On the 31st July, 1880, the battalion mustered in Salisbury and marched to the racecourse, there to be encamped. The muster was good and the weather favourable, so much was learned, and none could complain that spare time hung heavily on them. The battalion was closely inspected by Colonel Bythesea, commanding 38th Depôt, on the 6th August, and certainly did well, though the roughness of the weather and high wind rendered "orders" difficult to catch. The numbers on the parade were 559 of all ranks; not a few of these, selfish as to what might result, or wrapped up in the belief that they were sufficiently well-drilled to pass inspection, had not put in a previous attendance during the whole encampment. At the conclusion of the inspection Colonel Bythesea remarked "That he had had an opportunity of seeing them unofficially the day previously, and was then very much pleased with their drill, more so indeed than on the present occasion. He might tell them that this was owing to the fact of the men in camp yesterday having been there since the first day, thereby continuously learning, and making the battalion to appear to greater disciplinary advantage than it did to-day. Many of the men who were on the inspection parade this day only arrived in the morning, not having attended previously." After a pause he added, "A week's camp did them undoubted good, and next year he hoped to see an appreciation of this fact in a larger and more continuous attendance thereon, under their able and energetic commanding officer, Colonel Everett, than whom none was more earnest in the welfare of the battalion." The inspecting officer concluded his remarks by pointing out how well the "attack" drill under Major the Earl of Pembroke had been carried out, and trusted that more attention might be given to "individual efficiency." The camp was struck and despatched early on the morning of the 7th, and all returned to the various headquarters. The Expenses of the Camp were £401 Subscriptions received £35 Camp Allowance from Government £349 The Capitation Grant obtained for Efficiency for the Battalion was £1133