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The Diary of a Victorian Bandsman

British publishers of military music 1770-1880

The Diary of a Victorian Military Bandsman

Transcribed by Helen Barlow

William Shepherd, ‘Reminiscences of 54 Years with 1st Devon Militia’, [c. 1907]

down High S^t to the Cathedral Yard and back to the Castle again.
15^th July 1854. I was appointed Drummer on the Permanent Staff of the 1^st Devon.
18^th December 1854 the Regiment was Embodied for Permanent Duty, on account of the Crimean War.
the Men Assembled and was billeted at the Different Publics of the City, and were call^d together for Drill purposes, by the Roll of the Drum and sounding of Bugles. in Different parts of the City.
the Reg^t at that time was very strong having 10 Companys. Grenadiers C^o 8 other C^ompy and Light Compy.
Cap^t Holman having resigned Cap^t E. Pitman late of the 55^th Reg^t was appointed Adjutant in his place.
the Men continued Drilling in the Yard, till the Order came for the Reg^t to proceed to Newport (Mon) the Left Half on the 26^th Feb^ry and the Right Half and Head Quarters and Band on the 27^th Feb^ry 1855.
the Men march^d from Castle Yard

[end of page 2]

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• A note on the text and its transcription
• William Shepherd
• The militia
• The band of the 1st Devon Militia
• Shepherd’s career with the band
• The transcribed text: William Shepherd, ‘Reminiscences of 54 Years with 1st Devon Militia’, [c. 1907]