Berwick Volunteer Artillery
The 1st Berwick on Tweed Artillery Volunteer Corps was formed 27-Feb 1860 and augmented by a second battery a day later. In September 1863 it became attached to the 1st Newcastle upon Tyne AVC, later being attached to the 2nd Northumberland AVC in May 1866.
Two detachments of the 1st Berwick-upon-Tweed Artillery Volunteers, circa 1880
On the 1st April 1882 it became part of the Northern Division RA, transferring to the Western Div RA 1st July 1889, as the Berwick upon Tweed Artillery Volunteers, with a HQ at Berwick and two batteries.
Officers of the Berwick upon Tweed Volunteer Artillery, Barry Camp, 1890
In November 1891 it was re designated as 1st Berwick upon Tweed Volunteer Artillery, with two companies. With the discontinuance of the RA Divisional organisation in January 1902, the unit was again re designated, becoming 1st Berwick upon Tweed Royal Garrison Artillery (Volunteers). Initially attached to 2nd Northumberland RGA (V), it became attached to 1st Northumberland RGA (V), in December 1902, following disbandment of the 2nd Northumberland RGA (V).
1st Berwick upon Tweed RGA (V) Annual Camp Scarborough 1905
The Corps was disbanded 31st March 1908 on the formation of the Territorial Force
Northumberland Artillery Militia
Originally the militia was an obligatory commitment to serve in times of emergency. Muster rolls were maintained by county and men could be embodied by Royal Warrant.
Although muster rolls were prepared as late as 1820, the element of compulsion was abandoned, and the militia was transformed into a volunteer force. It was intended to be seen as an alternative to the army. Men would volunteer and undertake basic training for several months at an army depot. Thereafter, they would return to civilian life, but report for regular periods of military training and an annual training camp. In return, they would receive military pay and a financial retainer. The militia thus appealed to agricultural labourers, colliers and the like, men in casual occupations who could leave their civilian job and pick it up again.
During the Crimea War, the requirement for large numbers of troops overseas led the government to embody the militia. Until then, the militia was primarily infantry. The Northumberland Militia Artillery was raised at Berwick upon Tweed in 1854. The militia undertook 4 weeks training per year and manned permanent stations throughout the British Empire.
In the Artillery re-organisation of 1882, Militia Artillery was formed into 11 Territorial Divisions, the Northumberland Militia forming the 3rd Brigade Northern Division RA from April 1882 till July 1889. Training was extended from four to six weeks.
Main Gate Ravensdowne Barracks
Northumberland Militia training on guns Ravensdowne Barracks Berwick-upon-Tweed
Northumberland Militia manning guns on the Windmill Bastion Berwick-upon-Tweed
Northumberland Militia manning guns on the Windmill Bastion Berwick-upon-Tweed
Following the division of the Artillery into the Mounted and Dismounted Branches in 1899, the Militia units became part of the Royal Garrison Artillery. In 1902 the unit became the Northumberland RGA (M).
In the Haldane Army reforms of 1908 the Territorial Force was formed, and an Expeditionary Force to serve where ever needed across the Empire. One of the lessons learned from the Boer War was the need to be able to man Ammunition Columns. During that conflict, personnel were taken from batteries across the Royal Artillery to meet the requirement.
It was therefore decided that the Militia Artillery Militia could provide that manpower on mobilisation as well as a reserve of trained Gunners. Consequently on the 26th July 1908 the unit became the Northumberland Royal Field Reserve Artillery.
Subsequently the men were incorporated into the Special Reserve and in 1909 the unit was disbanded
A coastal battery situated upon Windmill Bastion in the centre of the east front was constructed during the 19th century. It is visible today as 16 circular, rectangular and semi-circular stone and concrete emplacements for heavy guns. It is known that this battery was moved from its earlier situation at Fisher's Fort. It consisted of two groups of eight guns operated by The 1st Berwick upon Tweed Artillery Volunteers until 1908.The battery included both muzzle and breach loading types of guns. The battery was dismantled during World War I when Berwick was required to convey the impression of a non-fortified town.
Windmill Bastion
A coastal battery situated upon Windmill Bastion in the centre of the east front was constructed during the 19th century. It is visible today as 16 circular, rectangular and semi-circular stone and concrete emplacements for heavy guns. It is known that this battery was moved from its earlier situation at Fisher's Fort. It consisted of two groups of eight guns operated by The 1st Berwick upon Tweed Artillery Volunteers until 1908.The battery included both muzzle and breach loading types of guns. The battery was dismantled during World War I when Berwick was required to convey the impression of a non-fortified town.
