THE HULL PACKET & EAST RIDING TIMES
Fri 18 Jun 1880

HULL ARTILLERY
VOLUNTEERS

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RESIGNATION OF COL HUMPHREY

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DISBANDMENT OF THE CORPS

A private meeting of the members of the 4th East York Artillery Volunteers was held on Wednesday evening, at the Barracks, Park Street, when some extraordinary proceedings were resolved upon. There were present about 800 members of the brigade. Lieut-Colonel Commandant Humphrey announced that he had received a communication from the War Office calling upon him to resign his connection with the brigade not later than the 20th July, as they considered that it was no longer to the interest of the brigade that he should hold the command. This being the case, he felt it his duty to immediately inform the brigade of the decision, and he, therefore, had called them together for that purpose.

He went on to say that he had received a similar communication shortly after the decision of the War Office upon the recent Court of Inquiry, but, acting upon the advice of his personal friends, he had – although his own desire was to resign immediately – consented to represent his case to the War Office, and ask for a court-martial. He, however, found that the late Secretary of State for War had left such a strong protest on the minutes, that his Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief had been unable to reconsider the matter, and, although he (Col Humphrey) had been tried and honourably acquitted, he had been peremptorily called upon to resign by the 20th proximo. His plain duty, therefore, was to resign the brigade at once, and, in doing so, he must express his deep regret.

A telegram was then read by the Commandant from the honorary colonel, Lord Londesborough, stating that he should [ie would] resign his colonelcy of both local corps. This announcement was received with hearty cheers.

In conclusion, Lieutenant-Colonel Humphrey, amidst some emotion, thanked the officers for the support which they had given him; the various Mayors who had held office during his connection with the brigade; and the Corporation for the kindness shown on all occasions to the brigade and himself. He thanked Captain P Harrison, RE, the Adjutant, the Sergeant-Instructors, and then took leave of the men.

During the time the Colonel was speaking repeated cries were made, "We'll go with you", "We won't have another colonel", etc. Captain F Thorpe then addressed the men, and gave a statement of the various charges brought against Colonel Humphrey and the manner in which they had been refuted, and, after passing a strong eulogy on the Colonel's kindness and courtesy during the seven years he (Captain Thorp) had been connected with the brigade, moved the following resolution: – "That this meeting of the members of the 4th EYAV, having heard, with deep regret, of the enforced resignation of Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant Humphrey, and being satisfied that such resignation is not for the interest of the corps, respectfully decline to serve under any other commanding officer, and hereby resign their connection with the Auxiliary Forces, and resolve that the 4th EYAV shall disband at once; and that the Financial Committee do immediately dispose of the property of the brigade to the best advantage, and wind up its finances, so that the surplus may be divided among the members.

– Captain Wellesley, in seconding the resolution, called the attention of the men to the injustice of the War Office authorities' action.

– Surgeon-Major Dossor, as one of the oldest men in the brigade, said that, during his 21 years' connection with the brigade he had always admired the manner in which Colonel Humphrey had conducted the affairs of the corps, and, although desirous of leaving it, he had not been willing to do so [,] for Colonel Humphrey's sake. He, however, should [ie would] now at once tender his resignation.

– Major Pudsey explained that his conduct during past events had been neutral, and that upon hearing it stated he had not properly supported his commanding officer, he had at once tendered his resignation to the colonel, who, however, refused to receive the same,

– Colonel Humphrey, interrupting, said that Major Pudsey had acted most honourably,

– Major Pudsey, continuing, said that it was a serious step to take, but if the corps wished to go he would go too. If, however, they wished to remain, he would remain also (cries of "We won't remain", "We'll go")

– Major White reminded the men that they well knew his views (hooting and confusion), Major White went on to say that every man who resigned would be responsible for 30/– (cries of "We'll pay it", and much confusion)

– Colonel Humphrey asked the meeting to restore order, but the men declined to hear Major White, and his speech was brought to an abrupt close.

– Captain Middleton also took leave of the corps, and expressed his disapproval of the injustice which had been done to Colonel Humphrey. As one of the oldest officers, he parted with regret, but he felt that after that night there was no other course open to him but to resign. He was satisfied that the corps could not have had a better officer than Colonel Humphrey.

– Brigade Sergeant-Major Pexton stated that he was the first man who joined the brigade. There was no honourable course left but to resign after the turning out of the corps of their esteemed colonel.

– Quartermaster Morris said that although he was not the first man to join the brigade, he was amongst the first hundred. He had heard the statements made by those gentlemen who supported Colonel Humphrey, and also the statements of those officers who were against him. The latter had told them nothing, but had frightened them with Mr Twiss if they resigned (laughter). So far from this being the case, the magistrate could only fine them for not earning a Government grant, but as there would be no corps to earn a grant no money would be required. He was satisfied that every man present would pay 30/– out of his own pocket rather than suffer the present injustice to be done (cheers).

– Captain Sharp stated that he had been with the corps for some time, and for a considerable period his mouth had been muzzled. Now, however, he was extremely gratified to have an opportunity of speaking. No one knew what certain officers had had to put up with. The sympathy with Colonel Humphrey would be ten times greater. It had been stated that every man was responsible for 30/–. He hoped, however, that they would believe him when he stated that they were not liable. He called upon them to cordially support the resolution.

The motion was then put to the meeting and carried, every member excepting two officers (who expressed a desire of having time in which to think the matter over), Major White (who had left the room), and Lieutenant Downs (who held up his hand against the resolution), voting in its favour. Repeated cheers were given for Colonel Humphrey, and the proceedings closed.

An understanding seemed to be arrived at amongst the men during the meeting that they should deliver up their clothes [ie uniforms]. One man created enthusiasm by appearing in the hall with his uniform. He was immediately "shouldered" and carried to the Orderly Room, where he handed in his regimentals.

Prior to the above meeting, it is stated, there was a meeting of officers. Eighteen were present, and twelve of that number expressed their intention of at once resigning. The brigade orders for the week have been rescinded, and after the date of the meeting there are to be no further drills.