Produced by Suzanne Lybarger, Internet Archive: Canadian Libraries, Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net and the booksmiths at http://www.eBookForge.net _Frontispiece._ [Illustration: _Photo: Underwood & Underwood._ LT.-COL. N. C. KING, T.D., LT.-COL. G. R. TOD, LT.-COL. A. S. BATES, Comdg. 3rd Battn. Comdg. 2nd Battn. D.S.O., Comdg. 1st Battn.] SHORT HISTORY OF THE LONDON RIFLE BRIGADE * * * * * _Compiled Regimentally_ * * * * * ALDERSHOT: PRINTED BY GALE & POLDEN LTD., WELLINGTON WORKS. * * * * * 1916. [Blank Page] NOTE Pending the full pre-war history, which is to be written by better hands, the very sketchy outline in Part I. is given in order to form the connecting link between the Regiment in peace, since its formation, and the present time. It does not attempt to give the smallest idea of the hard work, often accomplished under disadvantageous circumstances, carried out by all ranks, which made possible the work done in the war. That the Regiment even now exists is solely due to Lieut.-Colonel Lord Bingham (now Brigadier-General the Earl of Lucan), whose cheery optimism through the dark times previous to the birth of the Territorial Force was such a great tower of strength. * * * * * Any profits which may accrue from this pamphlet will be given to the London Rifle Brigade Prisoners' Aid Fund. _October, 1916._ CONTENTS PAGE Part I 1 Part II 7 Second Battalion 30 Third Battalion 31 Administrative Centre 33 Appendix A 35 Appendix B 39 Appendix C 40 Appendix D 45 Appendix E 46 Appendix F 47 SHORT HISTORY OF THE LONDON RIFLE BRIGADE PART I. [Sidenote: =Formation.=] The London Rifle Brigade, formerly the 1st London Volunteer Rifle Corps (City of London Rifle Volunteer Brigade), and now, officially, the 5th (City of London) Battalion, The London Regiment, London Rifle Brigade, familiarly known to its members and the public generally by the sub-title or the abbreviation "L.R.B.," was founded July 23rd, 1859, at a meeting convened by the Lord Mayor. It has always been intimately associated with the City of London, its companies being under the patronage of the various Wards. Within a week of its formation the muster of the Regiment exceeded 1,800; two battalions were formed and headquarters were taken at No. 8, Great Winchester Street, where they remained for 34 years, and subsequently in Finsbury Pavement.