Quote
DISGRACEFUL MILITARY RIOT AT HILSEA BARRACKS.
[“CENTRAL NEWS” TELEGRAM.]
PORTSMOUTH, TUESDAY NIGHT.
A discreditable disturbance occurred at Hilsea Barracks last evening, particulars of which were not allowed to transpire until this afternoon. The canteen was occupied during the greater part of the evening by a crowd of Royal Artillerymen under orders to embark for foreign service. The men drank freely, with the result that quarrels arose, and from words the disputants proceeded to blows. Beer mugs and glasses were thrown about, and windows were smashed. Sergeant-Major Rawlings and Corporal Button proceeded to the canteen and attempted to quell the disturbance. They succeeded in clearing the bar, but as the men commenced to tear down the windows, using the framework as bludgeons, it was deemed advisable to re-admit them temporarily. On the arrival of several non-commissioned officers of the Scots Greys and several sober Artillerymen the place was again cleared, but only after a severe struggle, in the course of which Driver Sheppard was struck on the head with a quart pot and severely injured. About a dozen rioters were arrested and lodged in the guard-room. The remainder proceeded to their rooms, where they smashed nearly all the crockeryware and windows. Gunner Prince, in breaking a pane of glass with his naked fist, severely wounded his forearm, and had to be taken to hospital, where also Driver Sheppard was treated. With the exception of one, who is detained for trial on the charges of insubordination and insolence to his superior officers, all the prisoners were liberated this morning. The detachment marched to their ship to-day, hooting, shouting, and singing. It may be stated that these kind of disturbances are not at all unusual amongst men on the eve of embarkation for foreign service, but last night’s affair was more serious than the average.
— The Western Mail, 21st September 1887 source