CSM Clements

SGT MAJ CLEMENTS 1876 - BY WENDY HARRIS

In B&C 85 Dec 95 was: ‘In 1877 a Grand Military Assault of Arms demonstration, in aid of the 1st Norfolk Regiment Volunteer Bn funds, was held at Chapel Field Drill Hall? It included: A Sword Cutting Feat by Sgt Major Clements, acknowledged to be the champion swordsman in the British Army: Cutting through 2 large sheep, with one stroke of the sword, a feat never before accomplished by any other swordsman.’
Wendy Harris found it on the B&C site and sent: ‘Sgt Major Charles Clements was my great great grandfather. He enrolled in the 1st West Norfolk Regt of Militia prior to joining the 1st Royal Dragoons in 1858. I have 3 programmes dating back to the 1870's, unfortunately not the one you mention, but have one dated 28 Dec 1876, held at the Corn Exchange, East Dereham, one of several in which he took part. It is advertised as under the patronage of Captain Bulwer & officers of the 3rd (East Dereham) NRV. Born in 1842, he's a real mystery man. He seems to have avoided all census between 1851 & 1891, turning up in 1901 running a pub in Birmingham. He was living in Bungay in 1908, but I have not been able to find out when or where he died.’
Wendy sent the photographs, above right, and a scan of the programme, from which have been extracted, below right, some of the events.

Extracts from the:

Editorial Rule
To qualify for inclusion in the B&C there is only one rule - something described must have been said to have happened.
The authority is the Editor, British Army Review No 114 Dec 96, `If the facts don`t fit the legend, print the legend’.

However, the rules of good taste, respect and confidentiality are always applied.