Joyce. The local papers would have published Brigade orders for the Cheltenham Engineers Volunteers, they would be available at the local records office or Gloucestershire Reference library on microfiche see my website below as to what type of info would have been published at that time in the papers. I know that there was a Engineer Volunteer H.Q. in Bristol in Park Row off Park Street, much the same as with my unit [gunners]which had units/detachments in other towns around the area, but the H.Q's of these units were placed in the large towns. As to trades they would be responsible for military engineering, building defences, barracks etc, so a mason/labourer would be a perfect job in civilian life, all the unit had to do was teach him to march and fire a rifle. Rifle shooting played a big part in the life of the volunteer also dances and Regt dinners were a source of much entertainment. I have looked for information on the web but no luck, the info is out there some where. I shall contact a friend of mine who is very knowledgeable tomorrow and see what info he has and will contact you later. Regards Derek Derek J. Driscoll Researching 1st South Midland Bde/240 Bde RFA [TF] 1908-1919 A website for the Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery is at http://www.bristolgunners.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/index.htm If you want to stop receiving unwanted direct mail from companies http://www.planetark.com/mailing_preference_sign_up_uk.cfm