my eyes keenly open for
the next stripe.

Although I had received invitations to return home and continue my
trade, I did not do so, but instead commenced to study and become
acquainted with the several departments, in view of promotion and also
of becoming an instructor.

The battalion on its formation was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Hugh
D. Crofton, formerly of the 20th Regiment, who was with this regiment
in the Crimea and commanded a wing at the battle of the Alma. The
adjutant was Lieutenant A. A. Ross, who rose from the ranks and some
years later became our paymaster. The sergeant-major was W. W. Monk
(who subsequently became the quartermaster), and Faulkner was the
quartermaster. The officers I have mentioned were those I had to do the
most business with.

We had now settled down for the winter. I was very fond of outdoor
sports, and when I contested anything it would be running, especially
long distances, and I generally won prizes. I encouraged it among the
men, as I thought good runners would be good marchers, which in after
years proved true.

The winter was long and tedious, and those who enjoyed the game of
cricket were deprived of any other sport to take its place. We had some
very fine players from the Midland Counties. Our small library
contained about two or three hundred books, and it was well patronized.
We asked for more books and a reading room, to which I shall refer
again. Our battalion had recruited to its full strength, viz., the full
complement of officers and 800 rank and file. The average age in the
regiment was twenty, physique all that could be desired, and with
careful and progressive training, we hoped to be amongst the finest
regiments in H.M. service. Having no gymnasium, the only means of
training was the usual drill. The sport season opened with spring, and
we commenced playing cricket on Good Friday on the Plymouth Hoe.

By good conduct and attention to duty I was again promoted. The
following appeared in daily orders: "The commanding officer has been
pleased to make the following promotion: No. 404, Lance-Corporal E. G.
Rundle, No. 2. Company, to be corporal in No. 6 Company, _vice_ Jones,
promoted." I now became an effective N.C.O. with additional pay, the
duties being the same as before explained. I was transferred to No. 6
Company. Lieutenant Moss was appointed musketry instructor, and J.
Smith, from the school of musketry, sergeant-instructor. This was a
change, but w