Hunt History

A full History of The Royal Artillery Hunt (up to 1992) was researched and documented in the book "Hounds, Hares and Foxes of Larkhill" written by a keen hunt subscriber and supporter Estelle Holloway. This book, published in 1992 is currently out of print however Estelle (who owns the copyright) has very kindly and generously granted the hunt permission to reproduce the publication. Copies will be available from the hunt shop

However, the following is precis of the history of the hunt:-

In 1907 Mr A E Hussey gave his pack of pure-bred harriers to the artillery officers stationed at Bulford to become the RA (Bulford) Harriers. The pack was hunted until its demise in World War I. The hunt was revived during 1919 - 1920 and Lady Hobart lent the Isle of Wight pack to the Royal Artillery for a season. In 1920 the Instow pack of West Country Harriers was purchased for £300. These were mainly old hounds as harriers were scarce after the war.  Major General E Harrison went on to create a pack based on these hounds together with pure-bred harriers which excelled both in the hunting field and 'on the flags' during the 'twenties and 'thirties. It was originally laid down that each brigade at Bulford and Larkhill should provide at least one whipper-in and opening meets were always celebrated at Bulford Mess.

 In September 1939 war was declared. Only foxhounds would be given rations as part of pest control during the wartime effort. The Hunt Record says:

 ''All RA Harriers, except 7 couples, destroyed on outbreak of war. All Royal Artillery Officers proceed on active service with their units.''

 The remaining hounds were made up with foxhounds and taken over by the cavalry at Tidworth. During their conversion period to fox the hounds were kennelled at Major Edmund's farm in Cholderton, hunting the south Tedworth country. In September 1946 the Royal Artillery Hunt (Salisbury Plain) was recognised by the MFHA. Lieutenant Colonel ''Gilly'' Gillman laid the foundation of a fast, keen-scenting 'Plain-type Country' hound, while Lieutenant Colonel Freddy Edmeades maintained the tradition of building a superb pack of foxhounds. 

From 1946 the Masters were :- Brig. J.H. Gibbon, Lt. Col. L.H.O. Pugh, Maj. J.M. Douglas, Maj. H.C.R. Gillman, Maj. F.B. Edmeades, Maj. P.D.E. Riall, Lt. Col. F.B. Edmeades, Lt. Col. Peter Heaton-Ellis, Maj. David Thatcher, Lt. Col. John Jago, Maj. Jonathon Seed (now Master/Huntsman of the Avon Vale Hunt) and Lt. Col. Nick Foster until 2004 when multiple military and civilian masters were introduced as follows:-

2004
Lt. Col. Simon Hall, Maj. Erica Bridge (1st lady Master), Maj. Ed Botterill

2005
Maj. Ed Botterill, Brian Toogood Esq (1st Civilian Master), Maj. Paul Snodgrass

2006
Brian Toogood Esq, Maj. Paul Snodgrass

2007
Brian Toogood Esq, Maj. Paul Snodgrass

2008
Brian Toogood Esq (appointed Vice President), Maj. Ed Botterill, Mrs. Jillie Arnold, Mrs. Pippa Grob 

2009
Lt. Col. Nick Hornby (appointed Vice President), Maj. Ed Botterill, Mrs. Pippa Grob, Maj. Mark Edward, Phil Hodson Esq

2010                                                                                                                                       Mrs. Pippa Grob, Phil Hodson Esq, Maj. Mark Edward, Lt. Col. Dickie Winchester    

2011                                                                                                                                           Lt. Col. John Jago OBE (appointed Vice President), Mrs. Pippa Grob, Phil Hodson Esq, Col. Dickie Winchester                                                                                                    

Since 1946 there have been only x number Honorary Hunt Secretaries as follows:-

1958 - 1967  Mah. Tom Davison
1967 - 1967  Col, John Stevenson
1968 - 1968  Maj. Brian Carr and Mr Brian Richards
1968 - 1979  Brig. Dick Webster
1970 - 1972  Maj. Tom Prior
1972 - 1978  Maj. Robert Barton
1978 - 1985  Col. Paddy de Burgh
1985 - 2010  Lt. Col. Nick Hornby
2008 -          Mrs. Ali Wilson 

In February 2005 the ban on hunting became law and the hunt is now registered with the MDH and well as the MFHA. The Royal Artillery Hunt has overcome the ban and is grateful for the support and assistance of the Salisbury Plain Training Area, the South and West Wiltshire Hunt and the Tedworth Hunt.