The
38th Middlesex (Artists') Rifle Volunteers was formed in 1860 by Edward
Sterling. At first the regiment largely consisted of painters, sculptors,
engravers, musicians, architects and actors. Over the years several
outstanding artists served in the regiment including Everett Millais,
G F Watts, Frederick Leighton, Holman Hunt and William Morris.
During
the
First World War the
regiment included Charles
Jagger, Bert Thomas, Robert
Sherriffs,
Barnes
Wallis
Edward Thomas, Paul
Nash, John Nash and John
Lavery.
The Artists' Rifle Volunteers
were disbanded in 1945, but was combined with other elements to form
the 21st Regiment Special Air Service (Volunteers).
Most
of this information was supplied by Andy Norris.
(1)
Paul
Nash, letter to Gordon Bottomley (27th September, 1914)
I have joined the Artists' London Regiment of Territorials the old
Corps which started with Rossetti, Leighton and Millais as members
in 1860. Every man must do his bit in this horrible business so I
have given up painting. There are many nice creatures in my company
and I enjoy the burst of exercise - marching, drilling all day in
the open air about the pleasant parts of Regents Park and Hampstead
Heath.
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