Cinque Ports Artillery

During 1859, in light of European events in Italy, involving the French and Austrians, it was proposed to form an additional Volunteer Corps to complement the Cinque Ports Rifles. At a public meeting held in the Town Hall on the 19th of December of that year, the issue was settled with one dissention - that being the Rev. J. A. Hatchard.

A notice to that effect was posted in newspapers carrying the following text:-

Borough of Hastings Volunteer Artillery Corps.
At a public meeting of the inhabitants of the Borough of Hastings held at the Town Hall on Monday the 19th day of December, 1859, to take into consideration the formation of a Volunteer Artillery Corps, for this Cinque Port.
Resolved - "That a Volunteer Artillery Corps for National Defence be formed in Hastings and St. Leonards, to be enrolled under the Act 44 George 3rd cap. 54, and subject to the rules recommended by the War Office for the Government of Volunteer Corps"
Resolved "That a Subscription be opened to aid in the purchase of uniforms and accoutrements for persons who are unable to defray the whole cost themselves, and for the general expenses of the Corps."
Resolved"That steps be taken at once to enrol members and collect funds, and that the members be called together as soon as possible to elect a Committee and make other arrangements for the organization of the Corps."
Resolved"That W. Scrivens, Esq. be appointed Secretary, and G. Scrivens, Esq. Treasurer."
Edward Hayles Mayor

Following this announcement, the Fourth Cinque Ports Artillery Corps (Hastings and St. Leonards) was enrolled in February, 1860. Upon Establishment it had 200 men of all ranks. Uniform was blue with scarlet facings. The Battery for Target Practice was located near the East Well. Both this and the Cinque Ports Rifles shared a depot in Middle Street, which was erected in 1861, by Lieut. Col. Harcourt, for the joint use of the Artillery and Rifle Corps.

See also: Cinque Ports Rifles