On the formation of the 1st Administrative Battalion Wilts Rifle Volunteers, out of all the rifle corps raised in South Wilts, it was seen that the widely extended area from which this corps was drawn would become a source of difficulty and expense. The time occupied, the distances to be travelled, and the whole expense devolving on the men themselves, together with affairs of one district not coinciding with others, would make, and did make, general musters for a battalion drill anything but a sinecure. Besides these causes, the enterprising spirit of the age constantly drew away some of the best men, necessitating their places being filled by others from a lower social scale, who, though equally good men in the ranks, were not so well able to bear these expenses. In 1864 the helmet was discarded and replaced with a neat shako and ball. The Silton property having been sold, the squad drilling there, and of course continuing to be members of the 6th or Maiden Bradley Corps, were politely requested to transfer their allegiance to the 8th or Mere Corps, which was short of numbers; so for the future many of these men were lost to the Bradley Corps. Indeed this was a most serious injury to the 6th Corps, simply cutting off a wing. Troubles continued to thicken. In December, 1865, Captain Lord Edward St. Maur was killed in India in an encounter with a bear which he had wounded, and for some time the corps continued to be without a captain, it being desirable to obtain a gentleman who could command not only with his voice but his purse, the funds having become very low and the incidental expenses everlastingly increasing. The uniform, head-dress, belts, all to be changed; rifle green and helmets to be worn. However, in 1867 a great effort was made, and the "redivivus" was sounded. It was hoped that with the aid of the Government grant and strict economy the corps might yet rub on. Lieut. H.B. Festing accepted the captaincy; Ensign Harding the lieutenancy; and Colour-Sergeant S.E. Jefferys was appointed ensign. But once more the social scale had to be lowered, so as to keep up the required numbers, and several of the best class of agricultural labourers were enrolled, good in themselves and excellent in the ranks, but not such as could be taken from their day's work, either on their own account or that of their employers, and general musters for reviews and drills were being constantly demanded.