The amalgamation of the various corps into a battalion occurred in 1861, and found many of the companies well advanced in drills. Indeed, at the first inspection of the whole at Warminster by Major Hume, Assistant Inspector of the district, he remarked on the very great advance in the knowledge of drill each company had made. On this occasion the Trowbridge Corps mustered 72 of all ranks, Captain T. Clark, in command, and Lieutenant W.P. Clark being the only officers. Major Jacob was in command of the battalion, and by his skill in manœuvring the regiment, and his evident knowledge of the meaning of certain movements, not only drew forth encomiums from the inspecting officer, but even at this early date of the Volunteer Force showed that the military were not the only ones capable of commanding armed men, and that drilling regiments, companies, or squads could be managed by civilians. Soon after this, to the great regret not only of the volunteers of his own corps, No. 1, at Salisbury, but to that of others in the battalion, and to all in Wiltshire, knowing the man and his worth, Major Jacob was called away by death, the result of an injury received in stepping from a boat. His place as major in the battalion was taken by the officer commanding the Trowbridge Corps, who as senior major of the battalion retired in the year 1879. The command of the company was taken by Lieutenant W.P. Clark, and Mr. E.P. Stancomb promoted from sergeant to the ensigncy. Shortly after this Mr. Foley resigned his commission as lieutenant, and Mr. W.P. Clark, jun., was appointed ensign in the place of E.P. Stancomb promoted.