Brighton Gazette, Thursday June 23^rd, 1859

STEYNING

RIFLE CORPS.

A public meeting was held at the White Horse Horse Inn, on Monday last, of persons interested in forming a Rifle Corps, which was thinly attended. Mr G. T. Breach complained that sufficient notice had not been given. Sir C. Goring, Bart, having been elected chairman, a resolution was passed, adjourning the meeting until the 4^th July, for the purpose of forming a corps, and adopting such measures thereon as might then appear expedient.

Brighton Gazette, Thursday July 7^th,1859

STEYNING

RIFLE CORPS.

At twelve o’clock on Monday, a meeting was held at the White Horse Inn, of persons interested in forming a Rifle Corps. Major Sandham presided, and in addition to the Magistrates there were some thirty persons present. After some observations made by the Magistrates, Mr Breach, Mr W. Hammond, and others, it was arranged that a committee should be appointed, extending over the whole petty sessional district, to ascertain who were likely to join such a corps; some fifteen gentlemen were named as a committee, with the power to add to their number, and as requested to meet and report to an adjourned meeting on that day month.

Brighton Gazette, Thursday January 5^th, 1860

STEYNING

RIFLE CORPS.

A meeting was held, at the White Horse Hotel, at twelve o’clock to ascertain the feeling of the inhabitants of Steyning and its vicinity as to the formation of a Rifle Corps. Major Sandham was called to chair, and read a letter from H. P. Crofts, Esq, stating he was prevented from attending, but was willing to give the movement every assitance, both in ‘purse and person’. The chairman said Sir Charles Goring , Bart, would do the same. The Magistrates attending the Bench were present, with the Rev. T. Edland (Vicar), Rev. C. W. A. Napier, E. Henty, Esq., J. Ingram, Esq., C. Ingram Esq., E. Young Esq., G. Gates, Sen, Esq., G. Gates, Jun, Esq., and many others.The Rev. T. Medland proposed the first resolution, that it was desirable to form a Corps, which H. Ingram, Esq., seconded, and was passed unanimously. H. Ingram, Esq., proposed that a subscription list be opened, which Mr G. Gates, Sen, seconded. Mr Ingram remarked that the Rev. T. Grantham was willing to contribute. A committee was then appointed, and Mr J. Tribe was requested to act as Honorary Secretary. A subscription list was opened, when upwards of £80 was subscribed. A number of persons enrolled their names.

The Sussex Advertiser, November 27^th, 1860

Henfield

THE RIFLE CORPS.

On Monday afternoon the 19^th inst. The member of the Henfield and Mid Bramber Company (18^th Sussex) Rifle Volunteers met in front of Nep (sic) Castle, West Grinstead Park, the seat of Sir Charles Burrell, Bart. The day was very fine, and nearly the whole of the company was present, and were put through various evolutions by Major Barttelot, of the 2^nd Battalion, who expressed his entire satisfaction at the manner in which they performed their drill and exercises. At the close of the review he addressed the corps in the most complimentary terms, urging upon them not to relax, but to go on as they had begun, and to persevere, and they would soon become perfect. The Volunteers then marched back to the residence of Ensign Walter Burrell Esq., who kindly provided a most excellent dinner for them, to which ample justice was done.

The Sussex Express 19^th October, 1861

STEYNING

PRIZE SHOOTING.

On Thursday 10^th inst, the 18^th Sussex Rifle Volunteers met at their beautiful shooting ground, the Holt, near Steyning, for prize shooting, and the day was all that could be desired, and the shooting, as we heard an old soldier remark, as good an many linesmen make.

Private Frederick Benfield, of Southwater, accordingly carried off this cup.

A cup was given by the Captain, for the best shooting at 150 and 200 yards. Score –

The prize was won by Private J. Coomber, of Nuthurst, a member also of the band of corps. The firing of Private Francis Otter, the youngest member of the corps was much admired, and he was much cheered as he hit the target successfully in the last round.

The next prize, a time piece, given by Mrs Burrell, was contested with great animation by the following non-commissioned officers and privates, distance 200 yards.

Corporal Goacher, of Ashurst, was successful, making the highest number of points. We understand he is nominated by the Captain to proceed to the government school of musketry at Hythe, where we hope he may carry the marksman’s badge. Private Otter was again second, and we could not help wishing there had been a second prize for him.

The last was a consolation prize, presented by Mrs Burrell, open to all members who had not won a prize at the meeting, and shot for by;-

As all ties were decided by the number of hits, Private Bristow of Westgrinstead, was declared the winner. Sergeant Ward, of Henfield, having missed his fourth shot. On the conclusion of the shooting, the men were marched up to some rising ground, where Mrs Burrell was to distribute the prizes. She was accompanied by Mrs Wm. Bridger and several Steyning residents, amongst whom we noticed Hugh Ingram Esq. Captain Burrell having halted the men, Mrs Burrell came forward and said – 18^th Sussex Rifle Volunteers – I consider it a great honour to present to the members of my husband’s corps the first prizes that have been won. From the high scores many of you have made today you will, probably, hereafter win more costly prizes than these, but I think you will always look with pride on the first proofs of your efficiency as riflemen (cheers). I take this opportunity of expressing the great interest I have taken in the corps from the first, – an interest I think you are all aware of, and which Captain Burrell works hard to promote (cheers). I need not remind you what has been done by discipline and obedience to the orders of those who have led our brave soldiers to victory; many of our relations and friends, as Sussex well remembers, have fought in England’s cause. I hope you will follow this example encouraging those in command by a persevering attendance at drill and musketry instruction; – I need not add a punctual attendance, particularly to corporal Goacher, who will always have his timepiece to refer to, you will be amply rewarded by your proficiency, and the 18^th Sussex will be second to none in the county. I, of course, shall always consider it the first (cheers and laughter). I trust the peace and security of our land, of which all volunteers are the hostages, may long be vouchsafed to us; but should you ever be called upon to take a more active part in the defence of your country, I know the 18^th Sussex will do its duty, and I earnestly pray that God will maintain the right and defend our cause (cheers).

Captain Burrell then addressed the corps and was received with much cheering; and after loud calls and cheers for Lieut. Wm. Bridges, who had been indefatigable in his exertions during the day, Mr Morgan, of Henfield, the respected surgeon of the corps, Mrs Wm. Bridger and family, and three times three for the Captain and Mrs Burrell, the party separated, highly pleased with their first day’s prize shooting.

The West Sussex Journal Tuesday 29^th October, 1867

HENFIELD

THE 18^TH SUSSEX (HENFIELD) RIFLE CORPS.-

The annual competition for prizes for rifle firing for this corps was brought to a very pleasant termination by a reunion of the corps at a supper given at the White Hart on Friday last. Assistant-Surgeon Lewis, M.D., having won as one of his prizes a sucking pig, generously placed it at the disposal of the corps, this being supplemented by a present from the Captain, Sir Percy Burrell, M.P., of a brace of pheasants, and from M. Knowles, Esq., two brace of ducks; others soon came forward and completed a most sumptuous entertainment, to which the corps and a few friends were invited to attend. Th chair was taken by Ensign Stanford, in the unavoidable absence of the Captain, Sir Percy Burrell and Lieutenant Bridger, the former through indisposition. Race having been said by the chaplain, the Rev. John O’Brien, vicar, the whole of the corps at once fell in, and having distinguished himself to the satisfaction of all present, the chairman proposed the health of the Queen, which was admirably responded to; next followed the Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family, each being musically honoured. The Rev. Vicar then gave the army, navy, and volunteers, with the health of the Ensign, on whom generally devolves the command of the 18^th. Ensign Stanford having responded to the call, thanked the non-commissioned officers and men for the kind manner in which the toast had been received, and briefly alluded to the position of the corps and the gratifying remarks that their appearance always elicited from the Colonel of the battalion when on parade. Mr W.S. Challen then gave one of his best songs, that are now so seldom heard, “My faithful fond old wife”. The health of the Captain, Lieutenant, and the great mainstay of the corps, Thomas Coppard, Esq., hon. Sec., were next given and duly honoured. Mr Henry Longley the gave the non-commissioned officers and drill instructor (Sergeant Jones). The health of the visitors, successful and unsuccessful candidates, were severally connected with Mr Knowles Esq., and Mr Thomas Thoms. The ladies were specially mentioned with musical accompaniment, although their representative, Mr John Thoms, jun., was some time mustering up courage to reply for them; we can only wish him more nerve when he assays their company. The town and trade of Henfield was next proposed by by Dr Lewis, coupled with the name of Mr Henry Longley, who in responding alluded to the pleasure all felt in spending the evening with their civic guards, and giving as a last toast the farmers of Henfield and its vicinity, which was answered by Mr Alfred Stanford. The evening was most pleasantly enlivened by some capital singing by Messrs. Challen, Galey, Morgan, West, Wood, Piper, Hodges, Laker, &c., &c., and on the chairman vacating his seat, the whole company dispersed at once to their homes. Subjoined is the result of the prize firing, the prizes for which they were awarded a few days previously by Lady Burrell;-

1870-1879