Instructors of Musketry

British Infantry of the Line battalions had an officer appointment known as the 'Instructor of Musketry' from 1857 until 1883 when the appointment was abolished. Their time in the appointment varied from two to five years.

The role was revived in 1887, but the new appointment was described as the 'Assistant Adjutant' and records show, for example, that the first Assistant Adjutant of the 89th Regiment, Lieutenant William H Percival Plomer, was appointed in 1887.

Assistant Adjutants in the 20th and 21st century have been junior officers who work in battalion headquarters as staff officers with no role in directing what the modern army describes as 'Skill at Arms' training.