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The original Queensland Defence Force was equipped and trained in a fashion very similar to any military unit in the British Empire at that time. The Sergeant-Instructors charged with imparting military drill upon the Force were Regular British Army NCOs on contract to the Queensland Government. The drill they taught was for the Martini Henry rifle, and all instruction was laid down in British Army manuals.
As a re-enactment group the Queensland Scottish Volunteer Corps have embarked on a continual quest for authenticity. Thanks to the generosity of others, we have over a period of time been able to locate copies of the British Army manuals which were in use in Queensland during the mid to late 1880s. The two most important manuals used here were "Rifle Exercises and Musketry Instructions, 1879" (with amendments), and the "Field Exercises and Evolutions of Infantry, 1884." (also amended). We also use "A Catechism of Infantry Drill, 1885" which is a very useful NSW produced guide for instructors using the 'Field Exercises 1884'. The Queensland Defence Force were taught the drill used by Rifle rather than Line Battalions.
The following illustrations are from the manuals mentioned above, and are inserted here to show just how different Victorian era military drill is. The drill evolutions of this late Victorian period have far more in common with earlier nineteenth century drill than it does with modern drill.
Learning this 19th century drill requires a little aptitude and a lot of time. It is only learnt through repetition. Whether you've been in the Queensland Scottish since it started or are just a new recruit, you'll still do basic drill at every practice session you ever attend. In our view it's the only way to learn and improve, and for as much as we strive for authenticity, we also strive to improve what we already do well.
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