seagull
Well-known member
The 15th Lancashire Artillery Volunteer Corps (AVC) of two batteries, was formed at Earp Street Garston, Liverpool, on 2 April 1860, with additional batteries raised on 2 July 1863 and 16 November 1865. The first officers commissioned into the unit included two Captains (one for each battery), with the senior, Philip Tinne, as Captain-Commandant. One of the First Lieutenants, John Mewburn, was formerly of the Queen's Own Canadian Militia. He was promoted to captain on 20 November 1860 and became captain-commandant in April 1862. By 1865 he was a Major and by 1875 was Lt.Colonel in command. He retired in 1890.When the Volunteers were consolidated in 1880, the unit was redesignated the 6th Lancashire AVC and survives today as the 208 (3rd West Lancashire) Bty .
My information is that the bluecloth helmet was first issued in 1878. As the 15th ceased to exist in 1880 this is a rare survivor of a small unit from the area of my childhood which I just had to acquire, but for more than that reason. Their first headquarters in Earp Street, Garston village, (then outside Liverpool but now absorbed) was about sixty yards from the then home of my Great Grandparents, who probably saw this same helmet on Church parade days as the Church was opposite their house. Sentimental? I sure am.
Steve
My information is that the bluecloth helmet was first issued in 1878. As the 15th ceased to exist in 1880 this is a rare survivor of a small unit from the area of my childhood which I just had to acquire, but for more than that reason. Their first headquarters in Earp Street, Garston village, (then outside Liverpool but now absorbed) was about sixty yards from the then home of my Great Grandparents, who probably saw this same helmet on Church parade days as the Church was opposite their house. Sentimental? I sure am.
Steve