Adelaide Regiment of Volunteer Rifles


The Adelaide Regiment of Volunteer Rifles was formed in 1860 after the formation of a number of volunteer rifle companies in 1859. These companies were raised for the same reasons and in the same fashion as the Volunteer Force in Great Britain, but with a South Australian twist. The initial Act upon which formation of the Regiment was based was Act No. 2 of 1854, entitled "An Act to organize and establish a Volunteer Military Force in South Australia".
In May 1860, the Regiment was raised, to consist of the following 20 individual rifle companies:
In February 1865 the Hindmarsh Rifle company was added to the Regiment.
Under Act No. 18 of 1865, the "Volunteer Act 1865-66", the Regiment was re-organised. Companies, although still organised by location, were numbered.
Commanders
May 1860 Lieutenant-Colonel B. T. Finniss
August 1863 Lieutenant-Colonel George Mayo
Today, this Regiment is portrayed by a reenactment group as it appeared between 1862 and 1865: