1st Caithness Artillery Volunteers

History 1859-1908

In 1863 the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Caithness, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Orkney, and 1st Ross Artillery Volunteer Corps were formed into the 1st Administrative Brigade Caithness Artillery Volunteers, with headquarters at Wick.

The Caithness corps which then, or on their subsequent formation, formed part of the brigade were —

The first uniform of the Caithness corps was similar to that of the Royal Artillery, but with scarlet cuffs and white cord and piping. Busbies and white belts were worn. The officers had silver lace, and their tunics were piped all round with silver cord, and had silver lace on the skirts.

In 1867 the Orkney and Ross Artillery Volunteer Corps were withdrawn from the brigade, and to it were added the 1st Sutherland Artillery Volunteers, based at Helmsdale, originally formed April 26, 1860, which had since 1863 been attached to the 1st Inverness Artillery Volunteers. Its uniform was similar to that of the Caithness corps, but the busbies had chin-chains.

The 2nd Sutherland Artillery Volunteers at Golspie, formed February 18, 1867. This was a body of fishermen of wonderful physique. At its first parade the two flank men were each 6 ft. 6 in. The uniform was the same as the 1st Sutherland.

In 1880 the brigade was consolidated as the 1st Caithness Artillery Volunteers with headquarters at Wick. By this time there were eight batteries:

In 1882 headquarters were transferred from Wick to Thurso. In 1894 the 1st and 2nd Companies ceased to exist, but in 1897 the 1st was resuscitated, with the corps consisting of seven garrison companies, the 2nd being vacant.

The corps had a drill battery at each station, and possessed six firing ranges for carbine practice.

In 1902 the unit was retitled the 1st Caithness Royal Garrison Artillery (Volunteers). On the formation of the Territorial Force in 1908 the unit was no longer required and was disbanded.

Commanding Officers

The lieutenant-colonels to have commanded the unit were: