The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1884-02-16 00:00:00

THE REINFORCEMENTS FOR EGYPr.

The Chatham contingent of the battalion of Roya
Marines placed under orders for Egypt on Thursdae
lefi- head-quarters on Saturday amidst considerable
enthnsiesos. A large concourse of spectators aseemblee
to witne.s their departure. The party numbered 18f
of all ranks, with seven officers. Before the men lefl
they were addressed by Colonel Commandant Blanc
Hunt, who said: "Men of the Chatham Division, yot
an celled to defend your country's honour, and yam
couetry sends you forward as an advance guard. I
as your commanding officer, am proud to say that
een.ider you second to none in the British service, anc
I am pleased to see you parade before me in such a
perfect state and at such short notice. Let
sore ask you that when in the presence of the
enemy you will maintain a calm bearing. Dc
not tecome wild, but fire steadily and low. Picli
off your enemy, and do not throw away your
ammunition, look upon it as gold. I am perfectly
Beri:.fiel you will add fresh laurels to the dear old
corps, and in my heart I shall be with you, although]
may not be here to welcome you back. Don't forgel
your commander's last words," The men marched te
the dockyard, they were inspected by General the
Hon, R. Monk, and afterwards took a special train for
Portereouth. The mejority of the men wore the
medal and bronze star for the last Egyptian campaign.
On arriving at Portsmouth the detachment at once
embarked on board the Poonah which sailed from
Portsmouth on Saturday afternoon in the teeth of a
south.westerly gale, accompanied by blinding sheets oi
i&n. She only completed her provisioning just before
starting, being victualled for the marines for 20 days,
and for 900 troops for 25 days, At the last moment
she shipped a quantity of torpedo stores, and she ale(
takes out 100,000 rounds of ammunition. In spite el
the unfevoureble weather 200 comrades and friend,
assembled on the jetty to exchange cheers with the
departing marines, and the lads of the training ship St.
Va.cent crowded in the rigging to shout an encouraging
farewell as the transport steamed along.
The departure of the Portsmouth marines from
herracks on Saturday was characterised by great en.
thesiasm. At Eaetney the Royal Marine Artillery
detachment, over 100 strong, and as splendid a body
of men as could b 3 paraded by any regiment in the
areey, were inspected by Colonel Sir Francis Feating,
who in addressing them said that he found nearly all
their characters marked good or exemplary, while fox
phyaique they did credit to the corps, and were in
every way capable of maintaining its prestige. About
thirty wore the medal, bar, and Khedive's star for the
recent campaign, but being away for less than a twelve.
month they were ag em n placed fine on the roster for sea,
though in the meantime 600 have been moved from
barraeks to various ships for duty afloat. The band of
the corps pleyed them to the dockyard gate amidst
much cheering and hand-shaking. At Porton the out.
going officers were entertained at a farewell officers'
mess, and Colonel Le Grand, in inspecting the detach.
ment ordered abroad from that division, reminded
them that they were now on the eve of the third Royal
Merinee Egyptian campaign, and though small in
number, he looked to them to remember that they were
cal!ed upen to preserve the honour and tradition of the
corps. As this small party of Marine Light Infantry
If t the barracks the excitement was very great. The
combine.,l bands of the Royal Marines and Hampshire
regiment played them out. As the detachment,
accompanied by comrades and followed by civilians,
marched past the new barracks, the men of the Hemp.
shire regiment turned out and gave them a parting
cheer. Admiral Superintendent F. A. Herbert
inspected the Poonah prior to her departure, and
eeseee t,er accommodation for the marines to be
rep
SO bfactory. -
i „mouth eontingent of the Royal Marines,
nualering 196 men, one colour-sergeant, eight ter.
geente, awl three offic,ere, embarked on board the
transport Poonah on Sunday afternoon. On Satur.
day afternoon they were inspected by Colonel
Saunders, after which they were granted leave, but on
the " Post " sounding on Saturday night not a man
wax absent from barracks. By 7.30 on Sunday
maing the men were ready to embark, It being ex.
eeted that the Poonah which left Portsmouth on
Saturday at 4.30 p.m., would be in Plymouth Sound
early on Sunday morning. A westerly gale, however,
rreescitated her proceeding around the Isle ef Wight
inveal of through the Needles, with the rezult that
did not reach Plymouth until 1 p.m. The
decachment embarked from the Royal William
V =ailing Yard amid a scene of great enthusiasm,
at.d as the tug conveyed them to the Poonah the cliffs
ceerlooking the Sound were crowded with people,
wiei loudly cheered them.

Three batteries of the lat Brigade Irish Division
Toga' Artillery were medieslly examined at Devon.
r,rt. in Saturday, and pronounced fit for immediate
fcretn service.