The precursor to the eventual creation of a dedicated infantry unit in Guildford, was a sub-section of the Metropolitan Rifles numbering some 20 men created in 1872. By 1874 this section became autonomous and eventually independent creating the Guildford Rifle Volunteers under the command of Lieutenant Hamersley. Throughout the 1870s it was a well disciplined and skilled unit that undertook many training and ceremonial events. In 1878 command passed to Captain Gardiner (pictured below) who would lead the unit for the next 2 decades.

In 1881 a small Mounted Infantry section was formed and soon after a cadet corps as well. The 1880s saw a large growth in numbers for the unit.

From 1890-1893 the unit rose dramatically to 215 men but fell back down dramatically shortly after. In 1893 the unit became part of the 1^st Infantry Volunteer Regiment and consisted of 2 companies, (E Coy – Guildford) and (F Coy – Northam and Toodyay). During mid-late 1890s the unit lost more numbers due to many people moving from Guildford to Midland with the opening of the new railway, this included many experienced officers including Major Gardiner. The 2 companies merged back together.

Throughout the 1890s, the unit was less then stellar when it came to marksmanship. It took part in the Flemming Cup in 1898,1899,1901 & 1902. It came last 3 times and only in 1902 did it achieve an okay result of being 7/14.

During the 2^nd Boer War at least 10 members of the Guildford Infantry served in South Africa though the number was probably higher. 2 Served in the 1^st WAMI, 3 in the 2^nd WAMI, 2 in the 4^th WAMI, 1 5^th WAMI, 2 6^th WAMI. 1 Guildford Soldier was wounded while on campaign. The 10 members consisted of 1 Lieutenant and 9 Privates.

In 1900 The unit was renamed A Company, 3^rd Battalion, Infantry Brigade. It grew back to a full company size of around 100 men when it transferred to federal control and became part of the new 11^th Australian infantry Regiment. Today its lineage is continued by the 11^th/28^th Battalion, Royal Western Australia Regiment.

During the 2^nd Boer War at least 10 members of the Guildford Infantry served in South Africa though the number was probably higher. 2 Served in the 1^st WAMI, 3 in the 2^nd WAMI, 2 in the 4^th WAMI, 1 5^th WAMI, 2 6^th WAMI. 1 Guildford Soldier was wounded while on campaign. The 10 members consisted of 1 Lieutenant and 9 Privates.

During the 2^nd Boer War at least 10 members of the Guildford Infantry served in South Africa though the number was probably higher.

2 Served in the 1^st WAMI, 3 in the 2^nd WAMI, 2 in the 4^th WAMI, 1 5^th WAMI, 2 6^th WAMI. 1 Guildford Soldier was wounded while on campaign. The 10 members consisted of 1 Lieutenant and 9 Privates.

COMMANDING OFFICERS

LIST OF OFFICERS

Majors

Stephen Gardiner (20/11/74-24/5/97)

Previously served as an enlisted in the Fremantle and Perth Infantry from 1861-1874 rising to the rank of Sergeant. Served as a Sub-Lieutenant from 1874-1878, as a Lieutenant from 1878-1879, as a Captain from 1879-1888, and as a Major from 1888-1897. He later served as the CO of the 1^st Infantry Regiment from 1897-1901 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He received 1 Long Service Medal.

James H Munday (21/8/88-1/10/00)

Served as an enlisted in the unit from 1887-1888. Served as a 2^nd Lieutenant from 1888-1895, as a Lieutenant from 1895-1896, as a Captain from 1896-1899 and as a Major from 1899-1900. Received 1 Long Service Medal

Captains

Frederick J Read (11/12/84-29/1/96)

Served as an enlisted in the unit from 1880-1884 rising to the rank of Quartermaster-Sergeant. Served as a Lieutenant from 1884-1893 and as a Captain from 1893-1896. Received 1 Long Service Medal.

J. Mitchell (10/7/90-23/1/96)

Served as a 2^nd Lieutenant from 1890-1893 then served as a Captain from 1893-1896.

Edward A F Compton (8/6/98-1/7/03)

Previously served in the Fremantle Infantry as an enlisted from 1884-1885. Served as an enlisted in the unit from 1897-1898. Served as 2^nd Lieutenant from 1898-1899, as a Lieutenant from 1899-1900 and as Captain from 1900-1903. Continued to serve in the unit when it became the 11^th Infantry Regiment. Retired in 1907. Returned in 1914 in the 88^th Infantry Regiment.

In 1915 he became a Lieutenant in the 28^th Battalion AIF to serve in the Great War. From 1916-1917 serving as a Captain in the 7^th & 8^th Training Battalions. Retired in 1917. In 1927 he was made an honorary Major. He received 1 Long Service Medal and 3 War Medals.

Walter E Abbott (13/1/99-1/4/03)

Served as a 2^nd Lieutenant in 1899, as Lieutenant from 1899-1900 and as Captain from 1900-1903.