Endeerby Jackson

Voluntary Artillery & Rifle Corps March

The march was written by Enderby Jackson and performed during a series of brass band events which took place at the Crystal Palace, London 1860 - 1863. Enderby Jackson was the organiser of these historically important events, and also conducted the massed band concerts. The Volunteer Force was a part-time, citizen army created in May 1859 by the British government as a result of increasing tensions between Britain and France. By 1862 more than 200,000 men had enlisted and were paid when on duty however, each member of the corps had to provide his own weapon and equipment.

Some of the volunteer corps had bands which normally numbered between six and twelve players plus percussion1 and these bands became an important stimulant to the development of brass band.2 The corps were heavily subsidised by the government and considerable funding was spent on the bands3 which were often local brass bands. These bands were often provided with rehearsal rooms, instruments and uniforms,4 furthermore, the volunteer movement created and saved many brass bands.5
Most of the musicians performing at the Crystal Palace Contests were affiliated to the Volunteer Force.