17 May 1913 – Walter Barnes

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From the Salisbury and Winchester Journal on Saturday the 17th of May 1913

The Wiltshire Yeomanry are undergoing their annual training at Charlton Park, Malmesbury, the seat of Lord Suffolk. Last year they were attached to the Regulars for the Army manoeuvres in the Eastern Counties, and though during the early days of this year’s training, the weather has not been the most favourable, the men fully appreciate the change of camp life in the delightful surroundings of Charlton Park. They occupy a wide stretch of ground on the western side of the park, adjoining the golf links. Water has been laid on to the encampment from the tower of Charlton House, an arrangement made through the kindness of Lord Suffolk, which adds considerably to the comfort of the men.

A vintage postcard depicting Charlton House, a large historic mansion located near Malmesbury in Wiltshire. The house features a grand facade with multiple stories, tall windows, and decorative gables. The building has two prominent towers with domed roofs, adding to its stately appearance. In front of the house, there is a driveway where a vintage car with two passengers is parked, and a person is holding a horse nearby. The scene is set against a backdrop of lush greenery, with trees and a well-kept lawn. The text at the bottom of the postcard reads, "Picturesque Wiltshire, Charlton House, near Malmesbury.
A postcard illustration of Charlton House, at Charlton Park, near Malmesbury. Sourced from the Newberry Collection.

Lieutenant-Colonel G. L. Palmer is in command, with Major C. S. Awdry second in command. Captain and Adjutant Edwards being in America to play polo for England, Captain Allan Palmer is temporarily acting as adjutant. The total strength of the regiment is 442, and the number in camp is 396, of whom 24 are officers. The four squadrons, A Squadron, Salisbury and Warminster, Major Lord A. G. Thynne in command; B Squadron, Devizes and Rood Ashton, Major C. S. Awdry in command; C Squadron, Chippenham and Malmesbury, Major W. F. Fuller in command; D Squadron, Swindon and Marlborough, Major R. A. Poore, D.S.O., in command, arrived on Sunday afternoon when Colonel Palmer, Major W. F. Fuller, Adjutant A. Palmer, and Lieutenant-Veterinary E. Berry inspected the horses.

An unfortunate accident marked the first day in camp. Walter Barnes, whilst on duty, broke the small bone of his leg through his foot being caught under one of the water-pipes in the park and was conveyed to the Malmesbury Cottage Hospital.

Squadron parades on Monday took place in drenching rain, and squadron drills and routine work occupied Tuesday and Wednesday. On the latter evening C Squadron provided a smoking concert in the canteen. On Thursday General Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien, Commanding-in-Chief Southern Command, attended the camp. The feature of this year’s training is mounted drills, with the aim of securing rapidity of dismounting and opening fire.

Today (Saturday) the regimental sports, which include a Galloway race, will take place. According to present arrangements camp will be struck next Wednesday, and a trek march through the country commenced. The regiment will move to Mr. George Fuller’s residence at Neston, where they will bivouac, and on the following day will continue the march to Salisbury and there dismiss.

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