TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE
Italic text is denoted by _underscores_.
Some minor changes are noted at the end of the book.
HISTORICAL RECORDS
OF
THE BRITISH ARMY.
GENERAL ORDERS.
_HORSE-GUARDS_,
_1st January, 1836_.
His Majesty has been pleased to command, that, with a view of doing
the fullest justice to Regiments, as well as to Individuals who
have distinguished themselves by their Bravery in Action with the
Enemy, an Account of the Services of every Regiment in the British
Army shall be published under the superintendence and direction
of the Adjutant-General; and that this Account shall contain the
following particulars, viz.,
---- The Period and Circumstances of the Original Formation of
the Regiment; The Stations at which it has been from time to time
employed; The Battles, Sieges, and other Military Operations,
in which it has been engaged, particularly specifying any
Achievement it may have performed, and the Colours, Trophies,
&c., it may have captured from the Enemy.
---- The Names of the Officers and the number of Non-Commissioned
Officers and Privates, Killed or Wounded by the Enemy, specifying
the Place and Date of the Action.
---- The Names of those Officers, who, in consideration of their
Gallant Services and Meritorious Conduct in Engagements with the
Enemy, have been distinguished with Titles, Medals, or other
Marks of His Majesty's gracious favour.
---- The Names of all such Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers
and Privates as may have specially signalized themselves in
Action.
And,
---- The Badges and Devices which the Regiment may have been
permitted to bear, and the Causes on account of which such Badges
or Devices, or any other Marks of Distinction, have been granted.
By Command of the Right Honourable
GENERAL LORD HILL,
_Commanding-in-Chief_.
JOHN MACDONALD,
_Adjutant-General_.
PREFACE.
The character and credit of the British Army must chiefly depend
upon the zeal and ardour, by which all who enter into its service
are animated, and consequently it is of the highest importance that
any measure calculated to excite the spirit of emulation, by which
alone great and gallant actions are achieved, should be adopted.
Nothing can more fully tend to the accomplishment of this desirable
object, than a full display of the noble deeds with which the
Military History of our country abounds. To hold forth these bright
examples to the imitation of the youthful soldier, and thus to
incite him to emulate the meritorious conduct of those who have
preceded him in their honourable career, are among the motives that
have given rise to the present publication.
The operations of the British Troops are, indeed, announced in the
"London Gazette," from whence they are transferred into the public
prints: the achievements of our armies are thus made known at the
time of their occurrence, and receive the tribute of praise and
admiration to which they are entitled. On extraordinary occasions,
the Houses of Parliament have been in the habit of conferring on
the Commanders, and the Officers and Troops acting under their
orders, expressions of approbation and of thanks for their skill
and bravery, and these testimonials, confirmed by the high honour
of their Sovereign's Approbation, constitute the reward which the
soldier most highly prizes.
It has not, however, until late years, been the practice (which
appears to have long prevailed in some of the Continental armies)
for British Regiments to keep regular records of their services
and achievements. Hence some difficulty has been experienced in
obtaining, particularly from the old Regiments, an authentic
account of their origin and subsequent services.
This defect will now be remedied, in consequence of His Majesty
having been pleased to command, that every Regiment shall in future
keep a full and ample record of its services at home and abroad.
From the materials thus collected, the country will henceforth
derive information as to the difficulties and privations which
chequer the career of those who embrace the military profession. In
Great Britain, where so large a number of persons are devoted to
the active concerns of agriculture, manufactures, and commerce, and
where these pursuits have, for so long a period, been undisturbed
by the _presence of war_, which few other countries have escaped,
comparatively little is known of the vicissitudes of active
service, and of the casualties of climate, to which, even during
peace, the British Troops are exposed in every part of the globe,
with little or no interval of repose.
In their tranquil enjoyment of the blessings which the country
derives from the industry and the enterprise of the agriculturist
and the trader, its happy inhabitants may be supposed not often to
reflect on the perilous duties of the soldier and the sailor,--on
their sufferings,--and on the sacrifice of valuable life, by which
so many national benefits are obtained and preserved.
The conduct of the British Troops, their valour, and endurance,
have shone conspicuously under great and trying difficulties; and
their character has been established in Continental warfare by the
irresistible spirit with which they have effected debarkations in
spite of the most formidable opposition, and by the gallantry and
steadiness with which they have maintained their advantages against
superior numbers.
In the official Reports made by the respective Commanders, ample
justice has generally been done to the gallant exertions of the
Corps employed; but the details of their services, and of acts of
individual bravery, can only be fully given in the Annals of the
various Regiments.
These Records are now preparing for publication, under His
Majesty's special authority, by Mr. RICHARD CANNON, Principal Clerk
of the Adjutant-General's Office; and while the perusal of them
cannot fail to be useful and interesting to military men of every
rank, it is considered that they will also afford entertainment and
information to the general reader, particularly to those who may
have served in the Army, or who have relatives in the Service.
There exists in the breasts of most of those who have served,
or are serving, in the Army, an _Esprit de Corps_--an attachment
to every thing belonging to their Regiment; to such persons a
narrative of the services of their own Corps cannot fail to prove
interesting. Authentic accounts of the actions of the great,--the
valiant,--the loyal, have always been of paramount interest with
a brave and civilized people. Great Britain has produced a race
of heroes who, in moments of danger and terror, have stood, "firm
as the rocks of their native shore;" and when half the World has
been arrayed against them, they have fought the battles of their
Country with unshaken fortitude. It is presumed that a record of
achievements in war,--victories so complete and surprising, gained
by our countrymen,--our brothers,--our fellow-citizens in arms,--a
record which revives the memory of the brave, and brings their
gallant deeds before us, will certainly prove acceptable to the
public.
Biographical memoirs of the Colonels and other distinguished
Officers, will be introduced in the Records of their respective
Regiments, and the Honorary Distinctions which have, from time to
time, been conferred upon each Regiment, as testifying the value
and importance of its services, will be faithfully set forth.
As a convenient mode of Publication, the Record of each Regiment
will be printed in a distinct number, so that when the whole shall
be completed, the Parts may be bound up in numerical succession.
HISTORICAL RECORD
OF
THE THIRTEENTH
REGIMENT OF
LIGHT DRAGOONS;
CONTAINING AN ACCOUNT OF
THE FORMATION OF THE REGIMENT
IN 1715,
AND OF
ITS SUBSEQUENT SERVICES
TO
1842.
LONDON:
JOHN W. PARKER, WEST STRAND.
M.DCCC.XI.II.
LONDON:
HARRISON AND CO., PRINTERS,
ST. MARTIN'S LANE.
[Illustration: (Badge with Motto)]
THE THIRTEENTH
LIGHT DRAGOONS
BEAR ON THEIR CHACOS AND APPOINTMENTS
THE MOTTO
_VIRET IN ÆTERNUM_;
AND THE WORDS
"PENINSULA," AND "WATERLOO,"
TO COMMEMORATE THE SERVICES OF THE REGIMENT IN
PORTUGAL, SPAIN, AND THE SOUTH OF FRANCE,
FROM 1810 TO 1814;
AND AT THE BATTLE OF WATERLOO, ON
THE 18TH JUNE, 1815;
UNDER
FIELD MARSHAL THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON.
CONTENTS.
Year Page
1715 Formation of the Regiment 9
---- Names of the Officers 10
---- Rebellion of the Earl of Mar.--Action at Preston --
1718 The Regiment proceeds to Ireland 12
1742 Returns to England 13
1745 Rebellion in Scotland 14
---- Battle of Preston-Pans 15
1746 --------- Falkirk 18
1749 Embarks for Ireland 20
1751 Description of the Clothing and Guidons --
1783 Constituted _Light Dragoons_ 25
1784 Clothing changed from Scarlet to _Blue_ --
1795 Two Troops embark for Jamaica 28
1796 The Regiment proceeds to Barbadoes --
---- Services in the Island of St. Domingo 29
---- ------------------------- Jamaica --
1798 Returns to England 30
1803 In readiness to repel the projected French Invasion 31
1807 Reviewed by the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York 32
1809 Ditto, ditto, and other Members of the Royal Family 33
1810 Embarks for Portugal 34
---- Joins the Army in the Alemtejo --
1810 Capture of a party of French Dragoons at Ladoera 35
---- Battle of Busaco 39
---- Lines of Torres Vedras 40
1811 Action at Campo Mayor 41
---- Party Surprised near Olivenza 46
---- Covering the Siege of Olivenza 47
---- Action near Los Santos --
---- Covering of the Siege of Badajoz 48
---- Battle of Albuhera --
---- Action at Usagre --
---- --------- Arroyo de Molinos 50
---- Skirmish between La Nava and Merida 51
1812 Covering the Siege of Badajoz 52
---- Attack on the French post at Almaraz 53
---- Action at Usagre 54
1813 The French driven from Salamanca 56
---- Battle of Vittoria --
---- --------- the Pyrenees 58
---- ------------- Nive 59
---- Action at Hasparen --
1814 --------- Sauveterre 60
---- Battle of Orthes 61
---- Rencounter at Ayre 62
---- Action at St. Gaudens 63
---- Battle of Toulouse 65
---- Returns to England --
---- Embarks for Ireland 66
1815 Proceeds to Flanders 67
---- Battle of Waterloo 68
---- Advances to Paris 71
1816 Returns to England 71
1819 Embarks for India 72
---- Stationed at Arcot 73
1820 Removes to Bangalore --
1826 Returns to Arcot --
1828 Proceeds to Arnee --
1829 Marches to Bangalore --
1832 Resumes wearing Scarlet Clothing --
1833 Authority to retain the motto _Viret in æternum_ 74
1836 Facings changed to _Green_ --
1839 Action at Zorapoor 75
1840 Orders issued previous to quitting India 76
---- Returns to England 79
---- Blue Clothing, with Buff Facings, resumed --
1841 Inspected by the Duke of Cambridge --
1842 Attends as a Guard of Honor to the King of Prussia
on his Visit to England 80
---- The Conclusion 81
SUCCESSION OF COLONELS.
Year Page
1715 Richard Munden 82
1722 Sir Robert Rich, Bart. 83
1725 William Stanhope 84
1730 Henry Hawley 85
1740 Robert Dalway 86
1741 Humphrey Bland 87
1743 James Gardiner --
1745 Francis Ligonier 90
1746 Philip Naison 91
1751 Sir Charles Armand Powlet, K.B. 92
---- Hon. Henry Seymour Conway --
1754 John Mostyn 93
1758 Archibald Douglas 94
1778 Richard Pierson 95
1781 Francis Craig --
1811 Hon. Sir Henry George Grey, G.C.B., G.C.H. --
1715}
to } SUCCESSION OF LIEUT.-COLONELS 96
1842}
[Illustration: THIRTEENTH LIGHT DRAGOONS.
[_To face page 1._
]
HISTORICAL RECORD
OF
THE THIRTEENTH
REGIMENT
OF
LIGHT DRAGOONS.
[Sidenote: 1715]
During the summer of 1715, when treachery, treason, and mistaken
notions of duty, united with the intrigues of foreign courts,
menaced Great Britain with domestic war, and when the expectations
of the friends of the Pretender were become sanguine of effecting
his speedy elevation to the throne, King George I. augmented the
regular army, and the THIRTEENTH REGIMENT OF DRAGOONS was raised
in the midland counties of England, by Brigadier-General RICHARD
MUNDEN, whose valour, loyalty, and devotion to the house of Hanover
were undoubted. The following officers were appointed to the
regiment by commissions dated the 22nd of July, 1715.
_Captains._
Rich. Munden, _Col._
Clem. Neville, _Lt.-Col._
Sam. Freeman, _Maj._
Francis Howard
Lutton Lister
---- Heblethwayte
_Lieutenants._
Hen. de Grangues, _Capt. Lt._
Philip Bridgman
Thomas Mason
Francis Hull
Henry Dawson
John Molyneux
_Cornets._
Gerald Fitzgerald
Chas. Greenwood
William Freeman
William Williamson
John Watson
Martin O'Bryan.
After its formation the regiment occupied quarters in Cheshire,
where it was stationed, under the command of Major-General
Wills, when the rebellion in Scotland, headed by the Earl of
Mar, commenced. When the insurgents, under General Forster and
Brigadier-General Mackintosh, advanced into Lancashire, the
regiment was directed to proceed towards Manchester, to confront
and fight the rebel bands; it was formed in brigade with Stanhope's
dragoons (afterwards disbanded), under the command of its colonel,
Brigadier-General Munden, and at break of day on the 12th of
November, it advanced towards _Preston_, where the rebels had taken
post, and had barricaded the avenues of the town. After driving in
the rebel piquets, the king's troops formed, about three in the
afternoon, opposite the main streets; a squadron of the regiment
dismounted, to take part in storming the avenue leading to Wigan,
and the other two squadrons supported the storming party which
attacked the avenue leading to Lancaster. The first barrier was
carried in gallant style; but the inner barricade could not be
forced for want of cannon. The soldiers took possession of some
buildings, threw a breastwork across the road, and set the houses
between the breastwork and barricade on fire; thus blockading the
insurgents in the town. Major-General Carpenter afterwards arrived
with some additional forces, and the rebel bands surrendered at
discretion. The regiment had four men and twelve horses wounded in
this service, and its colonel was thanked for his gallant conduct
at the head of one of the storming parties.
After escorting the rebel prisoners to the nearest gaols, the
regiment was placed in cantonments in Lancashire, where it was
stationed until the final suppression of the rebellion in Scotland,
by the troops under the Duke of Argyle, in the early part of 1716.
[Sidenote: 1716]
[Sidenote: 1717]
The regiment assembled in April, 1716, at Manchester, where it
was inspected, and afterwards marched into dispersed quarters
in Wiltshire; in April, 1717, it marched into the counties of
Berks and Hants, and passed the following winter at Worcester and
Bromsgrove.
[Sidenote: 1718]
In the spring of 1718 the regiment marched to Gloucester and
Tewksbury: a reduction in the army took place, and in the autumn
of this year, the THIRTEENTH Dragoons embarked at Liverpool for
Ireland, to replace a regiment ordered to be disbanded in that
country.
[Sidenote: 1719]
[Sidenote: 1722]
[Sidenote: 1725]
The THIRTEENTH Dragoons were stationed in Ireland during the
remainder of the reign of King George I., and also during the first
fourteen years of the reign of King George II. Their colonel,
Brigadier-General Munden, was removed, in 1722, to the eighth
dragoons, and was succeeded by Brigadier-General Sir Robert Rich,
Baronet, whose regiment of dragoons, raised in 1715, had been
disbanded. On the decease of Brigadier-General Munden, in 1725, Sir
Robert Rich was removed to the eighth dragoons, and was succeeded
by Colonel William Stanhope, afterwards Earl of Harrington, who
raised a regiment in 1715, which was disbanded in 1718.
[Sidenote: 1730]
Lord Harrington was appointed Secretary of State, and the colonelcy
of the THIRTEENTH Dragoons was conferred, on the 7th of July, 1730,
on Colonel Henry Hawley, from the thirty-third foot.
[Sidenote: 1735]
[Sidenote: 1739]
[Sidenote: 1740]
[Sidenote: 1741]
Colonel Hawley was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general in
1735, to that of major-general in 1739, and was removed to the
Royal Dragoons in May, 1740, when he was succeeded by Colonel
Robert Dalway, from the thirty-ninth foot. This officer died in
November of the same year, and in January, 1741, King George II.
conferred the colonelcy of the regiment on Colonel Humphrey Bland,
from the thirty-sixth foot.
[Sidenote: 1742]
In 1742 a British army was sent to Flanders, to support the house
of Austria against the combined efforts of the King of France and
the Elector of Bavaria, and the THIRTEENTH Dragoons were withdrawn
from Ireland, and stationed in South Britain.
[Sidenote: 1743]
Brigadier-General Bland was removed to the third dragoons in April,
1743, and King George II. promoted Lieut.-Colonel JAMES GARDINER,
from the Inniskilling Dragoons, to the colonelcy of the THIRTEENTH
dragoons.
[Sidenote: 1744]
Colonel Gardiner left the sixth dragoons in Germany, and joined
his regiment in England, and being a most zealous and efficient
officer, he bestowed much care on its discipline, equipment, and
the condition of the horses.
[Sidenote: 1745]
The THIRTEENTH Dragoons were stationed in Scotland when the
rebellion, headed by Charles Edward, eldest son of the Pretender,
broke out in that country in the summer of 1745, and they were
ordered to take post at Stirling, from whence Lieut.-General Sir
John Cope, the commander-in-chief in Scotland, advanced with a
small force into the Highlands, but he was unable to stop the
progress of the numerous bands of mountaineers which had joined
the Pretender's standard, and he embarked with some infantry
from Aberdeen for Leith. When the rebel army advanced to cross
the Firth, the THIRTEENTH Dragoons moved to Falkirk, and their
commanding officer, Colonel Gardiner, was desirous of being
reinforced by other troops, in order to be enabled to make some
effectual opposition; but he was suddenly ordered to proceed with
his own and Hamilton's (fourteenth) dragoons, by forced marches,
to Dunbar, to join Sir John Cope. This hasty retreat before an
enemy which the soldiers were desirous of attacking, produced a bad
effect on the minds of the men, and they were further disheartened
by hearing that the rebels had gained possession of Edinburgh,
towards which city they were directed to advance. The young
Pretender put the clans in motion to meet the king's troops, who
were not half so numerous as their opponents; and on the 20th of
September the two armies confronted each other near the village of
_Preston-pans_, seven miles from Edinburgh. When the THIRTEENTH
Dragoons had formed in line, Colonel Gardiner rode along the ranks
and addressed the men in the most animated manner; the soldiers
desired to be led against the enemy, and Colonel Gardiner suggested
to Sir John Cope the advantages which would probably result from
an immediate attack on the insurgent bands; but a defensive plan
was adopted, which proved another source of discouragement to the
dragoons[1].
The troops passed the night in the fields, and the THIRTEENTH
Dragoons furnished videttes and patroles to watch the motions of
the rebel army, which advanced to the attack before day-light on
the following morning. A chosen band of Highlanders was discovered
through the thick atmosphere advancing against the right; and two
other columns of mountaineers were in motion to join in the attack;
as they drew near, they raised a loud shout, fired a volley, threw
down their muskets, and rushed sword in hand upon the soldiers
guarding the artillery on the right, who, finding themselves
assailed by more than three times their own number, gave way and
fled. The dragoons, seeing the artillery lost, became disheartened;
the THIRTEENTH fired their carbines, and then advanced to charge
a column of Highlanders, so numerous, that the dragoons were
dismayed, and being seized with a sudden panic, the greater part
of them fled. A few, however, including Colonel Gardiner, and
Lieut.-Colonel Whitney, charged manfully; Colonel Gardiner highly
distinguished himself, and though shot in the breast, refused to
retire; Lieut.-Colonel Whitney was shot in the arm, and was forced
to withdraw; Lieutenant Grafton and Quarter-Master Burroughs
were wounded and taken prisoners; Quarter-Master West, a man of
distinguished bravery, and about fifteen dragoons rallied round
their colonel, but were overpowered, the quarter-master was taken
prisoner, and few of the men escaped. Colonel Gardiner afterwards
rode towards some infantry, and while in the act of encouraging
them to make a resolute stand, he was cut down by a Highlander with
a scythe fastened to a pole, and as he fell, another Highlander
gave him a mortal blow on the head; thus terminated the career
of a most meritorious officer, who was distinguished for strict
attention to duty, personal bravery, and christian virtues.
The infantry having been overpowered, the whole fled from the
field. The THIRTEENTH Dragoons passed through Preston, and were
rallied at the west end of the town, from whence Lieut.-General Sir
John Cope retired with them to Berwick.
The loss of the battle of Preston-pans proved a serious disaster,
as the rebels obtained possession of a train of artillery, and a
great quantity of arms, and were afterwards enabled to penetrate
into England. The THIRTEENTH Dragoons joined the troops under
Field-Marshal Wade, at Newcastle, and afterwards returned to
Scotland, and the colonelcy was conferred on Colonel Francis
Ligonier, from the forty-eighth foot, an excellent officer,
conspicuous for zeal for the service and personal bravery.
[Sidenote: 1746]
After the retreat of the rebels from Derby back to Scotland, the
regiment marched to Edinburgh, where a small army was assembled
under Lieut.-General Hawley, and the rebels having besieged
Stirling Castle, the troops advanced, in the middle of January,
1746, to raise the siege, and halted near _Falkirk_, where a camp
was formed. The rebels advanced to meet the King's forces, and
a general engagement was fought on Falkirk Moor on the 17th of
January. Colonel FRANCIS LIGONIER, of the THIRTEENTH Dragoons, was
taken ill of a pleurisy; he was bled and blistered on the 14th of
January, but no consideration could keep him from his duty, and he
quitted his bed and commanded the brigade of dragoons at the battle
on the 17th of January. The action was commenced by a charge of the
cavalry; Colonel Ligonier led the THIRTEENTH Dragoons forward with
great spirit, broke the first line of rebels, and cut down a number
of opponents, but he was unable to force the second line, and a
heavy storm of wind and rain beat so violently in the soldiers'
faces as to produce some confusion. Lieut.-Colonel Whitney, who had
recovered from his wounds received at Preston-pans and resumed his
duty, was killed fighting in the midst of a crowd of Highlanders;
several other officers and a number of men were also killed and
wounded. The torrent of battle flowed in favour of the rebels, and
one wing of the King's army retired; a few regiments, however,
maintained their ground with the most heroic bravery, and were
supported by Colonel Ligonier with a party of dragoons; after
dark, the King's troops being exposed to a heavy rain, retired to
Linlithgow. Colonel Ligonier covered the retreat with his dragoons
to Linlithgow, and being drenched with rain and benumbed with cold,
he was seized with an inflammation in the throat, of which he died
on the 25th of January, much regretted by the regiment.
The THIRTEENTH Dragoons withdrew from Linlithgow to Edinburgh,
and when the Duke of Cumberland took the command of the army and
advanced against the rebels, the regiment was left at Edinburgh,
and directed to patrole along the roads leading westward to prevent
the insurgents receiving intelligence.
On the 17th of February, 1746, the colonelcy was conferred on
Philip Naizon, from the lieut.-colonelcy of the first royal
dragoons.
The rebellion in Scotland was suppressed by the decisive battle of
Culloden, on the 16th of April, 1746.
[Sidenote: 1748]
[Sidenote: 1749]
In 1748, a treaty of peace was concluded at Aix-la-Chapelle; the
dragoon regiments on foreign service returned to England, and
in the early part of 1749, the THIRTEENTH Dragoons embarked for
Ireland.
[Sidenote: 1751]
Colonel Philip Naizon died in January, 1751, and was succeeded
in the colonelcy of the THIRTEENTH Dragoons by Major-General Sir
Charles Armand Powlet, K.B. from the ninth regiment of foot. This
officer died in November of the same year, and was succeeded by
Colonel the Honorable Henry Seymour Conway, from the thirty-fourth
regiment of foot.
The following particulars respecting the uniform and guidons of the
regiment, have been extracted from a royal warrant, dated the 1st
of July, 1751.
COATS,--scarlet, double-breasted, without lappels, lined with
_light green_; slit sleeves turned up with light green; the
button-holes ornamented with narrow yellow lace; the buttons flat,
of yellow metal, set on three and three; a long slash pocket in
each skirt; and a yellow worsted aiguillette on the right shoulder.
WAISTCOATS AND BREECHES,--light green.
HATS,--three-cornered, bound with gold lace, and ornamented with
a black cockade and a yellow loop. The forage cap red, turned up
with light green, and 13.D. on the little flap.
BOOTS,--of jacked leather.
HORSE FURNITURE,--of light green cloth; the holster caps and
housings having a border of white lace, with a yellow stripe down
the centre; XIII.D. embroidered, in white, upon a red ground,
within a wreath of roses and thistles, on the housings; and upon
the holster caps, the King's cipher and crown, with XIII.D.
underneath.
CLOAKS,--of scarlet cloth, with a light green cape and lining; the
buttons set on three and three upon white frogs, or loops, with a
yellow stripe down the centre.
OFFICERS,--distinguished by gold lace and embroidery, and a crimson
silk sash worn across the left shoulder.
QUARTER-MASTERS,--to wear a crimson silk sash round their waists.
SERJEANTS,--to have narrow gold lace on their cuffs, pockets, and
shoulder straps; gold aiguillettes, and light green and yellow
worsted sashes tied round their waists.
DRUMMERS AND HAUTBOYS,--light-green coats, lined with scarlet, and
ornamented with white and yellow lace; scarlet waistcoats and
breeches.
GUIDONS,--the first, or King's guidon, to be of crimson silk, with
a silver and yellow fringe; in the centre, the rose and thistle
conjoined, and crown over them, with the motto, _Dieu et mon
Droit_, underneath; the white horse in a compartment in the first
and fourth corners, and XIII.D. in silver characters, on a light
green ground, in the second and third corners: the second and
third guidons to be of light-green silk; in the centre XIII.D. in
silver characters on a crimson ground, within a wreath of roses and
thistles on the same stalk; the white horse on a red ground, in the
first and fourth corners; and the rose and thistle conjoined, upon
a red ground, in the second and third corners; the third guidon to
have a figure 3, on a circular red ground, under the wreath.
[Sidenote: 1754]
On the removal of Lieut.-General Conway to the fourth Irish horse,
now seventh dragoon guards, in July, 1754, Colonel John Mostyn was
appointed to the colonelcy of the THIRTEENTH Dragoons, from the
Seventh Royal Fusiliers.
[Sidenote: 1757]
[Sidenote: 1758]
[Sidenote: 1759]
[Sidenote: 1761]
Colonel Mostyn was promoted to the rank of major-general, in 1757,
and was removed in 1758, to the Fifth Royal Irish Dragoons,--when
His Majesty conferred the colonelcy of the THIRTEENTH on Archibald
Douglas, from the lieut.-colonelcy of the fourth dragoons. This
officer was one of the King's aides-de-camp and a member of
parliament, and he was promoted to the rank of major-general in
1759, and to that of lieut.-general in 1761.
[Sidenote: 1768]
[Sidenote: 1770]
In the clothing warrant of 1768, the facings of the regiment are
directed to be of _deep green_, and the waistcoats and breeches of
buff, instead of light-green. White waistcoats and breeches were
adopted a few years afterwards, and a small red and white feather
was introduced into the cocked-hats.
[Sidenote: 1778]
Lieut.-General Douglas died at Dublin, in October, 1778, and was
succeeded by Lieut.-General Richard Pierson, from the thirty-sixth
foot. This officer was rewarded with the dignity of a Knight of the
Bath.
[Sidenote: 1779]
In 1779, the regiment proceeded by forced marches to the north of
Ireland, in consequence of disturbances in that quarter, and its
presence soon restored order.
[Sidenote: 1780]
The THIRTEENTH Dragoons encamped in 1780, with the army in the
neighbourhood of Ardfinnan,--and, on the breaking up of the
encampment, moved into quarters at Clonmel, Carrick-on-Suir, and
Cappoquin.
[Sidenote: 1781]
Lieut.-General Pierson expired suddenly on the morning of the
13th of February, 1781, and was succeeded by Lieut.-General
Francis Craig, from the lieut.-colonelcy of the First regiment of
Foot-Guards.
In 1781 the regiment marched to Charleville and Bruff, and was
subsequently stationed at Cork, where it received orders to
proceed, with some other regiments and artillery under the command
of Colonel Ralph Abercromby, against George Robert Fitzgerald, who
had fortified his family residence near Castlebar, in the county of
Mayo, and was in open rebellion against the laws. On the arrival
of the forces at Castlebar, they proceeded on the service assigned
to them,--but Fitzgerald had fled and quitted the country: some
ship guns, which he had mounted, were seized and brought into the
barracks at Castlebar,--where the THIRTEENTH remained,--sending
detachments to Ballinrobe and Sligo.
[Sidenote: 1782]
[Sidenote: 1783]
Soon after the termination of the American war, in 1782, the
regiment underwent a change of clothing and equipment, and was
constituted a corps of LIGHT CAVALRY. The cocked-hats were
replaced by helmets, and appointments of a lighter description
than formerly worn. These alterations were completed in 1783. In
the spring of this year the regiment was stationed at Belturbet
and Sligo; and, in consequence of the barracks at the former place
falling down in the winter, a detachment was sent to Cavan.
[Sidenote: 1784]
In 1784 the colour of the clothing was changed from scarlet to
_blue_, and the facings to light buff.
In May the regiment--then designated the "THIRTEENTH LIGHT
DRAGOONS" in the Annual Army List--again assembled at Belturbet,
and, after the usual inspection, marched into quarters at Athlone,
Roscommon, and Cloghan, when the horses were turned out to grass
for the first time since the commencement of the American war.
After the peace the establishment had been reduced to one hundred
and forty-four men, and one hundred and thirty-eight horses.
[Sidenote: 1785]
The THIRTEENTH were reviewed at Athlone, in June, 1785, and marched
into quarters at Kilkenny, Ballyragget, and Carrick-on-Suir.
[Sidenote: 1786]
In June, 1786, the regiment assembled for inspection at Kilkenny,
and marched to Mallow, Bandon, and Tallow.
During the winter of this year the troops were moved from Mallow to
Cork, in consequence of disturbances; and they, as well as those at
Bandon and Tallow, were constantly on duty, and greatly harassed;
the gaols were filled with their prisoners of "White Boys,"
"Peep-o'day-Boys," &c., as the different bands of these misguided
men called themselves.
[Sidenote: 1787]
In May, 1787, the regiment marched to Cashel, where it was
inspected, and in June it was quartered in Maryborough,
Mountmelick, and Thurles.
[Sidenote: 1788]
[Sidenote: 1789]
The regiment proceeded to Dublin in June, 1788, and subsequently
moved into the Phœnix Park barrack, Navan and Man of War.
[Sidenote: 1790]
In June, 1790, the THIRTEENTH were stationed at Clonmel, Clogheen,
Mallow, and Charleville, and at the end of this year a draught of
men was sent to the Twentieth Dragoons at Jamaica.
[Sidenote: 1791]
The regiment was inspected in June, 1791, and the detachment at
Mallow was withdrawn to Clonmel.
[Sidenote: 1792]
After the inspection in May, 1792, the regiment marched to Athlone,
Roscommon, and Portumna.
In the mean time a revolution had taken place in France, where the
destructive principles of democracy had overthrown all legitimate
authority, divested the sovereign of regal power, and threatened to
involve Europe in war. Under these circumstances the British army
was augmented, and five men and horses were added to each troop of
the THIRTEENTH Light Dragoons.
[Sidenote: 1793]
The French republicans having added to their numerous atrocities
the decapitation of their sovereign, war commenced in 1793, and
the establishment of the THIRTEENTH Light Dragoons was further
augmented.
After the inspection in October, the regiment changed its quarters
to Belturbet and Sligo. It was called upon to furnish thirty-six
mounted men to complete the cavalry regiments augmenting for
foreign service.
[Sidenote: 1794]
In the beginning of 1794 the regiment marched to Ballinrobe and
Castlebar, part of it remaining stationed in Sligo.
[Sidenote: 1795]
The violence of party in France soon kindled a corresponding
sensation in the colonies of that country in the West Indies, where
the whites, mulattoes, and blacks, became inflamed against each
other, and when the decree of "_Equality_" passed, an open rupture
followed. The blacks revolted, particularly in the island of St.
Domingo. Anarchy, massacre, and devastation followed, and several
planters obtained aid from the English, and transferred their
allegiance from France to the British crown. Additional forces were
ordered to the West Indies. Two troops of the THIRTEENTH Light
Dragoons were withdrawn from Ireland in June, 1795; they remained a
few weeks in England, and embarked, in September, for Jamaica.
[Sidenote: 1796]
The regiment, having received orders to prepare for service in
the West Indies, assembled at Mallow, and there delivered over
its horses for the use of other corps; it afterwards embarked at
Cork and sailed to Bristol, where it met the Fourteenth Dragoons,
destined for the same service. It subsequently proceeded into
quarters at Warminster and Frome, thence to Salisbury, Winchester,
and Southampton, where it embarked in transports; and joining other
vessels containing troops belonging to the expedition, the whole
proceeded to Cove Harbour, and in February, 1796, seven troops
of the regiment sailed for Barbadoes, where they arrived in the
beginning of April.
Captain Bolton of the THIRTEENTH was sent to purchase horses in
America.
From Barbadoes the regiment sailed to St. Domingo; but the
reduction of that island was found to be impracticable, as the
health of European troops could not be preserved long enough to
reduce the blacks and French revolutionists to obedience. The
THIRTEENTH Light Dragoons, partly mounted on horses sent from
America, had a few skirmishes with the armed bands which possessed
the country, and a party of the regiment which accompanied the
expedition against the town of Bombarde, had an opportunity of
charging the enemy with great effect; but the climate soon reduced
the regiment to a skeleton: it lost twenty officers, seven troop
quarter-masters, and two hundred and thirty-three soldiers in six
months, and the few remaining officers and soldiers were removed to
Jamaica in December.
A part of the regiment, under the command of the Honorable Colonel
Walpole of the THIRTEENTH Light Dragoons, who was promoted to the
local rank of major-general, shared in the dangers and fatigues of
the harassing warfare against the Maroons in Jamaica, until its
successful termination, which, with the consequent safety of the
island, was attributed to the talent, energy, and courage displayed
by the major-general; and a sword of the value of five hundred
guineas was voted to him by the house of assembly.
[Sidenote: 1798]
The regiment remained at Jamaica until July, 1798, when it
transferred a few of the surviving men to the Twentieth Light
Dragoons, and the remainder, amounting only to fifty-two
individuals, embarked for England, where they arrived in October,
and landed at Gravesend.
[Sidenote: 1799]
The THIRTEENTH were stationed at Trowbridge, and subsequently at
York. Every exertion was made under the active superintendence
of Lieut.-Colonel Bolton, to complete the establishment, which
was soon effected; and in August, 1799, the regiment marched to
Birmingham. It was shortly afterwards stationed at Coventry,
Warwick, and Stratford-on-Avon. About this period the strength
of the regiment was increased to nine troops, amounting to eight
hundred and two men, and the same number of horses.
[Sidenote: 1800]
In 1800 part of the regiment occupied Leicester and Nuneaton, and
the establishment was increased to ten troops. In the autumn of
this year, the THIRTEENTH were quartered at Norwich, Aylsham,
Walsham, Beccles, Bungay, and Wymondham.
[Sidenote: 1801]
[Sidenote: 1802]
In the beginning of 1801 the establishment was increased to nine
hundred and two men and the same number of horses; the regiment was
distributed, at different periods during this and the following
year, in quarters at Atleborough, Dedham, Maningtree, Norwich,
Colchester, Ipswich, Sudbury, Stowmarket, Needhammarket, Hadleigh,
Woodbridge, and Boston.
Hostilities with France having been terminated by the treaty of
Amiens, in the summer of 1802 the establishment was reduced to
eight troops, amounting to five hundred and sixteen men, and four
hundred and thirty-six horses. The quarters were changed to Romford
and Hornchurch.
[Sidenote: 1803]
The conduct of General Bonaparte, then first consul of France, soon
produced another war, which commenced in 1803, when the regiment
was augmented to six hundred and four men and the same number of
horses; it was quartered at Hounslow, Windsor, and Hampton Court,
and held in readiness to assist in repelling the threatened French
invasion by an army assembled at Boulogne.
[Sidenote: 1804]
The French armament continuing at Boulogne, and the preparations
for invading England being augmented, in 1804, the regiment
occupied Sandwich, Stonar, and Ramsgate, with an establishment
increased to eight hundred and fifty-four men, and seven hundred
and fifty-four horses, which was subsequently augmented to one
thousand and sixty-four men, and the same number of horses.
[Sidenote: 1805]
[Sidenote: 1806]
In the autumn of 1805, the French army marched for Germany, and the
project of invading England was laid aside. Towards the end of the
year, the regiment was quartered at Canterbury; and in September,
1806, it occupied Deal, Sandwich, and Ramsgate, its strength being
reduced to eight hundred and fifty-four men and horses.
[Sidenote: 1807]
[Sidenote: 1808]
In the summer of 1807, the THIRTEENTH were distributed in quarters
at Kingston, Richmond, and Twickenham. The regiment was reviewed
by the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York, and, in consequence
of the high opinion formed of it by their royal highnesses, the
order for its march to Dorchester was countermanded, and it was
detained to form, with the Twelfth Light Dragoons, a brigade, under
the command of Colonel Bolton of the THIRTEENTH, which brigade was
reviewed by His Royal Highness the Duke of York. The THIRTEENTH
afterwards proceeded to Dorchester and Weymouth, from whence
detachments were sent to Radipole, Wareham, Bridport, and, in the
beginning of 1808, to Blandford, Trowbridge, and Gosport.
The regiment was reviewed by His Royal Highness the Duke of
Cumberland at Dorchester. Its establishment of horses was reduced
to seven hundred and fifty-four: it assembled at Exeter for review,
and was distributed in quarters at Totness, Modbury, Truro,
Taunton, Honiton, Tiverton, and Exeter.
[Sidenote: 1809]
In the summer of 1809, the regiment was quartered at Hounslow,
Hampton Court, Richmond, Twickenham, Chertsey, Staines, and Egham,
and was reviewed by His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, and
subsequently by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, attended by
their Royal Highnesses the Dukes of York, Clarence, Cumberland, and
Cambridge, the Duke of Brunswick Oels, &c.
[Sidenote: 1810]
Portugal and Spain had, in the mean time, become the theatre of
war; the French emperor had overrun those countries with troops,
and had placed his brother Joseph on the throne of Spain; and
a British army, commanded by Lord Wellington, was aiding the
inhabitants of the Peninsula in their resistance to the gigantic
power of Napoleon. The THIRTEENTH Light Dragoons were selected
to join the Peninsular army. Eight troops, mustering about nine
hundred officers and soldiers, embarked at Portsmouth in February,
1810, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Michael Head; they sailed
to Lisbon, from whence one squadron was detached to Cadiz, which
fortress was invested on the land side by the French, and the
Spanish regency had solicited the aid of British troops. The other
six troops landed at Lisbon,--Portugal having been delivered, by
British skill and valour, from the power of the enemy.
After a short halt at Belem to refresh the men and horses after the
voyage, the regiment marched to the Alemtejo, and was attached to
the division commanded by Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill, which it
joined in May, in the neighbourhood of Portalegre. At this period
a powerful French army was about to invade Portugal under Marshal
Massena, Prince of Esling, who boasted he would drive the English
into the sea, and plant the eagles of France on the walls of
Lisbon; but he was ignorant of the qualities of British soldiers,
and of the abilities of their commander. The allied army withdrew,
before the very superior numbers of the enemy, towards Lisbon, in
front of which city the celebrated lines of Torres Vedras were
forming to arrest the torrent of invasion. The movements of the
THIRTEENTH Light Dragoons were connected with those of the division
under Sir Rowland Hill, and eventually with the Portuguese cavalry
under Brigadier-General Henry Fane.
After withdrawing from the frontiers of Portugal, the head-quarters
were established at Escalhos de Cima, and a troop of the regiment,
commanded by Captain William White, with a troop of the Fourth
(Portuguese) Dragoons, were stationed at _Ladoera_, to watch the
movements of General Reynier's corps.
On the morning of the 22nd of August, Captain White, when foraging
with about fifty of his troop, received information of the approach
of a reconnoitring party of about sixty French dragoons, whom he
pursued, and attacking them with the most distinguished bravery,
wounded several, and captured two officers, the whole of the men,
and fifty-eight horses, without sustaining any loss.
Captain White, on perceiving the enemy, sent for the troop of
Portuguese cavalry, who promptly advanced to his support, but they
could not arrive in time to take an active share in either the
conflict or capture.
The following report of this occurrence was forwarded to
head-quarters.
"_Escalhos de Cima, 22nd August, 1810._
"SIR,
"I have the honour to report to you that the troop of the
THIRTEENTH Light Dragoons, and one of the fourth Portuguese
dragoons, under the command of Captain White of the THIRTEENTH,
at Ladoera, this morning, fell in with a patrole of the enemy's
dragoons, consisting of one captain, two subalterns, and about
sixty men. Captain White fortunately succeeded in coming up with
them, when he immediately charged and overturned them; and the
result has been the capture of two lieutenants, three serjeants,
six corporals, one trumpeter, and fifty privates, and about
sixty horses: the captain was also a prisoner, but escaped,
during the bustle, on foot.
"I am happy to say, this has been performed without the loss of a
man on our side: six of the enemy are wounded.
"Captain White expresses his obligations to Major Charles A.
Vigoureux[2] of the thirty-eighth regiment, who was a volunteer
with him; and to the Alferes Pedro Raymando di Oliviera,
commanding the Portuguese troop (which he states to have done
its duty extremely well, and to have shown much gallantry), and
also to Lieutenant Samuel Charles Turner, of the THIRTEENTH Light
Dragoons, to whose activity and courage he reports himself to
be indebted for several of his prisoners. I trust the whole
will be considered to have merited the approbation of the
commander-in-chief.
"I am, &c.,
"H. FANE, Brigadier-General.
"_To Lieut.-General Hill, &c. &c._"
And the following orders were subsequently published:--
"_Lazados, 23rd August, 1810._
"Lieut.-General Hill has received, with much satisfaction, from
Brigadier-General Fane, the report of an attack made yesterday
morning by a squadron consisting of one troop of the THIRTEENTH
British Light Dragoons and one troop of the Fourth Portuguese
Dragoons, under the command of Captain White of the former, on a
body of the enemy's cavalry at Ladoera, the result of which was
the capture of two lieutenants, three serjeants, six corporals,
one trumpeter, and fifty dragoons, and about fifty-eight horses.
The conduct of Captain White and the officers, non-commissioned
officers, and men of the two services engaged in this affair,
merits the lieut.-general's best thanks, and he will not fail to
lay the particulars before the commander of the forces.
"The brigadier-general has much pleasure in communicating the
preceding order, and he congratulates the officers and soldiers
concerned on having merited the approbation of the lieut.-general
commanding the division."
"_Escalhos-de-Cima, 28th August, 1810._
"Major-General Fane has received the orders of His Excellency
Lord Wellington, Commander-in-Chief, &c. to convey to Captain
White[3] and Lieutenant Turner of the THIRTEENTH Light Dragoons,
and to the Alferes Pedro Raymando di Oliviera, of the Fourth
regiment of Portuguese Dragoons, and to the non-commissioned
officers and soldiers engaged in the affair of the 22nd instant,
near Ladoera, His Excellency's approbation of their conduct, and
to inform them, that His Excellency will not fail to report his
sense of their behaviour in the most favourable terms to His
Majesty and to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent."
The captured horses were sold by auction, and the proceeds of the
sale divided among the THIRTEENTH Light Dragoons.
[Sidenote: 1811]
After some further retrograde movements, Lord Wellington resolved
to oppose the enemy's forces on the rocks of _Busaco_, and during
the hard-fought battle on the 27th of September, the THIRTEENTH
Dragoons were posted in front of Alva to observe and check the
movements of the French cavalry on the Mondego. The squadron
detached to Cadiz had, in the mean time, returned to Portugal, and
it joined the regiment about this period.
After sustaining a severe repulse at Busaco, the enemy turned the
position by a flank movement, and the allied army withdrew to
the lines of _Torres Vedras_. During the skilful performance of
these difficult operations, the numerous cavalry of the enemy were
effectually kept in check by the British squadrons, who, by their
bold front and noble daring, whenever an opportunity occurred,
succeeded in instilling into their adversaries a dread of their
superior prowess. The French marshal viewed the stupendous works
of Torres Vedras with astonishment and dismay, and finding it
impossible to accomplish his threat of driving the English into the
sea, he withdrew to Santarem, when the THIRTEENTH Light Dragoons
advanced, and having crossed the Tagus in boats at Valada, they
proceeded to Chamusca, a village, situated on the left bank of the
river.