches. In effecting this
gallant and humane act, Davis was a second time struck by a musket-ball,

through which he lost an eye. By Major Pasley he was reported to be “a
man of extraordinary merit and abilities, and a most skilful and ingenious
artificer.”[199]
No less distinguished was private Hugh Borland at the second storming.
In placing his ladders he discovered that they were likely to become useless,
from the joints being insecure, and while in the act of binding the ends
together with his braces—an act of supererogation which the service
scarcely contemplated—a ball pierced the root of his tongue and killed him.
Santa Clara, a rocky island off St. Sebastian, had been taken, and it was
necessary to communicate with the officer of engineers there on a matter of
great importance. It being broad daylight, no boat could venture across the
bay without the certainty of being sunk. Corporal Thomas Evans therefore
volunteered to execute the service. He immediately stripped himself, tied
his cap round his neck with the despatch in it, and plunging into the stream,
performed, under fire from the castle, this gallant exploit unscathed. The
distance to the island was nearly a mile, and he returned with an answer in
about an hour.
The casualties at the siege were as follows:—
At the sortie—one killed; private James Hicks: three taken prisoners,[200] one of whom, private
Owen Connor, was wounded.
In the trenches—four killed; second-corporals Findlay McDonald and Daniel Niblock, and
privates Thomas Penhorwood and Peter Milne; Sub-Lieutenant Turner, wounded.
First storm—five killed; privates Samuel Clarke, James Dunn, William Cormack, Jonathan Millar,
and James Morris: one died of wounds, private Stephen Teaff.
Second storm—four killed; second-corporal Henry Logan, privates Peter Walsh, John Flannagan,
and Hugh Borland: twenty-nine wounded, of whom one died, second-corporal William Dodds.

Correct particulars of the wounded from the opening of the operations
until the last assault cannot be obtained. The three prisoners taken at the
sortie were returned to the corps on the 8th September. Not allowed, during
their confinement, to throw up cover for their own safety, they were
exposed in the castle, in the yard of the magazine, to all the fury of the
siege.
On the removal of the troops from St. Sebastian, the fifth company,
second battalion, was left at the fortress. Under the orders of Captain Frank
Stanway, royal engineers, it superintended a body of Spanish soldiers in
reforming and restoring the fortifications. The company continued so

employed for nearly five months after the abdication of Napoleon, and
returned to Woolwich in September, 1814.
The remaining four companies moved with Lord Wellington’s army,
having in charge the stores and matériel of the department. On the arrival of
the pontoon train at Passages, a strong detachment of the corps was placed
under the direction of Lieutenant Piper, R.E., to assist in the formation of
the required bridges.
In the passage of the Bidassoa on the 7 th October, the sappers threw a
pontoon bridge across the river near Irun. It was soon afterwards carried
away by the tide; but, on being recovered, was speedily replaced.
About three miles higher up the river, at the foot of the Pyrenees, they
also constructed a trestle bridge with a roadway of sleepers, covered by
fascines and earth, under Captain Dickens, R.E. This bridge also was
washed away by the violence of the current, and with it privates Owen
Connor and John Nowlan, who at the time, were under the superstructure,
fastening ropes from the land to the trestles to give stability to the bridge.
Both these intrepid bridgemen, after a hard struggle, gained the shore.
The second company, second battalion, under Captain Pitts of the corps,
was present in the action at Vera, and afterwards threw up a line of
breastworks at the gorge of one of the passes through the mountains, and
constructed several other works about the position.
At the battle of Nivelle, on the 10th of November, the four companies
above mentioned were present but not actively engaged. Two or three small
parties of the corps, however, had the honour of leading a strong force of
the 27th regiment to the storming of a strong redoubt, under Lieutenant
George West, R.E. They took with them long sand-bags, filled at the instant
with fern, which they threw into the ditch; and jumping upon them, sprang
to the parapet and entered the redoubt. Lance-corporal Edward Councill of
the corps, led one of the detachments to the storm and dashed into the
works with the foremost soldier, who was a sergeant of the 27th regiment.
On the 11th November the second company, second battalion, threw a
trestle bridge across the Nivelle, below Sarre, constructed from materials
obtained from a farmhouse, under the direction of Captain Pitts and Sub-
Lieutenant Stratton.
The seventh company, second battalion, being detached to Socoa, to
arrange the hawser bridge for the passage of the Adour, the three remaining
companies were present at the battle of the Nive, and the actions in front of

Bayonne, from the 9th to 13th December. For the passage of the corps
d’armée under Marshal Beresford and Sir Rowland Hill, the companies
threw two bridges at Ustaritz, and repaired the shattered arches of another
bridge at that place and one at Cambo. The first bridge thrown was made of
pontoons under Captain Boteler, R.E., in which private William Dowling
distinguished himself by gallantly swimming across the river with the sheer
line, and securing it to a picket on the enemy’s side. When striking home his
stake, he drew the fire of some French sentinels upon him, but returned
unhurt. The second bridge resting upon eleven bays, was made by the
second company, second battalion, under Sub-Lieutenant Stratton, directed
by Captain Henderson, R.E., and formed from chance materials collected in
the wood and the village. During the operations, another bridge was thrown
by the sappers over a deep stream with a rapid current, beyond the Nive,
and was formed of wine pipes and barrels, strengthened by two skiffs or
chasse-marées, with a hastily-prepared roadway laid upon them.
Previous to the battle a few expert swimmers were selected to find the
fords of the Nive, and to note the exact rising and falling of the tides.
Corporal Alexander Jamieson and private William Braid found the three
fords near Cambo. In the passage of the troops these two men, by
appointment, guided the columns of Generals Byng and Barnes across the
stream; and for their coolness and steadiness in executing the service, were
rewarded by the Generals. The former received two doubloons, the latter
one.
The four companies with the army were reinforced in November, by
forty-nine men under Captain English, royal engineers, from England. On
the 30th of the month, the total number in the south of France, at St.
Sebastian, and Alicant, reached six sub-lieutenants and about 500 non-
commissioned officers and men. The number sick in the different hospitals
amounted to between sixty and seventy. The casualties during the year
were, killed fifteen, deaths thirty-three, missing five, and invalided thirteen.
The head-quarters of the companies with Lord Wellington’s army, were at
Cambo, Ustaritz, and St. Jean de Luz, but the men were greatly dispersed
and variously employed, in making redoubts, batteries, and entrenchments,
and in the preparation of materials and appliances for the formation of
bridges.
During the year the recruiting was carried on with great spirit. The
number received by enlistment was 431, and by transfer from the militia

334. Six sub-lieutenants, one sergeant-major, and 144 non-commissioned
officers and men, were employed on this service in the United Kingdom
and Ireland. The corps now counted a total strength of 2,373, leaving still to
complete it to the establishment 484 men.

1814.

Wreck of ‘Queen’ transport; humanity of sergeant Mackenzie; heroic exertions of private M‘Carthy
—Quartermaster; Brigade-Major—Santona; useful services of corporal Hay—Bridge of Itzassu
near Cambo—Orthes; conduct of sergeant Stephens—Toulouse—Bridge of the Adour; duties of
the sappers—Flotilla to form the bridge—Casualties in venturing the bar—Conduct of the corps in
its construction—Bayonne—Expedition to North America—Return to England of certain
companies from the Peninsula—Company to Holland; its duties; bridge over the Maerk; Tholen;
Port Frederick—March for Antwerp—Action at Merxam—Esprit de corps—Coolness of sergeant
Stevens and corporal Milburn—Distribution; bridge making—Surprise of Bergen-op-Zoom—
Conduct of the sappers, and casualties in the operation—A mild Irishman—Bravery of corporal
Creighton and private Lomas—South Beveland—Reinforcement to the Netherlands—Review by
the Emperor of Russia—School for companies at Antwerp—Detachments in the Netherlands,
company at Tournai—Movements of the company in Italy and Sicily—Expedition to Tuscany;
party to Corfu—Canada; distribution of company there, and its active services—Reinforcement to
Canada—Washington, Baltimore, New Orleans—Notice of corporal Scrafield—Expedition to the
State of Maine.

Late in December, 1813, sergeant Richard Mackenzie with six invalids
and their wives and children, embarked at Lisbon on board the ‘Queen’
transport. Separated during a tempest from the convoy, the vessel, after a
dangerous passage, arrived off Falmouth, and entering the harbour,
anchored at about half a mile from the shore to await a fair wind to sail for
Portsmouth. On the 14th of January, at night, a violent storm arose; and
early next morning, the ship, snapping her cable and parting her anchor,
drifted on the rocks off Trefusis Point near Falmouth. The unabated severity
of the wind kept the vessel constantly bumping upon the rocks, and in a
short time the ‘Queen’ broke amidships. As long as practicable the crew and
passengers clung to the gunwale and rigging, but the long-boat being at last
disengaged, numbers crowded into it. Sergeant Mackenzie was about the
last who entered it; and even then, though the chance of life was hanging
upon the prompt effort of the moment, he caught up a poor orphan boy
shivering from cold and fright, and pushing him into the vessel first,
followed after, and wedged himself in the bow of the boat. Without rudder
or oars, the boat, scarcely able to hold the weight she bore, drifted to sea.

Masses of the wreck floated about her and beat against her sides. Shock
succeeding shock soon loosened her timbers, and the bottom giving way,
the human freightage was cast into the sea. In less than two hours, out of
336 souls, 195 were lost. Two of the number with three women and their
children, belonged to the party of sappers. One was private James
M’Carthy, who had gained the shore on a fragment of the wreck, and
plunging into the sea again, perished in an heroic attempt to save the wife of
a comrade.
The commissions of Adjutant and Quartermaster, hitherto held by one
officer, were separated in February; and quarter-master-sergeant James
Galloway was promoted to be Quartermaster from the 1st of that month,
with the pay of 8s. a-day, and 18l. 5s. a year for a servant. His dress and
appointments were assimilated to those of the subaltern officers of royal
engineers, with the exception of the head-dress, which was a cocked-hat,
plumed with flowing cock-tail feathers. On the 20th of December
following, the Adjutant, Captain Rice Jones, was advanced to the staff
appointment of Brigade-Major; which rank has ever since been borne by the
chief executive officer of the corps.
After the passage of the Bidassoa, Captain Wells, with two men of the
eighth company second battalion, marched to Santona to co-operate with
the Gallican, or fourth Spanish army, under General Barco. The historian of
the Peninsular war has stated, that some sappers and miners were sent to
quicken the operations of the Spanish officers, but a French writer, erring
beyond all excuse, has magnified the two men into a whole battalion.[201]
Under their captain, they superintended the prosecution of various field-
works; and on account of his usefulness and intelligence, lance-corporal
Hay was styled assistant engineer. Several villages in the vicinity of
Santona were called upon to supply a certain number of scaling ladders for
the operation, and corporal Hay, furnished with authority from General
Barco, visited those localities, superintended the making of the ladders, and
had them conveyed to the park. Both the sappers were present in the
escalade of the fort of Puntal on the 13th February, and at the storming of
the town and fort of Laredo on the 21st. Throughout the operations,
corporal Hay was particularly noticed for his ability and zeal. Santona
ultimately capitulated, and the two sappers rejoined their company in front
of Bayonne.

Early in January ten artificers of the seventh company, first battalion,
assisted by fifty Spanish soldiers, threw a very efficient bridge across a loop
of the river Nive at Itzassu near Cambo, under the direction of Sub-
Lieutenant Calder. The bridge was constructed by order of General Hill at
the request of the Spanish General Morillo, to establish a communication
with the rear and a brigade of his division which had not crossed the stream.
A ferry had formerly existed at the spot by means of a small canoe which
the enemy, in his retreat, had taken the precaution to sink. It was recovered
by the sappers and turned to advantage in the operation. The site chosen for
the bridge was accessible and convenient, being directly in rear of the
division. For some distance along the shore the north side had a
perpendicular face, high and craggy with projecting ledges; whilst the
opposite shore was low and shingly, and inundated in wet weather. The bed
of the river was rocky and uneven, showing such abrupt variations in its
level, that piles or trestles could not be used for the formation. In some
places the depth was 15 feet; in others not more than 4 or 5. Boats or craft
of any kind could not be procured, and the expedient of a bridge of casks
was therefore resorted to.
Barrels for the purpose—four feet long by two feet at the swell—were
obtained from a wine manufactory in the village; chestnut planking, nails
and bolts from different houses; trees from the adjacent plantations to form
the framework and shore piles; and bars of iron grating, taken from the
vaults of a country churchyard, were converted into a chain of 20-inch
links, and stretched across the river. This chain was fastened at one bank to
a huge fragment of rock, brought from a distance by means of a hastily-
constructed sledge; and at the other it was held firmly by one of the
ordinary methods. The number of casks employed in the formation were
thirty-five, arranged in five floats or piers of seven each, two piers being
lashed together at each end of the raft, 18 feet from either shore, and one in
the centre with a space between of 12 feet from either float. The piers were
fixed in strong cradles or frames, and by simple connections each
maintained a reciprocal bearing upon the other. From the low or south shore
the raft was approached by a jetty 120 feet in length, resting on young trees
driven into the soil in a double row, 8 feet wide and 10 feet asunder; and
from the other by a wide gangway supported on a sunken rock, which was
heightened to the required altitude by a pier of stout masonry built at the
moment. The superstructure consisted of planks secured to frames, and also

to baulks longitudinally laid on the floats; and when all was completed, the
bridge was held in position by means of poles, 8 feet in length, running
from the piers and linking to small double chains, which again were moored
to the great chain cable by a series of stout hanger hooks. The slopes to the
raft at each end were easy and natural, and contrivances were effected
which permitted the bridge to ride with the tide without disarrangement. On
both sides a hand-rail was placed for the convenience of the troops, which
gave it a neat and finished appearance; and though executed with the hurry
which a pressing movement demanded, it was so firmly put together that it
fulfilled in every respect the objects of its construction, without even
sustaining a break from the force of the current or fury of the storm.[202]
The above company with its sub-lieutenant, and the eighth company,
second battalion, struck camp in February and moved forward with the
army. The former company was attached to the column under Sir Rowland
Hill, and the latter to Marshal Beresford’s. Both companies, numbering 130
of all ranks, were present at the battle of Orthes on the 27th of February, but
their services in the action were of little importance. A portion of the
companies being attached to the pontoon train, assisted to re-establish the
ruined bridge of Berenx during the night of the 26th; and on the 27th, a
small party under sergeant Thomas Stephens, who had distinguished
himself in the demolition of the flood-gates at Flushing, destroyed a
barricade in front of a bridge which led into the town of Orthes. In this little
rencontre, sergeant Ninian Melville and private Samuel Needham were
wounded, the latter mortally.
These companies, still attached to the advancing army, aided in forming
the several pontoon and flying bridges required for the passage of the
troops, both on the march from Orthes and just before the battle of
Toulouse. In this action, fought on the 10th of April, the two companies
were present, but were not required to perform any service worthy of
especial remark.
During the winter of 1813, the seventh company, second battalion with
Sub-Lieutenant Wallace, was detached to St. Jean de Luz to prepare a
bridge for the passage of the Adour; and early in January, Sub-Lieutenant
Stratton with the second company, second battalion, was sent to Socoa to
hasten its completion. These companies with the artificers of the guards and
staff corps, and large parties of the royal navy, worked incessantly at the
undertaking under the direction of the engineers.[203]

In the middle of February, the necessary apparatus and stores being ready
and every preliminary arrangement completed, the greater part of the two
companies were shipped on board the chasse-marées, intended to form the
bridge. In two vessels six sappers were embarked, in others three, but the
majority carried only two, who were destined to cut “away the waste boards
to render the deck level, and also to spike down the timber, prepared with
grooves to receive the cables, the moment the vessels should be
moored.”[204]
On the night of the 22nd, the flotilla put to sea and encountered some
stormy weather on the passage. In the afternoon of the 24th it neared the
Adour, when the sea, tossed into foaming waves by a driving gale, wore an
aspect of peculiar danger. A high and angry surf being on the bar and the
tide furious, many of the native crews ran below in terror and refused to
navigate their boats. Several fell on their knees and spent much of their
energy in earnest devotion. At length, urged to their duty by the angry
threats of the engineers and sappers, most of the masters yielded a reluctant
but desperate submission, and steering into the channel, one vessel after
another cut through the frightful breakers and soon gained the position
chosen for the bridge.
This hazardous service was not accomplished without loss to the sappers.
In an instant, one vessel was engulphed on the bar, and second-corporal
Patrick Power and private John M‘Knight, perished. Another vessel had
safely outridden the surf, but was overtaken by an overwhelming wave that
dashed her to pieces. In this wreck, corporal James Gorman and private
William Bunn were washed to the shore, and after several hours'
insensibility and exposure to cold, reached their company in a miserable
plight, the next morning.
In forming the bridge, the chasse-marées were anchored head and stern,
about 30 feet apart; and as soon as the washboards were cut away and the
grooved timbers spiked to the decks, the cables were stretched across the
vessels from shore to shore, and the planks or superstructure quickly lashed
to them. On the right bank of the river, the ends of the cables were secured
to some 18-pounder guns half buried in the marsh; and on the left bank
were hauled taut by mechanical ingenuity. From the violent heaving of the
vessels it was unsafe to fix the planks in the intervals between them, but
there were not wanting men who thought less of the danger than the prompt
execution of the service. With skill equal to their assiduity, the companies

laboured in completing the bridge, even working throughout the night, and
the structure was fully ready for the passage of the troops on the 26th of
February.[205] The boom was laid by the navy and completed soon after the
bridge.
Admiral Penrose, in his despatch of 25th February, thus notices the
services of the sappers, “That so many chasse-marées ventured the
experiment, I attribute to their having been one or more sappers placed in
each of them, and a captain and eight lieutenants of engineers commanding
them in divisions.”[206] The Admiral further stated, “that the sappers not only
proved themselves good soldiers, but intrepid seamen.”[207] Major Todd of
the royal staff corps, who assisted in planning the bridge, informed the
author of the ‘Peninsular War,’ “that he found the soldiers, with minds
quickened by the wider range and variety of knowledge attendant on their
service, more ready of resource, and their efforts, combined by a more
regular discipline, of more avail, with less loss of time, than the irregular
activity of the seamen.”[208] Honourable mention is also made by the great
historian of the intrepidity of the sappers; and in winding up his remarks
upon the operation, he writes, “this stupendous undertaking must always
rank amongst the prodigies of war.”[209]
The subsequent charge of the bridge being confided to the royal staff
corps under Major Todd, the two companies of sappers were removed to
Bayonne to take part in the siege. Including the second company fourth
battalion with sub-lieutenant Millar under Captain Blanshard, R.E., which
arrived from Portsmouth in the ‘Warren’ transport, and landed at Passages
on the 16th March, the royal engineers had collected for the blockade four
sub-lieutenants—Wallace, Gratton, Stratton, and Millar—and a body of
nearly four hundred well-trained sappers and miners,[210] who were chiefly
employed as overseers in conducting the execution of the required
fieldworks. A strong party was on duty in the trenches when the sortie was
made from the citadel on the night of the 14th April, but no casualties
among the men were reported. Throughout the operations the sappers and
miners, from their skill and exertions, gave the highest satisfaction to their
officers.
At Bayonne the last blow of the war was struck; for as soon as the news
of Napoleon’s abdication had arrived, hostilities ceased. In May the five
companies at Bayonne and Toulouse marched from their respective
cantonments to Blanquefort and Bordeaux, where they were encamped for a

few weeks awaiting the general evacuation of the country. An expedition
being ordered to proceed to North America, the second company fourth
battalion embarked with it on the 27th May; and the other four companies,
viz., the seventh of the first battalion and the second, seventh, and eighth of
the second battalion, sailed from Poulliac on the 22nd June, and landed at
Portsmouth the 10th and 14th July, leaving fifty-five men sick in France.
The casualties in these companies for the half year were thirty deaths and
one missing.
The sixth company second battalion was removed to Italy in April. The
sixth company first battalion from Cadiz, and the fifth company second
battalion from St. Sebastian, sailed from Spain the latter end of August, and
arrived at Woolwich early in September. These two companies were with
the last troops which left the Peninsula after the close of the war.
The fourth company second battalion, counting eighty-two men, with
Sub-Lieutenant T. Adamson under Captain R. Thomson, left Margate with
the expedition under Sir Thomas Graham, and landed at Williamstadt the
18th December, 1813. There the company suffered loss by the accidental
burning of the barracks in which it was quartered. After removing the stores
from the shipping, parties were employed in preparing fascines and
gabions, in bridge-making, constructing a landing place of faggots for the
disembarkation of the cavalry, and in removing the platforms and heavy
mortars from the ramparts at Williamstadt for carriage to Merxam.
These services being accomplished, the company was distributed to
Klundert, Groat Zundert, Zandaarbuiten, Tholen, Steenbergen, and Fort
Frederic near Lille. Among other duties the detachment at Zandaarbuiten
formed, in a very expeditious manner, a bridge of country-boats over the
river Maerk under two young lieutenants of engineers, which served for the
conveyance of the heaviest artillery. The boats were of different shapes and
sizes, collected for the occasion, and the materials for the superstructure
were of irregular scantling, partly collected in the neighbourhood and partly
felled on the spot.[211] At Tholen a corporal and eight men under Lieutenant
Eyre, R.E., attached to the Prussians, built a battery on the bank of the river
for the protection of a flying bridge; and at Fort Frederic a party restored a
battery for two guns, which afterwards held an unequal contest with a
French eighty-four gun ship, and prevented her proceeding to Bergen-op-
Zoom with provisions. No less than forty-one, including the commander,

were killed and wounded on board the man-of-war, while the casualties at
the battery only amounted to one killed and two wounded.
Leaving sixteen men at Tholen and Zandaarbuiten, the remainder of the
company, armed with short swords, felling-axes, saws, &c., and guarding
an establishment of mules drawing about one hundred waggons laden with
intrenching tools, commenced the march for Antwerp. They followed the
royal artillery, and reliefs of twenty men were, by turns, repeatedly ordered
to the front to remove abattis and other obstructions that were met with on
the route. From intense frost and a heavy and continuous fall of snow
blowing in their faces, they encountered many difficulties and suffered
extremely during the journey.
Merxam being taken on the 2nd February the company and a strong force
of the guards and line, began the erection of batteries to attack the fleet at
Antwerp. By command, no relief was permitted to the sappers, and they
continued on duty for seventy-two hours without intermission. Their steady
labours at the Napoleon battery of sixteen guns, and their skill in revetting
the embrasures, and in attending to the more perilous parts of the works,
were the wonder of both officers and soldiers. Sir Thomas Graham, in
general orders dated Merxam, 5th February, did full justice to the zeal and
exertions of the sappers, and stated, “that they deserved the highest praise.”
Two privates were wounded.[212]
Sergeant William Stevens and corporal Thomas Milburn distinguished
themselves by their coolness and bravery in superintending the laying of
platforms and making a splinter-proof magazine under a heavy fire.
Recommended by Colonel Carmichael Smyth, the commanding royal
engineer, the former was forthwith appointed colour-sergeant, and soon
afterwards commissioned to a sub-lieutenancy in the corps; and the latter
was promoted to be sergeant.
After the failure at Antwerp, the head-quarters of the company went into
cantonments at Rosendaal, and parties were detached to Groat Zundert, Fort
Henrick, Calmthout, Eschen, and Brieschaet. At Groat Zundert seven men
under corporal James Hilton conducted some experimental bridging in the
presence of Sir Thomas Graham and Colonel Carmichael Smyth, with the
view of adopting the easiest plan for crossing ditches in future enterprises.
Sir Thomas was struck with the simplicity of the corporal’s arrangement
and the rapidity of its execution; and as a proof of his approbation gave him
a Napoleon.

On another occasion, that distinguished general took particular interest in
the formation of a ditch bridge and even laboured himself in its
construction. From the unevenness of the banks the baulks did not lie
firmly. Private James McKay was in the act of obtaining the desired
steadiness, when Sir Thomas took a spare spade, cut some sods, and
assisting to place them in the required positions, only gave up when the
work was satisfactorily accomplished.
In the surprise of Bergen-op-Zoom on the 8th March, parties of the
company were attached to each of the columns appointed for the attack.
There were about forty men in all, who were provided with axes, saws, and
crowbars, and also a few ladders to scale the walls of the fortress. At about
half-past ten o’clock the attack was made. The sappers cut down the
palisades, crossed the ditches, planted the ladders, and leading the way in
the escalade, were the first soldiers on the enemy’s ramparts. They then
pushed forward to remove any obstacle that opposed the advance of the
assailants, and persevered in their several duties till the place was captured.
A reverse, however, awaited the British: the enemy renewed the attack with
unwonted vigour, and in a few hours regained the fortress. During these
extraordinary operations the following casualties occurred in the
detachment: Sub-Lieutenant Adamson was killed by a cannon-ball on the
glacis when advancing. About twelve were wounded, of whom two
mortally—privates John McKeer and James Munro—and ten were taken
prisoners, and conveyed to Fynaart, but shortly afterwards released. Of the
conduct of the sappers in this coup-de-main Colonel Carmichael Smyth has
left it on record, that the company conducted themselves with the utmost
coolness and courage, and the Master-General, in a letter dated 2nd April,
was pleased to express himself highly satisfied with the zealous conduct of
the Royal Sappers and Miners on the above occasion.[213]
The gallant behaviour of corporal James Creighton and private Edward
Lomas is deserving of notice. After breaking through a palisade on the
ramparts, they dashed forward and were challenged by a vigilant sentinel,
who fired and shot Lomas in the thigh and then charged Creighton.
Creighton parried the bayonet with his axe, and, seizing the Frenchman’s
musket, a desperate struggle ensued. The sentinel, who was a powerful
man, at length threw his antagonist violently to the ground, and stamping
his foot on his breast, endeavoured to wrest the firelock from the corporal’s
grasp. His strength spent, Creighton could scarcely maintain the contest,

when Lomas, yet bleeding from his wound, rushed to the rescue of his
comrade and struck the Frenchman with a pole-axe on the back of his head.
The blow was fatal. Lomas now armed himself with the musket and
ammunition of the sentinel, and pressing forward into the fortress, his
resolution and daring were further signalized by his killing two other
Frenchmen, and wounding two more. The latter he delivered over as
prisoners of war to sergeant Thomas Milburn of the company, first breaking
their muskets in their presence, and then dispossessing them of their
accoutrements.[214] Corporal Creighton followed Lomas in the adventure,
but was too much fatigued and weakened to be of material service.
Soon after the reverse at Bergen-op-Zoom, the greater part of the
company was sent to South Beveland and attached to the engineer brigades
of Captains R. Thomson and Oldfield, to be employed in the attack of Fort
Batz. The night that ground was to have been broken news arrived of peace.
The company returned into cantonments at Rosendaal, then changed its
head-quarters to Horst, and in May assembled at Antwerp, where it
remained, with the exception of some small detachments, to the end of the
year.
In July another company—fourth of the third battalion—under
Lieutenant P. Cole, arrived in that city from Woolwich. It was sent there to
assist in the demolition of its fortifications and arsenal, as, by treaty, it was
decided that Antwerp should only be a commercial port. On the advice,
however, of the Duke of Wellington, who inspected that great naval depôt
on his way to Paris, the operations were suspended.
While stationed at Antwerp both companies were quartered in the Hotel
de Salm, where the French had established their head-quarters and sapper
barracks. When the Emperor Alexander of Russia visited the city, the two
companies were turned out with the garrison to receive the Czar, and
specially attracted his majesty’s attention. In September the companies,
under the command of Captain Oldfield, were inspected at Antwerp by
Lieutenant-General Clinton, who expressed himself highly pleased with
their appearance.
The idea that the sappers should be properly educated, led, even in an
enemy’s country, to the establishment of a school for their professional
instruction, and they were permitted the privilege of assisting their officers
in the preparation of projects for the destruction of the docks and several
fronts of fortification. The drill too was strictly attended to, and to keep up

their military spirit and bearing, they were marched two days a week into
the country, and joined the troops at all garrison parades. Captain Oldfield,
the resident engineer, commanded the companies.
The strength of the sappers in the Netherlands was now 152. The sub-
lieutenants belonging to them were James Adam and Edward Sanders. For
several months of the year the parties detached were employed at Liere,
Schilde, Graven Wesel, Brussels, Tournai, and Mons. Subsequently the
fourth company, third battalion, was wholly removed to Tournai, and
employed in the repair of the citadel, under the command of Captain W. D.
Smith.
The sixth company, second battalion, from Tarragona, with Sub-
Lieutenant Gibb, landed at Genoa from the ‘Mercury’ transport on the 4th
May; and on the 11th June following removed to Messina, leaving a small
party at Genoa. Other detachments were also employed at Savona, Palermo,
and Faro.
Sixteen men of the Maltese company at Palermo were attached to Lord
William Bentinck’s Tuscany expedition, and served at Leghorn, Pisa, and
Lucca from February to April. In the latter month the company of Maltese
sappers at Tarragona was increased to forty-nine men. In May, it landed at
Genoa, and changed its quarters to Palermo in June, where both
detachments were incorporated into a company of 110 strong. In November
seven men of the Maltese sappers were detached to Corfu.
The third company, third battalion, in Canada retained its head-quarters
at Kingston; but throughout the campaign was much dispersed on various
important duties to York, Point Kerry, Fort Niagara, Snake Island, Montreal,
Ganonoque, Fort Wellington, Prescott, and Bridge Island. Parties are also
traced at the attack and burning of Oswego under Lieutenant Gossett, and at
the assault of Fort Erie under Lieutenant Phillpotts. In the latter service they
received the acknowledgments of Lieutenant-General Drummond for their
ability and exertions.
A second company—fourth of the fourth battalion—embarked for service
in Canada in April, and disembarked at Quebec from the ‘Belfield’ transport
in June. In August the company was attached to the expedition under Sir
George Prevost, and was present at the attack on Plattsburg, where they
constructed sand-bag batteries, temporary bridges of felled trees, and
planted the ladders against the walls for the storm. Subsequently to the
assault, the company removed to Lacolle, and, after fortifying Ash Island,

wintered at Prescott. During the campaign parties were detached to
Montreal, Cascade-Montmorenci, Isle-aux-Noix, Turkey Point, and
Burtonville.
Captain Blanshard’s company-second of the fourth battalion—which
sailed from Bayonne on the 27th May, was transhipped in July from the
‘Thames’ frigate to the ‘Golden Fleece’ transport, and landed at Benedict in
the Patuxent on the 19th August. Marching with the troops, the company of
sixty-two strong was present in the action at Bladensburg on the 24th, and
had three men taken prisoners, two of whom were wounded. At Washington
the company was employed in burning the Senate-house,[215] President’s
palace, War-Office, and other public edifices and establishments. Fully
expecting that the British would fall, as at Saratoga, a prize to the republic,
the President, in the extravagance of his anticipations, had prepared a
sumptuous repast to entertain the chiefs of the captive British staff; but so
singular are the chances of war, it fell to the lot of the sappers instead of the
staff to do justice to the President’s hospitality. Afterwards the company
was present in the action near Baltimore and at the attack of New Orleans.
In the latter they were joined by the seventh company, first battalion, with
Sub-Lieutenant Calder under Captain A. Emmett, who disembarked from
the ‘Bedford’ and ‘Maria’ transports. Both companies were of great service
during the operations and at the assault. The casualties were one missing
and four wounded—one mortally.
A party of one colour-sergeant and six men under Captain Nicolls, from
Halifax, Nova Scotia, was attached to the expedition under Sir John
Sherbrooke, and served, in August and September, at the capture of Moose
Island, Castine, and Belfast, in the State of Maine.

1815.

Siege of Fort Boyer—Alertness of company on passage to New Orleans—Return of the sappers from North
America—Services and movements of companies in Canada—Also in Nova Scotia—Captures of
Martinique and Guadaloupe—Services and movements of companies in Italy—Maltese sappers disbanded
—Pay of Sub-Lieutenants—Ypres—Increase to sappers' force in Holland; its duties and detachments;
notice of sergeant Purcell—Renewal of the war—Strength of the corps sent to the Netherlands—
Pontoneers—Battle of Waterloo—Disastrous situation of a company in retreating—General order about
the alarm and the stragglers—Sergeant-major Hilton at Brussels—Notice of lance-corporal Donnelly—
Exertions of another company in pressing to the field—Organization of the engineer establishment in
France—Pontoon train—Magnitude of the engineer establishment; hired drivers; Flemish seamen—
Assault of Peronne, valour of Sub-lieutenant Stratton and lance-corporal Councill—Pontoon bridges on the
Seine—Conduct of corps during the campaign—Corporal Coombs with the Prussian army—Usefulness of
the sappers in attending to the horses, &c., of the department in France—Domiciliary visit to Montmartre.

In February of this year nine men were present at the siege of Fort Boyer, near
Mobile, and their services on the occasion have been cited as a remarkable proof
of the utility of the corps. Sir Charles Pasley thus writes concerning the party:
—“The first night of the operations soldiers of the line only were employed. From
a want of skill and experience in the nature of the duties required of them, and
there being very few engineer officers to direct, they collected in groups, instead
of being spread out as they ought to have been. Consequently, out of one small
party of twenty men, fourteen were killed and wounded by a single discharge of
grape-shot; and such confusion ensued, that very little progress was made in the
course of that night. On the second night of the siege, the small party of sappers
was employed in addition to the troops of the line. By the assistance of these few
men the officers of engineers were enabled to regulate their working party to so
much advantage, that before morning they had completed a parallel of 200 yards
in extent within 50 yards of the enemy’s works, besides approaches in advance,
which, being filled with sharpshooters, the Americans were unable to show
themselves at their guns, and the fort surrendered. It is proper to explain, that as
the army sailed from the Mississippi in divisions, the main body of the royal
engineer department had not arrived at the period of the attack. The nine men who
so particularly distinguished themselves happened to be on the spot before the
others, because, being all carpenters by trade, they had been lent to the Admiral to
repair the boats of the fleet.”[216] One private was wounded.[217]

After a detention of about six weeks from contrary winds, the eighth company,
second battalion, with Sub-Lieutenant P. Johnston under Captain Harry D. Jones,
cleared the channel on the 25th December and sailed for New Orleans. While off
Madeira, the company was served out with the serviceable carbines and
blunderbusses belonging to the transport, and drilled to the use of the carronades
on board. These measures were necessary from the presence of American vessels
and privateers hovering about the convoy. The company was consequently kept
perpetually on the alert until it landed at Dauphine Island on the 28th February,
too late to take part in the war.
Hostilities closed in North America with the capture of Fort Boyer, and the
three companies with the force under Major-General Lambert, re-embarked at
Dauphine Island for England in March. The eighth company, second battalion,
returned to the ‘Dawson’ transport, and the other two companies were put on
board the ‘Hyperion,’ and all arrived at Woolwich in June following.
The two companies in Canada were continually on the move fortifying the
frontiers. The third of the third battalion maintained its head-quarters at Kingston;
and the fourth of the fourth battalion commenced the year at the Holland River. It
was next removed to Penetanguishine Harbour, where half of the company under
Captain W. R. Payne, completed the military arrangements for establishing a naval
depôt. It then proceeded to York; afterwards to Fort George, Sandwich, and
Drummond’s Island, on Lake Huron. From one or other of the companies, parties
were thrown out to Fort Niagara, Turkey Point, Amherstberg, Fort Wellington,
Montreal, Coteau de Lac, and Lower Canada. In carrying on the various duties of
the department, the sappers, who were employed as overseers of military working-
parties, were found of great advantage.[218] During the year, eighteen men deserted
from the companies, most of whom were seduced from their allegiance by
sergeant Robert Hunter of the corps. When he headed the deluded party into the
States, he was off Fort Grochett, River St. Clair, on his way from Sandwich to
Machinac’, Lake Huron.
From the company at Halifax detachments were sent on particular duties to the
harbour posts, but chiefly to the works at Sherbrooke’s Tower on Manger’s Beach.
On the 2nd March, one sergeant and eight rank and file embarked at Barbadoes
for special service under Captain A. Brown, R.E. On the 28th May, the party was
increased to thirty-three men of all ranks, and was present with the force under
Lieutenant-General Sir James Leith at the captures of Martinique on the 5th June,
and Guadaloupe on the 9th August. In the latter attack the sappers were engaged
with the artillery at the guns. The head-quarters of the sappers were then changed
from Barbadoes to Guadaloupe; and the establishment of the corps in the West
India command was reduced from two companies to one.

The sixth company, second battalion, and sixty men of the Maltese sappers at
Messina, embarked at Milazzo on the 17th May and landed at Naples on the 27th.
On the 2nd July following they re-embarked, and arrived at Genoa on the 11th of
that month. There the Maltese sappers were reinforced by the landing of the
remainder of the company from Messina on the 18th October. The number of the
whole reached 101 men, including the small party which rejoined the company
from Corfu in April. Throughout the year, detachments of the sixth company,
second battalion, were maintained at Palermo and Faro; and a party of two
sergeants and nineteen rank and file, sent on a secret expedition, was afterwards
on duty for a few months at Milan and Marseilles.
Under a royal warrant, dated 5th October, the two companies of Maltese
sappers stationed at Malta and Gozo, were disbanded; and the war company—
retained for general service—was assimilated in all essential respects to the royal
sappers and miners. The establishment of the company was fixed at one sub-
lieutenant, five sergeants, five corporals, five second-corporals, three drummers,
and seventy privates; and its strength was sustained, from time to time, by
transfers of Britons, Maltese, Sicilians, and Italians—all properly-qualified
artificers—from the regiments serving in the Mediterranean. The designation of
the company—“Maltese Sappers and Miners”—assumed in 1813 for the sake of
uniformity, was confirmed by the warrant, and the colour of the dress was changed
from blue to red.
On the representation of four sub-lieutenants, the regimental allowances of
officers of that rank were brought under consideration. On active duty the pay was
found to be inadequate to meet the requirements of the service. In the Peninsula,
the officers with the army had to endure much hardship, and were continually
menaced with pecuniary difficulties and embarrassments. Aware of these facts,
Lieutenant-Colonel Burgoyne and Major Rice Jones backed the appeal by forcible
recommendations to Lieutenant-General Mann, and on the 9th November the
Prince Regent was pleased to increase the pay of the sub-lieutenants from 5s. 7d.
to 6s. 7d. a-day.
In January the fourth company, second battalion, moved from Antwerp to Ypres,
where they were quartered in the bishop’s palace and adjoining convent, which
had been sacrilegiously converted by the French into an engineer establishment.
The defences of Ypres had not been repaired since the fortress was taken by the
French in 1794. Two considerable breaches were in the body of the place and the
various outworks were in a dilapidated condition. The officers of engineers and
the company were employed in restoring the works to a state to resist a field attack
or a coup-de-main. This last contingency, however, was not calculated upon until
Napoleon had regained the capital and the royal family fled to the frontier. The
startling intelligence was announced to the resident engineer—Captain Oldfield—

at six o’clock one evening, and by the same hour next morning, parties of sappers
under two officers of engineers had opened the sluices and covered, with
inundations, the two breaches on the Bailleul front. Immediately after, large
military parties under the direction of the sappers and the officers of royal
engineers commenced the work of strengthening the fortress, and further assisted
by labourers of all ages intermixed with stout women and sturdy girls from the
town and adjacent villages, the fortress was renewed with singular despatch. Sub-
Lieutenant Adam, who was appointed assistant engineer, superintended the
restoration of the body of the place near the Lille gate and the outworks in front of
the Menin and Dixmude gates; he also attended to the repairs of the
communication boats and bridges, barriers, posterns, &c. With the exception of
the sappers, the garrison was entirely composed of foreign troops who could not
speak a word of English, and as the sappers had only mastered a few elementary
snatches of the Flemish language, the duty of superintendence was not
accomplished without difficulty.
To the force in Holland was added the fifth company, second battalion, which
embarked at Woolwich on the 2nd January, and landed at Antwerp the same
month. This company and two others already there, were employed for several
months in improving the defences of the frontiers of the Netherlands, particularly
at Ypres, Tournay, Mons, Menin, Dendermond, Ath, Namur, Charleroi, and
Brussels. The various works were subdivided amongst the non-commissioned
officers and privates, each of whom was held responsible for the proper execution
of the work intrusted to his superintendence. The peasants and women under the
direction of each counted from 20 to 100, and even more, according to
circumstances.[219] Sergeant John Purcell had from 300 to 400 women under his
orders at Ypres; and from some winning peculiarity in his mode of command,
obtained from their willing obedience and energies an amount of labour that was
almost astonishing. No less than about 1,800 peasants and 2,000 horses were
engaged in these works, and, by all accounts, they were conducted with the
greatest regularity and despatch. Sir Charles Pasley attributes no inconsiderable
credit to the sappers for their assistance in the general services of the frontier;[220]
and the Master-General, the Earl of Mulgrave, in a letter dated 4th April,
expressed his “warm approbation of their zeal and exertions.” The Duke of
Wellington also on visiting the frontier, awarded similar praise to the officers and
sappers, particularly for their efficient labours at Ypres.
Meanwhile Napoleon, breaking his captivity in Elba, reappeared in France, and
wherever he journeyed, was enthusiastically welcomed by his former legions. As
by a spell, the army gathered under the wings of his eagles, and again lifted him
into the imperial seat from which he had been so recently expelled. Europe was
once more thrown into commotion by the event, and to crush the lofty hopes and

pretensions of an intolerable ambition, war was at once declared by the Allies
against the usurper.
At the instance of the Duke of Wellington,[221] who requested “the whole corps
of sappers and miners” to be sent to Brussels to join his Grace’s force, seven
companies of the corps, instructed in their art, were hurried off to Ostend between
the 24th March and 10th June, and distributed with all possible haste to those
frontier posts and fortresses in the Netherlands that most required their services.
Those companies were the

Third and sixth of the first battalion;
Second and eighth of the second battalion;
First and seventh of the third battalion; and
First of the fourth battalion:

and they were employed in constructing indispensable fieldworks, or improving
the fortifications at Ostend, Ghent, Nieuport, Tournay, Oudenarde, Boom,
Escaneffe, Antwerp, Lille, Liefkenshoek, and Hal. Not less than 20,000 civil
labourers with very strong military parties, were employed on the line of works
extending from Ostend to Mons, and it was due to the intelligent manner in which
the sappers carried out the duties of overseers, that this important field operation
was so efficiently executed. Hal was the depôt from which the engineer brigades
were equipped. The three companies in the Low Countries, before the campaign
opened, were the fourth and fifth of the second battalion, and the fourth of the
third battalion. The total strength of the whole ten companies reached the
following numbers:—
Sub- Second
Lieuts. Sergeants. Corporals. Corporals. Drummers. Privates. Total.
—— —— —— —— —— —— ———
10 35 32 42 19 644 782[222]
The Sub-Lieutenants were A. Ross, J. Sparks, W. Stratton, P. Johnston, W.
Knapp,[223] J. Armstrong, A. Turner, C. Gratton, J. Adam, and E. Sanders.
—
In order that the organizations of every description with the army should be as
complete as forethought could make them, the Duke of Wellington recommended
the employment of two companies of seamen as pontoneers. No exertions were
omitted to give effect to his Grace’s wishes, and 200 hardy man-o'-war’s men,
with Captain Charles Napier, R.N., at their head, were speedily embarked in the
‘Euryalus’ to join the army as bridgemen for the campaign. Meanwhile the Duke,
who was unaware of the extensive character of the instruction imparted to the
sappers at Chatham, was informed, that the companies of the corps in the

Netherlands had, for the most part, been trained in the art of constructing military
bridges, and had acquired an expertness in all the details and management of
floating equipments under the careful tuition of Lieutenant-Colonel Pasley, that
promised to equal the most gigantic requirements of the service. His Grace, only
too glad to learn this agreeable intelligence, revoked his original intention,
countermanded the landing of the seamen, and thus the duty of forming the
bridges for the passage of rivers, was wholly confined to the royal sappers and
miners.[224]
At the battle of Waterloo the royal sappers and miners were not engaged. Three
companies, however, were brought conveniently near to act in the event of their
services being needed; and two companies with the pontoons, were quartered at
Malines. Of the former companies, the first company, fourth battalion, is
considered to have behaved with discredit in quitting the field without sufficient
reason, and losing, in the precipitancy and confusion of the march, its baggage and
field equipment. But the stigma seems to have been attached to the company
without an adequate investigation of the circumstances under which the retreat
was imperatively resorted to.
The details of the affair are as follows:—On the 17th June the company moved
from Hal by Braine-la-leud towards Waterloo, marching the whole of the night,
and was on the position when the action commenced on the morning of the 18th.
After a time, it was ordered to the rear by Major Sir George Hoste, and
accordingly it marched to the furthest end of the village of Waterloo under
Lieutenant W. Faris and Sub-Lieutenant R. Turner. There the company remained
till between three and four o’clock P.M., when Lieutenant C. K. Sanders, R.E.,
joined it. About this time a brigade of Hanoverian artillery and cavalry, and
several of the British cavalry, were retiring. The latter had vainly laboured to
penetrate the retreating crowds, and informed Lieutenant Sanders that the French
were at the other end of the village. In a wood on the right, discharges of musketry
were heard, and both officers and men, who hurried away from the battle,
corroborated the general testimony, that the enemy not only had possession of the
wood, but in a short time would cut off the British from the road. Still incredulous
of the alarming rumours which reached him, Lieutenant Sanders sought more
decisive information as to the reported advantages of the French, and at length,
satisfied with the additional affirmations of hundreds of officers and soldiers, who
threatened in their flight to overrun the company, he at once ordered it to retire.
The circumstances fairly justified this step. But the company had not proceeded
far before it was unavoidably thrown into difficulties and disorder. To relieve itself
from the masses was impossible. Driven in rear, and encompassed by
overwhelming numbers of different regiments, it was borne along at a very rapid
rate, in the vortex of the confusion. By the presence of cavalry and cannon, and of

capsized waggons and baggage, its march was interrupted and its files broken.
Many of the men, therefore, who could not keep up were dispersed among the
fugitives; the brigade of waggons, stopped by insuperable obstructions on the
road, was abandoned, and the company thus routed lost many of its knapsacks and
most of its intrenching tools, baggage, and horses.[225] Such are the facts of this ill-
understood affair, which deserve to be viewed more with regret than
animadversion; but Colonel Carmichael Smyth, jealous of the honour of the corps,
and feeling this apparent taint upon its character, was highly displeased, and
refused to recommend the officers and men of the company for the Waterloo
honours and advantages.[226]
Another company ordered to Waterloo on the 18th June, gained much praise for
its firmness and regularity in pushing up to the field. This was the eighth company,
second battalion, under Sub-Lieutenant Patrick Johnston. At 2 o’clock on the
morning of the 18th it marched from Antwerp, and on arrival at Brussels
Lieutenant Johnston, finding that the captain of the company as well as the
commanding royal engineer and his staff were in the field, at once moved on for
Waterloo. Crowds of wounded soldiers, anxious runaways, dismantled waggons
and cannon, greatly impeded the march. From all he met he received the most
discouraging advice, but amid the general panic and the numerous obstacles he
had to contend with, he resolutely pursued his march and reached the village of
Waterloo at 4 o’clock P.M., in a state that reflected great credit upon the discipline
and perseverance of the company. Late in the evening, after firing had ceased, as
there were many inducements to plundering and straggling, Lieutenant Johnston
withdrew the company a short distance on the Brussels road, and placed it in an
empty barn till next morning, when it commenced its march for Paris. In
applauding the company for its steadiness and order under trying circumstances,
Colonel C. Smyth alluded in a particular manner to the meritorious conduct of
Lieutenant Johnston. Neither the officer nor his men were considered entitled to
the Waterloo medal and extra service; and for several years afterwards many of
the company claimed these advantages with unprecedented pertinacity, but
without effect.
“The experience of former defects in the Peninsula,” wrote Lieutenant-Colonel
Pasley, “led to the more perfect organization of the field establishment of the royal
engineer department.” On the 20th June orders to effect the arrangement were
issued by Colonel C. Smyth. “ Every division of the army had one engineer’s
brigade attached to it; each brigade consisting of a complete company of well-
trained sappers and miners, with drivers, horses and waggons carrying entrenching
tools sufficient to employ a working party of 500 men, besides a proportion of
artificers' tools, and other engineer stores.”[227] The number of companies so
distributed was six. “A captain and a certain number of subaltern officers were

attached to each brigade, and were responsible for the discipline of the men and
efficiency of the horses,” &c.[228]
Four companies were attached to the pontoon train, “which,” according to the
same authority, “consisted of eighty pontoons, besides store-waggons, &c., and
was drawn by nearly 800 horses, the whole being under the command of Brevet-
Major Tylden of the engineers, assisted by a due proportion of captains and
subalterns of the same corps.”[229] The second company, fourth battalion, under
Sub-Lieutenant Samuel M‘Lean, of sixty-seven total, having joined the army from
England soon after the disposition, was also added to the pontoon train.
The total of the engineer establishment with the army and in the Netherlands,
under the command of about sixty officers of engineers, amounted to 10 sub-
lieutenants and 838 soldiers of the royal sappers and miners, and, adds Lieutenant-
Colonel Pasley, “550 drivers in charge of 160 waggons, pontoon carriages
included, and more than 1,000 horses.” Besides medical officers and other non-
combatants, and a large force of peasants employed on the works, “a small
number of Flemish seamen, accustomed to rivers and coasting navigation, was
attached to each division of the pontoon train.”[230] The hired drivers, paid at 1s.
6d. a-day each and rations, were provided with a uniform of grey clothing, having
red cuffs and collars to their round jackets; and the Flemish seamen, receiving
each an allowance of 2s. a-day and rations, were dressed like British sailors,
having on the front of their low glazed caps, painted in white, the word
“Pontoneer.”
All the companies of the corps moved with the army towards Paris, leaving a
few small detachments dispersed in Flanders. The second company, second
battalion, attached to the first division, was present at the capture of Peronne on
the 26th June under Sub-Lieutenant W. Stratton and two captains of engineers.
The ladders used on the occasion were collected in the neighbourhood, but being
too short were lashed together. The company had the honour of leading the
brigade of guards to the assault,[231] and behaved remarkably well.[232] Preceding
the column, they threw a number of fascines and faggots, hastily prepared by
them, into the ditch of the hornwork, and thus enabled the troops to pass its
swampy bottom into the body of the place.[233] A party of the company advanced
under a heavy fire to force the main entrance. No ladders were carried with it, nor
any sledge-hammers or instruments by which to force it open. Daring men were in
the batch, and their first impulse, forlorn as it was, urged them to mount the gate.
Lieutenant Stratton and lance-corporal Edward Councill soon gained the top, and
tearing themselves over the spikes which crowned it, jumped into the place, tore
down the fastenings, and pulling the gate open, admitted the troops. In leading the
stormers into the work, Captain Alexander Thompson, R.E., and Lieutenant

Stratton were severely wounded, as also two men of the company. Corporal
Councill was dangerously wounded in the breast.
For the passage of the army to Paris, a pontoon bridge was thrown over the
Seine at Argenteuil early in July. Twenty pontoons were employed in its
formation, and also some trestles, which were placed next to the banks of the river.
On its completion, the Duke of Wellington, who was present during the greater
part of the operation, first passed over leading his horse, and then the whole army
with its artillery and baggage.
From the acute winding of the Seine it was again necessary to pass the troops
over the river, and a pontoon bridge similar to the one laid at Argenteuil was
thrown at Aniers. The fifth company, second battalion, and seventh company, third
battalion, constructed these bridges. Some Flemish seamen assisted in their
formation, confining their exertions chiefly to mooring the pontoons. Skilful as
they were as sailors, their want of previous training as pontoneers, rendered them
far less serviceable than the royal sappers and miners.[234] The bridges were
maintained for some months on the Seine, facilities being afforded for continuing
the navigation without interruption. For this purpose an opening was made in the
centre of each bridge, and when required to be re-established for the passage of
the troops, the floating rafts were lashed in their places and removed again when
the occasion was served. A sufficient detachment under Sub-Lieutenant James
Adam was posted for a season at Chatou, to attend to a similar duty at the bridge
thrown there by the Russians. Three companies with forty pontoons were also
stationed at Epinay.
After the capture of Paris, the Earl of Mulgrave, then Master-General of the
Ordnance, in a letter dated 11th July, expressed his high appreciation of the
zealous, able, and beneficial exertions of the officers and soldiers of the corps
during the successful progress of the campaign; and also of the services of the
officers and men at the different fortresses.
Corporal Joseph Coombs, of the fourth company, second battalion, detached to
Maubeuge on the 23rd July, under Captain Harding, royal engineers, was present
at the sieges of Philipville, from the 7th to 18th August, and Rocroy on the 15th
and 16th following. He was with the army commanded by Prince Augustus of
Prussia, and was the only British sapper engaged. On leaving that army in
October, Captain Harding said that the corporal had conducted himself extremely
well, and was both intelligent and active in the different services in which he had
been employed.
During the year a number of hired drivers deserted. They were generally
ignorant of their duties and many of them of bad character. To take care of the
horses was the principal object of the chief engineer and his officers. Obtaining an
equal number of foreign drivers to replace the vacancies occasioned by desertion,

afforded no promise of advantage or improvement. It was, therefore, determined,
to make an experiment by appointing the royal sappers and miners to the duty.
Accordingly, the number of men required was attached to the horses, and “from
their peculiar habits of zeal and exertion, they made no difficulty of reconciling
themselves to the novel occupation of grooms and drivers.” The experiment was
eminently successful. “The horses were kept efficient and in proper condition;”
and, “but for this measure, a number of valuable horses must have been ruined,
and the pontoon train, as well as the engineers' brigades, by degrees, have become
totally unserviceable.”[235]
At Paris the sappers were called upon to perform a domiciliary visit to the
capital, which probably is the only instance on record of British soldiers being so
employed in an enemy’s country. The Duke of Wellington having been informed
that arms were carried nightly into Paris from Montmartre, desired Sir Thomas
Brisbane, commanding the seventh division of the army, to order Captain Harry
Jones, R.E., to take the company of sappers attached to the division, with such
tools as might be necessary, and examine rigidly every part of Montmartre where
it was probable arms might be concealed. The officer commanding the troops
stationed within the intrenchments, had orders not to allow any person to pass out,
until Captain Jones had completed his examination. The sappers were employed
nearly the whole day in making the search. Every cellar, house, and garden was
examined; no place where it was possible to conceal arms was unexplored, but the
result was unsuccessful. No doubt, however, existed, that the information
communicated to the Duke of Wellington was well founded.

1816-1818.

Movements in France—Return of six companies from thence to England—Strength of those
remaining, and detachments from them—St. Helena—Return of company from Italy—
Disbandment of the war company of Maltese sappers—Battle of Algiers—Conduct of corps at
Valenciennes—Instances in which the want of arms was felt during the war—Arming the corps
attributable to accidental circumstances—Training and instruction of the corps in France—Its
misconduct—But remarkable efficiency at drill—Municipal thanks to companies at Valenciennes
—Dress—Bugles adopted—Reduction in the corps—Sub-Lieutenants disbanded—Withdrawal of
companies from certain stations—Relief of company at Barbadoes—Repairing damages at St.
Lucia; conduct of the old West India company—Corfu—Inspection of corps in France—
Epaulettes introduced—Sordid conduct of four men in refusing to wear them—Murder of private
Milne, and consequent punishment of corps in France by the Duke of Wellington—Return of the
sappers from France.

After the capitulation of Paris, the royal sappers and miners were
encamped in the vicinity of the city. Late in the year they were removed to
other stations on the northern frontiers of France; and until the formation of
the army of occupation, were constantly changing their quarters and
furnishing detachments for particular services at different places.
To meet the arrangements for reducing the army in France, six companies
quitted the country for England in January. Four embarked at Boulogne and
two at Calais. The former arrived at Woolwich on the 9th February and the
latter on the following day.
Five companies remained with the army of occupation and were attached
to divisions as follows:—
1st division 8th com., 2nd batt. Sub-Lieut. P. Johnston.
2nd division 1st com., 3rd batt. Sub-Lieut. W. Stevens.
3rd division 4th com., 2nd batt. Sub-Lieut. J. Adam.
Pontoon 2nd com., 4th batt. Sub-Lieut. S. M‘Lean,
train { 5th com., 2nd batt. Sub-Lieut. C. Gratton.
Their united strength counted 435 of all ranks, and they were quartered at
Valenciennes, Raismes, Cantain, Bellain, St. Amand, Pernes, Denain, and

Houdain. These places were the chief stations of the corps until its removal
from France in 1818. Parties were also detached to Cambrai, St. Pol, and
other places. Raismes was the head-quarters of the pontoon train. Each
company attached to the train had twenty pontoons with stores and waggons
in charge. The second company, fourth battalion, was attached to the right
bridge of the train, and the fifth company, second battalion, to the left. The
former bridge was permanently stationed at Raismes, but the latter was
repeatedly moved from village to village for service and instruction, making
its chief halts at Raismes and Aubry.
On the 26th January the seventh company, fourth battalion, of forty-eight
total under Sub-Lieutenant A. Wallace followed Napoleon to St. Helena,
and landed from the ‘Phaeton’ frigate on the 13th April. Major Emmett,
R.E. took command of the company on its arrival. In carrying on the duties
of the island the men were much detached and separated. Many acted as
overseers of the Chinese and line workmen, and were found very useful in
their several occupations. The headquarters were at St. James', and parties
at different periods were employed at Prosperous Bay, Turk’s Cap, Sandy
Bay, Great Pound Ridge, Horse Pasture Point, Lemon Valley, Rupert’s Hill,
Rupert’s Valley, Ladder Hill, &c. Besides attending to the repairs of the
barracks and public buildings and strengthening the sea-defences, the
company rendered efficient assistance in the building of a residence for
Napoleon at Longwood. The structure was of one story only and contained
about forty rooms. It was, however, never occupied, as the ex-emperor
expired before the furniture had been arranged in the several apartments.
On the evacuation of Italy the sixth company, second battalion, under
Sub-Lieutenant R. Gibb, sailed from Genoa and landed at Gibraltar on the
17th March. Two months after, a fourth company was added to the engineer
force on the Rock, by the arrival, in the ‘Kennesby Castle’ transport, of the
first company, fourth battalion, from Portsmouth.
The Maltese company of sappers quitted Genoa with the British troops
and landed at Malta in March. It continued to maintain its military
organization and character until the 31st March, 1817, when, by the Prince
Regent’s command, it was disbanded. This was the last company of the
Maltese sappers and miners.
On the 27th August the seventh company, first battalion under Captain
William Reid and Major William Gosset, R.E., “had the high honour,” says
Sir John Jones, “of participating with the fleet,” under Lord Exmouth, “in a

splendid naval triumph.” This was the battle of Algiers. “Under the idea,”
adds Sir John, “that it might become necessary to land and destroy some of
the batteries and works covering the harbour of Algiers, the company,”
eighty-four strong, “was embarked with the fleet; but owing to the daring
intrepidity and able nautical manœuvres of Lord Exmouth, their services as
miners were rendered unnecessary.”[236] Throughout the action, therefore,
they fought with the seamen at the guns of the ‘Queen Charlotte’ and the
‘Impregnable,’ and gained equal credit with the navy and marines for their
“noble support.”[237] Sub-Lieutenant S. Calder and fifteen rank and file were
wounded, of whom private David Campbell mortally. The company
returned to England in the ‘Queen Charlotte’ and the ‘Glasgow’ frigate in
October, and as a reward for their services each soldier received a gratuity
of two months' pay.
Comparatively unnoticed, from the nature of their duties, it was seldom
that the sappers and miners were referred to in the despatches of general
officers; but the rule seems to have been infringed by Lieut.-General Sir
Charles Colville, who on quitting his command at Valenciennes early in
1817, offered the following tribute to their merits:—
London, 19th April, 1817.
My dear Sir Charles,
I am unwilling to part with those whom I regard so much, without bidding them adieu, and
therefore request you will accept yourself, and have the goodness to express to the other officers of
the royal engineers of the Valenciennes' staff and pontoon train, as well as those who were attached to
the late third division, my sincere good wishes for their continued honour and welfare, and that you
and they and the officers and privates of the royal sappers and miners will accept my thanks for the
promptitude and correctness with which my wishes were met by them, during the time I had the
honour to have them under my command.
I am, &c.,
(Signed) Charles Colville.
Lieut.-Colonel Sir C. F. Smith, R.E.

Arming the corps efficiently had for years been a subject of
discussion and representation. Lord Mulgrave, the Master-General,
however, could not be persuaded of the necessity of the measure, and
under the opinion that a working corps ought not to be armed, sent
detachments to the Peninsula equipped only with swords. The evil of
this was greatly felt, as the sappers could not march across the country
without being guarded by other troops. For the same reason the
company attached to the light division, which was required for the siege
of Bayonne, was unable to join. Upwards of 400 sappers were

employed in that siege, and might, had they been equipped with fire-
arms, have rendered important assistance in repelling the disastrous
sortie.
Eleven companies were sent to the Netherlands in a similarly
defenceless state. Before moving them, Earl Mulgrave was ready to
abide by the views of the Duke of Wellington on the point, as his Grace
promised to consider the question when the first company should
arrive; but no farther notice appears to have been taken of the subject,
and the whole eleven companies landed without a firelock.
When the alarming and unfounded reports of the retreat of the British
from Waterloo reached Malines, Major Tylden, with the pontoon
companies under his command, assumed a posture of defence; but the
attitude, from want of arms, was necessarily impotent and
embarrassing. This gave the Major a notion, when afterwards crossing
the plains of Waterloo, of arming the companies with muskets and
accoutrements scattered on the battle-field; the idea, however, from
some regimental considerations was not carried out.
On one occasion, near St. Denis, all the sappers of the army, nearly
1,000 strong, were assembled to witness an execution, and strange to
add, in that imposing force there was not a single fire-arm! At another
time there was an inspection of the pontoon train of eighty pontoons
and other carriages, with horses, drivers, and pontoneers, occupying a
line of road nearly two miles in length. The sappers were present in
their whole strength, but without a musket in their ranks to show the
quality of protection they could afford to the immense charge intrusted
to them. Fifty men with fire-arms could easily have destroyed the
whole force in ten minutes. These instances and others equally striking,
occurring in an enemy’s country, were strongly brought under the
notice of the higher powers; but, where representations and
remonstrances founded on the necessities of the service failed to obtain
attention, accidental circumstances at last gained the desired object. At
the great reviews in France, the bridges required for the passage of the
army were thrown the evening previously, and the sappers consequently
were free for any other duty. Usually they were employed to represent
the enemy, and to show the line of the enemy’s position to advantage it
was considered best to effect it by musketry fire. Orders were therefore
given, on the 8th October, to supply the companies with muskets and

bayonets from the stores at Valenciennes; and from this trivial incident
may be dated the period from which the corps was properly and
uniformly armed.
To keep up the training and efficiency of the corps in France, Sir
James Carmichael Smyth issued to each non-commissioned officer and
fifty of the most steady and intelligent privates, books and useful
articles for their instruction and improvement. Schools were also
established for the men, and prizes liberally awarded for industrious
application and advancement. To perfect the corps in the use of the
firelock and marching evolutions, five serjeants from the light infantry
regiments in France were specially appointed to the duty. Each
company was also required to execute a certain portion of field-work
every year and reports of individual progress in instruction were
prepared weekly, which were carefully examined, and promotion
distributed according to merit. The pontoon train, which was constantly
in motion and sustained a high character for activity and usefulness,
was only expected to do half the work demanded from the divisional
companies; and this course of professional and general education, based
upon the system of Lieutenant-Colonel Pasley, was scrupulously
enforced until the companies quitted France in November, 1818.
Notwithstanding all this attention on the part of the officers, there
was much misconduct prevalent in the sappers. During the period that
eleven companies were with the army, courts' martial were very
uncommon, and the punishments infinitely fewer than were found
necessary to keep only five companies in order. This suggests a
difficulty not easily explained; for, when the six companies were
removed from the country in 1816, the weeds from the other five were
sent to England, and their places supplied by privates of
unexceptionable character.
So rigid indeed had the drilling been enforced that at the last reviews
in the vicinity of Valenciennes, the correct manner in which the royal
sappers and miners were handled by Captain Harry D. Jones, when
representing the enemy, excited general approbation. Their light
infantry evolutions even emulated those of their old companions in
arms of the light division, whose only business was that of constant
exercise in the requirements of the parade and in martial movements
and combinations. The formation of “rallying square” by the companies

was particularly commended; and those who did not justly appreciate
their military attainments from the semi-civil nature of their many
employments—expected to see them fly, as the cavalry, in its
impetuous charges over the plain, furiously approached their compact
and immoveable phalanx.
While these disciplinary exercises were in operation, it happened that
the fourth company second battalion at Valenciennes, was suddenly
called upon to extinguish a fire in the town. So well applied were their
efforts in this humane service that the flames were speedily suppressed
amid the thankful shouts of the people. This seemingly was not enough
to mark their gratitude, and therefore the mayor and corporation in full
municipal costume bearing the symbols of their offices, waited upon
Captain Harry Jones to express the deep acknowledgments of the
inhabitants “to the officers and men of the corps for their conduct on
the occasion.” In his orders of the 2nd November, Captain Jones added,
“The activity displayed by the non-commissioned officers and privates
as well as the cheerfulness with which they executed all orders reflects
the highest credit upon them. The bold conduct of private Thomas
James deserves to be particularly mentioned,” and he was appointed a
lance corporal.
Early in the year the high-fronted chaco was superseded by a black
felt cap of more military pretensions than was formerly worn. It was
embellished with yellow cords and tassels, which fell with chivalric
gaiety upon the left shoulder. The sergeants and staff sergeants wore
white heckle feathers, gold bands and cords, with gilt scales and
ornaments.-See Plate XII. 1823.
In March the drums throughout the corps were abolished and bugles
adopted. The rank of drummer was also changed to accord with the
alteration, and drum-major James Bailey, the first of the rank, was now
styled bugle-major.
The return of peace gave rise to a gradual reduction in the corps. On
the 16th August, 1816, twenty-five men per company were lopped off.
This took away 800 men, reducing the corps from 2,861 to 2,061 of all
ranks. By the royal warrant of the 4th February, 1817, an entire
battalion was disbanded, and a further diminution of ten privates and
one drummer took place in each of the remaining twenty-four
companies. From the staff was taken one adjutant, one sergeant-major,

and one quartermaster-sergeant, and also the whole of the sub-
lieutenants, thirty-two in number.[238] The establishment of the corps
was thus decreased to twenty-four companies of 1,258 of all ranks.[239]
In consequence of these orders, the companies at Dover and Spike
Island were withdrawn, as also the detachment at Guernsey. The force
at Gibraltar was reduced from four to three companies, and the strength
at Woolwich and Chatham was brought down to a fluctuating
establishment of five companies.
The company discontinued on the works at Spike Island, sailed for
Barbadoes on the 17th December, 1817, on board the ‘Thames of
London’ freight-ship, to relieve the old company which landed there in
January, 1794. The vessel encountered some very stormy weather on
the voyage, from the effects of which Lieutenant Rogers, R.E., who
commanded the company, died when near Madeira, and the charge of
the men devolved upon Captain Robert Duport of the royal artillery.
Not a single irregularity was committed by the sappers during the
voyage, and on their arrival in Carlisle Bay on the 18th January, Lord
Combermere, the governor, expressed in orders his high satisfaction of
their excellent conduct as reported to him by Captain Duport.
On the landing of the new company, the old West India hands,
dwindled to twenty-eight in number including sergeants, were sent to
St. Lucia, and assisted in repairing the damage done by a recent
hurricane. In March following, they arrived in England and were
disbanded. In summing up their character, Colonel William Johnston,
of the engineers, thus wrote, “They are a drunken set, and require to be
thought of and provided for like babies;” but, nevertheless, he urged
that the sapper force in Barbadoes should be always maintained
complete, as it would act as a check upon the contractors, and enable
the estimates to be carried into execution with more despatch, economy,
and superiority of workmanship in almost all the details, than if an
equal number of artificers were derived from the country.
A company of fifty strong, intended for the service of the palace of
the Lord High Commissioner at Corfu, embarked at Portsmouth on the
4th May, and after a month’s detention at Malta reached its destination
in August. The employment of the company was chiefly confined to
clearing away the rock, by blasting, for the foundations of the palace,
and in executing such other miscellaneous services as were required.