Review Of Royal Horse Artillery And Field Batteries At Woolwich

Review of Royal Horse Artillery and Field Batteries at Woolwich, by the Duke of Cambridge, in the presence of the Grand Duke Michael of Russia, 1860. 'Officers in Command of R.H.A.; Field Officer, Horse Brigade; Duke of Cambridge; Grand Duke Michael, Commandant Gen. Sir R. Dacres...the several batteries marched past at slow and quick time, the entire force being also minutely inspected front and rear...The batteries of Royal Horse Artillery and the field batteries then proceeded to carry out the evolutions of a field day, five of the batteries on the ground being fully equipped with nine-pounder Armstrong guns, and a succession of firing with blank cartridge was kept up from various points of the common during the performance of the complete details of a sham fight - the several evolutions of attack, defence, retreat, and pursuit; being carried out in a manner which elicited the marked admiration of the illustrious visitors. Only three of the batteries in action retained guns of the old service pattern, and the practice with nine-pounder rifled ordnance, although with blank cartridge, fully exhibited the wonderful power of these weapons, and the change which they are destined to effect in military tactics, especially on a battle-field'. From 'Illustrated London News', 1860. Creator: Frederick John Skill. (Photo by The Print Collector/Heritage Images via Getty Images)