The battalion mustered at Blandford nearly 400 of all ranks, without the band (this luxury not being brought), and they were met a short distance away from their camp by the band of the 50th Foot, brigaded with them; the men of which regiment had previously pitched the battalion camp. Thus by their forethought, and desire to be friendly and helpful, relieved an inexperienced lot from what would have been an irksome job, and most probably not done at all according to regulation or to the satisfaction of the authorities. Whether the exigencies of the service required it, or whether the marching in of the battalion from Blandford, the attendance at church parade next day, or the smartness of guards and pickets, satisfied the officers in command, is unknown; but without any test as to knowledge or fitness, the regiment joined in a field day early on Monday, the 2nd September, under the command of Colonel the Honble. Arthur Hardinge, C.B., commanding the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division; to which brigade the 1st Administrative Battalion Wilts Rifle Volunteers was attached. In the afternoon the whole southern army marched past the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge, and next day the battalion, as forming part of the brigade commanded by Colonel Hardinge, took part in the defence of a position at Critchell attacked by a much larger force. The victory was unmistakeably gained by Colonel Hardinge, and apparently was obtained by the simple expedient of allowing himself to be attacked in front, the only vulnerable point; his flanks being protected by rising ground and dense woods, previously considered to be impassable by either party. After some hours of skirmishing, short advances in line, and refusing tempting opportunities, the attack was brought to an end, and umpires declared the victory to have been gained by the officer commanding the 2nd Brigade. Not improbably, if the services of the volunteers were hastily required, whole battalions would be at once called into action, and there would be as little testing of their knowledge of manœuvring, or even of the use of the rifle, as in these instances. A fortnight of these divisional and brigade drills might make such men handy and tolerable skirmishers, but nothing more. The steadiness required in a retreat, deployments under heavy fire, or when suddenly attacked by cavalry, would be wanting, and a victorious army on the slightest check become thoroughly disorganized. Instructions as to any drills, more especially in those touching upon the defence of positions, guard duties, pickets, and individual action could not be given on service; and the absence of a fair knowledge of such matters might entail ruin on the whole force employed. One thing it most certainly would do--bring a great diminution of strength in battalions. The very bravery, contempt or ignorance of danger, and incapability of self-defence, would decimate the half-taught volunteer battalions.