The King's Royal Rifle Corps

Discussion in 'Revolutionary War' started by markpeters, Mar 29, 2007.

  1. markpeters

    markpeters New Member

    On one of my recent blogs, I mentioned the merger of British regiments that has recently taken place. In particular, the merger of light infantry regiments and rifle brigades. An active member of this DG; Ben, mentioned a previous incarnation of The King's Royal Rifle Corps.

    I thought it might be of interest to detail the previous titles and relevant formations of battalions. Ben was quite right about their formation being tied up with the American colonies. A direct relationship that existed until re-organisation in 1824.

    1755-1757 62nd (Royal American) Regiment of Foot
    1757-1815 60th (Royal American) Regiment of Foot
    1815-1824 60th (Royal American) Light Infantry

    The 1st Battalion was formed in America in 1755, and took part in the attack on Ticonderoga and capture of Fort Dunquesne in 1758. They also fought in the Indian Campaign of 1763/64.

    The 2nd Battalion was formed in America in 1755. It took part in the capture of Quebec in 1757, Louisburg in 1758, and was in the action at Sainte Foy in 1760.

    The 3rd Battalion was formed in America in 1755. It took part in the capture of Quebec in 1757, Louisburg in 1758, and was in the action at Sainte Foy in 1760. It was stationed in West Florida during 1763. During the war of Independence, it took part in operations in Georgia and South Carolina. They were present at Savannah in 1779 and Mobile in 1780.

    The 4th Battalion was formed in America in 1755, and took part in the attack on Ticonderoga in 1758 and Niagara in 1759. During the war of Independence, it took part in operations in Georgia and South Carolina. They were present at Savannah in 1779 and Mobile in 1780.

    The 7th Battalion was formed in Guernsey (The Channel Islands) in 1813 and were sent to Nova Scotia in 1814. They took part in the expedition to Penobscot in 1814 and were present at the capture of Hampden.

    Best wishes,

    Mark

    What is clear from regimental and battalion histories is that much of this Regiment had been raised in America, and spent much of their time in Canada and the West Indies after American Independence. Therefore, much of the Regimental recruiting was from either colonists in America, or from their descendants in Canada well into the 1820s. Several battalions continued to enlist Canadians into the 1860s, and the 1st Battalion until 1871.
     
  2. Alexander

    Alexander Member

  3. Alexander

    Alexander Member

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