A camp of a Line Infantry Regiment, probably at Chobham, 1853 (c)

Watercolour, artist unknown, 1853 (c).

In 1853 Chobham Camp was the scene of the first large-scale manoeuvres in Britain since the Napoleonic Wars. Unease at Russia's ambitions in the Balkans and eastern Mediterranean prompted an increase in British military activity. From 14 June to 25 August 8,000 men, 1,500 horses and 24 guns mustered on the heathland in Surrey for drill, field operations and parades, under the command of Lieutenant-General Sir (later Field Marshal) John Colbourne.

It attracted large crowds of spectators, including royalty and foreign dignitaries. Beyond the invaluable training for the ensuing war in the Crimea (1854-1856) which this major exercise provided the Army, it also tested the logistics of maintaining a large force in the field. Certain extra skills were also acquired by soldiers adapting to living under canvas for a period. According to 'The Illustrated London News', 'some very awkward attempts at cookery characterised the earlier stages of the bivouac; but, after a little drilling, the men became more expert in handling the camp kettle'.