Topic: Militia - LHW - WA
Western Australian Militia
Albany Defence Rifles
The following is an extract from the book written in 1962 by George F. Wieck called The Volunteer Movement in Western Australia 1861-1903, pp. 49 - 50:
Albany Defence Rifles
Only five weeks or so had elapsed after the disbandment of the Albany Rifle Volunteers when the Governor gave approval to raise a new corps designated the "Albany Defence Rifles", with an Establishment of 80 all ranks. The Gazette (dated 6 May 1885) also notified the appointment of Dr C. Rogers as Captain Commanding.
In 1885 the strength of the corps was 73 all ranks but wastage was rapid, the total in 1887 being only 58. Evidently there were difficulties as regards officers for towards the end of 1887 Captain LV de Hamel (3rd Volunteer Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers) was appointed to act in temporary command. Changes were contemplated.
Captain LV de Hamel was appointed to command the Plantagenet Rifles (non-existent at that time) as from 14 March 1888. Meanwhile, members of the Albany Defence Riffles had been ordered to return their rifles and equipment to store.
Government Gazette dated 2 May 1888 decreed that "the Albany Defence Rifles” would henceforth bear the name of the Plantagenet Rifles, the former being hereby disbanded". The existing corps being disbanded and its name changed in the same breath!
An extraordinary way to effect the change. For all practical purposes the Albany Defence Rifles ceased to exist on 14 March 1888. Reasons for the change are not recorded.
Officers of the Albany Defence RiflesCaptain C Rogers, 6 May 1888
Lieutenant J Moir, 19 January 1886
Lieutenant JO Maxwell, 19 January 1886
Previous: Northampton Rifle Volunteers
Next: No. 1 Battery, Field Artillery
Further Reading:
Western Australian Militia, Light Horse
Western Australian Militia, Infantry
Citation: The Volunteer Movement in Western Australia, Albany Defence Rifles
Posted by Project Leader
at 12:01 AM EADT
Updated: Friday, 4 September 2009 10:15 PM EADT
