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[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._
]
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 FIFTY-SIXTH,
OR
THE WEST ESSEX REGIMENT
OF
FOOT:
CONTAINING AN ACCOUNT OF
THE FORMATION OF THE REGIMENT
IN 1755,
AND OF
ITS SUBSEQUENT SERVICES
TO 1844.
_ILLUSTRATED WITH PLATES._
LONDON.
PARKER, FURNIVALL, AND PARKER,
_MILITARY LIBRARY, WHITEHALL_.
M.DCCC.XLIV.
LONDON: HARRISON AND CO., PRINTERS, ST. MARTIN’S LANE.
THE FIFTY-SIXTH,
OR
THE WEST ESSEX
REGIMENT OF FOOT,
BEARS ON ITS REGIMENTAL COLOURS, THE WORD
“MORO,”
TO COMMEMORATE ITS GALLANTRY AT THE CAPTURE OF THE
MORO FORT, AT THE HAVANNAH, IN 1762;
ALSO THE WORD
“GIBRALTAR,”
WITH THE
CASTLE AND KEY;
AND THE MOTTO
_MONTIS INSIGNIA CALPE_,
TO COMMEMORATE ITS DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT IN DEFENCE OF
THE FORTRESS OF GIBRALTAR DURING THE YEARS
1779, 1780, 1781, AND 1782.
CONTENTS.
Year Page
1755 Formation of the Regiment 9
1756 Uniform--Names of Officers 10
1757 Marches to Scotland 11
1760 Returns to England --
1762 Embarks for the West Indies --
---- Siege of the Moro Fort, and capture of the Havannah 12
1763 Proceeds to Ireland 14
1770 Embarks for Gibraltar --
---- A light company added to the establishment 15
1779}
1780} Engaged in the successful defence of the important { 15
1781} fortress of Gibraltar { to
1782} { 21
---- Styled the West Essex Regiment --
1783 Embarks for England --
1784 Proceeds to Scotland 22
1788 Embarks for Ireland --
1793 Riot at Wexford--Major Valloton killed --
---- Embarks for the West Indies 23
1794 Capture of Martinico --
---- ---- ---- St. Lucia --
---- ---- ---- Guadeloupe 24
1795 Returns to England--Proceeds to Ireland --
1796 Embarks for the West Indies 25
1796 Detached for St. Domingo 25
---- Capture of Bombarde --
1797 Attack on Port Jack Thomas --
---- Defence of Irois --
---- Attack on St. Mary’s --
---- Proceeds to Jamaica --
1798 Embarks for England --
1799 Expedition to Holland --
---- Battles of Bergen and Egmont-op-Zee 26
---- Returns to England 27
1800 Embarks for Ireland --
1801 Recruited with men raised for European service
only, who volunteer to extend their services
to any part of the world 28
1804 A _Second Battalion_ added to the establishment 29
1805 First Battalion proceeds to the East Indies --
1807 Second Battalion proceeds to the East Indies 30
1809 Detachment to Bourbon and the Mauritius --
---- Capture of Mallia 31
---- Capture of St. Paul’s on the Island of Bourbon 33
---- Detachments serve as Marines 34
---- Services in consequence of disaffection in Native Corps 35
1810 Capture of the Island of Bourbon 36
---- ---- ---- Mauritius 37
1811 New Colours presented by the East India Company 38
1813 Services with the Guicwar’s subsidiary Force 39
---- A _Third Battalion_ added to the establishment 40
---- Capture of Canool and Raree --
1814 Third Battalion serves in Holland 41
---- ---- ---- Action at Merxem, &c. --
---- ---- ---- returns to England 43
---- ---- ---- disbanded at Sheerness --
1815 First Battalion proceeds to the Mauritius 44
1816 Second Battalion serves with the Poonah Subsidiary Force 45
1817 Second Battalion returns to England and is disbanded 46
1826 The Regiment returns to England 48
1827 Embarks for Ireland --
1829 Court of Enquiry to investigate Regimental Books and
Registries 49
1831 Embarks for Jamaica 50
1840 ---- ---- North America 51
---- Detachments employed in the Disputed Territory
during the unsettled state of the Boundary Question --
1842 Embarks for Ireland 52
1844 The Conclusion 53
SUCCESSION OF COLONELS.
1755 Lord Charles Manners 55
1761 The Honorable William Keppel --
1765 James Durand 56
1766 Hunt Walsh --
1795 Samuel Hulse 57
1797 The Honorable Chapple Norton 58
1818 Sir John Murray, Baronet 59
1827 Matthew Lord Aylmer, K.C.B. 60
1832 Sir Hudson Lowe, K.C.B. --
1842 The Earl of Westmorland, K.C.B. & G.C.H. --
SUCCESSION OF LIEUT.-COLONELS 61
SUCCESSION OF MAJORS 62
PLATES.
Page
Colours of the Regiment _to face_ 9
Uniform of 1843 52
[Illustration: FIFTY-SIXTH REGIMENT OF FOOT.]
HISTORICAL RECORD
OF THE
FIFTY-SIXTH,
OR
THE WEST ESSEX REGIMENT
OF
FOOT.
[Sidenote: 1755]
The aggressions of foreign Princes, possessing extensive military
establishments, have repeatedly rendered considerable augmentations
to the British army necessary, for the preservation of the kingdom
and its numerous colonial possessions; and a circumstance of this
character occasioned the formation of the FIFTY-SIXTH Regiment,
during the winter of 1755-6.
The unjustifiable claims of France on certain portions of North
America,--the forcible expulsion of a company of British settlers
from a tract of land beyond the Allegany Mountains, and near the
river Ohio, by a body of French troops,--and the building of a
fort to command the entrance into the country on the Ohio and
Mississippi rivers, thus excluding the English from a valuable
portion of their possessions, gave indication of an approaching war.
In December, 1755, an order was issued for adding ten regiments of
infantry to the regular army. The seventh of these new regiments
was raised in the north of England, under the superintendence of
LORD CHARLES MANNERS, who was nominated to the colonelcy, his
commission bearing date the 26th of December, 1755. It was numbered
the FIFTY-EIGHTH Foot; but two inefficient colonial corps being
soon afterwards disbanded, (viz., Major-General Shirley’s and
Major-General Sir William Pepperel’s,) it obtained the rank of the
FIFTY-SIXTH Regiment.
[Sidenote: 1756]
Active measures were adopted in the beginning of 1756, for
completing the numbers of the regiment to its establishment of
ten companies, of seventy-eight non-commissioned officers and
soldiers each; and its quarters were established at Newcastle and
Gateshead. Its costume was scarlet, faced, lined, and turned up
with deep crimson; a few years afterwards the facing was changed to
a _purple_, which had been denominated “_Pompadour_” colour: this
circumstance gave rise to the FIFTY-SIXTH Regiment being commonly
styled “_The Pompadours_.”
The following officers received commissions in the regiment:--
_Colonel_, LORD CHARLES MANNERS.
_Lieut.-Colonel_, PETER PARR.
_Major_, JOHN DOYNE.
_Captains._
James Stewart
William Skipton
William Playstowe
Wm. Earl of Sutherland
Thomas Hargrave
John Heighington
John Deaken
_Lieutenants._
Wilson Marshall
John Forster
Thomas Harrison
Edwin Eyre
John White
James Perrin
John Ingram
John Archer
David Dundas[1]
St. John Pierce Lacy
_Ensigns._
John Brereton
Edward Jenkins
James Lyons
Archibald Wight
Joseph Baillie
William Sandys
Fiennes Jenkinson
Christopher Hales
John Woodford
_Captain-Lieutenant._
Francis Gregor
_Chaplain_, John Halsted;
_Adjutant_, John Hardy;
_Quarter-Master_, William Lamplow;
_Surgeon_, William Pitman.
[Sidenote: 1757]
[Sidenote: 1758]
[Sidenote: 1759]
In April, 1757, the regiment marched to Berwick, from whence it
afterwards continued its route to Scotland, where it was stationed
several years, occupying quarters at Aberdeen, and its vicinity,
in 1758; and in the following year at Edinburgh, from whence a
detachment proceeded to Germany, to recruit the regiments serving
in that country.
[Sidenote: 1760]
[Sidenote: 1761]
Embarking from Leith, in July, 1760, the regiment proceeded to
Hilsea barracks, where it was stationed during the year 1761.
On the 17th of December, Lord Charles Manners was succeeded in the
colonelcy by Colonel the Honorable William Keppel, fourth son of
William-Anne, second Earl of Albemarle, from the First Foot Guards.
[Sidenote: 1762]
In the mean time, France had been deprived of all her possessions
in North America, and British troops, then employed in Germany,
were opposing formidable resistance to the schemes of the court of
Versailles; but the celebrated treaty, called the “Family Compact,”
between the sovereigns of France and Spain (both Bourbon princes),
gave a new character to the war. Confiding in the prowess of his
seamen and soldiers, the British monarch did not shrink from the
unequal contest, but proclaimed war against Spain on the 4th of
January, 1762; and an expedition was afterwards prepared for the
attack of the valuable Spanish settlement of the _Havannah_, in
the island of Cuba. The FIFTY-SIXTH Regiment, being selected to
take part in this enterprise, sailed from Portsmouth on the 5th of
March, and on arriving in the West Indies, it joined the armament
under General the Earl of Albemarle: the colonel of the FIFTY-SIXTH
Regiment, the Honorable William Keppel, had the local rank of
Major-General in the expedition.
Passing through the dangerous navigation of the Straits of Bahama
without accident, the fleet arrived off the Havannah on the
6th of June, and a landing was effected on the following day.
The FIFTY-SIXTH Regiment mustered nine hundred and thirty-three
officers and soldiers, under Lieut.-Colonel James Stewart, and
were formed in brigade with four companies of the Royals, and a
battalion of the Sixtieth, under Brigadier-General Haviland.
The Havannah, from its great importance, had been carefully
fortified; the entrance to the harbour, which is one of the finest
in the world, was secured on one side by the _Moro_ fort, built
of solid masonry on a projecting point of land, and having an
immense ditch cut out of the rock. The west side of the harbour
was defended by the Puntal fort, and the town was surrounded by
a rampart, flanked with bastions, and strengthened by a ditch.
The reduction of the Moro fort was the first object which engaged
the attention of the troops, and this service was intrusted
to Major-General the Honorable William Keppel (colonel of the
FIFTY-SIXTH), his own regiment forming part of the force placed
under his orders, and having repeated opportunities of evincing
its spirit and perseverance in this arduous undertaking, rendered
particularly difficult by the oppressive heat, a scarcity of water,
the necessity of dragging the artillery along a rocky coast, and
from the thinness of the soil; so great was the labour in carrying
on the approaches, that several men were daily lost by diseases
produced by their extraordinary exertions. The destruction of
the grand battery by fire augmented the labours of the besieging
troops; but they resumed their work, repulsed a sortie of the
Spaniards, and erected new batteries. On the 30th of July, a
storming party was formed under the orders of Lieutenant-Colonel
Stewart, of the late Ninetieth Regiment (disbanded on 18th March,
1763): two mines were sprung, a small practicable breach made,
and the British soldiers rushed in at the aperture with so much
impetuosity, that the Spaniards were instantly overpowered. Nearly
one hundred and fifty of the enemy were killed; four hundred threw
down their arms and were made prisoners; upwards of two hundred
endeavoured to escape in boats, but lost their lives in the attempt.
The spirited capture of the Moro fort was followed by the erection
of a line of batteries on Cavannos Hill, commanding the eastern
side of the city, and the guns of the captured fort were also
turned against the Spaniards. On the 11th of August the batteries
opened a well-directed fire on the Puntal fort and the town; and so
severe was the cannonade, that in less than six hours the enemy’s
guns were silenced, and the white flag hoisted. A capitulation was
concluded on the 13th, and possession was taken of the town and
Puntal fort on the following day.
This valuable conquest was achieved by a division of the royal
navy, and a land force of fourteen thousand men; and it cost
upwards of a thousand officers and soldiers in killed and deaths
from extraordinary exertions.
The FIFTY-SIXTH Regiment had twelve rank and file killed; one
officer and twenty-three rank and file wounded: the regiment also
sustained the loss of many brave men from diseases.
For its distinguished conduct on this occasion, the regiment was
honored with the royal authority to bear the word “MORO” on its
regimental colours, which forms a conspicuous feature in its
Record; few corps having acquired an honorary inscription for their
colours on their first service.
[Sidenote: 1763]
The regiment remained at the Havannah several months, the garrison
being under the order of its colonel, Major-General the Honorable
William Keppel. A treaty of peace was soon afterwards concluded;
and the Havannah was restored to Spain in exchange for Florida: it
was, accordingly, delivered up to the Spanish troops on the 7th of
July, 1763.
In September, the FIFTY-SIXTH Regiment embarked for Ireland, and
landing in the following month, marched to Limerick, its numbers
being completed by volunteers from other corps.
[Sidenote: 1764]
At this period, several changes were made in the clothing and
equipment of certain regiments of cavalry and infantry; and a
communication, dated Dublin, 9th October, 1764, made known to the
FIFTY-SIXTH Regiment--“His Majesty’s pleasure, that the facings of
the clothing of the FIFTY-SIXTH Regiment of Foot, under the command
of Major-General Keppel, be changed to a _purple_ colour; that the
men have white breeches; that the accoutrements be white; and that
the grenadier caps be plated instead of embroidered,” &c.
[Sidenote: 1765]
Leaving Limerick on the 2nd of May, the regiment proceeded to
Dublin, where it was stationed two years.
On the 15th of May, 1765, Major-General the Honorable William
Keppel was removed to the Fourteenth Foot; and in June His Majesty
conferred the colonelcy of the FIFTY-SIXTH on Lieut.-General James
Durand, from the lieut.-colonelcy of the First Foot Guards.
[Sidenote: 1766]
Lieut.-General Durand died in 1766, and was succeeded by Colonel
Hunt Walsh, from the lieut.-colonelcy of the Twenty-eighth Regiment.
[Sidenote: 1767]
[Sidenote: 1768]
The regiment quitted Dublin in October, 1767, and proceeded to
Waterford, where it remained seven months, and in May, 1768, it
returned to Dublin.
By the Royal Warrant, dated 19th December, 1768, the facings of the
FIFTY-SIXTH Regiment were continued to be _purple_.
[Sidenote: 1769]
[Sidenote: 1770]
After performing Dublin duty two years, the regiment received
orders to transfer its services to Gibraltar. It accordingly
marched to Cork in May, 1770, and embarked from thence for that
important fortress.
In December an order was received for augmenting the regiment, by
the addition of a light infantry company of three serjeants, three
corporals, two buglers, and sixty-two private soldiers; also an
addition of twenty-one rank and file to each of the other companies.
[Sidenote: 1771]
[Sidenote: 1775]
[Sidenote: 1778]
[Sidenote: 1779]
The regiment was stationed at Gibraltar during the following twelve
years. The American war commenced in 1775, and three Hanoverian
regiments afterwards joined the garrison of Gibraltar. In 1778
France united with the revolted British subjects, and the Spanish
monarch contrived to introduce himself into the dispute, in the
character of a mediator; but his proposals were of so injurious
a character to the interests of Great Britain, that they were
instantly rejected. The King of Spain then seized on what appeared
to be a favorable opportunity to declare war, and to wrest from
Great Britain the important fortress of _Gibraltar_, which had
resisted every attempt to retake it, since its capture by the
British in 1704.
In June, 1779, the intercourse of the garrison of Gibraltar with
the Spanish territory was suddenly stopped, so that several
officers on leave of absence, experienced difficulty in rejoining
their corps. A numerous Spanish army speedily blockaded the
fortress on the land side, and the garrison became insulated from
the rest of the world. Resolving on a desperate defence of the
fortress intrusted to their care, the troops undertook the task
with cheerfulness, and severe toil and spare diet were sustained
without complaint. The works were increased; the pavement of the
streets was taken up; the towers of conspicuous buildings pulled
down; the stone sentry-boxes removed; guard-houses unroofed;
traverses were raised in different places, and a covered way begun.
Several staff appointments took place; among others, Major Hardy,
of the FIFTY-SIXTH, was nominated quarter-master-general: Captain
Valloton, aide-de-camp to the governor; and Lieutenant S. Wood,
assistant town-major: the regiment was commanded by Major Bulleine
Fancourt[2].
[Sidenote: 1780]
A rigorous blockade being established by sea and land, a scarcity
of provision was soon experienced; the soldiers, being resolutely
determined to defend their position, submitted to privations which
were unavoidable, although the scurvy made great ravages among
them, and reduced their numbers. Early in 1780 Admiral Sir George
Rodney arrived with a convoy, to the great joy and relief of the
garrison, which was augmented by the second battalion of the
Seventy-third Regiment.
The British fleet having departed, the Spaniards renewed the
blockade by sea, and attempted to destroy the vessels in the
harbour by fire-ships, but failed. Towards the close of the year,
provision again became short; a limited supply was occasionally
obtained from the Moors; the effects of the scurvy were mitigated
by cultivating vegetables on the rock; and the gallant defenders
of Gibraltar maintained their attitude of defiance to the power of
Spain.
[Sidenote: 1781]
In April, 1781, the garrison was again relieved by the arrival of a
numerous fleet under Vice-Admiral Darby.
This success occasioned the Spaniards to lose all hope of being
able to reduce the fortress by blockade, and they resolved to try
the power of their numerous artillery. Scarcely had the fleet
cast anchor, when the enemy’s batteries opened, and the fire of
upwards of one hundred guns and mortars enveloped the fortress in
a storm of war; a number of gun-boats augmented the iron tempest
which beat against the rock, and the houses of the inhabitants were
soon in ruins. Surgeon Thomas Chisholm, of the FIFTY-SIXTH, was
severely wounded by the splinter of a shell, on the 15th of April;
Lieutenant Edward Vicars of the regiment was also wounded on the
26th of October, and Ensign Richard Edgar on the 3rd of November.
Europe watched, with intense interest, the heroic conduct of the
garrison; and the English governor deliberately observed the
approaches of the enemy, and seized, with the keenest perspection,
the proper moment to make a sortie with success. This occurred on
the night of the 26th of November, when the flank companies of
the FIFTY-SIXTH had an opportunity of distinguishing themselves.
The moon shone bright on the sands as the soldiers assembled at
midnight; between two and three o’clock, darkness overspread
the country, and the troops issued silently from the fortress.
They were challenged and fired upon by the enemy’s sentries; but
the British soldiers rushed forward with their native ardour,
overpowered the Spanish guards, and captured the batteries in
gallant style; the defenders of the works flying in dismay, and
communicating the panic to the troops in their rear. The wooden
batteries were soon prepared for fire; the flames spread with
astonishing rapidity, and a column of fire and smoke arose from
the works, illuminating the surrounding objects, and shedding a
fiery lustre upon this unparalleled scene. In an hour the object
of the sortie was effected; trains were laid to the enemy’s
magazines, and the soldiers withdrew: as they entered the fortress
tremendous explosions shook the ground, and rising columns of
smoke, flame, and burning timber, proclaimed the destruction of
the enemy’s immense stores of gunpowder to be completed. General
Eliott declared in orders,--“The bearing and conduct of the whole
detachment,--officers, seamen, and soldiers,--on this glorious
occasion, surpass my utmost acknowledgments.”
The Spaniards appeared astounded at this disgrace; they made no
attempt to extinguish the flames; but appeared at a loss how to
proceed. Early in December they began to arouse themselves, and
to restore the batteries; but were retarded by the fire of the
garrison. While the besiegers were using diligence in repairing
the old works, and constructing new ones, the gallant defenders of
the fortress were equally indefatigable,--every serjeant, drummer,
musician, officer’s servant, and private soldier was required to
use the musket, shovel, and pickaxe, as his services were necessary.
[Sidenote: 1782]
All ordinary means of attack appearing to be unavailing against
the resolute garrison of Gibraltar, stupendous preparations were
made on a new principle, and floating batteries were constructed
with great art and labour, and were accounted the most perfect
contrivance of the kind ever seen. The combined power of France
and Spain was directed against the fortress; the Duke of Crillon
took the command of the besieging army, and he was assisted by a
celebrated French engineer, Monsieur d’Arcon. As the summer of 1782
progressed, the garrison was aware that a crisis was approaching,
and awaited with cool determination the hour of trial. Sickness and
the enemy’s fire thinned their numbers (Lieutenant White, of the
FIFTY-SIXTH, being among the wounded); yet their efforts were not
relaxed. New subterraneous works were constructed; and furnaces
prepared for heating red-hot shot.
A trial of hot shot was made in the early part of September,
and some of the enemy’s works were set on fire. This unexpected
disaster provoked the Duke of Crillon to hurry the attack of a
number of new batteries, which opened with a volley of sixty
shells, and was followed by the fire of one hundred and seven
guns of large calibre. A tremendous storm of bullets and shells
thundered against the fortress; and soon after, the immense
battering ships approached and took their station: princes of the
royal blood of France,--Spanish nobility,--dignified characters of
Europe,--and an amazing concourse of persons filling the enemy’s
camp, and covering the adjacent hills, to witness the fall of the
fortress under the fire of these stupendous vessels.
The batteries of the garrison opened their fire, and the roar of
four hundred heavy guns proclaimed the dreadful conflict. The
battering ships proved powerful; the heaviest shells rebounded
from their tops, and a thirty-two pound shot scarcely seemed
to make an impression on them. Sometimes smoke arose, but the
engines in the ships soon caused it to disappear. The effect of
the red-hot shot was doubted; the result uncertain; but the fire
was persevered in, and showers of balls, shells, and carcasses,
flew through the air. For some hours the attack and defence were
so equally well supported, as scarcely to admit of any appearance
of superiority in the cannonade on either side. The wonderful
construction of the battering ships appeared to bid defiance to
the powers of the heaviest ordnance and of red-hot balls. In the
afternoon (13th September) the face of things began to change,
and the smoke issuing from the upper part of the enemy’s flagship
became more voluminous. A second ship soon appeared in the same
condition. Confusion prevailed. The enemy’s cannonade began to
abate. Signals of distress were made to their fleet; and groans
and cries of suffering came from the burning ships. Soon after
midnight one battering ship was in flames; in a short time a second
appeared in the same state; and between three and four o’clock six
more exhibited the effects of the red-hot shot. A dreadful scene
of conflagration illuminated the bay of Gibraltar, and the British
seamen were seen rescuing their enemies from impending destruction.
Although defeated in this grand effort, the Spaniards entertained
some hope of being able to reduce the garrison to submission
from the want of provision; and the siege was continued: but in
October the combined fleets of France and Spain were damaged by a
storm. After this event the garrison was again relieved; supplied
with provisions, and reinforced with troops; and the officers and
soldiers were encouraged to persevere in their gallant efforts,
by a letter from the principal Secretary of State, published
in orders, in which it was stated,--“I am honored with His
Majesty’s commands to assure you, in the strongest terms, that no
encouragement shall be wanting to the brave officers and soldiers
under your command. His Majesty’s Royal approbation of the past
will, no doubt, be a powerful incentive to future exertion: and I
have the King’s authority to assure you, that every distinguished
act of emulation and gallantry, which shall be performed in the
course of the siege, by any, even of the lowest rank, will meet
with ample reward from his gracious protection and favour.”
Thus encouraged, the brave garrison of Gibraltar stood firm and
determined in the defence of the fortress, and the enemy lost all
hopes of being able to gain possession of the place.
[Sidenote: 1783]
Preliminary articles for a treaty of peace having been signed,
hostilities ceased in February, 1783, and Gibraltar remained one of
the gems of the British Crown, after a determined siege of three
years, seven months, and twelve days, from the commencement of the
blockade.
Thus terminated the celebrated siege of Gibraltar; the nations of
Europe were struck with admiration of the gallant defenders of the
fortress; the British people applauded their governor and his brave
garrison; and the officers and soldiers received the thanks of
Parliament and the approbation of their Sovereign.
“In commemoration of the glorious defence made by the regiments
of infantry which composed the garrison of GIBRALTAR during the
late memorable siege of that fortress,” the FIFTY-SIXTH Regiment
received the royal authority to bear on its regimental colours
the word “GIBRALTAR,” with the device of a “CASTLE AND KEY,” and
the motto “_Montis Insignia Calpe_.”
In pursuance of an arrangement made by His Majesty’s command, the
several regiments were at this period directed to assume _County
Titles_, and to cultivate a connexion with such parts of the
kingdom, with the view of promoting the recruiting of the army. The
FIFTY-SIXTH received the title of the WEST ESSEX Regiment.
In the month of October of this year, the FIFTY-SIXTH Regiment was
relieved at Gibraltar, and embarked for England: having landed at
Portsmouth in December, it marched from thence to Chatham.
[Sidenote: 1784]
In the beginning of 1784 the regiment marched to St. Albans, and
in the spring commenced its route to Scotland, proceeding first to
Glasgow, and afterwards to Aberdeen.
[Sidenote: 1785]
[Sidenote: 1786]
On the 8th of April, 1785, the regiment commenced its march from
Aberdeen for Fort George, where it was stationed twelve months,
and, in April, 1786, marched to Perth: in June it proceeded to
Edinburgh Castle.
[Sidenote: 1787]
Leaving Edinburgh in May, 1787, the regiment proceeded to Ayr, and
in September to Glasgow. Its establishment was reduced from eleven
to ten companies.
[Sidenote: 1788]
[Sidenote: 1789]
In January, 1788, the regiment embarked from Glasgow for Ireland,
and, landing at Belfast, proceeded from thence to Galway, where it
was stationed during the following year.
[Sidenote: 1790]
[Sidenote: 1791]
From Galway the regiment marched, in the autumn of 1790, to
Dublin, where it was stationed during the year 1791, its
lieutenant-colonel, Colonel Peter Craig, commanding the garrison.
[Sidenote: 1792]
From Dublin the regiment marched, in June, 1792, to Drogheda. In
the mean time a revolution of a violent and dangerous character
had taken place in France, and the French monarch was placed under
restraint. These proceedings, with the attempts made by the French
to promulgate their democratical doctrines in other countries,
appearing to render a war inevitable, the army was augmented, and
two companies were added to the FIFTY-SIXTH Regiment.
[Sidenote: 1793]
Several changes of quarters took place in the early part of 1793.
Brevet-Major Valloton, being stationed with his company at Wexford,
was employed, on the 11th of June, 1793, in suppressing a tumult
at that place, and, advancing in front of his men, to expostulate
with the rioters, he was cut down by one of the mob with a scythe;
his men fired on the assassin, and several rioters were killed and
wounded. A monument was erected to the memory of Major Valloton
near the town of Wexford, where the occurrence took place.
In August the regiment marched to Cork, and was held in readiness
to proceed on foreign service. The French republicans had added
to their other atrocities the decapitation of their sovereign;
war had commenced, and the FIFTY-SIXTH Regiment was selected to
join an expedition to the West Indies, under General Sir Charles
(afterwards Earl) Grey, to deliver the French West India islands
from the power of the republicans. The regiment embarked for this
service in November, and sailed for Barbadoes, where it arrived in
January, 1794.
[Sidenote: 1794]
The flank companies of the regiment were formed in grenadier and
light infantry battalions, and, with the battalion companies,
proceeded against the island of _Martinico_. A landing was effected
at three different points in the early part of February, 1794,
and some sharp fighting occurred, in which the FIFTY-SIXTH,
particularly the flank companies, had the honor to take part, and
in a short period this valuable island was captured by the British
arms. Sir Charles Grey stated in his despatch,--“The general and
field officers and the commanding officers of corps, have set such
an example of zeal, activity, and animation in this service, which
has been so laudably imitated by all the officers and soldiers of
this little army, that they merit the greatest praise.”
Leaving the battalion companies at Martinico, the flank companies
proceeded with the expedition against _St. Lucia_, the grenadiers
being in the brigade under Prince Edward (afterwards Duke of Kent),
and the light company in that commanded by Major-General Dundas.
The troops employed on this service arrived at St. Lucia on the
1st of April, and the conquest of that fine island was achieved in
three days.
The army afterwards proceeded against the island of _Guadeloupe_,
and the FIFTY-SIXTH had the honor to share in this enterprise. A
determined resistance was made by the French republicans; but the
island was captured before the end of April, and the commander of
the forces declared he could not find words to express “the high
sense he entertained of the extraordinary merit evinced by the
officers and soldiers in this service.”
The regiment was afterwards stationed at Grenada and Martinico,
and a great loss of life having been sustained from the effects
of climate and other causes, an order was received in October, to
transfer the men of the FIFTY-SIXTH, fit for duty, to the Sixth,
Ninth, and Fifteenth Regiments.
[Sidenote: 1795]
On the 3rd of January, 1795, the officers, staff, and such
non-commssioned officers and soldiers as had not been transferred
to other corps embarked from Martinico, and sailed for England;
they arrived at Gravesend on the 18th of February, and were
stationed at Chatham: active measures were adopted to recruit the
ranks of the regiment.
After commanding the regiment nearly thirty years, General Walsh
died, and was succeeded in the colonelcy by Major-General Samuel
Hulse, from the lieut.-colonelcy of the First Foot Guards, by
commission, dated the 7th of March, 1795.
In September the regiment marched to Gravesend, where it embarked
for Cork, and landed at Spike Island on the 1st of October.
[Sidenote: 1796]
Great success had attended the recruiting and training of the
regiment, and although one year only had elapsed since its return
from the West Indies a skeleton, it had attained so perfect a
state of discipline and efficiency, that in the early part of 1796
it proceeded to Barbadoes, from whence it was detached to St.
Domingo, where it served under Major-General White, by whom it was
employed at the taking of _Bombarde_ in the district of Mole, St.
Nicholas, which was captured, and the works destroyed.
[Sidenote: 1797]
On the 24th of January, 1797, Major-General Hulse was removed to
the Nineteenth Regiment, and the colonelcy of the FIFTY-SIXTH
was conferred on Major-General the Hon. Chapple Norton, from the
Eighty-first Regiment.
[Sidenote: 1798]
In this year the regiment was employed in the district of Grand
Ance in the island of St. Domingo; it took part in the attack
of _Port Jack Thomas_, and in the defence of Irois, under
Major-General Brent Spencer, also in the attack made on the town of
_St. Mary’s_, after which it returned to Port St. Nicholas. When
the island was given up, the regiment proceeded to Jamaica, where
it remained until November, 1798, when it embarked from Kingston,
for England.
[Sidenote: 1799]
Arriving at Gravesend on the 31st of January, 1799, the regiment
landed, and proceeded to Chatham. It was afterwards removed to
different counties in England, and active measures were adopted
with success to recruit its diminished numbers.
At this period a favorable opportunity appeared to present itself
for rescuing Holland from the power of France, into which it had
fallen during the early part of 1795, and a plan of co-operation
was concerted between Great Britain and Russia, in the expectation
that the Dutch would rise against the French, and, aided by the
Anglo-Russian force, would exert themselves to effect their
emancipation. The FIFTY-SIXTH being selected to share in this
enterprise, joined the troops at Barham Downs on the 31st of July,
and in the middle of September embarked at Deal for Holland.
The regiment joined the Anglo-Russian army, under His Royal
Highness the Duke of York, in time to take a distinguished part
in the attack of the enemy’s positions on the 19th of September.
On this occasion the first operations of the several columns
were successful; but the hopes, which a brilliant commencement
afforded, of a general and decisive victory, were destroyed by the
hasty valour, and the want of that precaution which the art of war
prescribes, on the part of the Russians under General Hermann,
who were repulsed by an enemy inferior to themselves in numbers
and valour, but superior in science and prudence. This disaster
rendered it necessary for the army to resume its position. The
FIFTY-SIXTH Regiment had thirty rank and file killed on this
occasion; Captains King and Gilman, Lieutenant Prater, thirty-three
rank and file, wounded; one serjeant, one drummer, and fifty-seven
rank and file, missing. The Duke of York stated in his public
despatch,--“The gallantry displayed by the troops engaged--the
spirit with which they overcame every obstacle which nature and art
opposed to them, and the cheerfulness with which they maintained
the fatigues of an action which lasted, without intermission, from
half-past three o’clock in the morning until five in the afternoon,
are beyond my powers to describe. Their exertions fully entitle
them to the admiration and gratitude of their king and country.”
On the 2nd of October a successful attack was made on the enemy’s
positions between Bergen and Egmont-op-Zee; and the action “was[3]
sustained by the British columns under those highly-distinguished
officers, General Sir Ralph Abercromby and Lieut.-General Dundas,
whose exertions, as well as the gallantry of the brave troops they
led, cannot have been surpassed by any former instance of British
valour.”
During the night the enemy fell back; and the British advance-posts
moved forward on the following day. On the 6th of October the
enemy’s posts were again attacked with success, and the British
maintained a forward position.
Although the army under the Duke of York was victorious in its
engagements, yet the Dutch people were not stimulated, by these
spirited exertions, to rise in arms against their oppressors; and
several circumstances having occurred which indicated that the
expedition was not likely to be eventually successful, the Duke of
York resolved to evacuate the country.
The regiment embarked from North Holland on the 18th of November,
landed at Yarmouth on the 20th, and marched to Chelmsford. In
December it proceeded to Horsham.
[Sidenote: 1800]
Leaving Horsham on the 26th of January, 1800, the regiment
proceeded to Portsmouth, where it embarked for Ireland, and landing
on the 25th of February, marched to Kilkenny, from whence it
afterwards proceeded to Clonmel, Fermoy, &c. Two companies, of one
hundred rank and file each, were added to the establishment.
While at these stations, the regiment was conspicuous for its
correct discipline and efficiency, and after the usual inspection,
on the 29th of October, the following garrison order was
issued:--“Major-General Sir Charles Ross is happy to have this
opportunity of expressing his approbation of the steadiness and
appearance of the FIFTY-SIXTH Regiment this day, and returns his
thanks to the officers and men for the zeal and attention which
they have displayed on all occasions since he has had the honor of
commanding them.”
[Sidenote: 1801]
The regiment, after its return from the West Indies, in the
early part of 1799, had been recruited with men for limited
service in Europe; but when the glorious triumphs of the British
army in Egypt, under General Sir Ralph Abercromby, K.B., were
made known to the corps in general orders, this announcement
of splendid victories, gained by English troops, created so
lively an interest in the regiment, that the soldiers instantly
responded with a tender of service in any quarter of the globe,
which was communicated to the general officer of the district,
Brigadier-General Champagne, by Major H. S. Keating, commanding the
regiment at the time, in the following terms:
“SIR,--I have the honor to inclose you the offer of the
FIFTY-SIXTH Regiment, of serving in any part of the world, where
His Majesty may deem it necessary; which I beg you will have the
goodness to lay before his Excellency the Commander-in-chief.
I should consider myself acting with injustice, were I not to
notice the very enthusiastic manner in which the orders of the
16th May, 1801[4], of His Royal Highness the Duke of York, were
received, and the consequent tender of those services excited by
a contemplation of the animated conduct of our gallant army in
Egypt; and I feel a confidence in adding, that should they be
accepted, I have every reliance, that the spirit and energy of
the regiment, will support with honor the interest of its king
and country.”
The commander of the forces in Ireland directed the
adjutant-general to convey to the non-commissioned officers and
privates of the regiment, “his thanks and approbation of their
spirited offer of general service, which is transmitted to His
Royal Highness the Commander-in-chief, to be laid before the
King.” The Duke of York also communicated “his thanks to the corps
for their spirited and loyal offer to extend their service to any
part of the world.”
[Sidenote: 1802]
This tender of service was, however, so speedily followed by the
peace of Amiens, concluded in the early part of 1802, that no call
was made, at this period, for the regiment to proceed on foreign
service. In October it marched to Limerick.
[Sidenote: 1803]
Hostilities were resumed in 1803, and Bonaparte’s threat of
invading England was answered by a sudden assumption of arms
throughout the kingdom, which produced an array of military power,
that proved how highly the British people prized their constitution
and liberties, and deterred the French from quitting their own
coast. The regiment proceeded to Galway in August, and was
afterwards removed to Tuam, Loughrea, and Kinsale.
[Sidenote: 1804]