The Worthing Gazette, 17^th September 1890.

On Saturday the “L” Company of the 2^nd Volunteer Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment held their annual prize shooting competition at the Range, Steyning.

The Mid Sussex Times, 30^th September 1890.

THE VOLUNTEERS.

On Saturday teams representing the L (Steyning) Company 2^nd Volunteer Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment and the C Company 1^st Battalion had a rifle match at the Steyning Range. The conditions were seven shots each at 200 and 500 yards. Bisley targets, with one sighting at each. The teams consisted of twelve men each, the ten best scores counting, and victory resulted in favour of the Brightonians, by 26 points. Score;- C, 240 and 281; L, 214 and 281. After the match the teams partook of supper at the Chequers Hotel.

The Sussex Express 26^th July 1891

SHOOTING MATCH.-

On Saturday the second monthly competition of L Company 2^nd Volunteer Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment was brought off. Subjoined are the scores;-

The Mid Sussex Times, 8^th September 1891.

VOLUNTEER SHOOTING MATCH.

On Wednesday a friendly shooting competition between Present and Past members of the L (Henfield) Company Second Volunteer Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regimen took place at the Steyning range. Each team consisted of 12 men, and the conditions were five shots each at 200, 400, and 500 yards. The Present team proved too strong for the Past, who were beaten by 91 points. Score; Present, 574; Past, 483. Brigade-Surgeon Lewis, of the above Company, will be designated Brigade-Surgeon Lieutenant Colonel on obtaining substantive combatant rank.

Mid Sussex Times, 15^th September 1891.

HENFIELD

VOLUNTEER PRIZE SHOOTING MATCH

On Saturday the annual prize meeting in connection with the L Company of the Second Volunteer Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment, took place at Steyning, but the light was very unfavourable for high scoring. So bad was it that the 600 yards’ range could not be seen at all for the second competition, and the result was the firing at that distance was altered to 500 yards. Captain A., Weekes was in command, and Lieutenant Gorringe was also present. Lieutenant Gorringe, who was Mrs R. B. Ingram’s champion, won the ladies prize for that lady subscriber. Corporal S. Reeves was the most successful competitor, taking first place in three competitions. Private Kempshall won the challenge cup presented by Mr C. M. Lewis, late Lieutenant of the Company.

The Sussex Express, 26^th July 1892.

STEYNING.

SHOOTING MATCH

On Saturday the second monthly competition of L Company Second Volunteer Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment was brought off. Subjoined are the scores:

The Mid Sussex Time, 6^th September 1892.

HENFIELD.

THE VOLUNTEERS.-

On Saturday, in wet weather, the third monthly competition in connection with the “L” Company Second Volunteer Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment took place at the Steyning Range, the conditions being seven shots at each 200, 500, and 600 yards. The aggregates were; -Corporal Chalcraft, 73; Colour-Sergeant Penfold, 68; Private Woolgar, 68; Sergeant Instructor Page, 60; Private Tweed, 56.

The Mid Sussex Times, 26^th September 1893.

HENFIELD.

VOLUNTEER SHOOTING MATCH.-

On Wednesday a shooting match took place on the Steyning Range between “L” (Steyning) and “K” (Hurstpierpoint” Companies of the 2^nd Volunteer Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment, the “L” Company winning easily. The conditions were seven shots at 200, 500, and 600 yards. After the match the teams adjourned to the Chequers Inn, sitting down to a meat tea provided by Captain Weekes (“L” Company), the remainder of the evening being spent in conviviality. Capital songs were rendered by Colour-Sergeant Penfold, Sergeant Tulley, Privates King, Woolgar, Chalcraft and others. Score;-

“L2 Company.

Total 767

“K” Company

Total 551

On Saturday another match came off at the Steyning Range, elven members being opposed to an eleven representing the “C” Company 1^st Sussex. The latter won by 18 points. Being rather late in the year it was deemed advisable to make an early start, but the moon had risen towards the finish and light was much wanted. Private Emery (of Brighton) made the top score, his 91 being one of only three scores of 90 and over that have ever been made on the Steyning range. After the match the visitors entertained their opponents to a hot spread at the Chequers Inn. Score – “C” Company, 814; “L” Company, 766. The distances were 200, 500 and 600 yards and the conditions of the match those in the first stage of the Queen’s prize at Bisley.

Mid Sussex Times, 17^th October 1893.

HENFIELD.

RIFLE SHOOTING MATCH.

On Saturday the last monthly competition of “L” Company 2^nd Volunteer Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment took place on the Steyning Range. The conditions were seven shots at 200, 500 and 600 yards. Private C. Kempshall proved the winner of the prize of £1 for the aggregate of the three highest scores at the six monthly competitions, his record being 82, 85, and 85; total 252. Corporal Chalcraft was second with an aggregate of 239. The aggregate scores at the meeting were as follows: – Private Kempshall, 80; Sergeant Roberts, 74; Corporal Chalcraft, 63; Sergeant Instructor Page, 60;Private Woolgar, 58; Private Barnett, 56; Corporal Reeves, 55; Private Foster, 50; Sergeant Stanford, 40.

West Sussex County Times and Standard, 28^th October 1893.

RIFLE MATCH AT STEYNING.

E COMPANY (HORSHAM) v. L COMPANY (HENFIELD AND STEYNING)

A most enjoyable match took place on the Steyning range on Tuesday between the above two Companies, the conditions being somewhat novel, each team being composed of five members now serving and five who have passed through the Company’s ranks. The ranges were 200, 500, and 600 yards, seven shots at each, and some capital scores were made. Lance-Sergeant G..W. Taylor, for Horsham, put on 91 points (the highest score of the match), while Private C. Kempshall and Sergeant Roberts, for L Company, made 88 each, Corporal Reeves, of the same corps, following closely with 87 points. Mr Woolgar (L Company) and Mr James (E Company) both showed that they had not forgotten nor lost their old form, the former making 87 points and the latter 86, both scores being extremely creditable, especially considering the length of time each of them has been out of the service. The Horsham team gained 188 points at 200yds., and 13 at 300yds., but lost 25 at 600 yds., thus winning the match, after a close and exciting struggle, by eight points only. At the conclusion of the shooting Captain Weekes (L Company), who had been present on the range during the match, called for three cheers for the Horsham men, which were heartily given and as heartily reciprocated, and he then invited both teams to dinner at the Chequers Hotel. Having an unavoidable appointment, Captain Weekes was unfortunately unable to preside, but Sergeant-Instructor Stanford, who had been in charge of the range, proved an efficient deputy, and with song and toast the time passed merrily until the Horsham team had to leave to catch the last train home. Before they parted, however, hearty cheers were given, with three times three, to Captain Weekes for his kind hospitality, and hopes were expressed on all sides that the match will become an annual fixture. The following is the full score;-

HORSHAM

HENFIELD AND STEYNING

The Mid Sussex Times, 18^th September 1894.

VOLUNTEER SHOOTING AT STEYNING

On Saturday the annual prize shooting meeting of the “L” Company 2^nd Volunteer Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment took place at the Steyning range in fine weather, but in very varying light. The scores, however were very much better than last year, and another satisfactory feature is that 35 competitors fired, compared with 24 last year. Corporal C. Woolgar was the top scorer in three competitions, but under the rules could only take two first and one second prizes. His best scores were 23 at 600 yards, and 18 at 500 yards. There were a few visitors on the ground during the day, but Captain Weekes, J.P., Commanding the Company, was prevented from attending through indisposition. Those at the range included Sergeant -Instructor Page, Sergeant -Instructor of Musketry W.H.E. Stanford, Colour-Sergeant Lashmar Penfold, Sergeants G. Roberts and F. Chalcraft. Scores;-

FIRST COMPETITON

For recruits only. Five shots at 200 and 400 yards. One point added for every four drills done during the year. This decided by the number of drills attended, both squad and company. Prizes-First, 15s., Second, 12s.; Third, 9s.; Fourth, 7s.; Fifth, 5s.

SECOND COMPETITION

Seven shots at 200, 500 and 600 yards. Prizes given by ladies of the district.. Prizes-First, £1.; Second, 15s.; Third, 10s.; and also Prizes in kind

THIRD COMPETITION.

Rapid firing. Seven shots in 70 seconds at 200 yards standing and at 500 yards kneeling, as in Paragraph 133 Military Regulations, 1894. Drill points counted as in fourth competition. Prizes given by Captain Weekes – First, £1; Second, 15s.; Third, 12s. 6d.; Fourth, 10s.; Sixth, 7s. 6d.; Seventh, 7s. 6d.; Eight, 7s. 6d.; Ninth, 5s.; Tenth, 5s.

FOURTH COMPETITION

Five shots at 200, 500 and 600 yards. One point added for each attendance at Company Drill, Company drills in camp not counting. Recruits allowed one point for each Company drill held during the year, but no points for squad drills. Prizes given by inhabitants of the district.- First, £1 10s.; Second, 7s. 6d.;Third, 15s.; Fourth, 12s.6d.; Fifth, 10s.; Sixth, 7s.6d.; Seventh, 7s. 6d.; Eighth, 7s.6d.; Ninth, 5s.; Tenth, 5s.; Eleventh, 5s. Twelfth, 5s.

FIFTH COMPETITION

Open to all men who attended camp for  three consecutive days. Five shots at 500 and 600 yards. Each battalion drill counted two points. Prizes given by Captain Weekes-First, £1; Second, 15s.; Third, 12s. 6d.; Fourth, 10s.; Fifth, 10s.; Sixth, 7s 6d.; Seventh, 7s. 6d.; Eighth, 7s. 6d.; Ninth, 5s.; Tenth, 5s.

SIXTH COMPETITION

Volley firing. Prizes given by Colonel Sir Henry Fletcher, Bart., V.D., M.P., £1, with £1 added to be divided among the winning squad. Teams selected on the ground. Five shots at 300 yards lying down, and five at 200 yards kneeling.

Cl.Sgt.Penfold’s Squad, 34 hits; percentage of hits 85 00 1

Sergt. Roberts’ Squad, 25 hits; percentage of hits 71 42 2

The Mid Sussex Times, 25^th September 1894.

Steyning.

Volunteer Shooting Match.

On Saturday the annual match between the “L” Company 2^nd Volunteer Battalion and “B” Company 1^st Volunteer Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment took place at the Steyning Range. The day was not a good one for shooting, as the light was bad and varying, with occasional showers of rain. The visitors pulled off the victory by 16 points. Score.-

“B” Company

“L” Company

Subsequently Captain Weekes entertained the competitors to supper at the Chequers Inn, and presided at the reunion. Songs and toast occupied the time merrily until the Brighton men had to leave to catch their train. The scores made in the match decided the last monthly competition of “L” Company, Sergeant Roberts taking first, Sergeant Chalcraft second, Private Foster third, and Sergeant-Instructor M,. Stanford fourth prize. Private C. Kempshall was the winner of the sovereign given for the best three scores out of six monthly competitions held. The following are the scores made by members who fired in more than three competitions; –

The Mis Sussex Times, 17^th September 1895.

VOLUNTEER PRIZE SHOOTING AT STEYNING.

The annual prize shooting meeting of “L” Company 2^nd V.B. Royal Sussex Regiment took place at the Steyning range on Saturday. Captain Weekes, commanding, was present, and Sergeant-Instructor J. Manville superintended the arrangements. Details:

RECRUIT’S MATCH.

Five shots at 200 and 400 yards, with one point added for every four drills during the year. Ties decided by the number of drills attended, both squad and company. First, 15s.; second, 12s.’ third, 9s.

LADIES’ PRIZES AND SCRAMBLE.

For prizes given by the ladies of the district. Seven shots at 200, 500 and 600 yards. First, £1; second, 15s.; third, 10s.; and prizes in kind presented by tradesmen. Also a prize was given to the lady subscriber whose champion obtained the highest score. Champions determined by lot on the ground.

The lady subscriber drawn by Sergeant Roberts was Mrs Tebbutt, of the Railway Hotel, Henfield.

THE CAPTAIN’S RANGE PRIZES.

Given by Captain Weekes for the best scores in No. 11 match, made at 200 yards, £1; at 500, £1; at 600, £1 10s.

ARTICLES IN KIND MATCH.

Prizes given by the inhabitants of the district. Five shots at 200, 500 and 600 yards. One point added for each company drill, excluding company drills in camp. Recruits allowed one point for each company drill held during the year, but none for squad drills. First, £1 10s.; second, £1; third, 15s.; fourth, 12s. 6d.; fifth, 10s.; sixth, 7s. 6d.; seventh, 7s. 6d. eighth, 7s. 6d.; ninth, 5s.; tenth, 5s.; eleventh, 5s.; twelfth, 5s.

CAPTAIN’S CAMP PRIZES

Given by Captain Weekes, and open to all who attended camp for three consecutive days. Five shots at 500 and 600 yards. Each battalion drill counted two points. First, £1; second, 15s.; third, 12s. 6d.; fourth, 10s. fifth, 10s.; sixth, 7s. 6d.; seventh, 7s. 6d.; eighth, 7s. 6d., ninth, 5s.; tenth, 5s.

Colour-Sergeant Lashmar Penfold’s team beat Sergeant Roberts’ team in the volley firing contest for prizes given by Colonel Sir Henry Fletcher, Bart., V.D., M.P., £1 and £1 added, to be divided equally among the winning squad. Prizes in kind were awarded to the squad making the second highest score. Teams were selected on the ground. The conditions were four volleys and three rounds independent firing at 300 yards, and four at 200 yards.

The Mid Sussex Times, 8^th September, 1896.

HENFIELD.

VOLUNTEER PRIZE SHOOTING.

On Saturday the “L” Company 2^nd V.B. Royal Sussex Regiment held its annual prize shooting at the range at Steyning. The usual conditions were observed, Bisley scoring being used. Owing to heavy rain a start could not be made before eleven o’clock, but capital weather was afterwards experienced. Captain Weekes, the Officer Commanding, was among those present, and the arrangements were superintended by Sergeant-Instructor Manville and the non-commissioned officers. There were four competitions and volley firing, and at two of the events range prizes were kindly given by Captain Weekes. Four prizes, varying from 15s. to 7s., were offered in the recruits’ competition, and one point was added for every four drills attended during the year. Private Baldwin won the first prize with a score of 35.5. The Ladies’ prize, in which the awards consisted of seven shots each at three ranges, Private C. Kempshall proving the best marksman with a score of 90. A prize was also presented to the lady subscriber whose champion obtained the highest score, Private Kempshall’s nominee being Mrs Chalcraft, wife of Sergeant Chalcraft. Captain Weekes range prizes in this event went to the following; Private Moody, 30 points at 200 yds., 10s.; Corporal Reeves, 30 points at 500yds., 10s.; and Private C. Kempshall, 32 points at 600 yds., 15s. The inhabitants’ prizes were given for five shots each at three ranges, with drill points added, and ranged in value from 30s. to 5s. Private C. Kempshall again put on the best score (75) and obtained two of Captain Weekes’ range prizes, viz., 10s. for 21 points at 200yds. And 15s. for 24 points at 600 yds. The prize of 10s. for the 500yds. Distance went to Sergeant Chalcraft with a score of 23. In the fourth event the prizes were offered by Captain Weekes to men who had attended camp for three consecutive days, five shots each having to be fired at 200 and 500 yards and battalion drill points added. The prizes ranged in value from 20s. to 5s. and the first was carried off by Sergeant Chalcraft with 71 points. For volley firing £1 given by Colonel Sir H. Fletcher, Bart, M.P., and £1 added, were equally divided among the winning squad; prizes in kind were awarded to the squad with the second best score. The result was; – Sergeant Chalcraft’s team, 116 hits; Colour Sergeant Penfold’s team, 90 hits. In addition to the above winners were Sergeant-Instructor Manville, Colour Sergeant Penfold, Corporal Reeves and Woolgar, Privates Dale, Dashwood, Gatland, E. Kempshall, Martin, Moody, Reid, Stenning, Smart, Seymour, Tweed, G. Vinall and R. Vinall.

The Mid Sussex Times, 15^th September 1896.

HENFIELD.

RIFLE SHOOTING MATCH.

On Saturday the annual shooting match between teams (ten a side) representing “L” Company 2^nd V.B. Royal Sussex Regiment and “B” Company 1^st V.B.  took place on the Steyning range. The weather was thoroughly bad during the shooting. The visitors obtained the advantage at each of the three ranges, and eventually won by 55 points. The top score for “B” was 89 points by Sergeant Fennel and that for “L” 80 by Private E. Kempshall. The following were the range totals; 200 yards- “B” 255, “L” 245; 500 yards – “B” 254, “L” 243; 600 yards – “B” 223, “L” 189; total – “B” 732; “L” 677. The teams afterwards, by the kindness of Captain Weeks (“L” Company), partook of a meat tea at the Chequers Inn.

VOLUNTEER SERVICE GAZETTE, 27^th November 1896.

Horsham.

The annual distribution of prizes to E Co. 2^nd V.B. Royal Sussex Rgt. Was held, om Nov. 12 at the King’s Head Assembly Room. Capt. Hodgson presided, and, in giving some statistical information concerning the company, said that on Oct. 31 they had 81 members, as against 77 the previous year. The year before that the number was 70 and the preceding years the numbers were 50, 52 and 58. During the year 14 men left, eight resigning and six being struck off for non-efficiency or other reasons. Sixteen recruits had joined and one man was re-enrolled. This year all the 81 members were efficient, both in drill and musketry. The company took part in the Arundel camp, when 79 men attended, 42 of them for six days; eight, five days; fourteen, four days; eight, three days, and only seven under three days. As regards the shooting results, 63 trained men were exercised, 19 of them became marksmen, nine first class shots, and 35 second class, and he was glad to say there were no third class shots. Of the recruits, eleven were returned first class and five second class. IN a short time they would all be supplied with the magazine rifle, which would be dangerous, the distance behind the butts not being great enough. Probably the company would have to go to Arundel, Littlehampton or Steyning, if that range should be opened for first class firing. As regards the finances of the company, the receipts amounted to £175, and the expenditure £173, but as they started the year with a deficit of £13 they were still £10 behind. The prizes were afterwards distributed by Major Hubbard and the proceedings concluded with an enjoyable concert.

The Volunteer Record and Shooting News, 2^nd January 1897.

1^st V.B.R.S. Regimental Shooting Club

As Sheepcote Valley range is now closed against the use of the fully charged cartridges in the new rifle, it was proposed, in connections with the competitions for the selections of Bisley representatives for 1897, to submit to the Colonel a suggestion that competitors should go to some other range, probably Steyning, so that the full charge might be used. EDITED.

The Worthing Gazette, 2^nd June 1897.

ENGLISH TWENTY CLUB.

The second shoot of the Sussex section of the English Twenty Club took place on Monday at the Steyning range. The shooting was much better than on the previous occasion – in fact, the average score was higher than the highest score made on the 3^rd of May. The scores ranged from 68 to 96, pointing to the fact that with a better acquaintance with the new weapon its superiority in shooting powers to the Martini will be established. Subjoined are the scores for the two shoot on May 3^rd and 31sy. The country is divided into eight divisions, and these shoot on the same days, between the hours of 9.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. A jewel is awarded to the member in each of the eight divisions whose two shots on the days named above make the highest grand aggregate. Sussex is in Division 2, which comprises Kent, Sussex, Hants, the Isle of Wight, Somerset and Oxford. It will not be surprising if the aggregate score of Sergt. Phileys be found to be good enough to win the jewel in this Division. He wins the Sussex Twenty Club gold jewel for the highest aggregate in matches A and B, in the county meeting, and the score of 98 made n the English Twenty shoot, which had been arrange should count for the Sussex Twenty Club shoot, the conditions being identical.

East Grinstead Observer, 21^st August 1897.

HORSHAM VOLUNTEERS’ PRIZE MEETING.

The annual prize meeting of the “E“ Company 2^nd Volunteer Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment took place on Thursday week at the Steyning range. The arrangements were under the superintendence of Major Hodgson, Sergt. Instructor Teague, Col. Sergt. Richardson, Sergts. Taylor, Flint and Christopher. Details;

NO. 1 COMPETITOIM-£5, given by the inhabitants of Horsham and neighbourhood. Sven shots each at 200 yds. Standing, and 500 yds,. Kneeling.

NO. 2 COMPETITION. -£5, given by Major Hodgson. Seven shots each at 500 and 600 yds., prone.

NO.3 COMPETITION.- Recruits only. Seven shots at 200 yds, kneeling. £3, given by Lieut. G.C. Nix.

NO. 4 COMPETITION.- £5 given by the ladies of Horsham and neighbourhood. Seven shots at 700 and 800 yards.

TEAM COMPETITON. – PRIZE £3.

The left half company beat the right by nine points. The winners’ names were Sergt. G.W. Taylor, Sergt. Christopher, Prvts. Sturt, Manvell, Lane, Charman and Wilderspin.

AGGREGATE PRIZES. £3 given by the inhabitants of Horsham and neighbourhood for competitors making the highest aggregate score in Nos. 1, 2 and 4 competitions.

The Mid Sussex Times, 14^th September 1897.

VOLUNTEERS BEFORE THE TARGET.

On Wednesday the annual prize firing competition in connection with the “L” Company of Volunteers took place on the Steyning range. There were about 29 competitors in all for six competitions, and fairly good shooting was witnessed. No great amount of wind had to be accounted for, but the light was changeable and difficult. Captain Weekes, commandant of the Company, was present. The successful competitors were Sergeant Instructor Manville, Colour Sergeant Penfold, Sergeants Roberts and Chalcraft, Corporals Reeves and Woolgar, Privates Baldwin, Blaber, Dashwood, Dodd, Holloway, E. Kempshall, Moody, Norden, Roberts, Reid, Smithe, Smart, Seymour, Taylor, Tweed, W. Vinall, G. Vinall, Woolgar and White, and the volley-firing squads selected by Sergeant Chalcraft, Sergeant Roberts and Colour Sergeant Penfold.

Volunteer Service Gazette, 26^th November 1897.

2^nd V.B. ROYAL SUSSEX REGT.

The annual distribution of prizes in connexion with E Co. 2^nd V.B. Royal Sussex Regt. Took place on Nov 18 at the King’s Head, Horsham. Maj. B.T. Hodgson presided, supported by Major-Gen. Tyndell, C.B., Major-Gen Keatinge, V.C., Major-Gen. Steward, Capt. Campion, and Lieuts. Nix and Hurst.

Major Hodgson expressed the pleasure it gave him to see the room well filled, and especially to find three General officers present, and also two former officers of the company. With regard to the strength of the company, last year they had 81, but now they stood at 74. They were losing ten more men, but he had already enrolled eight, and he had received several names since, so that he hoped the numbers would be kept up. All the members but one were efficient, and the attendance at drill was satisfactory. The shooting was disappointing. They now shot on the full length range at Steyning, and it was the first time many of the men had fired over 300 yards. The company was sixth in the battalion, and the figure of merit 116 against 125. He recognised the difficulty of finding sufficient time to go to Steyning, but he hoped another year the men would endeavour to fire more than one class. The figure of merit for recruits had gone up eleven points, which reflected the greatest credit on Sergt.-Inst. Teague. Sergt. Taylor was again the best shot of the trained men, and tied with another for the position of best shot in the battalion. The financial position of the company was satisfactory, owing to the liberality of the people of Horsham – Major Gen. Tyndall then distributed the prizes, the chief winners being Sergt. Taylor, Pte. Stringer, Sergt. Flint, Col.Sergt Richardson, Sergt. Christopher, Pte. Weller, Pte. Burridge, and Pte. Buck.

Major Gen. Tyndall congratulated Major Hodgson on the position of the company, and hoped next year the shooting would improve. He appealed to the young men of Horsham to take to the Volunteers, and remarked there was no more honourable service than bearing arms and learning how to use them in defence of country and sovereign. A programme of music was then gone through.

Volunteer Service Gazette, 7^th January 1898.

Steyning.

The distribution of prizes won during the past season bu members of the L Company 2^nd V.B.Royal Sussex Regt., took place on Dec 14 at the Town Hall. Amongst the large attendance were the Hon. Mrs Campio, Brigade-Surg. Lieut.-Col Lewis, Major H.T. West, Capt. Weeks, and other officers and ladies. The Hon. Mrs Campion made the presentations, and also briefly addressed the company. – Capt. Weeks then gave a short account of the doings of the company during t he year. He mentioned that since they last met there had been changes in the battalion, Col. Campion had taken over command from Sir Henry Fletcher, who had been promoted, and they had received the Lee-Metford rifle. The company had been very fortunate in having such an excellent range, thanks to their good friend, the Rev. John Goring, and were able to shoot on their own range with the new rifle – a thing which very few companies or battalions could do, vert few possessing such a range as theirs. Alluding to the strength of the company, he aid they had increased five on the previous year, but they ought to have many more members. He trusted they would be able to get sixty members at least, and especially desired to see more recruits from Steyning. That place was fairly large but only sent twenty-one men against Henfield’s thirty five, and it was to inducement to join, and give a stimulus to the movement in Steyning that he gave a cup to be competed for between the two places. Some of the old hands did not seem to get on with the new rifle quite so well as the old one, and other companies had gone up in points in figure of merit more than this company. However, they had the battalion shot in 1896, and one of their men was bracketed in the year under review. They also did very well in camp, having thirty men the whole week, six others for three days, and eleven others at inspection. In conclusion, Capt. Weeks thanked the subscribers for the keen support they gave the company in the way of prizes and money to the general fund, and appealed earnestly to employers of labour to help them in the matter of recruits. – Major West, at the invitation of Capt. Weeks, subsequently addressed his old company.

West Sussex County Times and Standard, 8^th January 1898.

HORSHAM VOLUNTEERS.

SHOOTING.

This is now carried on for the first time on a full length range at Steyning, and with the Lee-Metford Magazine Rifle.

The shooting of the Trained Volunteers is hardly as satisfactory as it should be, the figure of merit being nine points lower tan last year; this is due chiefly to the large number of men who only get through their third class firing, and who, for various causes, do not find time to visit the range at Steyning more than once during the year. On the other hand, that of the recruits has been good, their figure of merit being 11 points higher than that of last year’s recruits. Sergeant Taylor, besides being again best shot in the Company class-firing, is also returned as one of the two best shots in the Battalion. Private Weller is the best shot of the Recruits in the Company.

TRAINED VOLUNTEERS.

RECRUITS

A match against the Worthing Company was shot on August 3^rd, and was won by the Horsham Company by 103 points.

The Annual Prize Shooting took place on the Steyning Range on August 12^th.

Lieutenant C..G.A. Nix, having obtained the certificate of the Hythe School of Musketry, has been appointed Instructor of Musketry to the Battalion.

The Sussex Express, 10^th May 1898.

VOLUNTEERS BEFORE THE TARGET.

The second monthly competition of L Company 2^nd Volunteer Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment took place at the Steyning Range on Saturday in beautiful weather.

Results:

The Observer and West Sussex Recorder, 18^th May 1898.

THE ENGLISH TWENTY CLUB

The first competition of the English Twenty Club took place simultaneously all over England on Monday last. seven shots at 200, 500 and 600 yards. Bisley targets and scoring. The Sussex members fired at the Steyning range with the following result;-

The Mid Sussex Times, 7^th June 1898.

HENFIELD

SHOOTING COMPETITION.

On Saturday the Henfield and Steyning “L” Company 2^nd V.B. Royal Sussex Regiment held its third monthly competition on the Steyning range. Corporal Woolgar made a record score of 98 points out of a possible 105. The following scores were made;- Corporal Woolgar 98, Corporal Reeves 85, Private Moody 85, Sergeant Roberts 83, Sergeant Instructor Manville 81, Private Kempshall 80, Sergeant Chalcraft 79.

The Mid Sussex Times, 5^th July 1898.

HENFIELD

SHOOTING COMPETITON

On Saturday the fourth monthly competition of the “L” Company 2^nd V.B. Royal Sussex Regiment came off at Steyning Range. A gusty wind prevailed. The following aggregates were made;- Corporal Woolgar, 92; Sergeant Roberts, 87; Private E. Kempshall, 83; Sergeant Chalcraft, 76; Sergeant-Instructor Manville, 75; Private C, Kempshall, 75.

The Mid Sussex Times, 13^th September 1898.

HENFIELD.

The Rifle Volunteers of Henfield and Steyning held their annual prize shooting at the Steyning Range on Thursday. The weather was fine, but the competitors found the heat trying. The programme consisted of five events – the Recruits competition, in which the first prize was taken by Private W. Nicholson; the ladies’ competition, in which Lane-Sergeant Woolgar won the first prize and Mrs Searle the lady’s prize; the inhabitant’s competition, with Private E. Kempshall winner of first prize; the Camp competition, in which the first prize was gained by Sergeant-Instructor Manville; and volley firing, which gave Lance Sergeant Woolgars’s squad the first prize. The special prize given by Mr Smart, Steyning, for the highest aggregate scores in the second and third competitions, was won by Private E. Kempshall.

The Mid Sussex Times, 27^th June 1899.

HENFIELD

THE VOLUNTEERS.- The third monthly competition of the local Company of Volunteers took place at the Steyning range on Saturday, as did also a competition to send four men to Lewes to shoot for the County Badge and Bronze Medal. It resulted in the selection of Private Moody (87), Sergeant Chalcraft (84), Private Smart (81) and Sergeant Roberts (80), Segreant-Instructor Manville being 5^th with 73 points.

The Mid Sussex Times, 29^th August 1899.

HENFIELD

SHOOTING MATCH

A shooting match between “L” Company 2^nd V.B. and “B” Company 1^st V.B. Royal Sussex Regiment came off on Saturday on the Steyning range, with the result that “L” beat their opponents by 24 points – 831 to 807. Captain Tamplin (“B” Company) entertained the competitors at a meat tea at “The Chequers”.

VOLUNTEER SERVICE GAZETTE 1^st September 1899

1^st V.B.R.SUSSEX REGT. (B.CO.) v, 2^nd V.B. R.SUSSEX REGT. (L CO.).

On Saturday a match took place on the Steyning range between the above companies. The B Company sent over a vert strong team, but was handicapped no doubt in not having long range practice. The conditions were twelve men each side to shoot and ten to count, Bisley targets and scoring, seven shots at 200, 500 and 600 yards. L Company succeeded in winning the match by 24 points. After the match, the teams were entertained to a meat tea at the Chequers by Capt. Tamplin of the B Company, whose health was proposed and drunk with musical honours, a very enjoyable time being spent. Col.Sergt Crone was captain of B Company’s team, and Sergt. Chalcraft for L Company. The above companies have shot ten matches, of which six have been won by L Company, and four by B Company. The following were the scores;-

L Company

Counted out

B Company

Counted out

VOLUNTEER SERVICE GAZETTE, 29^th September 1899.

2^nd V.B. ROYAL SUSSEX REGIMENT.

The annual prize shooting of L Company took place at Steyning on Saturday. The following are the scores;

First Competition.- For recruits only. Five shots at 200 and 400 yards. One point added for every four drills done during the year. Ties to be decided by the number of drills attended, both squad and company. First prize, 15s. one of 12s.., and one of 9s.

Second competition.- Given by the ladies of the district. Sven shots at 200, 500 and 600 yards, First prize, £1; one of 15s, and one of 10s.; to which were added prizes in kind.

Third competition,.- Given by the inhabitants of the district. Five shots at 200, 500 and 600 yards. One point added for each attendance at company drill. Company drills in camp not to be counted. Recruits allowed one point for each company drill that has been held during the yea, but no points for squad drills. First prize, £4 10s.; one of £11, one of 15s., one of 12s. 6d., one of 10s., three of 7s. 6d., and four of 5s.

Fourth competition;- Given by Capt. Campion. Open to all men who attended camp for three successive days. Five shots at 500 and 600 yards. Each battalion drill to count two points. First prize, £1; one of 15s., one of 12s. 6d., two of 10s., three of 7s. 6d., and two of 5s.;

Fifth competition.- Volley firing; Sergt. Chalcraft’s team (1^st prize, 20s.) 51 points; Sergt. Robert’s team 46.