Thomas Thalric Harman

“ Playing at soldiers would seem to have been formerly a more popular (or shall we say patriotic) amusement than of late years; for it is recorded that a local corps was organised in August, 1782, but we suppose it was disbanded soon after, as in 1797, when the threatening times of revolution alarmed our peaceful sires, there were formed in Birmingham two companies, one of horse and one of foot, each 500 strong, under the commands of Capt. Pearson and Lord Brooke. They were called the Birmingham Loyal Association of Volunteers, and. ”

“ J. O. Mason been appointed Lieutenant, and 111 names entered on the roll of members of the 1st Company, but it was not till the above-named day that the movement really made progress, the Mayor (Mr. Thos. Lloyd) , Sir John Ratcliff, Mr. A. Dixon, and Mr. J. Lloyd each then promising to equip his twenty men apiece, and sundry other gentle- men aiding to dress up others of the rank and file. The money thus being found the men were soon forthcoming too, the end of the year showing 320 names on the roll call, a number increased to 1,080 by the close of 1860. ”

“ The Burmese Ambassadors took a look at us August 14, 1872, and the Madagascar Ambassadors followed on January 5, 1883.—Among the brave and gallant visitors who have noted are General Elliott, who came August 29th, 1787. ”

“ The latter year saw the first parade in Calthorpe Park, the opening of the range at Bournebrook, and the formation of the twelve companies forming the first battalion, but, notwithstanding many liberal donations (the gunmakers giving £850) , and the proceeds of the first annual ball, it closed with the corps being in debt over £1,000. On the formation of the 2nd county battalion, Cul. Scott took command thereof, Major Sanders being promoted. He was followed by Lieut.-Col. Mason, on whose resignation, in February, 1867, Major Ratcliff succeeded, the battalion being then 1,161 strong. Col. ”