In October, 1861, a challenge was sent to the neighbouring corps at Trowbridge, to be shot off on the Bradford ground; five rounds at 200 and 400 yards, twelve on each side. The highest score on the occasion was made by a Trowbridge man, Private Thomas, he making 15, not once failing to hit the target. On Bradford side, Captain Pickwick, with one miss, made 13, and Private Scutt, without missing, scoring 14. The match was won by Bradford by 14 points. On the return match, shot off on the Trowbridge practice ground, Bradford again proved the winners by 9 points. The shooting was bad on both sides, Private Scutt of Bradford, with no misses and 15 points; Private Thomas of Trowbridge, one miss and 13 points; Private Packer, no misses and 13 points, being the only men doing even tolerable practice. The Bradford Corps next year challenged those of Melksham, twelve picked men to be on each side, 200 and 400 yards, five rounds at each distance, hits and points; and Bradford were victorious by 39 points, Sergeant Wheeler of Melksham, without missing, making a score of 22, and Private Young, with one miss, a score of 21, whilst Sergeant G. Adye, without missing, scored 24, Private Wallman 27, Reynolds 22, and Captain Pickwick 21. At the county meeting held about the same time none of the Bradford men won prizes. Many shot well, but with the magnificent shooting of Messrs. Ward, 5th Wilts; Butler, 1st Wilts; Graham, 2nd Wilts; Fisher, 1st Wilts, to become a prize-holder was a very difficult thing. However, Private Scutt showed that he, as well as many others in the 9th Corps, knew how to use a rifle. Soon after this Lieut. Forster tendered the resignation of his commission, and Mr. A. Beavan was promoted to the vacancy, and afterwards William Adye, Esq., M.D., resigning the hon. assistant surgeoncy, was appointed ensign vice Beavan promoted.