22nd January marks the 125th anniversary of the Death of Queen Victoria, who died at the age of 81 in her private residence of Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.

During her 63-year reign, the face of military logistics changed exponentially as the British Army deployed around the globe to support and expand her Empire. When she came to the throne in 1837 there were no permanent logistical units in the British Army, instead the Army relied upon uniformed civilians to fulfil its transport and supply needs.

However, by the time of her passing in 1901, the Army Service Corps and Army Ordnance Corps and Department were firmly established as permanent standing units, at the time ensuring the British Army could continue its operations in South Africa as the Second Anglo-Boer War raged on.

This wreath was carried by members of the Army Service Corps (ASC) to Victoria’s funeral the following month. Around 260 ASC personnel from Aldershot Garrison took part in the Queen’s funeral procession, which is notable for not only its scale, but for being perhaps the last great gathering of European Royalty.

Five kings and emperors were attendance, as well as the crown princes, grand dukes and other representatives of the many monarchies that would eventually disappear following the First World War, many of whom were directly related to the late Queen Empress.

To learn more about logistics during Queen Victoria’s reign, visit the Museum.

Alex Crisp – Curator