embarked from Malta for the Ionian Islands, and was followed by
the head-quarters in June, on which occasion the following general
order, dated Malta, 18th of June, 1824, was issued:--
"The Marquis of Hastings, having been long acquainted with the high
character of the ROYAL IRISH regiment of infantry, cannot suffer
that distinguished corps to quit this island without expressing
his regret at losing its services. The report made to him, by
Major-General Sir Manley Power, of the uniformly excellent conduct
maintained by the officers and men of the regiment, during their
residence here, authorizes the Marquis of Hastings to request that
they will accept his applause, and his sincere wishes for their
future welfare.
"_By command of His Excellency_,
"C. BAYLEY, A.M.S."
The last division of the regiment arrived at Corfu on the 24th of
June, and occupied quarters in the citadel.
[Sidenote: 1825]
In July, 1825, four companies and the head-quarters proceeded to
Fort Neuf, leaving the remaining companies in the citadel. In
August the regiment was formed into six service and four depôt
companies.
The head-quarters and flank companies returned to the citadel on
the 14th of November, and on the same day four battalion companies
embarked for Santa Maura, furnishing detachments at Calamas,
Magnassia, Fort Alexandria, San Nicolo, Fort Constantine, Scorpio,
San Nichola, and Vassaliki.
[Sidenote: 1832]
The regiment remained at the Ionian Islands until February, 1832,
when it embarked from Corfu for England, and landed at Portsmouth
on the 7th of March.
The decease of General the Earl of Donoughmore occurred in the
summer of 1832, when King William IV. appointed Lieut.-General
Matthew Lord Aylmer, K.C.B., from the fifty-sixth foot, to the
colonelcy of the ROYAL IRISH regiment, by commission dated 23rd of
July, 1832.
[Sidenote: 1834]
[Sidenote: 1835]
[Sidenote: 1836]
The regiment remained in England until May, 1834, when it embarked
from Liverpool, and, landing at Dublin, was stationed in Ireland
nearly three years, during which period it preserved its high
character.
[Sidenote: 1837]
Having received orders to transfer its services to the British
possessions in Asia, the ROYAL IRISH regiment was divided into six
service and four depôt companies, and on the 10th of January, 1837,
the service companies embarked for Ceylon, under the orders of
Colonel George Burrell: they landed at Colombo on the 1st of June,
and were stationed at that place and at Galle.
[Sidenote: 1838]
In the autumn of 1838 the depôt companies embarked from Dublin,
and, landing at Portsmouth, were stationed in South Britain.
[Sidenote: 1839]
The service companies remained at Colombo and Galle until February,
1839, when a change of quarters took place, and they were stationed
at Trincomalee and Galle, where they continued until March of the
following year.
[Sidenote: 1840]
In the mean time a course of violence and spoliation had been
commenced by the Chinese government against the persons and
property of the British merchants trading with that empire, in
consequence of the introduction of opium into China, which was
prohibited by the Chinese laws, but was tacitly admitted by
the local authorities, who did not enforce the law. At length,
however, the Chinese authorities commenced summary measures without
sufficient previous notice, and the British superintendents of
trade found it necessary to apply to the Governor-General of India
for a number of ships of war and armed vessels for the protection
of life and property. The violence of the Chinese, however, could
not be restrained by reason or menace, but the thunder of British
artillery was necessary to enforce forbearance.
The British government found it necessary to send an expedition
to the Chinese seas, to compel the government of the "Celestial
empire" to acknowledge the principles of international law, as
adopted by civilized nations, and the ROYAL IRISH regiment was one
of the corps selected for this service. Three companies from the
depôt embarked from Portsmouth in October, 1839, and arrived at
Bombay in March, 1840, and they afterwards sailed for China: three
companies embarked from Trincomalee in May, and three from Galle in
June, and sailed for the Chinese seas.
Hostilities having been found unavoidable, it became important to
gain possession of a portion of the Chinese territory, and the
governor of _Chusan_, an island lying off the coast, and comprising
in its jurisdiction a small group of islands, was summoned to
surrender in the beginning of July. He, however, made dispositions
to defend the place, and on the morning of the 5th of July the
shore was crowded with Chinese troops, and the landing place,
wharf, and adjoining hill displayed an array of military power. The
British shipping silenced the enemy's war-junks and batteries; and
the right wing of the ROYAL IRISH regiment, commanded by Major
Henry William Adams, with the Royal Marines of the fleet, forming
the advance, landed. They were followed by other corps, and the
British troops, commanded by Brigadier-General George Burrell,
Lieut.-Colonel of the EIGHTEENTH, took up a position in front of
the fortified city of _Ting-hae-hien_, from whence a sharp fire was
kept up for some time; but before the following day the Chinese
soldiers fled in a panic. The city was taken possession of, and
this success gave presage of future conquests; but the climate
proved injurious to the health of the troops, and many soldiers
died.
This display of British prowess was followed by negotiations; and
in August the other three companies of the regiment landed on the
island of Chusan, a detachment taking post at Tsin-Kong.
[Sidenote: 1841]
The tardy councils of the Chinese were expedited by the activity
of the British naval force, and in the early part of 1841 they
agreed to give up the island of Hong-Kong, pay an indemnity of six
million dollars, and open a direct intercourse for trading upon
an equal footing. The detachment of the ROYAL IRISH stationed at
Tsin-Kong joined the head-quarters, and on the 17th of February the
regiment embarked for Hong-Kong, where it arrived in seven days,
and the island was taken possession of; but the Chinese authorities
appeared by their conduct to have no intention of fulfilling the
other stipulations of the treaty. Hostilities were in consequence
resumed, and the ROYAL IRISH regiment sailed with the expedition up
the Canton river. The fleet silenced the batteries of _Wantong_,
and a body of troops landing, the island was captured without the
loss of a man, thirteen hundred Chinese soldiers surrendering
prisoners of war. Continuing the voyage up the river, the fleet
arrived at the bar, destroyed the enemy's war-junks, and the works
were stormed and captured by the Marines, &c. As the expedition
pursued its voyage up the river, the Chinese abandoned several
batteries and armed rafts, and solicited terms of peace; but
procrastination appeared to be their only object, and the British
fleet advanced. The forts in front of _Canton_ soon fell under the
fire of British artillery, the Chinese flotilla was destroyed,
and terms of peace were again solicited by the authorities of the
"Celestial empire." While negotiations were pending, bodies of
Tartar troops were arriving at _Canton_, which exposed the object
of the enemy; and on the 24th of May the ROYAL IRISH regiment
and other British troops landed. On the following day they
advanced against the fortified heights on the north of the city,
and dispositions were made for the attack, when the EIGHTEENTH,
commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Adams, supported by the Royal Marines,
the whole under Major-General Burrell, were directed to carry a
hill in their front.
Major-General Sir Hugh Gough stated in his public despatch,--"About
half past nine o'clock the advance was sounded, and it has seldom
fallen to my lot to witness a more soldierlike and steady advance,
or a more animated attack. Every individual, native as well as
European, steadily and gallantly did his duty. The EIGHTEENTH and
forty-ninth were emulous which should first reach their appointed
goals; but under this impulse, they did not lose sight of that
discipline which could alone ensure success."
The heights were carried by a spirited effort, the British colours
waved triumphantly on the captured forts, and the soldiers looked
down on Canton within a hundred paces of its walls.
A fortified Chinese camp had been established on the high ground on
the north-east of the city, and from this camp bodies of the enemy
advanced against the British troops. The EIGHTEENTH, forty-ninth,
and a company of Marines, met and repulsed the principal attack,
and, following the fugitives along a causeway, stormed and captured
the entrenched camp in gallant style. Major-General Sir Hugh Gough
stated in his despatch,--"I have to record my approval of the
spirited conduct of Captain JOHN GRATTAN, who commanded the two
leading companies of the EIGHTEENTH across the causeway." The camp
was burnt, and the magazines were destroyed.
On the following morning a flag of truce was seen on the walls, and
hostilities were suspended; but procrastination still appearing to
be the object of the Chinese, preparations were made to attack the
city by storm, and the ROYAL IRISH were under arms waiting for the
signal to rush forward and achieve the conquest of the celebrated
city of Canton, when an agreement to terms suddenly prevented
further hostilities, the Chinese paying six millions of dollars for
the redemption of Canton, and opening the port for trade.
The ROYAL IRISH regiment, commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Henry William
Adams, had two men killed; Captain John James Sargent, Lieutenants
George Hilliard and David Edwards, and sixteen men wounded.
On the 2nd of June, the regiment embarked for the ceded island of
HONG-KONG, where it arrived in a few days; and this station proving
healthy and convenient, works were constructed for its protection.
The Emperor of China disregarded the stipulations of treaties,
and issued a mandate for the extermination of the English who
dared thus to insult his coasts and capture his towns, offering,
at the same time, immense rewards for the heads of the British
commanders, and even a large sum for the head of a private soldier.
His decrees were responded to by depriving him of a greater extent
of territory; and on the 22nd of August the ROYAL IRISH sailed on
an expedition against the island and city of _Amoy_, situate in
a fine gulf in the province of Fokien, the great tea district of
China. On the 25th of August the fleet arrived before Amoy, which
was defended by five hundred pieces of cannon and a numerous force;
but nothing could withstand the combined efforts of the British
naval and land force. On the following day the works were bombarded
two hours. The ROYAL IRISH landed about three o'clock, with little
opposition, and escaladed a castellated wall with great gallantry.
They were speedily within the works, and afterwards charged up a
precipitous gorge in the face of two posts of defence, and rushing
forward with great gallantry, the Chinese and Tartar soldiers fled
in dismay, after firing a few shots. The regiment remained on the
heights above the city during the night; and on the following
morning the troops advanced towards the wall. No resistance was
made, the advance of the EIGHTEENTH escaladed the walls,--opened
the gates,--and the city was taken possession of. The small island
of _Koolangsoo_ was captured on the preceding day. The loss of the
regiment was limited to two men wounded.
On the 5th of September, the regiment sailed with the expedition
for the recapture of _Chusan_, which island had been given up in
consequence of the stipulations of the first treaty. The place was
found more strongly fortified than before, and a resolute stand
was made by the Chinese; but British skill and valour prevailed.
The EIGHTEENTH landed on the 1st of October, stormed the enemy's
works with great gallantry, under Lieut.-Colonel Adams, and
occupied the Joss-house hill, Captain Francis Wigston particularly
distinguishing himself at the head of the grenadier company of
the regiment. The ROYAL IRISH afterwards entered the city of
Ting-hae-hien at the western gate, and the British colours were
speedily planted in triumph on the walls. The regiment had one
serjeant and six rank and file wounded on this occasion.
On the following day the regiment traversed the island to
Tsin-kong, and afterwards proceeded to Sahoo; but returned to
Ting-hae-hien on the 4th of October, and on the 6th embarked with
the expedition against the city of _Chinhae_, the military depôt
of the province, situate on the mainland opposite Chusan, and
surrounded by a wall of extraordinary height and thickness. The
troops landed on the 10th of October, advanced through a difficult
country towards the city, and stormed the works covering the
approach to the place, overthrowing all opposition. "The EIGHTEENTH
charged up a deep gorge to the left, and broke through the central
encampment, carrying everything before them."[32] The city was
captured, and in it was an extensive arsenal, and cannon foundry,
with military stores. The EIGHTEENTH crossed the river and entered
the city on the same evening: their loss was one man killed and
three wounded.
From Chinhae the ROYAL IRISH proceeded up the river on the 13th
of October, against the fortified city of _Ningpo_, where no
resistance was met with. The troops landed and formed on the
ramparts, the band of the EIGHTEENTH playing "God save the Queen,"
and they took possession of the second city in the province of
Che-Keang, containing a population of three hundred thousand souls.
The regiment was afterwards stationed in the city of Ningpo some
time; and the Chinese having garrisoned several forts up the river,
the flank companies embarked on the 27th of December, with an
expedition to dislodge the Chinese and Tartar soldiers from their
posts, but the enemy fled without waiting to be attacked, and the
companies returned to Ningpo.
[Sidenote: 1842]
The flank companies proceeded to You-You on the 10th of January,
1842, and were engaged in routing the enemy, and destroying their
encampment the day following.
During the first three months of the year 1842, four companies of
the regiment were stationed at the city of Ningpo, under Major
Nicholas R. Tomlinson, and five companies at Koolangsoo, under
Major Jeremiah Cowper.
On the 10th of March a numerous army of Tartars and Chinese made
a sudden attack upon _Ningpo_, escalading the walls, and forcing
some of the gates, with great spirit, and the few British forces in
garrison were enveloped by crowds of assailants; but the bravery of
the British was conspicuous, and they triumphed over their numerous
opponents. A guard of the regiment, consisting of Lieutenant
Anthony W. S. F. Armstrong, one serjeant, and twenty-three rank and
file, stationed at the West-gate, being attacked by large numbers,
behaved steadily, and gallantly drove the enemy back, capturing
two banners, the bearers of which had been shot at the gate: the
spirited behaviour of Lieutenant Armstrong was commended in the
public despatches.
Five days afterwards, the EIGHTEENTH embarked from Ningpo, and
sailed up the river to attack the enemy's posts. On the 15th of
March they were engaged at _Tsekee_, and the heights of _Segaon_,
which were captured; and the ROYAL IRISH also took part in forcing
the _Chankee-pass_: they returned to Ningpo on the 17th of March.
Three companies of the EIGHTEENTH were withdrawn from Koolangsoo
at the end of March, and proceeded in a steam-vessel to Ningpo,
to reinforce the garrison: in April two companies proceeded from
Ningpo to Chinhae. One company was afterwards withdrawn from
Chinhae and five from Ningpo, to take part in the expedition
against the fortified city of _Chapoo_, under the command of
Lieut.-Colonel Tomlinson. A landing was effected on the 18th of
May; British prowess was again conspicuous, and the EIGHTEENTH were
distinguished for their heroic bearing at the attack and capture of
this place, on which occasion Lieut.-Colonel NICHOLAS R. TOMLINSON
fell at the head of the regiment, "in full career of renown,
honoured by the corps, and lamented by all."[33]
The loss of the regiment at the capture of this place was
Lieut.-Colonel Tomlinson, one serjeant, and three rank and file
killed; Lieutenants Edward Jodrell and Alexander Murray, one
serjeant, one drummer, and twenty-seven rank and file wounded.
Major Jeremiah Cowper was promoted to the rank of Lieut.-Colonel on
the 19th May, 1842, in succession to Lieut.-Colonel Tomlinson; and
Brevet Major John Grattan received the Majority. These brilliant
successes had taught the Chinese the true character of British
skill, spirit of enterprise, and valour, yet, with unaccountable
infatuation, the authorities of the "Celestial empire" still looked
for success, and their resistance gave the EIGHTEENTH opportunities
of gaining additional honours. In June six companies of the
regiment were employed in an expedition up the Yangtse-Keang river,
and took part in the capture of the fortified post of _Woosung_,
and also in the capture of _Poonshau_; they afterwards advanced
against the city of _Shanghae_, which was taken possession of
without opposition.
The company of the regiment stationed at Chinhae was withdrawn to
take part in active operations, and seven companies sailed with the
expedition to carry on operations against _Chin-Keang-foo_, one
of the strongest and most important cities of China. To proceed
on this enterprise the fleet left Woosung on the 6th of July, the
Chinese troops were driven from _Suyshan_, and on the 20th of July
the armament approached Chin-Keang-foo. A landing was effected,
and the EIGHTEENTH evinced the same intrepidity and valour in the
attack of the enemy's entrenched camp, and at the capture of the
city by storm, on the 21st of July, for which they had previously
been distinguished. On passing through the city and suburbs, the
troops witnessed the painful spectacle of hundreds of the dead
bodies of men, women, and children, lying in the houses, numerous
families having destroyed themselves sooner than outlive the
disgrace of their city being captured by foreigners.
The ROYAL IRISH regiment had Captain Charles J. Russell Collinson
and two soldiers killed; Lieutenant Scroope Bernard, one serjeant,
and fifteen rank and file wounded.
This brilliant success of the British arms filled the Chinese
empire with consternation and dismay, and the English General
prepared to carry his victorious troops into the heart of the
empire, and attack _Nankin_, the ancient capital of China, to
which place the fugitives from Chin-Keang-foo had fled for refuge.
Embarking on the 29th of July to carry out this important object,
the armament proceeded against the celebrated city of Nankin, where
the ROYAL IRISH and other corps arrived on the 9th of August, when
a great portion of the troops landed, and the ancient capital of
China was environed by the British naval and land forces. This
decisive step produced the desired results; the court of China
could no longer hope that its legions would eventually arrest the
victorious career of the British arms, and conditions of peace were
acceded to; the Chinese paying an indemnity, and ceding a portion
of territory to the British crown.
Thus terminated a war in which the EIGHTEENTH, or the ROYAL IRISH,
regiment, had acquired additional reputation; a hostile nation had
been impressed with a just sense of the capabilities of the English
arms; and important commercial and national advantages had been
acquired for the British empire.
Her Majesty, in consideration of the gallantry displayed by the
troops employed on the coasts and rivers of China, was graciously
pleased to permit the EIGHTEENTH (ROYAL IRISH), twenty-sixth,
forty-ninth, fifty-fifth, and ninety-eighth regiments, and Royal
Artillery, to bear on their colours and appointments the word
"_China_," and the device of the "_Dragon_," in commemoration of
their distinguished services.
After the termination of the contest, the EIGHTEENTH sailed from
Nankin to the island of Chusan, where they arrived in October:
the head-quarters sailed for Koolangsoo on the 17th of November,
leaving four companies of the regiment at Chusan.
[Sidenote: 1843]
The regiment remained at Koolangsoo during the year 1843.
[Sidenote: 1844]
On the 1st of April the light company embarked at Koolangsoo, and
arrived at Chusan on the 10th of that month. The head-quarters
proceeded from Koolangsoo to Chusan in the middle of May, and
remained there during the year.
[Sidenote: 1845]
The head-quarters of the regiment proceeded from Chusan to Hong
Kong on the 22nd of February: the left wing arrived at Hong Kong
from Chusan on the 12th of May.
[Sidenote: 1846]
During the year 1846 the regiment remained at Hong Kong.
[Sidenote: 1847]
The head-quarters, consisting of twenty-four officers, thirty-four
serjeants, seven drummers, and four hundred and sixty-eight
rank and file, embarked at Hong Kong for active service on the
1st of April, 1847, and were employed during the combined naval
and military operations on the Canton river under Major-General
D'Aguilar, C.B., and returned to Hong Kong on the morning of
the 9th of April, 1847, leaving a detachment at Canton of three
officers, six serjeants, and sixty-two men, which returned to Hong
Kong on the 2nd of June following.
The regiment, consisting of twenty-five officers and six hundred
and fifty-two men, embarked at Hong Kong for Calcutta on the 20th
of November, 1847.
[Sidenote: 1848]
The regiment arrived at Calcutta on the 10th of January, 1848, and
occupied the barracks at Fort William, where it continued to be
stationed on the 1st of June, 1848, at which period the record is
concluded.
The foregoing pages, after diligent research, contain, as far as
possible, a faithful detail of the services of the EIGHTEENTH,
ROYAL IRISH, REGIMENT OF FOOT.
The career of this highly honorable corps can only be appreciated
as a public body, and as a portion of the military force of the
British empire, after a perusal of its gallant deeds in the various
situations and services on which it has been employed.
The circumstance of its first formation in the reign of King
Charles II.,--of its adhesion to King James II. on his succeeding
to the British throne in 1685,--and of the severe test to which the
army was exposed at the Revolution in 1688,--all prove the value of
the corps, and the difficulties with which its principal officers
had to contend at a period when the English nation was endeavouring
to rid itself of a sovereign of Popish principles, and to establish
a Protestant Government.
The decided conduct of the EIGHTEENTH, ROYAL IRISH, regiment on the
commencement of the Revolution in 1688, and throughout the contest
in Ireland until 1691, evinced a steady loyalty and determination,
on which King William III. found he could rely.
The same confidence was placed in this regiment by King William
during the campaigns in Flanders from 1691 to 1697, for which the
most distinguished honours were conferred by His Majesty on the
corps on account of its heroic services.
In the war of the Spanish Succession, during the reign of Queen
Anne, from 1702 to 1712, the EIGHTEENTH, ROYAL IRISH, regiment is
recorded as having shared in the numerous sieges and victories
under the Duke of Marlborough, as detailed in the Regimental Record.
After the cessation of hostilities by the Treaty of Utrecht, in
1713, the services of the regiment were equally efficient and
useful in the British possessions, particularly at the island of
Minorca, from whence it proceeded in 1727 to Gibraltar, when the
Spaniards again besieged that fortress.
The ROYAL IRISH REGIMENT was again employed in Flanders during the
war of the Austrian Succession, from 1743 to 1748.