Did you know splat
Issue 85 Dec 95
Norfolk Section
The Britannia and Castle		      
DID YOU KNOW that when the first Mutiny Act was passed in 1689 a rider was added that no Court Martial should pass a sentence of death except between 8am and 1pm? In those days of heavy drinking it was probably considered that the Court would not be in a fit state to decide on such a sentence after lunch!

DID YOU KNOW that until 1871 deserters and men discharged with a bad character were branded with a 'D' for deserter and 'BC' for bad character, 2" below and 1" in rear of the left nipple? (In this year of metrication we had better use the Metric Conversions Table from the Regimental Diary and say 5.08 and 2.54 cm - Editor.)
DID YOU KNOW that in 1888 the Maxim gun was introduced into the Army? It was mounted on a carriage weighing 4 cwts with wheels 4' 8" in diameter. (In this year of metrication we had better use the Metric Conversions Table from the Regimental Diary and say 203.20 kg and 142.24 cm - Editor.) In 1867 the Ordnance Committee tried out a new portable cannon by strapping it broadside on the back of a horse tied to a post. The fuse was lit, the horse turned round to ascertain what the noise was about, the committee watching fell flat on the ground, the cannon went off and the shot went over Woolwich and fell in the dockyard. The poor horse was found dazed, lying flat and low on its stomach. The committee reported unanimously against any further trial.
DID YOU KNOW that in 1813 a soldier's ration was 1 lb of bread and 3 lb meat for which he paid 6d a day? (In this year of metrication we had better use the Metric Conversions Table from the Regimental Diary. On the other hand I've had enough of this nonsense and will continue to use the old money - Editor.) Two meals were served but in 1840 a third was added for which the soldier again paid. In 1873 a free ration of bread and meat was made.
DID YOU KNOW that the Regimental March of the Royal Norfolk Regiment and of the Royal Anglian Regiment, "Rule Britannia", written by James Thomson, was first introduced into "The Masque of Alfred" the earliest performance of which took place at Clevenden in 1740? Dr Arne composed the music.
Click this line to hear the tune 'Rule Britannia'.

DID YOU KNOW that in 1877 a Grand Military Assault of Arms demonstration, in aid of the 1st Norfolk Regiment Volunteer Bn funds, was held at Chapel Field Drill Hall? It included :

A Sword Cutting Feat by Sgt Major Clements, acknowledged to be the champion swordsman in the British Army: Cutting through 2 large sheep, with one stroke of the sword, a feat never before accomplished by any other swordsman. (See: B&C 105 Dec 05)

A Sword Cutting Feat by Sgt Instructor Haigh: He will cut a lemon on a man's head; also on a man's neck; severing a broom handle resting on 2 glasses of water without overturning the glasses or spilling the water; he will also cut an apple on a handkerchief without damage to the latter.
DID YOU KNOW that in the Abyssinian Campaign 1867-8, 43 000 men took part, of whom only 14 683 were soldiers? There were 36 000 transport animals, 7000 camels and 44 elephants. The casualties were 2 killed and 27 wounded and over 14 000 medals were issued. The medals were the most expensive ever made of a general issue for the recipient's name was embossed on the medal and not engraved. This necessitated a separate die for each medal.
DID YOU KNOW that in 1718 a man named Puckle produced a gun on a tripod which had 7 or sometimes 9 barrels, either cylindrical for use against Christians or square to shoot square bullets against Turks?
DID YOU KNOW that Ben Turner holds the Guinness Book Record for the greatest distance throwing of a Ministry of Defence typewriter through a plate glass window? Rumour has it that the bent Remington is among the items for auction after the closure of the Guinness Book of Records Exhibition Centre in London.

DID YOU KNOW that the following ranks were in existence in 1875? Regimental Corporal Major; Farrier and Carriage Smith Major; Collar Maker Major; Wheeler Major; Staff Sergeant of Pensioners; Second Corporal and Sergeant Photographer?

100 years later they should have instituted a Colour Sergeant of Typewriters !
DID YOU KNOW that the custom of giving a soldier a Regimental number was introduced in 1829? In 1873 Brigade numbers were introduced and in 1881 they moved back again to Regimental numbers. In 1920 the system of Army numbers was adopted and personal numbers for officers in 1929.

Editorial Rule
 To qualify for inclusion in the B&C there is only one rule - something described must have been said to have happened. 
The authority is the Editor, British Army Review No 114 Dec 96, `If the facts don`t fit the legend, print the legend’.

However, the rules of good taste, respect and confidentiality are always applied.

Rule Britannia!

Site edited and maintained by Major John L Raybould TD
Editor, Norfolk Section, The Britannia and Castle
 B&C Norfolk Editor