TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE
Italic text is denoted by _underscores_.
Footnote anchors are denoted by [number], and the footnotes have been
placed at the end of each major section.
A superscript is denoted by ^x or ^{xx}, for example S^t or Esq^{re}.
Repeated redundant headings and Sidenotes have been removed.
Some minor changes to the text are noted at the end of the book.
[Illustration:
BY COMMAND OF His late Majesty WILLIAM THE IV^{TH}.
_and under the Patronage of_
Her Majesty the Queen.
HISTORICAL RECORDS,
_OF THE_
British Army
_Comprising the_
_History of every Regiment_
_IN HER MAJESTY’S SERVICE._
_By Richard Cannon Esq^{re}._
_Adjutant General’s Office, Horse Guards._
London.
_Printed by Authority._
]
GENERAL ORDERS.
_HORSE GUARDS_,
_1st January, 1836._
His Majesty has been pleased to command that, with the 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 Honorable
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 honorable 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 everything 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.
INTRODUCTION
TO
THE INFANTRY.
The natives of Britain have, at all periods, been celebrated for
innate courage and unshaken firmness, and the national superiority
of the British troops over those of other countries has been
evinced in the midst of the most imminent perils. History contains
so many proofs of extraordinary acts of bravery, that no doubts can
be raised upon the facts which are recorded. It must therefore be
admitted, that the distinguishing feature of the British soldier is
INTREPIDITY. This quality was evinced by the inhabitants of England
when their country was invaded by Julius Cæsar with a Roman army,
on which occasion the undaunted Britons rushed into the sea to
attack the Roman soldiers as they descended from their ships; and,
although their discipline and arms were inferior to those of their
adversaries, yet their fierce and dauntless bearing intimidated
the flower of the Roman troops, including Cæsar’s favourite tenth
legion. Their arms consisted of spears, short swords, and other
weapons of rude construction. They had chariots, to the axles of
which were fastened sharp pieces of iron resembling scythe-blades,
and infantry in long chariots resembling waggons, who alighted
and fought on foot, and for change of ground, pursuit or retreat,
sprang into the chariot and drove off with the speed of cavalry.
These inventions were, however, unavailing against Cæsar’s
legions: in the course of time a military system, with discipline
and subordination, was introduced, and British courage, being
thus regulated, was exerted to the greatest advantage; a full
development of the national character followed, and it shone forth
in all its native brilliancy.
The military force of the Anglo-Saxons consisted principally of
infantry: Thanes, and other men of property, however, fought on
horseback. The infantry were of two classes, heavy and light. The
former carried large shields armed with spikes, long broad swords
and spears; and the latter were armed with swords or spears only.
They had also men armed with clubs, others with battle-axes and
javelins.
The feudal troops established by William the Conqueror consisted
(as already stated in the Introduction to the Cavalry) almost
entirely of horse: but when the warlike barons and knights, with
their trains of tenants and vassals, took the field, a proportion
of men appeared on foot, and, although these were of inferior
degree, they proved stout-hearted Britons of stanch fidelity. When
stipendiary troops were employed, infantry always constituted a
considerable portion of the military force; and this _arme_ has
since acquired, in every quarter of the globe, a celebrity never
exceeded by the armies of any nation at any period.
The weapons carried by the infantry, during the several reigns
succeeding the Conquest, were bows and arrows, half-pikes, lances,
halberds, various kinds of battle-axes, swords, and daggers. Armour
was worn on the head and body, and in course of time the practice
became general for military men to be so completely cased in steel,
that it was almost impossible to slay them.
The introduction of the use of gunpowder in the destructive
purposes of war, in the early part of the fourteenth
century, produced a change in the arms and equipment of the
infantry-soldier. Bows and arrows gave place to various kinds of
fire-arms, but British archers continued formidable adversaries;
and, owing to the inconvenient construction and imperfect bore of
the fire-arms when first introduced, a body of men, well trained
in the use of the bow from their youth, was considered a valuable
acquisition to every army, even as late as the sixteenth century.
During a great part of the reign of Queen Elizabeth each company
of infantry usually consisted of men armed five different ways; in
every hundred men forty were “_men-at-arms_,” and sixty “_shot_;”
the “men-at-arms” were ten halberdiers, or battle-axe men, and
thirty pikemen; and the “shot” were twenty archers, twenty
musketeers, and twenty harquebusiers, and each man carried, besides
his principal weapon, a sword and dagger.
Companies of infantry varied at this period in numbers from 150
to 300 men; each company had a colour or ensign, and the mode of
formation recommended by an English military writer (Sir John
Smithe) in 1590 was; the colour in the centre of the company
guarded by the halberdiers; the pikemen in equal proportions, on
each flank of the halberdiers; half the musketeers on each flank
of the pikes; half the archers on each flank of the musketeers,
and the harquebusiers (whose arms were much lighter than the
muskets then in use) in equal proportions on each flank of the
company for skirmishing.[1] It was customary to unite a number
of companies into one body, called a REGIMENT, which frequently
amounted to three thousand men; but each company continued to carry
a colour. Numerous improvements were eventually introduced in the
construction of fire-arms, and, it having been found impossible to
make armour proof against the muskets then in use (which carried
a very heavy ball) without its being too weighty for the soldier,
armour was gradually laid aside by the infantry in the seventeenth
century: bows and arrows also fell into disuse, and the infantry
were reduced to two classes, viz.: _musketeers_, armed with
matchlock muskets, swords, and daggers; and _pikemen_, armed with
pikes from fourteen to eighteen feet long, and swords.
In the early part of the seventeenth century Gustavus Adolphus,
King of Sweden, reduced the strength of regiments to 1000 men. He
caused the gunpowder, which had heretofore been carried in flasks,
or in small wooden bandoliers, each containing a charge, to be
made up into cartridges, and carried in pouches; and he formed
each regiment into two wings of musketeers, and a centre division
of Pikemen. He also adopted the practice of forming four regiments
into a brigade; and the number of colours was afterwards reduced to
three in each regiment. He formed his columns so compactly that his
infantry could resist the charge of the celebrated Polish horsemen
and Austrian cuirassiers; and his armies became the admiration of
other nations. His mode of formation was copied by the English,
French, and other European states; but so great was the prejudice
in favour of ancient customs, that all his improvements were not
adopted until near a century afterwards.
In 1664 King Charles II. raised a corps for sea-service, styled
the Admiral’s regiment. In 1678 each company of 100 men usually
consisted of 30 pikemen, 60 musketeers, and 10 men armed with light
firelocks. In this year the King added a company of men armed with
hand grenades to each of the old British regiments, which was
designated the “grenadier company.” Daggers were so contrived as to
fit in the muzzles of the muskets, and bayonets, similar to those
at present in use, were adopted about twenty years afterwards.
An Ordnance regiment was raised in 1685, by order of King James
II., to guard the artillery, and was designated the Royal Fusiliers
(now 7th Foot). This corps, and the companies of grenadiers, did
not carry pikes.
King William III. incorporated the Admiral’s regiment in the second
Foot Guards, and raised two Marine regiments for sea-service.
During the war in this reign, each company of infantry (excepting
the fusiliers and grenadiers) consisted of 14 pikemen and 46
musketeers; the captains carried pikes; lieutenants, partisans;
ensigns, half-pikes; and serjeants, halberds. After the peace in
1697 the Marine regiments were disbanded, but were again formed on
the breaking out of the war in 1702.[2]
During the reign of Queen Anne the pikes were laid aside, and every
infantry soldier was armed with a musket, bayonet, and sword; the
grenadiers ceased, about the same period, to carry hand grenades;
and the regiments were directed to lay aside their third colour:
the corps of Royal Artillery was first added to the Army in this
reign.
About the year 1745, the men of the battalion companies of infantry
ceased to carry swords; during the reign of George II. light
companies were added to infantry regiments; and in 1764 a Board of
General Officers recommended that the grenadiers should lay aside
their swords, as that weapon had never been used during the Seven
Years’ War. Since that period the arms of the infantry soldier have
been limited to the musket and bayonet.
The arms and equipment of the British Troops have seldom differed
materially, since the Conquest, from those of other European
states; and in some respects the arming has, at certain periods,
been allowed to be inferior to that of the nations with whom they
have had to contend; yet, under this disadvantage, the bravery and
superiority of the British infantry have been evinced on very many
and most trying occasions, and splendid victories have been gained
over very superior numbers.
Great Britain has produced a rate of lion-like champions who have
dared to confront a host of foes, and have proved themselves
valiant with any arms. At _Crecy_, King Edward III., at the head
of about 30,000 men, defeated, on the 26th of August, 1346, Philip
King of France, whose army is said to have amounted to 100,000
men; here British valour encountered veterans of renown:--the
King of Bohemia, the King of Majorca, and many princes and nobles
were slain, and the French army was routed and cut to pieces. Ten
years afterwards, Edward Prince of Wales, who was designated the
Black Prince, defeated at _Poictiers_, with 14,000 men, a French
army of 60,000 horse, besides infantry, and took John I., King of
France, and his son, Philip, prisoners. On the 25th of October,
1415, King Henry V., with an army of about 13,000 men, although
greatly exhausted by marches, privations, and sickness, defeated,
at _Agincourt_, the Constable of France, at the head of the flower
of the French nobility and an army said to amount to 60,000 men,
and gained a complete victory.
During the seventy years’ war between the United Provinces of the
Netherlands and the Spanish monarchy, which commenced in 1578 and
terminated in 1648, the British infantry in the service of the
States-General were celebrated for their unconquerable spirit and
firmness;[3] and in the thirty years’ war between the Protestant
Princes and the Emperor of Germany, the British Troops in the
service of Sweden and other states were celebrated for deeds of
heroism.[4] In the wars of Queen Anne, the fame of the British
army under the great MARLBOROUGH was spread throughout the world;
and if we glance at the achievements performed within the memory
of persons now living, there is abundant proof that the Britons
of the present age are not inferior to their ancestors in the
qualities which constitute good soldiers. Witness the deeds of
the brave men, of whom there are many now surviving, who fought in
Egypt in 1801, under the brave Abercromby, and compelled the French
army, which had been vainly styled _Invincible_, to evacuate that
country; also the services of the gallant Troops during the arduous
campaigns in the Peninsula, under the immortal WELLINGTON; and
the determined stand made by the British Army at Waterloo, where
Napoleon Bonaparte, who had long been the inveterate enemy of Great
Britain, and had sought and planned her destruction by every means
he could devise, was compelled to leave his vanquished legions to
their fate, and to place himself at the disposal of the British
Government. These achievements, with others of recent dates, in the
distant climes of India, prove that the same valour and constancy
which glowed in the breasts of the heroes of Crecy, Poictiers,
Agincourt, Blenheim, and Ramilies, continue to animate the Britons
of the nineteenth century.
The British Soldier is distinguished for a robust and muscular
frame,--intrepidity which no danger can appal,--unconquerable
spirit and resolution,--patience in fatigue and privation, and
cheerful obedience to his superiors. These qualities, united with
an excellent system of order and discipline to regulate and give
a skilful direction to the energies and adventurous spirit of
the hero, and a wise selection of officers of superior talent to
command, whose presence inspires confidence,--have been the leading
causes of the splendid victories gained by the British arms.[5]
The fame of the deeds of the past and present generations in the
various battle-fields where the robust sons of Albion have fought
and conquered, surrounds the British arms with a halo of glory;
these achievements will live in the page of history to the end of
time.
The records of the several regiments will be found to contain a
detail of facts of an interesting character, connected with the
hardships, sufferings, and gallant exploits of British soldiers in
the various parts of the world where the calls of their Country
and the commands of their Sovereign have required them to proceed
in the execution of their duty, whether in active continental
operations, or in maintaining colonial territories in distant and
unfavourable climes.
The superiority of the British infantry has been pre-eminently set
forth in the wars of six centuries, and admitted by the greatest
commanders which Europe has produced. The formations and movements
of this _arme_, as at present practised, while they are adapted
to every species of warfare, and to all probable situations
and circumstances of service, are calculated to show forth the
brilliancy of military tactics calculated upon mathematical and
scientific principles. Although the movements and evolutions have
been copied from the continental armies, yet various improvements
have from time to time been introduced, to ensure that simplicity
and celerity by which the superiority of the national military
character is maintained. The rank and influence which Great Britain
has attained among the nations of the world, have in a great
measure been purchased by the valour of the Army, and to persons
who have the welfare of their country at heart, the records of the
several regiments cannot fail to prove interesting.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] A company of 200 men would appear thus:--
__|
| |
|__|
|
20 20 20 30 2|0 30 20 20 20
|
Harquebuses. Muskets. Halberds. Muskets. Harquebuses.
Archers. Pikes. Pikes. Archers.
The musket carried a ball which weighed 1/10th of a pound; and the
harquebus a ball which weighed 1/25th of a pound.
[2] The 30th, 31st, and 32nd Regiments were formed as Marine corps
in 1702, and were employed as such during the wars in the reign
of Queen Anne. The Marine corps were embarked in the Fleet under
Admiral Sir George Rooke, and were at the taking of Gibraltar, and
in its subsequent defence in 1704; they were afterwards employed at
the siege of Barcelona in 1705.
[3] The brave Sir Roger Williams, in his Discourse on War, printed
in 1590, observes:--“I persuade myself ten thousand of our nation
would beat thirty thousand of theirs (the Spaniards) out of the
field, let them be chosen where they list.” Yet at this time the
Spanish infantry was allowed to be the best disciplined in Europe.
For instances of valour displayed by the British Infantry during
the seventy Years’ War, see the Historical Record of the Third
Foot, or Buffs.
[4] _Vide_ the Historical Record of the First, or Royal Regiment of
Foot.
[5] “Under the blessing of Divine Providence, His Majesty ascribes
the successes which have attended the exertions of his troops in
Egypt to that determined bravery which is inherent in Britons; but
His Majesty desires it may be most solemnly and forcibly impressed
on the consideration of every part of the army, that it has been a
strict observance of order, discipline, and military system, which
has given the full energy to the native valour of the troops, and
has enabled them proudly to assert the superiority of the national
military character, in situations uncommonly arduous, and under
circumstances of peculiar difficulty.”--_General Orders in 1801._
In the General Orders issued by Lieut.-General Sir John Hope
(afterwards Lord Hopetoun), congratulating the army upon the
successful result of the Battle of Corunna, on the 16th of January
1809, it is stated:--“On no occasion has the undaunted valour of
British troops ever been more manifest. At the termination of a
severe and harassing march, rendered necessary by the superiority
which the enemy had acquired, and which had materially impaired
the efficiency of the troops, many disadvantages were to be
encountered. These have all been surmounted by the conduct of the
troops themselves: and the enemy has been taught, that whatever
advantages of position or of numbers he may possess, there is
inherent in the British officers and soldiers a bravery that knows
not how to yield,--that no circumstances can appal,--and that will
ensure victory, when it is to be obtained by the exertion of any
human means.”
HISTORICAL RECORD
OF
THE SEVENTY-FIRST REGIMENT,
HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY:
CONTAINING
AN ACCOUNT OF THE FORMATION OF THE REGIMENT
In 1777,
AND OF ITS SUBSEQUENT SERVICES
To 1852.
COMPILED BY
RICHARD CANNON, ESQ.,
ADJUTANT-GENERAL’S OFFICE, HORSE GUARDS.
Illustrated with Plates.
LONDON:
PRINTED BY GEORGE E. EYRE AND WILLIAM SPOTTISWOODE,
PRINTERS TO THE QUEEN’S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY,
FOR HER MAJESTY’S STATIONERY OFFICE.
PUBLISHED BY PARKER, FURNIVALL, AND PARKER,
30, CHARING CROSS.
1852
THE SEVENTY-FIRST REGIMENT
BEARS ON THE REGIMENTAL COLOUR AND
APPOINTMENTS
THE WORD “HINDOOSTAN,”
IN COMMEMORATION OF ITS DISTINGUISHED SERVICES
WHILE EMPLOYED IN INDIA FROM
1780 to 1797;
THE WORDS “CAPE OF GOOD HOPE,”
FOR THE CAPTURE OF THAT COLONY IN JANUARY
1806;
THE WORDS “ROLEIA,” “VIMIERA,”
“CORUNNA,” “FUENTES D’ONOR,” “ALMARAZ,”
“VITTORIA,” “PYRENEES,” “NIVE,”
“ORTHES,” AND “PENINSULA,”
IN TESTIMONY OF ITS GALLANTRY IN THE SEVERAL
ACTIONS FOUGHT DURING THE WAR IN PORTUGAL,
SPAIN, AND THE SOUTH OF FRANCE, FROM
1808 TO 1814;
AND
THE WORD “WATERLOO,”
IN COMMEMORATION OF ITS DISTINGUISHED SERVICES
AT THAT BATTLE ON THE 18TH OF JUNE
1815.
THE
SEVENTY-FIRST REGIMENT,
HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY.
CONTENTS
OF THE
HISTORICAL RECORD.
Year. Page.
INTRODUCTION xiii
1777. Formation of the SEVENTY-THIRD regiment, afterwards
numbered the SEVENTY-FIRST Regiment 2
” John Lord Macleod appointed colonel of the regiment _ib._
1778. War with France 3
” Removal of the regiment from North Britain to Guernsey
and Jersey _ib._
” Proceeded to Portsmouth _ib._
” A second battalion added to the regiment _ib._
” Names of officers 4
1779. The first battalion embarked for India 5
” The second battalion removed from Scotland to Plymouth _ib._
” Siege of Gibraltar by the Spaniards _ib._
1780. The second battalion embarked for Gibraltar 6
” The first battalion arrived at Madras 7
” War with Hyder Ali _ib._
” The first battalion formed part of Major-General Sir
Hector Munro’s army 7
” Siege of _Arcot_ 8
” Action at Perambaukum 9
” The survivors of the British troops engaged in this
unequal contest conveyed to Hyder Ali 11
” Attempts of the Spaniards against _Gibraltar_ 12
1781. Progress of the War with Hyder Ali 13
” Battle of _Porto Novo_ 14
” Presentation of silver pipes to the first battalion by
Lieut.-General Sir Eyre Coote for its gallantry on
that occasion _ib._
” _Tripassoor_ retaken by the British 15
” Second action at Perambaukum, and defeat of the enemy 16
” Relief of _Vellore_ 17
” Battle of _Sholingur_ _ib._
” Gallant defence of Gibraltar 18
” _Sortie_ of the garrison 20
1782. _Vellore_ blockaded by Hyder Ali 22
” Advance of the British through the Sholingur Pass, and
relief of _Vellore_ _ib._
” Battle of _Arnee_ 24
” Decease of Hyder Ali 25
” And succession of his son Tippoo Saib _ib._
” The combined attempts of France and Spain against
Gibraltar 26
” Employment of red-hot shot by the garrison _ib._
” The expedient successful 28
” The garrison honored by His Majesty’s approbation 29
1783. Termination of the siege of Gibraltar 30
” Peace concluded between Great Britain, France, and Spain _ib._
” The second battalion sailed from Gibraltar for England 31
” Progress of the war with Tippoo Saib _ib._
” Siege of _Cuddalore_ _ib._
” Unsuccessful _sortie_ by the enemy 33
” Intelligence of the general peace received in India _ib._
” The second battalion disbanded _ib._
1784. Peace concluded with Tippoo Saib 34
” Restoration of the officers and men who had been made
prisoners at the action of Perambaukum _ib._
1785. The regiment stationed at Madras _ib._
1786. The numerical title changed from Seventy-third to
SEVENTY-FIRST Regiment _ib._
1787. Stationed at Wallajohabad and Chingleput 35
1788. Embarked for Bombay _ib._
” Returned to Madras _ib._
1789. Major-General the Honorable William Gordon appointed
colonel of the regiment _ib._
1790. Hostilities commenced by Tippoo Saib 36
” The regiment marched towards Trichinopoly _ib._
” Siege of _Palghautcherry_ 37
” _Darraporam_ captured by the enemy 38
1791. Reviewed by General the Earl Cornwallis 39
” Action near _Bangalore_ 40
” Capture of _Bangalore_ by the British 41
” Advance towards _Seringapatam_ 42
” Action with Tippoo’s troops _ib._
” Return of the army to Bangalore 43
” Capture of _Nundydroog_ by the British 45
” ---- of _Savendroog_ 46
” ---- of _Outredroog_, _Ram Gurry_, and _Sheria Gurry_ 47
1792. Second advance of the British towards _Seringapatam_ _ib._
” Successful attack upon the enemy 48
” Siege of _Seringapatam_ 49
” Peace concluded with Tippoo Saib, and his two sons
delivered as hostages 50
” Return of the regiment to Madras 51
1793. The French revolution, and declaration of war by the
National Convention against Great Britain and Holland _ib._
” The flank companies engaged in the siege and capture of
_Pondicherry_ 52
1794. Contemplated expedition against the Mauritius 52
” The design relinquished, and march of the regiment to
Tanjore _ib._
1795. Holland united to France, and styled the Batavian
Republic _ib._
” The flank companies embarked for Ceylon _ib._
” Capture of the Island 53
1796. The regiment marched to Wallajohabad _ib._
1797. The regiment inspected by Major-General Clarke, and
complimentary order on the occasion _ib._
” Embarked for England 54
1798. Disembarked at Woolwich _ib._
” Proceeded to Scotland _ib._
” Authorized to bear the word “HINDOOSTAN” on the
regimental colour and appointments _ib._
1800. Marched from Stirling, and embarked for Ireland 55
1801.}
1802.} Stationed in Ireland 56
1803. Major-General Sir John Francis Cradock, K.B., appointed
colonel of the regiment _ib._
1804. A second battalion added to the regiment _ib._
1805. The first battalion embarked on a secret expedition
under Major-General Sir David Baird 57
” Arrival at the Cape of Good Hope _ib._
1806. Action at _Bleuberg_ 58
” Surrender of the colony to the British 59
” Authorized to bear the words “CAPE OF GOOD HOPE” on
the regimental colour and appointments _ib._
” Expedition to the _Rio de la Plata_ 60
” Surrender of _Buenos Ayres_ 61
” The city retaken by the enemy 62
” The first battalion taken prisoners and removed into
the interior of the country 63
” Escape of Brigadier-General Beresford and Lieut.-Colonel
Pack _ib._
1807. The second battalion removed from Ireland to Scotland _ib._
” Convention entered into by Lieut.-General Whitelocke,
and release of the first battalion 64
” The first battalion arrived at Cork _ib._
1808. The second battalion embarked for Scotland _ib._
” Presentation of new colours 65
” Address of Lieut.-General John Floyd on that occasion _ib._
” The first battalion embarked for the Peninsula 67
” Authorized to bear the title of _Glasgow_ Regiment, in
addition to the appellation of _Highland_ Regiment _ib._
” Battle of _Roleia_ 68
” Authorized to bear the word “ROLEIA” on the regimental
colour and appointments _ib._
” Battle of _Vimiera_ 69
” Authorized to bear the word “VIMIERA” on the regimental
colour and appointments 70
” Convention of Cintra _ib._
” March of the troops into Spain 71
” Joined the army under Lieut.-General Sir John Moore 72
1808. Retreat on Corunna 72
1809. Lieut.-General Francis Dundas appointed colonel of the
regiment 73
” Battle of _Corunna_ _ib._
” Authorized to bear the word “CORUNNA” on the regimental
colour and appointments 74
” The thanks of Parliament conferred on the troops _ib._
” The first battalion arrived in England 75
” Formed into a _Light Infantry_ Regiment 76
” Expedition to the Scheldt _ib._
” The first battalion embarked at Portsmouth _ib._
” Action on landing 77
” Attack and capture of _Ter Veer_ 78
” Siege and capitulation of _Flushing_ _ib._
” Occupation of Ter Veer by the first battalion 79
” Return of the battalion to England _ib._
” Loss of the battalion on this expedition _ib._
1810. Permitted to retain such parts of the national dress as
were not inconsistent with light infantry duties _ib._
” The first battalion again ordered for foreign service 80
” Embarked for Portugal 81
” Joined the army under Lieut.-General Viscount Wellington _ib._
” Actions at _Sobral_ 82
” Occupied a position in the lines of Torres Vedras _ib._
” Marshal Massena retired to Santarem 83
” Advance of the first battalion _ib._
1811. Pursuit of Marshal Massena 84
” Battle of _Fuentes d’Onor_ _ib._
” Authorized to bear the words “FUENTES D’ONOR” on the
regimental colour and appointments 85
” The second battalion removed from Leith to South Britain 86
” The first battalion formed part of the army under
Lieut.-General Rowland Hill _ib._
” Affair of _Arroyo-del-Molinos_ 87
” The royal approbation conferred on the troops engaged 88
” Operations consequent on the preparations made by Viscount
Wellington for the recapture of _Ciudad Rodrigo_ 89
1812. Third siege of _Badajoz_ _ib._
” Capture of _Badajoz_ _ib._
” Destruction of the enemy’s bridge of boats at _Almaraz_ 90
” Authorized to bear the word “ALMARAZ” on the regimental
colour and appointments 91
” Subsequent operations 92
” Battle of _Salamanca_ 93
” Retreat from Burgos _ib._
1813. Attempted surprise of Bejar by the French 94
” March of the first battalion to Bejar _ib._
” The second battalion returned to North Britain 94
” Battle of _Vittoria_ _ib._
” Death of Colonel the Honorable Henry Cadogan,
Lieut.-Colonel of the SEVENTY-FIRST Regiment 95
” Authorized to bear the word “VITTORIA” on the regimental
colour and appointments 96
” Advance on Pampeluna 97
” Skirmish at _Elizondo_ _ib._
1813. Occupied positions in the Pyrenees 97
” Action at _Maya_ _ib._
” ---- near _Eguaros_ _ib._
” ---- at the Pass of _Doña Maria_ 99
” Authorized to bear the word “PYRENEES” on the regimental
colour and appointments 100
” Encamped on the heights of Roncesvalles 101
” Gallant repulse of the French by a small party of the
SEVENTY-FIRST on the heights of _Altobispo_ _ib._
” Advance to the French territory _ib._
” Battle of the _Nivelle_ 102
” Passage of the _Nive_ _ib._
” Authorized to bear the word “NIVE” on the regimental
colour and appointments 103
1814. Skirmishes at St. Hellette, heights of Garris, and St.
Palais 104
” Action at Sauveterre _ib._
” Battle of _Orthes_ _ib._
” Authorized to bear the word “ORTHES” on the regimental
colour and appointments _ib._
” Affairs at _Aire_ and _Tarbes_ _ib._
” Battle of _Toulouse_ _ib._
” Termination of the Peninsular War, and general order by
the Duke of Wellington 105
” The first battalion embarked for England _ib._
” Authorized to bear the word “PENINSULA” on the regimental
colour and appointments 106
” The first battalion arrived at Cork _ib._
” The second battalion remained in North Britain _ib._
1815. Return of Napoleon to Paris, and renewal of the war 107
” The first battalion embarked for Ostend _ib._
” Battle of Waterloo 108
1815. Honors conferred on the army for the victory 110
” Authorized to bear the word “WATERLOO” on the regimental
colour and appointments _ib._
” The first battalion marched to Paris _ib._
” The second battalion disbanded 111
1816. Presentation of the Waterloo medals to the regiment _ib._
” Address of Colonel Reynell on that occasion _ib._
1817. Presentation of new colours by Major-General Sir Denis
Pack, K.C.B., and his address to the regiment 113
1818. The regiment returned to England 114
1819. Inspected at Weedon by Major-General Sir John Byng 115
1820. Inspected by the Adjutant-General _ib._
1822. Embarked for Ireland _ib._
1824. Lieut.-General Sir Gordon Drummond, G.C.B., appointed
colonel of the regiment 116
” The regiment embarked for Canada _ib._
1825. Formed into six _service_ and four _depôt_ companies _ib._
1829. The depôt companies proceeded to Berwick-on-Tweed 118
” Major-General Sir Colin Halkett, K.C.B., appointed
colonel of the regiment _ib._
1831. The service companies proceed from Quebec to Bermuda 118
1834. The _Tartan Plaid Scarf_ restored to the SEVENTY-FIRST
Regiment 119
” The service companies arrived at Leith _ib._
1835. The regiment stationed at Edinburgh _ib._
1836. Embarked for Ireland _ib._
1838. Major-General Sir Samuel Ford Whittingham, K.C.B.,
appointed colonel of the regiment _ib._
” The service companies embarked for Canada _ib._
1839. The depôt companies removed from Ireland to North
Britain _ib._
1841. Lieut.-General Sir Thomas Reynell, Bart., K.C.B.,
appointed colonel of the regiment 120
1842. The regiment formed into two battalions _ib._
” The _Reserve_ battalion embarked for Canada _ib._
1843. The _first_ battalion removed from Canada to the West
Indies _ib._
1846. The _first_ battalion embarked at Barbadoes for England 121
1847. Arrived at Portsmouth, and proceeded to Glasgow _ib._
1848. Lieut.-General Sir Thomas Arbuthnot, K.C.B., appointed
colonel of the regiment _ib._
” The _first_ battalion proceeded to Ireland 122
1849. Lieut.-General Sir James Macdonell, K.C.B., appointed
colonel of the regiment _ib._
” The reserve battalion employed at Montreal in aid of
the civil power _ib._
1852. CONCLUSION 123
SUCCESSION OF COLONELS
OF
THE SEVENTY-FIRST REGIMENT.
Year. Page.
1777. John Lord Macleod 125
1789. The Honorable William Gordon 126
1803. Sir John Francis Cradock, G.C.B. 127
1809. Francis Dundas 129
1824. Sir Gordon Drummond, G.C.B. 131
1829. Sir Colin Halkett, K.C.B. _ib._
1838. Sir Samuel Ford Whittingham _ib._
1841. Sir Thomas Reynell, Bart., K.C.B. 133
1848. Sir Thomas Arbuthnot, K.C.B. 140
1849. Sir James Macdonell, K.C.B. and K.C.H. 141
APPENDIX.
Page.
Memoir of Captain Philip Melvill 143
Memoir of General the Right Honorable Sir David Baird, Bart.,
G.C.B. 144
Memoir of Major-General Sir Denis Pack, K.C.B. 151
General orders of the 18th of January and 1st of February 1809,
relating to the battle of _Corunna_ and the death of
Lieut.-General Sir John Moore 161
List of regiments which composed the army under Lieut.-General
Sir John Moore 165
British and Hanoverian army at Waterloo on the 18th of June
1815 166
PLATES.
Page.
Colours of the regiment _to face_ 1
The two sons of Tippoo Saib delivered as hostages to General
the Earl Cornwallis 50
Costume of the regiment 124
INTRODUCTION
TO THE
HISTORICAL RECORD
OF THE
SEVENTY-FIRST REGIMENT,
HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY.
During the last century several corps, at successive periods, have
been borne on the establishment of the army, and numbered the
SEVENTY-FIRST; the following details are therefore prefixed to the
historical record of the services of the regiment which now bears
that number, in order to prevent its being connected with those
corps which have been designated by the same numerical title, but
whose services have been totally distinct.
1. In the spring of 1758 the second battalions of fifteen regiments
of infantry, from the 3d to the 37th, were directed to be formed
into distinct regiments, and to be numbered from the 61st to the
75th successively, as follows:--
_Second Battalions._
3d foot constituted the 61st regiment.
4th ” ” 62d ”
8th ” ” 63d ”
11th ” ” 64th ”
12th ” ” 65th ”
19th ” ” 66th ”
20th ” ” 67th ”
23d ” ” 68th ”
24th ” ” 69th ”
31st ” ” 70th ”
32d ” ” 71st ”
33d ” ” 72d ”
34th ” ” 73d ”
36th ” ” 74th ”
37th ” ” 75th ”
The 71st, 72d, 73d, 74th, and 75th regiments, thus formed, were
disbanded in 1763, after the peace of Fontainebleau.
2. Several other corps were likewise disbanded in 1763, which
occasioned a change in the numerical titles of the following
regiments of Invalids, viz.:--
The 81st reg^t (Invalids) was numbered the 71st.
82d ” ” ” 72d.
116th ” ” ” 73d.
117th ” ” ” 74th.
118th ” ” ” 75th.
The 71st, 72d, 73d, 74th, and 75th regiments, thus numbered, were
formed into independent companies of Invalids in the year 1769,
which increased the number of _Invalid companies_ from eight to
twenty; they were appropriated to the following Garrisons, namely,
four companies at Guernsey, four at Jersey, three at Hull, two at
Chester, two at Tilbury Fort, two at Sheerness, one at Landguard
Fort, one at Pendennis, and one in the Scilly Islands.
3. These numerical titles became thus extinct until October
1775, when another SEVENTY-FIRST regiment was raised for service
in America by Major-General the Honorable Simon Fraser, which
consisted of two battalions, and which performed eminent service
during the war with the colonists. In December 1777, further
augmentations were made to the army, and the regiments, which were
directed to be raised, were numbered from the seventy-second to the
eighty-third regiment.
The army was subsequently increased to one hundred and five regular
regiments of infantry, exclusive of eleven unnumbered regiments,
and thirty-six independent companies of Invalids.
The conclusion of the general peace in 1783 occasioned the
disbandment of several regiments, commencing with the SEVENTY-FIRST
regiment; the second battalion of which was disbanded on the 5th
April 1783, and the first battalion on the 4th June 1784.
4. In 1786 the numerical titles of certain regiments, retained on
the reduced establishment of the army, were changed, viz.:--
The _seventy-third_, which had been authorised to be raised
by John Lord Macleod in 1777, was directed to be numbered the
SEVENTY-FIRST regiment.
The _seventy-eighth_, which had been authorised to be raised by
the Earl of Seaforth in 1777, was directed to be numbered the
SEVENTY-SECOND regiment.
The _second battalion_ of the _forty-second_, which had been
authorised to be raised in 1779, was directed to be constituted the
SEVENTY-THIRD regiment.
These corps were denominated Highland regiments, and have since
continued to form part of the regular army.
The details of the services of the present SEVENTY-FIRST regiment
are contained in the following pages; the histories of the
_seventy-second_ and _seventy-third_ regiments are given in
distinct numbers.
[Illustration: SEVENTY FIRST REGIMENT.
QUEEN’S COLOUR.
REGIMENTAL COLOUR.
FOR CANNON’S MILITARY RECORDS.
_Madeley lith. 3 Wellington S^t. Strand_]
HISTORICAL RECORD
OF THE
SEVENTY-FIRST REGIMENT,
HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY;
ORIGINALLY NUMBERED
THE SEVENTY-THIRD REGIMENT.
[Sidenote: 1777.]
The war between Great Britain and her American Colonies had,
towards the end of the year 1777, assumed an aspect which was
beheld with great interest by the European powers. France, although
abstaining at this period from entering into the contest, privately
encouraged the colonists, and several French officers proceeded to
join the American standard. The influence of the British ministry
then became employed in encouraging voluntary efforts for the
raising of troops. Liverpool, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Glasgow,
at their own expense, each raised a regiment of a thousand men, and
several independent companies were levied in Wales. The livery of
London and corporation of Bristol did not follow this example, but
the monied interest in the metropolis showed its attachment to the
administration by opening a subscription for procuring soldiers.
Fifteen thousand men were by these patriotic efforts raised and
presented to the state; of this number upwards of two thirds were
obtained from Scotland, and principally from the _Highland_
clans.[6] The hardy mountaineers of North Britain had been long
celebrated for their military prowess, and the annals of warfare of
subsequent years have added to their former renown, by affording
them opportunities for sustaining their character for intrepidity
and valour.
The present SEVENTY-FIRST, HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY, was one of the
regiments which owes its origin to the foregoing circumstances, and
was raised under the following royal warrant, dated 19th December
1777, addressed to John Mackenzie, Esquire, commonly called John
Lord Macleod, who was appointed its colonel.
“GEORGE R.
“WHEREAS we have thought fit to order a Highland regiment of
foot to be forthwith raised under your command, to consist of
ten companies, of five serjeants, five corporals, two drummers,
and one hundred private men in each, with two pipers to the
grenadier company, besides commissioned officers, these are to
authorise you, by beat of drum or otherwise, to raise so many men
in any county or part of our kingdom of Great Britain as shall
be wanting to complete the said regiment to the above-mentioned
numbers; and all magistrates, justices of the peace, constables,
and other our civil officers, whom it may concern, are hereby
required to be assisting unto you, in providing quarters,
impressing carriages, and otherwise, as there shall be occasion.
“Given at our Court at St. James’s, this 19th of December 1777,
in the eighteenth year of our reign.
“_By His Majesty’s command_,
“BARRINGTON.”
“_To our trusty and well-beloved John Mackenzie, Esq., (commonly
called John Lord Macleod), Colonel of a Highland Regiment of Foot
to be forthwith raised, or to the Officer appointed by him to
raise Men for our said Regiment._”
[Sidenote: 1778.]
In February 1778 the Court of France concluded a treaty of
defensive alliance with the American colonies, and Great Britain
became involved in a war with France.
Lord Macleod’s efforts in raising the regiment were so successful
that in April 1778 it was embodied at Elgin, under the denomination
of “_Macleod’s Highlanders_,” and was numbered the “SEVENTY-THIRD
REGIMENT.”
In May the regiment, eleven hundred strong, embarked at Fort
George, under the command of Colonel Lord Macleod, and proceeded
to Guernsey and Jersey, in which islands it was stationed for six
months. The regiment was subsequently removed to Portsmouth, and
was cantoned during the remainder of the year in the neighbouring
villages.
On the 24th of September, 1778, Colonel Lord Macleod received
orders to raise a second battalion to the regiment. Each battalion
was to consist of fifty serjeants, fifty corporals, twenty drummers
and fifers, two pipers, and a thousand privates.
At this period the following officers had been appointed to the
SEVENTY-THIRD HIGHLAND Regiment.
FIRST BATTALION.
_Colonel_, John Lord Macleod.
_Lieut.-Colonel_, Duncan M‘Pherson.
_Majors._
John Elphinston.
James Mackenzie.
_Captains._
George Mackenzie.
Alexander Gilchrist.
John Shaw.
Charles Dalrymple.
Hugh Lamont.
Hon. James Lindsay.
David Baird.
_Captain Lieutenant and Captain_, David Campbell.
_Lieutenants._
A. Geddes Mackenzie.
Hon. John Lindsay.
Abraham Mackenzie, _Adj^t._
Alexander Mackenzie.
James Robertson.
John Hamilton.
John Hamilton.
Lewis Urquhart.
George Ogilvie.
Innes Munro.
Simon Mackenzie.
Philip Melvill.
John Mackenzie.
John Borthwick.
William Gunn.
William Charles Gorrie.
Hugh Sibbald.
David Rainnie.
Charles Munro.
_Ensigns._
James Duncan.
Simon Mackenzie.
Alexander Mackenzie.
John Sinclair.
George Sutherland.
James Thrail.
Hugh Dalrymple.
_Chaplain_, Colin Mackenzie.
_Adjutant_, Abraham Mackenzie.
_Quartermaster_, John Lytrott.
_Surgeon_, Alexander MacDougall.
SECOND BATTALION.
_Colonel_, John Lord Macleod.