cing the dais was kept clear for the men to be drawn up in proper
formation to receive H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught. The spacious
galleries reserved for ticket-holders were crowded long before the
hour fixed for the ceremony, 12.30 o'clock. Shortly before 10 o'clock
a large number of reservists of the battalion, about 250, and some
reservists from other battalions of the regiment assembled at the
Marshalsea Barracks, and under the command of Captain Perreau, Royal
Dublin Fusiliers, Adjutant 5th Battalion, and Major Baker, D.S.O.,
marched via Thomas Street, Cork Hill, Dame Street, Nassau Street,
Merrion Square North, Lower Mount Street, and Northumberland Road to
Ballsbridge. The men were dressed in civilian clothes, but wore their
medals and other decorations, and many showed by their appearance that
they, too, had played no insignificant part in the recent campaign.
They were accompanied by the massed bands of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th
Battalions Royal Dublin Fusiliers. The 2nd Battalion of the regiment
arrived from Buttevant by train at the Ballsbridge siding at 11.30
a.m., and marched across the roadway into the Royal Dublin Society's
premises. A great crowd of people watched the men detraining, and
several hearty rounds of cheering greeted their appearance. The men
looked in splendid form as they defiled into the main hall and took up
the positions allotted to them. It was at first stated that the
strength comprised 25 officers, 2 warrant officers, 8 staff sergeants,
54 sergeants, and 528 rank and file; but the figures given yesterday
were 18 officers and 523 rank and file. Be the numbers as they may,
the appearance of the men thoroughly maintained the regimental
nickname of 'The Old Toughs.' Hardy, wiry warriors they
looked--thoroughly capable of accomplishing the daring and courageous
deeds which have covered the Dublin Fusiliers with special glory. It
is worthy of note that the majority of the non-commissioned officers
served through the South African campaign from the Battle of Dundee,
and that Lieutenant and Quartermaster Burke is the only remaining one
who left England with the battalion nineteen years ago. The officers
and men of the battalion were dressed in general service (khaki)
uniform, and carried their rifles and bayonets. They also wore Indian
helmets with puggarees, while the mounted company were attired in the
clothing suited to this, particular branch of the Service. They were
under the command of Colon