History
Bisley History
Geoff Cox used the Swing Rifle to win the Queen’s Prize
This was the first time the Sovereign’s prize was won with a stiff action rifle used in the final – Third Stage.
The Swing rifle was designed by George Swenson and Laurie Ingram. Wikipedia – Swing Rifle
Formation of Civilian Rifle Clubs
The NRA gives its support to the formation of Civilian Rifle Clubs following the serious reverses to the British Army during the 2nd Boer War.
Col Mackinnon falls seriously ill at end of Meeting and resigns in November.
He died in early 1899.
Lt. Col C.R. Crosse appointed Secretary.
Water Supply breaks down at height of Annual Meeting
Railway Company supply old engine tenders as temporary measure.
Lee-Enfield (Long Lee) Rifle (using smokeless ammunition) comes into general use at Bisley.
Lee –Metford permitted in United Services Cup.
Winifred Leale of the Guernsey Rifle Club becomes the first woman to shoot in NRA Competitions.
Prefabricated buildings and Range tramway, brought from Wimbledon, re-erected.
Prince and Princess of Wales open Ranges and Camp Tramway on 12th July.
Col. William Mackinnon, late of the Hythe School of Musketry, becomes NRA Secretary.
Queen Victoria signs the NRA Charter of Incorporation.
Council agree site at Bisley by a large majority. Ratified by Spring Meeting
Acquisition of land.
Acquisition of land assisted by fact that much of it was owned by the War Office. Local landowners would only sell all or large parts of their land.
Royal Engineers start construction.
Royal Engineers start construction of ranges and earth works of Tramway to connect the new Camp with Brookwood.
Capt.St John Mildmay resigned as NRA Secretary.
The .303 Lee Metford rifle.
The .303 Lee Metford rifle, still using black powder ammunition, replaced the Martini Henry. This rifle in turn was replaced some years later by the same calibre Lee Enfield (Long Lee) rifle using smokeless powder ammunition
A reduced Council Meeting agreed that the best site was that offered by Lord Wantage, the NRA’s Chairman, on his Berkshire Downs estate.
Intervention of Lord Wemyss (the former Lord Elcho) postpones a final decision.
Bisley site located by Hoey (Association’s Clerk of Works).
The safety of the Wimbledon Ranges became threatened by building development.
The safety of the Wimbledon Ranges became threatened by building development along with the increased range provided by the latest types of modern rifles and ammunition.