HC Deb 01 August 1870 vol 203 cc1280-1
COLONEL BERESFORD

said, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, Who was responsible for the details of the Review held at Wimbledon Common on Saturday the 23rd instant; and, whether, notwithstanding the answer given to the honourable and gallant Member for Stafford (Captain Talbot) as to the strength of the Army, it is not true that the 44th Regiment of Foot, ordered abroad, is not short several hundred men?

MR. CARDWELL

Sir, the preliminary arrangements for the review at Wimbledon on the 23rd instant were made at the War Office, and the command of the troops on the ground rested with Sir Hope Grant. The 44th Regiment is not several hundred men below its strength; but on Friday, the 29th ultimo, was only 81 below its establishment. The establishment of the 44th Foot was increased from 500 to 650 rank and file; of this increase it has already raised 69 men, leaving 81 men additional to be recruited.