On 25 May 1861 the 2nd Essex Volunteer Battalion held a Grand Brigade Field Day at Wanstead Flats.

Taking part were

Senior Officers - Lt - Col Capper ( 2nd Essex Volunteer Battalion), Lt Col Palmer (West Essex Yeomanry & Volunteer Artillery), Dr Priest (Regimental Surgeon, Major Silver (2nd Essex Volunteer Battalion),

5th Essex Volunteer Rifles - Major Birt, Captains David (Adjutant), Drew, Beams, Chalmers (Acting), Ferguson & Sewell Lts Buckle, Steward (Acting), Cruse & Robinson, Ensigns Barnet, Thorogood, Phillips & Bell.

8th Essex Volunteer Rifles - Captains Sinclair, Robinson & Brooks , Lt's Davis, Burt & Rea , Ensigns Kitson, Farr & Attock

9th Essex Volunteer Rifles - Were present but names not supplied

2nd Essex Artillery - Captain Cox

5th Essex Artillery - Captain Baines

A demi-battery from West Essex Artillery - Captain Edenborough and Lt F Edenborough

Also taking part were the

26th, 33rd, and the 42nd Middlesex Rifles

The 26th Middlesex Artillery

 2nd London Rifles

 4th and 7th Tower Hamlets Rifles