1st Essex Volunteer Engineers - Brief History

They were formed in 1861 by Edward Hammond Bentall who operated an engineering firm at Heybridge.

Mr Bentall became Captain with support from 2nd Lieutenant F Parker, Hon Asst-Surgeon Edwin Parker Gutteridge and Quartermaster Sgt Wells.

In 1863 Captain Ball was added as adjutant and a band was formed led by Bandmaster Mr W Hardy.

Initially all of the 80 members were employees of Mr Bentall.

A new drill hall, paid for by Mr Bentall, was erected at Heybridge.

The full uniform was a red tunic with bearskin cap and white feather.

On 10 June 1871 the London Gazette carried the notice that the 1st Essex Volunteer Engineers had been struck off the records of the War Office and will henceforth cease to hold any number of designation in the Volunteer Force in the County of Essex.

Captain Bentall was opposed to the proposed changes to the Volunteers which may have been a contributory feature to the closure.