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Military Music in Britain

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]

Mackintosh. the procession was very good all the men that had been working in the Docks, wore new White Jackets and carrying their different tools on their Shoulders.
in the Evening the Devon^s & Glamorgans Dined together and a very enjoyable evening was spent, the Adjutants [sic – plural] of the Glamorgans sat down with us and made himself very sociable and sang a good song.
During our stay at Newport the War was in full swing. the Reg^t was opened for volunteering for the Army and we gave three Ensigns (now Lieutenants) commission in the Army, for their activity in getting volunteers. their names are M^r Wright M^r Hall and M^r Tanner. the Father of the last named Gentleman was Mayor for the City of Exeter near about that time.
the Government offering a Bounty and these Officers supplemented it by giving something extra.
the Canteen was open for nearly a week as an inducement. very great numbers
[end of page 5]

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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]