Thursday, June 1st 1893
Got up at five and went on stairs fatigue. Finished about seven, breakfast at eight, then got ready for commanding officers parade. Fell in on the square at half past ten, was inspected and then we did some battalion drill in line and column, was dismissed about twelve, dinner at one, baked beef potatoes and piece in the corner. After dinner scrubbed the tables and then fell in on the square at a quarter to two for coal vatigue. Carried four boxes, finished about three, then cleaned my straps till tea. After tea went down into the library and sent the photos home and did some reading. Came back about nine, made down my bed and turned in by half past. Received the paper this morning.
Friday, 2nd June
Got up at five and was warned for cells escort. Went over to the cells at a auarter past six, the escort consists of two men and one lance corporal, dress, belt, sidearms and stick. Took charge of ten prisoners and escorted then up to New Granby barracks stone breaking. Marched them back at eight, was dismissed, had breakfast. Then fell in again, dinner at one, baked mutton potatoes and greens. After dinner, scrub the tables and then went to gym at a quarter to two. We did the dumb bell exercise, jumping over the horse and leaping over the long beam. Was dismissed at three, tea at four. After tea cleaned my straps till nine, made down my bed and turned in by half past, the day had been fine.
Saturday, 3rd June
Got up at five and scrubbed the room out by six, and then got ready for parade and fell in on the square at a quarter to seven. We had the physical drill with arms, then marching on line and column till eight. Was dismissed, had breakfast, then blackleaded the forms and tressels. Went before the Commanding officer at ten o clock and he inspected me with my new tunic on, it has got to be padded. Then cleaned the windows and had dinner at one, baked meat, potatoes and tapioca, then cleaned up my straps till tea. After tea, got ready and went out for a walk by seven l clock. Went through Plymouth up to the four faced clock and then on to the Hoe and sat under the veranda till eight. The sea was calm and there was plenty of boats out. Then came back through Plymouth again and round to Mill Bay and by the four faced clock into Plymouth again. Saw a shake up between sailors and police. Went into the soldiers home and had some supper, came back to barracks and turned in by ten.
Sunday, 4th June
Got up at five and helped to clear up the room before breakfast, two eggs extra. Afterwards got ready for church parade and fell in on the square at ten thirty, was inspected and marched off to Church by eleven. Had a sermon on Jobs trial of faith. Came out at twelve and listened to our band playing on the square till one. Had dinner, baked beef, potatoes and plum duff. After dinner laid down till tea. After tea put my marching order together by eight, went down into the library and read the papers till nine, came back, made down my bed and turned in. By half past it was showery this morning but cleared up in the afternoon.
Monday, 5th June
Got up at five and cleared up the room before breakfast, afterwards got ready for parade and fell in on the square at half past ten in full marching order, was inspected by Colonel Sackville, commanding officer and then had some new rules and regulations read out to us about insubordination in the army and then did the manual and firing exercise and was dismissed about twelve. Dinner at one, stewed meat potatoes and rice pudding. After dinner scrubbed the tables and went to the gym, did climbing up the ropes, the long bar, circle over the horse and under the bridge and then balancing on our hands. Was dismissed at three then cleaned my straps. Finished about eight then made down my bed and turned in.
Tuesday, 6th June
Got up at five and went on parade at a quarter to seven. We did the physical drill and marching in line and column. Was dismissed at eight, had breakfast and then got ready for commanding officers parade and fell in on the square at ten thirty under the command of Major Howard. Was inspected and then marched by the main guard to the brickfield, we then advanced to the attack, the enemy being out of sight in the people park. We advanced across the brickfield at the double and across the road into the peoples park and then charged with fixed swords the bank in front. We then fell in columns and went through the infantry drill and then marched back getting in by twelve. Dinner at one, baked meat, potatoes and rice pudding. After dinner, scrub out and then laid down till tea. After tea cleaned my straps till nine, then made down my bed and turned in.
Wednesday, 7th June
Got up at five and went on parade at a quarter to seven, did the physical drill with arms and the manual exercise, was dismissed at eight, had breakfast. Afterwards got ready for musketry parade and fell in on the square at tent thirty for judging distance. Was marched off to the cricketing ground in front of the main guard and we had to judge how far different objects was from us. Marched back about twelve and was dismissed. Dinner at one, baked meat, potatoes and piece in the corner. After dinner went to gym at a quarter to two. We did the dumb bell exercise jumping over the horse, climbing the ropes and turning over the long bar and vaulting over the parallel
Bars, was dismissed at three, then cleaned my straps up till six and then got ready and went out to buy some strawberries and cream and sugar. Bought these things and took them to our lodge in Devonport and our meeting commenced at eight. We had a very nice evening and the strawberries were very good. Got back to barracks and turned in by ten thirty, tired.
Thursday, 8th June
Got up at five and fell in on parade at a quarter to seven. We did the physical drill with arms and then the sword exercise, was dismissed at eight. Had breakfast, then cleaned up the room and got ready for commanding officers parade and fell n on the square at ten thirty under the command of Colonel Sackville. We went through the march pass in quick step and then at the double and then went through battalion drill by the Lieutenants. Was dismissed at twelve, dinner at one, baked meat, potatoes and cabbage. After dinner, scrubbed the tables and then went on coal fatigue at a quarter to two, carried one box to the sergeants mess then went sheet changing and gave my two sheets in for two clean ones. Then was warned for guard tomorrow and cleaned my straps and was paid out at four o clock, received five shillings then had some tea and then put my marching order together by eight then went down to the canteen and had some supper. Came back and turned in by ten. Received a letter and paper this morning.
Friday, 9th June
Got up at five and cleaned up the room before breakfast, afterwards got ready for guard and put my marching order on and felll in on the square at nine thirty. Was inspected by the Adjutant and then I was ordered for main guard. We marched off under the command of Lieut Campbell and relieved the Bedfords by ten o clock and I went on number two, port admirals house. Went on at ten and the officer came round for me to give over the orders about eleven, I gave these to him;
Sentry to be alert on his post and allow no one to commit a nuisance near it. To pay attention to all instructions from the Admiral Flag Captain and Flag Lieutenant in case of fire alarm the guard will ring the day and night bells until answered. Not to allow any children to play or vagrants to loiter in front of the house. To present arms to admirals, generals and all officers of that rank and to all armed parties, and shoulder to all other officers. Not to allow cabmen or others waiting for visitors to smoke or make a noise under the windows. To continue his beat to the head of Fore Street. The keys of the naval Commander in chief officers is hung up in the sentry box and to be given only to the Admiral Flag Captain, Flag Lieutenant and others under orders from the Admiralty. The key of the wicket gate leading to mount wise signal station is in charge of the commander of main guard. After I had dished them out he said that I had learnt them very well and was relieved at twelve. Had my dinner at one, potatoes and fried mutton. After dinner, read the papers till four and then went on guard again and was relieved at six. Had my tea and then read a book till I went on again at ten o clock and the officers came round about eleven and took my order. Was relieved at twelve then laid down but could not sleep, my toothache bein very bad. Went on again at four this morning and was relieved at six, then had a clean up.
Had my breakfast at eight and put my marching orders on at nine thirty and we was relieved by the H O S B at ten o clock. Marched off and was dismissed about eleven. Then put my straps up and blacked the trusels and cleaned up the room by dinner at one, stewed ribs of beef, potatoes and haricot beans. After dinner laid down and went to sleep till four, ten had my tea and then cleaned my straps up by eight. Made down my bed and then went down into the coffee shop and had some supper. Came back and turned in by nine thirty.
Sunday, 11th June
Got up at five and helped to clear up the room before breakfast, two eggs extra. After breakfast, got ready for church parade and fell in on the square at ten thirty. Was inspected and marched off to church, the sermon was on the patience of Job and was rather dry. Came out by twelve and was dismissed. Dinner at one, baked beef, potatoes and plum duff. After dinner, got ready and went out for a walk at two, went over the halfpenny bridge and into Plymouth up to the four faced clock, met the S Army and then turned back down to their barracks with them, it is situated close to the octagon. Came out about four thirty and went into the soldiers home, Stonehouse, and had some tea, then went into the Library and ready the papers till seven, then went upstairs to the meeting. The singing was very good, came out about nine and then came back round the peoples park and back through Devonport, getting in about ten and turned in.
Monday, 12th June
Got up at five and got ready for parade at a quarter to seven and did the physical drill with arms and then had to do a lot of wheeling in quarter column, the new drill. Was dismissed about eight, breakfast afterwards and then got ready for inspection of my new tunic before the Commanding Officer. Was inspected and a wrinkle to be took out, then fell in on parade at ten thirty. Commanding officers, was inspected and marched off to the brickfield and then we went through the new drill of wheeling in quarter column and the use of markers. Came back and was dismissed about twelve. Dinner at one, baked meat, potatoes and greens, after dinner, scrub the tables and then went down to the gym at a quarter to two. Did the dumb bell exercise and jumping over the obstacles with rifles and then marching across the parallel bars. Was dismissed at three, tea at four, then cleaned up my straps for parade tomorrow. Finished about eight, then had a piece of supper and turned in by half past nine. It had been cloudy and dull today. I have had toothache very bad just lately.
Tuesday, 13th June
Got up at five and got ready for parade, had breakfast at seven thirty and fell in on parade at a quarter past eight, dress, belt, side azrms rolled cape, one pouch with ten rounds of blanks, waterbottle filled, haversack with bread and cheese, busby and leggings. Was inspected and we then marched off through Stoke by mile house along the Tavistock road through Crown Hill and then turned off to the right just before we got to Rodberry downs and then we went back and advanced on to Crown Hill forts, the militia having a lot of guns on he top of the hills. We poured several volleys into them until we got to the bottom of the hill, then the cease fire sounded and then we marched back the same way as we came, getting in by twelve thirty. The band played some lively tunes. It was very dusty and we were nearly like millers when we got back. Dinner at one, stewed meat, potatoes and tapioca. After dinner, cleaned up the room and then laid down till four, then had tea and cleaned up my straps. Made my bed and turned in by nine thirty. It came on showery this afternoon. We was called by ten thirty by the bugle blowing the fire alarm, dressed and turned down in five minutes and fell in on the square. Waited about an hour and was dismissed not wanted. The fire which was in Plymouth being burnt out.
Wednesday, 14th June
Got up at five and was warned for library fatigue, fell in with the fatigues at a quarter to seven and marched off to the library. Swept the room and cleaned out the billiard room by breakfast. Afterwards warned again at eight thirty and dusted the pictures and chairs and put the books straight and ironed the billiard table. As the man in charge was for parade we had to stop there till he came off at twelve o clock. Dinner, at one, baked meat, potatoes and greens, after dinner scrub the tables and then went on gym at a quarter to two. We did the dumb bell exercise, jumping over the horse and turning over the long bar and through the parallel bars, then we had to double round the school with ten pound dumb bells in our hands. Was dismissed at three, then laid down till tea. After tea, got ready and went out to our lodge in Devonport at seven o clock, We had a very nice evening, came out about ten, then went for a walk up to Plymouth market and back, getting in by eleven thirty and then turned in.
Thursday, 15th June
Got up at five and got ready for parade, fell in on the square at a quarter to seven, did the physical drill with arms and then marching in quarter columns and line and then manual exercise. Was dismissed at eight, breakfast, then scrub the tables and got ready for parade and fell in on the square at ten thirty, under the command of Sergeant Major Tuck. Did a lot of wheeling in quarter columns and drill with markers. Was dismissed about twelve, was paid and received two shillings. Dinner at one, stewed meat, haricot beans and new potatoes. After dinner went on coal fatigue at a quarter to two, carried two boxes, was dismissed at three, then cleaned my straps till tea, after tea went down into the library, and wrote a letter home, came up at eight and made down my bed and turned in.
Friday, 16th June
Got up at five and went on parade at a quarter to seven, did the physical drill with arms and wheeling with markers and without the same. Was dismissed at eight, breakfast afterwards got ready for parade and fell in one the square at ten thirty in drill order under the command of the Adjutant. We did wheeling in line and quarter column and in fours. Was dismissed at twelve, dinner at one, baked mutton, new potatoes and currant pudding, after dinner washed up and went on gym at a quarter to two. We did jumping over the horse, vaulting over the parallel bars and over the long bar and over the obstacles outside with rifles and climbing the ropes and turning over the rings. Was dismissed at three, then cleaned up my straps till eight, then went down into the library to read the paper till nine thirty, then came back and turned in.
Saturday, 17th June
Got up at five, orderly man, cleared up the room and helped to scrub out, drawed rations at seven thirty, served out the tea for breakfast, afterwards wash up and clean the potatoes and then blackleaded the trussels and forms, and cleaned them up by eleven then laid down my kit for inspection. Was inspected by Lieut Oliphant and passed alright. Dinner at one, took a dinner over to the military hospital to a man that had gone sick. Got back by half past one, then had my dinner, baked pie and potatoes. After dinner laid down till four, then fetched up the tea, after tea, wash up and clean the cans and then cleaned my straps till nine, then made down my bed and turned in. Just received the paper.
Sunday 18th June
Got up at five and helped to clear up the room before breakfast, two eggs extra, afterwards wash up and clean the potatoes, then cleaned my belt, sidearms and rifle and one pouch. Went down into the library at ten thirty and read the papers, came up again about one, dinner, baked meat, potatoes and rice pudding. After dinner got ready to go to Tregantle and packed up my kit and put it on the transport and paraded with the rest for Tregantle at a quarter to six, dress, belt, sidearms, pouch, leggings, rifle and glengary cap. Was inspected and marched off to Torpoint ferry and caught the quarter past six boat, saw the Himalaya and the Warspite as we went across the water at anchor being paid off. Was disembarked at Torpoint and marched off to Tregantle through the lanes and got there about seven thirty. It was very cool and pleasant along the lanes but rather dusty. Was dismissed to our tents eight men to a tent, got our blankets, four each, and then turned in by nine thirty.
Monday,19th June
Got up about seven, breakfast at eight, then waited for my turn to fire in the shooting competition for the Western District. Waited until one, then had dinner, stewed meat and potatoes. After dinner, went down on to the two hundred yards range and fired seven rounds of ammunition off, making 18 points. About three went for a bath down at the hermits cave, the tide was coming in. Came back about five and then had tea and went into the Devons Library and read the papers till eight and then went back to camp and turned in. The macrell boats delayed the shooting for some time.
Tuesday, 20th June
Got up about eight, had a wash and breakfast, then went down on the two hundred yards range and fired seven rounds of ammunition in the competition, made 18 points. Came back about ten and then went down to the Hermits cave and had a bathe and then went fishing, caught about a dozen gudeon. Came back to camp about two, stew and potatoes for dinner, then went along the sands for a walk, the tide being right out. Came back to camp about eight and turned in.
Wednesday, 21st June
Got up about seven, orderly man, drawed the bread and fetched up the tea and butter, had breakfast and then cleared up the tent. Went and drawed meat at nine 0 clock in the fort and then peeled the potatoes and went on the range and watched the firing till one. Then I fetched up the dinner in the dixy, stew and potatoes, served it out and had my dinner then went on the new range and fired seven rounds of ammunition at five hundred yards, made 5 shillings and seven and sixpence, additional money in the recruits competition being second best. Came back about three and cleared up the dinner things and washed up the canteens and swept the tent out. Fetched up the tea about five and went and drawed the bread in the fort. Then I went down to the beach and had a bathe, got back about seven and went into the fort to the Devons library and read the papers till eight. Came back to camp and turned in.
Thursday, 22nd June
Got up about eight, had breakfast then went on the five hundred yards range at ten and fired seven rounds in the combination match, made twenty found points, came back about twelve, dinner at one, stewed meat and potatoes, after dinner went down to the hermits cave and had a bathe, then explored the daves underneath the rocks. Got back to camp about five, had tea then went and heard the Devons band play in front of the officers mess till nine. Came back to camp and turned in.
Friday, 23rd June
Got up about seven and went on to the six hundred yards range at eight, fired seven rounds of ammunition and made fourteen points, won two shillings, came back and had breakfast, an egg each, then went on the same range and fired seven more rounds, made sixteen points. The wind was very rough it being a job to hold the rifle. Had dinner at one then gave our blankets in and cleaned up the tent and packed up our kits and cleaned my rifle and belt. Had tea at five, fell in at seven and marched back through Antiney to Torpoint, crossed in the gquarter to nine boat and got back into barracks about nine thirty. Made down my bed and turned in, received three shillings.
Saturday, 24th June
Got up at five, cleaned up the room, then went on parade at a quarter to seven, did the physical drill and wheeling to the right and left. Was dismissed at a quarter to eight, breakfast afterwards. Went on fatigue at a quarter to nine down at the gun wharf, shifting a lot of iron pipes into the engineers shed. Finished about twelve, dinner at one stewed meat and peas and potatoes. After dinner went down into the library and did some writing till four. Received my seven and sixpence off the colour sergeant.
Sunday, 25th June
Got up at five and cleared up the room before breakfast, orderly man, drawed the rations, bread, eat and eggs at seven thirty, two eggs for breakfast. Afterwards wash up and then got ready for church parade. Fell in on the square at ten thirty, was inspected and marched off to church by eleven. The sermon was in reference to the disaster of the Victoria, the text was "In the midst of life we are in death". Came out by twelve, fetched up the dinner and served it out, baked beef potatoes and tapioca and after dinner washed up and then went down into the library and read the papers till four thirty. Then fetched up the tea, washed up and cleaned my straps till eight then made down my bed and turned in, it has been showery this afternoon.
Monday, 26th June
Got up at five and got ready for early morning parade, fell in on the square at a quarter to seven, did the physical drill with arms and then wheeling in line and columns. Was dismissed at eight, breakfast and afterwards got ready for courtmartial escort, dress, belt, side arms, one pouch, rifle, tunic and busby. Fell in on the square at ten thirty. There was four of us and a full corporal and a lance corporal marched to the guard room and took charge of three prisoners, and marched over to the clock tower where the court is held. Waiated there till eleven and then the order came to take them back to the guardroom, as the presiding officer could not come. Took them back and was dismissed. Dinner at one, baked meat, potatoes and greens. After dinner, scrubbed the tables and went on gym at a quarter to two. Was marched down, did the parallel bars exercise, vaulting over the beam, climbing shelf, climbing the ropes and turning a summersault in the rings. Was then measured out. Dismissed at half past three and that finished my ductmans course. Tea at four thirty, then was warned for guard tomorrow and got my marching order ready by nine, then made down my bed and turned in. It has been raining nearly all day.
Tuesday, 27th June
Got up at five and helped to clear up the room before breakfast. Afterwards got ready for guard and fell in on the square at nine thirty. Wasinspected and then marched off to quarter guard and caught number one post, first relief. Went on sentry go in full marching order from ten till twelve, was relieved at one, had my dinner, baked pie, and then went on guard from four till six then had my tea, ready the paper till ten and then went on guard again till twelve. About eleven thirty the orderly officer came round and I had to give over the orders, this is a list of them,
I was relieved at twelve and then went to sleep till four this morning and went on again and came off at six, then cleaned up and took the prisoners to wash. Had breakfast at eight and then put my marching order on by nine thirty. Was relieved by the new guard and dismissed by ten o clock, then cleaned my straps till one. Dinner, baked meat, potatoes and haricot beans. After dinner scrubbed the tables then went down into the library and read the paper till tea. After tea got ready and went out to our Lodge in Devonport, had a very pleasant evening, the sisters giving us a tablecloth. Came out about nine thirty then went for a walk down into Plymouth and up on to the Hoe. The moon being full and shining on the water it looked very pretty. Stopped up there about half an hour, then came back through Plymouth to the barracks and turned in by eleven thirty.
Thursday 29th June
Got up at five and helped to scrub the room out, went on parade at a quarter to seven, did the physical drill with arms and the sword exercise. Was dismissed at eight, breakfast afterwards, got ready for parade under the command of the sergeant major. Fell in on the square at ten thirty, did some wheeling in line and column and the manual exercise, the sword exercise and piling arms. Was dismissed at twelve, dinner at one, stewed meat and potatoes, the meat was like leather, and the cook had emptied the pepper box in the stew and made things rather warm for us, and rice pudding, After dinner, scrubbed the tables and then went on coal fatigue at a quarter to two, carried two boxes, then laid down till five, then had some tea and cleaned up my straps till nine, then made down my bed and turned in. It has been a fine day.
Friday 30th June
Got up at five and as it was a garrison parade there was no drill before breakfast. Cleared up the room, had breakfast and then got ready for parade and fell in on the square at ten thirty; dress, belt, sidearms, rifle, rolled cape, one pouch, busby and plume. Was inspected, and then marched off to the brickfield under the command of Colonel Howard, we then formed up as a battalion in column and then the prize winners of the Western District Association had to step forward and received their prizes, I being one received my prize of five shillings in a silk bag from Lady Hamilton. We then marched past in line and quarter column and in brigade; weas dismissed at twelve thirty. Dinner at one, boiled mutton and plum pudding, after dinner we washed up and then laid down till five. I had tea and then went out for a walk into Plymouth to Bennets in George Street and sent my picture off, half a crown it cost. Then we went from there to Mutley, then turned to the right through Beaumont Park over Fiary Station bridge and down to the Barbican. Saw the fishing smacks come in and then went up by the citadel and the head on to the pier and heard the ladies sing and play in the pavilion. Came off the pier about ten and came back through Plymouth by the four face clock and down Union Street in to Honehouse, had some supper at the soldiers home and then came into barracks about eleven, received two papers.