Post
by Currie » Sun Feb 15, 2009 2:00 am
Hello Claudette,
You’re right about there not being much about them on the internet, probably because they were only a very small unit. However there was an excellent item in The Scotsman, Thursday, 30th April, 1908.
NAVAL AND MILITARY NEWS.
THE QUEEN'S EDINBURGH MOUNTED INFANTRY.
GOOD MATERIAL DISCARDED.
Among the various Volunteer corps which have fallen victims owing to their failure to "fit in" with Mr Haldane's new scheme are included the whole of the Volunteer mounted infantry companies in the kingdom, some 1600 strong. Their disappearance has created but little stir, as the various units are in different parts of the kingdom, but the decision that the new Territorial Army should dispense with Volunteer mounted infantry may appear somewhat strange to those who realise how vain it is for cyclists or motorists to go "across country," or who remember the lessons of South Africa. Of these corps, one of the pioneers was the Queen's Edinburgh mounted Infantry, better known to its friends as "The Mounted Blacks."
This corps was founded in 1886 upon the suggestion of Lieutenant-Colonel Wardrop, late of the 9th V.B.R.S. His suggestion was approved of by Colonel Sir J. H. A. Macdonald, and through his influence with the War Office it was, after considerable trouble, recognised. The first parade took place in the spring of 1886. The establishment then allowed was twenty-five men, and no special grant was made, the members providing practically all expenses out of their own pockets. Lieutenant-Colonel Wardrop commanded until January 1891, when he was succeeded by Lieutenant, afterwards Major, Graham Watson, who commanded until 1906, when he was succeeded by Lieutenant Callender.
In times of peace a prominent part was taken in military competitions, and members of the company competed successfully at the military tournaments at Islington, and its teams have twice won the first prize in the Lloyd-Lindsay at Bisley, once the second prize in the mounted scouts' competition, on the latter occasion competing against teams from the crack cavalry regiments mounted on thoroughly trained horses, as well as those of other auxiliary corps. The company frequently trained at camp with regulars at Aldershot and elsewhere, and earned praise from the commanders under whom it served. From the first it laid down the rule—till then practically unknown—that all its men should groom their own horses in camp, an example now followed by all the auxiliary mounted corps in the country. Though the members of the company never specialised in prize shooting, the practical usefulness of their marksmanship was shown by their success at Bisley. The company's figure of merit was in 1901 first among the companies of the “Queen’s,” and second in 1899.
SOUTH AFRICAN SERVICE.
The outbreak of the South African War gave the company its opportunity, and weeks before the "black-week" of December a memorandum was prepared and signed by the greater number of the members requesting the officer commanding to offer their services to the Government. Out of thirty-two men on the roll, eighteen went to the front, twelve with the C.I.V. and six with the Imperial Yeomanry. Nine of these obtained commissions, and one obtained the D.S.O. Many past members also served as officers of the Army, Yeomanry, and Militia. During the twenty-two years of its existence some 250 men have passed through the ranks. This number may appear small, but it was only in 1900 that the establishment was raised from one to three sections (or 100 men), and all along the average period of service per man has ruled high. Of these 250, no less than fifty-seven, including those above mentioned, have subsequently obtained commissions in various branches of His Majesty's forces—probably a unique record. No formal parade was held to mark the extinction of the corps, as it was hoped up to the last moment that the War Office might accept its services in some form, but all efforts to induce them to reconsider their decision having proved unsuccessful, the company, which has always maintained a high standard of efficiency, as may be seen from the few facts above noted, is now no more.
I couldn’t see anything useful regarding events after 1908. If you wish to post your grandfather’s name, or send it to me, I could check to see if there is anything specific. If you want the article image just send me a PM with an email address and I’ll send it.
Hope that helps,
Alan
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