Historical Record of the Sixth, or Inniskilling Regiment of Dragoons / Containing an Account of the Formation of the Regiment in 1689, and of Its Subsequent Services to 1846

by Richard Cannon

HISTORICAL RECORD

OF

THE SIXTH,

OR,

THE INNISKILLING REGIMENT

OF

DRAGOONS.

---

The circumstances under which the formation of the Sixth, or the Inniskilling Regiment of Dragoons, took place, derived their origin from the political events of the reign of King James II., and from the diversity of religious sentiments entertained by His Majesty's subjects in Ireland.

1172
1370
1534
1660
1684

In the twelfth century (1172) Ireland, which had been divided into a number of independent states, of which Munster, Leinster, Meath, Ulster, and Connaught were principal sovereignties, submitted to the authority of the English monarch Henry II. The religion of the people was the Roman Catholic, the same as generally prevailed in other parts of Europe; but two centuries afterwards, the introduction of the reformed religion commenced (1370), and was completed in England in 1534, in the reign of Henry VIII.; it, however, made little progress in Ireland, where the majority of the inhabitants continued Roman Catholics. The English, having embraced the Protestant religion, extended their reformed ecclesiastical institutions to Ireland, where many Protestant families fixed their residence and obtained possessions. The differences in religion, unfortunately, created hostile feelings between the English and Irish; commotions occurred, and a military establishment was found necessary. This consisted of various numbers at different periods: after the Restoration in 1660, the Army of Ireland was composed of twenty troops of horse, a regiment of foot guards, and seventy companies of foot; which were formed into three regiments of cavalry and eight of infantry, including the (Irish) foot guards[7], in 1684. In the following year King James II. ascended the throne, and instead of overlooking the nominal distinctions among his subjects, and seeking to promote the welfare of all, he commenced his endeavours to re-establish the Roman Catholic religion in the three kingdoms, by the most arbitrary proceedings in Ireland. Opposite views and interests were thus brought into collision; evil passions were called forth, which produced effects contrary to those designed, and the results embroiled Ireland in intestine war, and involved many families in misery. The King also commenced arbitrary proceedings in England, where a number of noblemen and gentlemen of property and influence, united in soliciting the Prince of Orange to come to England with an army to aid them in opposing the measures of the Court.

1688

In the autumn of 1688 the Prince of Orange prepared an armament for England, when the army in Ireland was augmented with men of the Roman Catholic religion, who, not obtaining regular pay, were permitted to seize on the property of Protestants for subsistence: persecutions were also commenced against the latter, and a report was circulated of a design to massacre all persons of the reformed religion, on a named day, when many families fled to England, and others prepared to defend themselves.

Appearing on the western coast of England, as the supporter of civil and religious liberty, the Prince of Orange landed his army on the 5th of November; he was welcomed by the people,—joined by many noblemen,—by officers of rank and distinction, and by a number of soldiers, and he advanced by triumphant marches to the capital, where his arrival was celebrated with public rejoicings: King James vacated the throne, and escaped to France.

These events afforded the strongest encouragement to the Protestants of Ireland to make a bold resistance to the proceedings of their opponents, and to join in the same Revolution which had secured the blessings of a constitutional monarchy, and of religious liberty, for England. The principles of self-defence stimulated them to make a daring effort for the preservation of their liberties, in the hope of being aided from England; and from the opposition thus made to illegal aggression, the Sixth, or the Inniskilling, Regiment of Dragoons, derived its origin.

The city of Londonderry, so called in consequence of a number of Londoners having settled there in the reign of James I., was garrisoned by Lord Montjoy's regiment, which had many Protestants in it: this corps was ordered to march towards Dublin, and the Earl of Antrim's newly-raised corps, all Catholics, was expected to be ready to take charge of the garrison; but some delay occurring, a town guard was organised; and when the Earl of Antrim's regiment approached, it was refused admittance: the gates of the city were closed on the 7th of December, and the most determined resistance evinced by the inhabitants, who were encouraged by David Cairnes, Esq., of Knockmany, and other zealous gentlemen.

About the same period the inhabitants of Inniskilling refused to allow two companies of Sir Thomas Newcomen's regiment to enter their town. Thus two important places were preserved from the power of the adherents of King James, and a military force was organised for their protection. Gustavus Hamilton, Esq., was elected governor of Inniskilling, and colonel of the troops of horse and companies of foot formed there, and Thomas Lloyd, Esq., lieutenant-colonel. Colonel Lundy was governor of Londonderry, situate about fifty-five English miles from Inniskilling. The Protestant inhabitants of the north of Ireland enrolled themselves for their mutual defence; but those who fell into the power of the adherents of King James were deprived of their arms and property, and treated with great severity.

1689

The early part of the year 1689 was spent in active preparations for defence: a corps of horse, another of dragoons, and eight battalions of foot were formed, and applications were forwarded to England for military stores.

In February, the Prince and Princess of Orange were elevated to the throne, by the title of King William and Queen Mary, and their accession was proclaimed at Inniskilling on the 11th of March. On the following day King James landed at Kinsale from France; he was accompanied by five thousand French troops, and made his public entry into Dublin on the 24th of March, three days after the accession of William and Mary had been proclaimed at Londonderry.

In the mean time several encounters had taken place between the forces of King James and the newly-raised Protestant corps in the north of Ireland, in which many of the latter were overpowered; but the Inniskilling men were conspicuous for personal bravery, which they evinced on several occasions, and by their valour they preserved themselves from many of the calamities which befel others. On the approach of Lord Galmoy with a detachment of King James's army, the country people, fearing a general massacre, fled with their cattle and effects to Inniskilling. King James's troops besieged Crom Castle; but were driven from before the place with loss; and a party of his dragoons was seized at Armagh; a most gallant action was performed by two troops of horse and three companies of foot, under Mr. Matthew Anketill, by which Monaghan Castle was preserved; and on the 12th of March Lord Blayney defeated a body of the Irish at Ardtray bridge. The success was, however, not always on one side: Captain Henry Hunter and a band of armed Protestants were surprised and destroyed, near Comber; and a party of Inniskilling men were slaughtered on the banks of the Aughaclane.

The army of King James advanced against Londonderry, to which city the Protestants of that part of the country fled as to their last refuge, and they defended the place with heroic gallantry against the numerous army by which it was besieged.

Colonels Thomas Cunningham and Solomon Richards arrived at Lough Foyle in the middle of April, with their regiments, the ninth and seventeenth foot, for the support of Derry; but in consequence of the misrepresentations of the governor, Colonel Lundy, who stated that there was not provision in the town for more than ten days, and that an army of 25,000 men was near the gates, they returned to England. The governor and town-council were desirous of surrendering; but when King James approached the town with his army, the garrison broke through all restraint—fired on the besieging force, killed several men, threatened to hang the governor and council for tampering with the enemy, and declared their resolution to defend the place to the last extremity. The governor escaped in disguise; a new council was chosen; and the Reverend George Walker and Major Thomas Baker were nominated joint-governors during the siege.

The attack made by the army of King James having been repulsed, the town was invested on the 20th of April. The garrison of Londonderry consisted of seven thousand untrained countrymen, without engineers; the town was not well fortified; twenty guns only were on the walls, and not one of them well mounted; yet the city was successfully defended, for more than three months, against a formidable army, which proves how much depends on bravery and resolution. The garrison made several gallant sorties, and inflicted severe loss on the besieging troops.

Meanwhile the Inniskilling men under Gustavus Hamilton were not inactive. Lieutenant-Colonel Lloyd made a successful incursion into the enemy's quarters, took and burnt the fortifications of Augher, and returned to Inniskilling with an immense number of cattle. The same officer routed a body of King James's troops at Belleek, killing a hundred soldiers, taking thirty prisoners, and capturing two guns; and he threw a relief into Ballyshannon on the 8th of May, without the loss of a man, which proved a brilliant commencement of aggressive warfare: he also captured the enemy's garrison at Redhill, and the castle of Ballynecarreg, in the county of Cavan; and Captains Francis Gore and Arnold Crosbie brought off two hundred troop horses from a pasture at Omagh, which mounted three troops of Inniskilling men.

The garrison of Londonderry becoming distressed for want of provisions, the Inniskilling men advanced to its relief; but the approach of a body of troops, under Major-General Sarsfield, to besiege Ballyshannon, and of another, under Colonel Sutherland, to Belturbet, with the view of besieging the town of Inniskilling, obliged them to return and defend their own quarters. The gallant Lieutenant-Colonel Lloyd was detached against Belturbet, from whence Colonel Sutherland fled, on the 15th of June, leaving a detachment of dragoons to defend the church, who surrendered, and the Inniskilling men gained possession of a supply of ammunition and provisions, eighty troop horses with accoutrements, and seven hundred muskets, which enabled them to equip themselves better than before, and to add several new companies to their levies.

Meanwhile the garrison of Londonderry continued to defend that fortress with sanguinary perseverance, and few days passed without King James's army sustaining severe loss from the sallies of the resolute defenders of the place. The want of provisions occasioned the loss of many men from dysentery; and Governor Baker dying on the 30th of June, Colonel Mitchelburne was elected joint-governor with the Reverend Mr. Walker. The cruelties exercised on the inhabitants of the neighbouring towns and villages, to induce the garrison to surrender, stimulated the men to resistance. Major-General Kirke arrived on the 30th of June with two regiments of foot (the second and eleventh), and a supply of arms, ammunition and provisions, but was prevented from approaching the town by forts on the banks, and a boom across the river. After waiting a few days, he landed on the island of Inch, where he threw up entrenchments, and being joined by a number of countrymen, he formed the design of assembling a sufficient force for relieving the town by land. On the 12th of July he was visited on board his vessel by the Reverend Andrew Hamilton, and Mr. John Rider, who represented to him the state of affairs at Inniskilling, and obtained a supply of arms, ammunition, and eight field-pieces; also commissions for a regiment of horse to be commanded by Colonel William Wolseley,—a regiment of dragoons of twelve troops, commanded by Colonel James Wynne (afterwards the fifth, or Royal Irish dragoons), and three regiments of foot, commanded by Colonels Zachariah Tiffin (now twenty-seventh), Gustavus Hamilton, and Thomas Lloyd, with a troop of cavalry to be attached to each battalion of infantry.

Before these corps were embodied, King James's generals, designing to crush the intrepid Inniskilling bands at once, sent three bodies of troops against them. Lieutenant-Colonel Lloyd, by a forced march of twenty miles, surprised one division, under Major-General Sarsfield, in their camp by night, and although his opponents were five times more numerous than his own party he routed them with a dreadful slaughter. The Duke of Berwick, advancing with the second body of King James's army, destroyed two companies of Inniskilling foot sent forward to secure a pass, but when he came to the defences made to cover the approach to the town, he did not venture to attack them, but withdrew, and was soon afterwards ordered to join the army before Londonderry: he subsequently skirmished with a body of men which Major-General Kirke had landed at Rathmetan, but failed to dislodge them.

The third division of King James's army advancing against Inniskilling was commanded by Major-General Justin M'Carthy, who had been created Viscount Mountcashel, and it was more formidable than the other two; but the Inniskilling men had become emboldened by success, and they fearlessly advanced to meet their more numerous antagonists. Their leading column encountered and routed the Viscount Mountcashel's advance-guard, between Linaskea and Inniskilling on the 30th of July, slew two hundred men, and took thirty prisoners. In the afternoon of the same day, the Inniskilling forces, amounting to about two thousand men, under Colonel Wolseley, attacked the opposing army, of very superior numbers, in a formidable position at Newton Butler. By forcing their way over numerous difficulties, and traversing a dangerous bog, the Inniskilling men were enabled to assail the front of the adverse host, and their attack was made with so much audacity and heroic ardour, that the opposing ranks were panic-stricken, and fled in dismay. The gallant Inniskilling men pursued at speed, and overtaking their adversaries among the bogs and loughs, slaughtered two thousand fugitives; about five hundred were drowned in attempting to escape across the deep waters, and nearly five hundred more were taken prisoners, including Viscount Mountcashel, and Colonel Anthony Hamilton. This surprising victory was gained with the loss of twenty men killed, and fifty wounded. Among the trophies of the day were one iron and seven brass guns, a number of standards and colours, a quantity of military stores, and the whole of the enemy's baggage.

Many of the Inniskilling men, who had evinced great personal bravery, had not been regimented, and Sir Albert Cunningham, a gentleman highly esteemed in the county, and who had been deprived of the appointment of Lieutenant-General of the Ordnance in Ireland, by King James, for his adherence to the reformed religion, was authorized to embody six hundred men, into a regiment of dragoons of twelve troops, of which he was appointed colonel; and the corps, thus formed of the distinguished champions for the institutions of their country, having been retained in the service of the Crown to the present period, now bears the title of the Sixth, or the Inniskilling, Regiment of Dragoons.

While the most signal success attended the gallant Inniskilling men, the garrison of Londonderry was distressed for want of provisions, and on the day that the battle of Newton Butler was fought, the ships Montjoy of Londonderry, and Phœnix of Coleraine, convoyed by the Dartmouth frigate, forced the boom under a heavy fire from the banks of the river, and, after encountering many difficulties, anchored at the ship-quay, to the great joy and relief of the brave defenders of the town. King James's generals were so dispirited by this success, and the loss at Newton Butler, that on the night of the 31st of July they raised the siege, which had occupied one hundred and five days, and retired, having lost from eight to nine thousand men, and many officers, in their fruitless attempt to reduce the city.

Thus terminated the siege of Londonderry, which from the circumstances of its commencement, the sufferings endured during its progress, and the determined conduct of its brave defenders, ranks among the glorious achievements recorded in the annals of war. Governor Walker proceeded to England with an address, on the occasion, to King William and Queen Mary, and was received at Court with all the honour due to his distinguished services.

In the mean time an army was raising in England to aid in rescuing Ireland from the power of King James, and was placed under the orders of the veteran Marshal Frederick Duke Schomberg, who arrived in Ireland in August, with ten thousand men, and besieged Carrickfergus, which surrendered before the end of the month.

Twelve troops of Wolseley's horse, six troops of Wynne's (late fifth Royal Irish), and six of Cunningham's (now Sixth) dragoons, Tiffin's (now twenty-seventh) Inniskilling foot, and Mitchelburne's Londonderry regiment (afterwards disbanded), joined the army commanded by the Duke Schomberg, and were employed in the operations of the campaign. The Inniskilling troopers had made their name a terror to their opponents, and were highly esteemed in the English army. Story, the historian of these wars, states, 'I went three miles beyond the camp, where I met the Inniskilling horse and dragoons, whom the Duke had ordered to be an advance-guard to his army. I wondered much to see their horses and equipage, hearing before what feats had been done by them. They were three regiments in all, and most of the troopers and dragoons had their waiting-men mounted upon garrons (small horses); some of them had holsters, and others their pistols hung at their sword-belts.'

The same author adds, 'If these men had been permitted to go on in their old forward way, it is probable they would have saved the town of Newry being burnt.'

The Inniskilling cavalry performed several feats of gallantry, on detached services, during the period the army was at the unhealthy camp at Dundalk; and subsequently returned to their own country for winter quarters.

1690

Previous to the 1st of January, 1690, the Inniskilling cavalry had been considered more as corps of mounted militia, or of yeomanry cavalry, than as regular troops; but at that period the Inniskilling and Londonderry forces were placed on the establishment of the regular army. The following is an extract from King William's warrant on the occasion:—

'WILLIAM R.

'Whereas we have thought fit to forme a regiment of horse, together with two regiments of dragoons, and three regiments of foot, out of Our Inniskilling forces, and to take them into our pay and entertainment, we do hereby pass this Our establishment of the said forces, to commence on the 1st day of January, 1689-90, in the first year of our reign[8].'

Inniskilling Forces.
	Officers and Soldiers.	Amount per Annum.
A regiment of horse, of twelve troops	714	40,207	15	10
Two regiments of dragoons, of eight troops each	1162	41,415	6	8
Three regiments of foot, of thirteen companies each	2781	48,435	10	0
Londonderry Forces.
Two regiments of foot, of thirteen companies each	1854	32,290	6	8
	——	————————–
Total	6511	162,348	19	2
	====	===============

Cunningham's Inniskilling dragoons formed part of the force with which Colonel Wolseley captured the town of Belturbet, which was occupied as a frontier garrison. The colonel having afterwards learnt that his opponents were about to assemble at Cavan, to attack his quarters, left Belturbet on the evening of the 10th of February, 1690, with three troops of horse, two of the Inniskilling dragoons, and seven hundred foot of Kirke's (now second), Wharton's (now twelfth), Tiffin's (now twenty-seventh), and proceeded by a circuitous route towards Cavan, with the intention of surprising his opponents in their quarters, before the arrival of their expected reinforcements. Having passed the river at midnight, at a ford two miles above Ballyhaise,—the infantry on horseback behind the troopers,—he moved quietly towards Cavan, but met with obstructions which delayed his march, and the day had dawned when he drew near the town, when, to his great astonishment, he saw upwards of three thousand men, commanded by the Duke of Berwick, formed on a rising ground to oppose him. The disparity of numbers was great; but trusting to the innate valour of his soldiers, he sent forward a hundred Inniskilling dragoons to commence the action. As they advanced along a narrow lane, they were galled by the fire of musketry from behind the hedges, charged by a body of cavalry, and driven back; but a volley from the musketeers checked the enemy, and the troops continued their march. After deploying in front of the enemy, a reserve was ordered to halt, and Colonel Wolseley advanced with the remainder in order of battle. As he ascended the position, the enemy raised a loud shout and fired a volley; but the balls passed over the heads of Wolseley's men, who continued to advance until they arrived within forty paces of their opponents, and then opened a sharp fire with good effect. The infantry, slinging their muskets, were about to charge sword in hand, when, the smoke clearing away, they discovered King James's infantry flying to the fort in a panic, and the cavalry galloping towards the town. Wolseley's men rushed forward, and entering the town, found stores of provisions, shoes, ammunition, and brass money; the temptation being great, they commenced plundering, when the enemy's infantry sallied out of the fort, and resumed the fight. Wolseley attacked them with his reserve, and the soldiers hurrying out of the town, and joining in the contest, their opponents were driven back with the loss of three hundred men killed, and about two hundred taken prisoners; the Duke of Berwick narrowly escaped, having had his horse killed under him.

Colonel Wolseley had about thirty men killed. He observed, in his public despatch, 'Our men showed on this, as on former occasions, a very great forwardness to engage the enemy, notwithstanding the inequality of their numbers, and gave new proofs of their courage and bravery, particularly Major-General Kirke's men[9].' After destroying the stores and ammunition which they were unable to remove, the detachment returned to its quarters; and the enemy, having discovered the resolute character of the troops in Belturbet, laid aside the design of attacking them.

On the night of the 4th of March, a detachment of Inniskilling cavalry, with fifty men of Colonel Erle's regiment, scoured the country to the vicinity of Cavan; and on the following morning attacked and carried a fortified post at Butler's bridge, killing twenty men and taking sixteen prisoners; then joining another detachment, drove a body of the enemy from the houses of Cavan, and completed the destruction of the town.

Provisions becoming scarce at Belturbet, Colonel Wolseley sent out two hundred Inniskilling horse and dragoons, who scoured the country beyond Cavan and captured a thousand head of cattle. Returning with their booty, they found four hundred of the enemy formed up at the river to oppose their passage; undaunted by superior numbers, the Inniskilling troopers rushed, sword in hand, upon their antagonists, and a few moments' conflict decided the fortune of the day; forty of King James's soldiers lay dead on the field, eight were taken prisoners, and the remainder escaped; the Inniskilling men proceeded with their booty to Belturbet.

On the 6th of April another detachment of seven hundred men, from the regiments of Kirke, Erle, and Groven's Danes, with a party of Inniskilling horse and dragoons, advanced from Belturbet to the castle of Killeshandra, which they besieged and captured after a slight resistance; and in May a detachment of Cunningham's Inniskilling dragoons was engaged in the capture of the castle of Ballinacargy. Thus these gallant horsemen succeeded in every enterprise in which they were engaged, their fame spread to distant parts, and they were a terror to their adversaries. They ventured on the most dangerous undertakings, and a detachment scoured the country to Kells, within twenty-seven miles of Dublin, and returned with a supply of cattle and provisions.

In June, King William arrived in Ireland, accompanied by Prince George of Denmark, and a number of noblemen; the eyes of all Europe were fixed on that country, where two kings were to contend for a crown on a public theatre, and the singular spectacle was exhibited of two princes (the Prince of Orange and the Prince of Denmark) fighting against the father of their wives (King James), and of a nephew at the head of an army against his uncle; it was, however, a contest between liberty and slavery,—between constitutional freedom and despotism. King William headed his army of English, Dutch, Brandenburgers, Danes, and French; and King James took up a position behind the river Boyne, with his own forces, and six thousand French and Swiss troops, furnished by Louis XIV.

On the 1st of July a general engagement took place, when the Inniskilling dragoons had the honour of distinguishing themselves under the eye of their sovereign. On this occasion, the right wing of the English army, under the Count de Schomberg, and the centre under the Duke Schomberg, had forced the passage of the river, and were engaged, when King William drew his sword, and placing himself at the head of four troops of the Inniskilling cavalry, told them, that having heard a great deal of their bravery, he had no doubt of witnessing it, and he led them towards the river, followed by several other corps of cavalry and infantry. The four captains requested His Majesty not to expose his person by crossing the river within shot of the enemy, but his reply was, "I will see you over." When in the middle of the stream, a volley from a regiment of the enemy's dragoons brought down one man, killed Captain Blashford's horse, and one bullet struck one of His Majesty's pistols[10]. Arriving on the opposite bank, the King threw off the bandage from his shoulder, which had been wounded on the preceding day, and brandishing his sword, led the Inniskilling men, and other troops which had passed the river with him, against a body of King James's soldiers, three times more numerous than themselves, who were advancing towards him with fury. Intimidated by the dauntless bearing of the soldiers with King William, the enemy halted, faced about, and fled towards Donore; and the Inniskilling cavalry rushed forward, sword in hand, with great intrepidity. The other corps which had followed His Majesty, pursued the enemy as far as Donore, where they were charged by superior numbers, and forced back. The King again placed himself at the head of the brave Inniskilling soldiers, and while leading them forward, sustained a volley of musketry, from which several men and horses fell; he then turned to his left to enable his men to charge; this was mistaken for a signal for them also to wheel to the left, and they fell back a short distance; but quickly discovering their error, they confronted their adversaries, and dashing forward with distinguished gallantry, overthrew the opposing ranks. The battle exhibited all the horrors of civil war; English fought with English, Irish with Irish, and French against French; at the same time Dutch, Danes, Swiss, and Brandenburgers were mingled in the fray,—the colours and standards of various nations floating over the scene of combat. The Duke of Berwick's horse was killed, and he was trampled upon by the combatants. King William was in the hottest of the fight, encouraging his men, and the Inniskilling dragoons were seen bravely contending for the victory.

Scarcely had Sir Albert Cunningham's dragoons (now Sixth) reformed their ranks after the charge, when General de Ginkell, and a party of Dutch dragoons, were seen retreating in disorder along a narrow lane, followed by crowds of the enemy, shouting and brandishing their swords; part of the Inniskilling regiment instantly dismounted, also a detachment of Leveson's (now Third) dragoons, and throwing themselves into an old house, and lining the hedge of the lane, opened such a brisk fire, that the pursuing Irish faced about and fled. The cavalry returned to the charge; the adverse army sustained a decisive overthrow, and fled from the field. Story observes of this action, "Those of our English forces that were engaged, and had opportunity to show themselves, gave signal demonstrations of their courage and bravery; the Inniskilliners and French (protestants in King William's service), both horse and foot, did good service; and the Dutch guards deserve no small honour for their conduct on that day[11]."

No return of the loss of the regiment on this occasion has been met with; but at the muster at Finglas, seven days after the battle, it brought three hundred private dragoons into the field, which is nearly one hundred less than the establishment.

King James fled to Dublin, and immediately afterwards embarked for France; and King William, directing his march to the capital, gained possession of that city without loss. After this success, the Sixth dragoons formed part of a body of troops detached under Lieutenant-General Douglas against Athlone. Arriving before the town, a summons to surrender was sent to the governor, the veteran Colonel Grace, who fired a pistol at the messenger and declared his determination to defend the place. Not having artillery and ammunition sufficient to prosecute the siege, the troops withdrew from before the town, and rejoined the army.

The regiment was subsequently employed before Limerick, which city was besieged by the English army. On the 11th of August, as the regiment lay encamped near Limerick, information arrived of the destruction of the battering train on its march to join the army by a numerous body of Irish cavalry under Brigadier-General Sarsfield (formerly an officer of the English life guards); Sir Albert Cunningham instantly issued from the camp with two squadrons of his dragoons, and dashing across the country, intercepted one of the enemy's detachments, which he charged with signal gallantry, slew one major, one captain, and twenty men; but their main body escaped.

When King William raised the siege of Limerick and returned to England, Cunningham's dragoons were ordered into winter quarters; but were suddenly recalled in consequence of Brigadier-General Sarsfield having invested the castle of Birr, in the King's County:—after the flight of the enemy from before this post, they remained encamped near Birr, while additional fortifications were being raised, and subsequently went into quarters.

1691

In the month of May, 1691, several ships arrived at Dublin from England with men and provisions, and great diligence was used in preparing for an early and vigorous campaign: the Inniskilling dragoons took the field this summer, and joined the army commanded by Lieutenant-General de Ginkell, on the 6th of June, on its march towards Ballymore, which place was captured after a short resistance. Athlone was also taken, and the army advanced against the French and Irish forces under General St. Ruth, in position near Aghrim, in the county of Galway, about three miles beyond Ballinasloe.

Arriving in front of the enemy about mid-day on the 12th of July, the English and Dutch regiments of horse guards, and a squadron of Cunningham's dragoons, were sent forward to force the enemy from a pass in the middle of a bog which lay in front of the Irish army, in which service they succeeded; and two hundred men of the regiment drove the enemy from a ford on the right of the opposing army in gallant style, and from the pass of Urachree. St. Ruth sent forward fresh troops, and the Inniskilling dragoons being also supported, a considerable body of troops was soon engaged at this point, and the enemy was eventually driven back. The English generals met, and after some deliberation, resolved on a general engagement, and between four and five in the afternoon the battle began. After several hours' sharp fighting, in which the Inniskilling men gave fresh proofs of their innate bravery and contempt of danger, the adverse army sustained a decisive overthrow, and was chased from the field of battle until the darkness of the night and a thick misty rain put an end to the pursuit. During the action, the French general, St. Ruth, was killed by a cannon ball, as he rode down Kilcommoden hill, and his fall so dismayed King James's army that it was soon thrown into confusion and routed.

Cunningham's Inniskilling dragoons had one lieutenant, one cornet, and forty-one non-commissioned officers and private soldiers killed; one captain, one lieutenant, and twenty-seven men wounded on this occasion.

After the victory at Aghrim, the army advanced to Galway, and the Inniskilling dragoons were employed before this fortress during the siege, which was terminated on the 21st of July, by the surrender of the place. The English forces subsequently moved towards Limerick, where the wreck of King James's army was assembled; but Sir Albert Cunningham was left with his regiment of dragoons in the county of Galway.

Sligo was subsequently invested by a circular chain of posts at a distance from the town, and one troop of the Inniskilling dragoons was stationed at the abbey of Ashro, near Ballyshannon, and the remainder at Loughrea, Hedford, and Shrewl. The governor of Sligo, Sir Teague O'Regan, proposed conditions for surrendering the town; but afterwards receded, when a closer blockade of the place was resolved upon.

At the same time Sir Albert Cunningham was directed to proceed with his regiment to Castlebar, to join the Irish forces under Sir Baldearg O'Donnel, who had agreed to abandon the interests of King James, and to join the English army with his brigade.

This Baldearg, or Balderick, O'Donnel, was descended from one of the branches of the Tyrconnel family; his ancestors having fled to Spain after the rebellion of 1607, he was born and educated in that country. The Irish, with their characteristic superstition, cherished an idle prophecy, that a descendant of that old family, who would be distinguished by a red mark, as this man was, would free their country from the English yoke. The coincidence of his family and name,—Derg, or Darg, signifying red, induced them to send for him from Spain, and he arrived at Limerick in September, 1690, when thousands flocked to him; but he disappointed their expectations, and achieved nothing worthy of record. After the battle of Aghrim, he was so alarmed, that he kept, with his followers, in the mountains in the county of Mayo for some time, and at length tendered his submission to the government of King William, and promised to bring a considerable number of men over with him, for a stipulated reward.

When the Inniskilling dragoons arrived at Castlebar, O'Donnel's men were found in a state of mutiny, many of them resolving to adhere to the interest of King James; but the commotion was eventually appeased, and they arrayed themselves under King William's banners. On the 4th of September Sir Albert Cunningham took post with part of his regiment at Coloony, five miles south of Sligo, intending to join O'Donnel on the following day, and approach nearer the besieged town. During the night seven hundred select men of King James's army, commanded by Colonel Scott, issued from Sligo, and, being favoured by a foggy morning, surprised the detachment of Inniskilling dragoons in their camp near Coloony, at day-break on the following morning. The troopers finding themselves suddenly assailed by superior numbers, mounted their horses and galloped to Abbey Royle, in the county of Roscommon. The enemy killed about twenty men, took Sir Albert Cunningham prisoner, and captured the tents, cloaks, and baggage belonging to the dragoons.

After the brave and humane Sir Albert Cunningham was made prisoner, an Irish serjeant approached him and said, 'Albert is your name, and by an H—albert you shall die,' and instantly speared him on the spot. 'Thus fell Sir Albert Cunningham, as gallant and worthy an officer as any in the King's service[12].'

Part of O'Donnel's brigade arriving on the following day, the enemy was driven back into Sligo, and all the baggage, &c., was recaptured.

After the death of Sir Albert Cunningham the Regiment was commanded, until King William's pleasure was made known, by the lieutenant-colonel, Robert Echlin.

A body of troops was assembled for the reduction of Sligo, and placed under the orders of the Earl of Granard, and Colonel Mitchelburne, to whom this fortress was delivered up on the 13th of September.

In the meantime the army commanded by General De Ginkell had besieged Limerick, and the surrender of that city, and of all other forts and garrisons, in September, terminated the war in Ireland; the champions of constitutional liberty having triumphed over all opposition.

Thus the gallant Inniskilling men, who composed the Sixth regiment of dragoons, had the satisfaction of witnessing the deliverance of their country from the continued effects of civil war, and the blessings of peace once more diffusing themselves over the land. They had purchased these advantages with their swords, many of them had toiled, and fought, and bled in the cause of civil and religious liberty, and they had the proud distinction of receiving the expressions of their Sovereign's approbation and their country's gratitude. King William also rewarded the services of their lieutenant-colonel, Robert Echlin, with the colonelcy of the regiment, by commission dated the 30th of December, 1691. The thanks of Parliament were communicated to Lieutenant-General De Ginkell, and the officers and soldiers who served under his orders, and the lieutenant-general was afterwards created Earl of Athlone, Viscount Aghrim, and Baron of Ballymore.

1692

Although the war in Ireland was terminated, yet the known hostile spirit of a great portion of the inhabitants to the established government, and the attempts made from time to time by Louis XIV. to replace King James on the throne, rendered the presence of a considerable number of troops, in whom the utmost reliance could be placed, necessary in that country; and Echlin's Inniskilling dragoons, having proved their attachment and fidelity to King William, their devotion to the principles of the Revolution, and their usefulness in every description of service, were employed in Ireland during the remainder of His Majesty's reign.

1694

The first of the two regiments of Inniskilling dragoons, commanded by Colonel James Wynne, served under King William in Flanders, and obtained the title of 'The Royal Irish Regiment of Dragoons;' Colonel Echlin's regiment received no change of designation; but has retained its title of "Inniskilling Dragoons" to the present time; it was numbered the "Sixth Dragoons" in the reign of George II.

1702
1703

During the early part of the reign of Queen Anne the Inniskilling Dragoons remained in Ireland; they were reviewed at Athlone, in July, 1703, by the lord-lieutenant, General the Duke of Ormond, who was pleased to compliment the commanding officer on their appearance and discipline.

1706

In the summer of 1706, the regiment was encamped on the Kurragh of Kildare.

1708

The King of France having made preparations, in the spring of 1708, for landing the Pretender with a body of troops in Scotland, to aid him in his projected attempt to ascend the British throne, the Inniskilling dragoons were held in readiness to embark for Scotland; but the French fleet having been chased from the British shores, the regiment remained in Ireland until the following autumn, when it landed on the English coast, and was stationed, during the winter, in Yorkshire and Lancashire.

1709
1710
1711
1712

The regiment was withdrawn from its cantonments in the early part of 1709, and proceeded to Scotland, where it remained during the three following years.

1713

Returning to England after the peace of Utrecht, the regiment was stationed in Cumberland.

1714

In September, 1714, the regiment again occupied quarters in Scotland, and the officers, with those of Brigadier-General Hans Hamilton's (now Sixteenth foot), celebrated at Stirling the arrival of King George I. from Hanover, with public rejoicings.

1715

Lieut.-General Echlin retired from the regiment in March, 1715, and was succeeded by John Earl of Stair, who had been removed from the Scots Greys, by Queen Anne's ministry, in April of the preceding year.

The regiment was stationed in Lancashire in the spring of 1715, and in June one squadron was employed in suppressing riots at Manchester. Soon afterwards the Regiment marched to Scotland, and in the autumn, it was encamped at Stirling, under Major-General Wightman.

Encouraged by promises of aid from the Continent, the Earl of Mar raised the standard of the Pretender in the Highlands, and assembled an army of ten thousand men. The camp at Stirling was afterwards augmented by additional forces, and the Duke of Argyle assumed the command; but the rebels exceeded in numbers the king's troops.

Ten thousand rebels, headed by the Earl of Mar, were on the march to cross the Forth and penetrate towards England, when the Duke of Argyle quitted the camp at Stirling, with a body of troops of less than four thousand men, to oppose the progress of the rebels, and on the morning of Sunday the 13th of November the two armies confronted each other on Sheriffmuir near Dumblain. The Inniskilling dragoons formed two strong squadrons; the first squadron was posted, with the Royal North British (second) and Evans' (fourth) dragoons, on the right of the king's army; and the second squadron, with Carpenter's (third) and Kerr's (seventh) dragoons, was stationed on the left. The rebels attempting to turn the right, the dragoons on that flank dashed forward sword in hand, and commenced the action by a furious charge on the left wing of the rebel army. A sharp conflict ensued; but soon the clash of swords and report of pistols ceased, and the insurgent bands were seen falling back in confusion; while the Greys, Evans', and Inniskilling dragoons, resolute men on powerful horses, rode onward, sabring the astonished Highlanders, who fled in dismay, and the Buffs (third foot) and other infantry corps on the right, followed the victorious dragoons in their triumphant career. The rebels, having great superiority of numbers, attempted to rally several times; but the dragoons galloped forward with admirable courage, and breaking through every opposition, pursued their adversaries to the banks of the river Allan, where they were ordered to halt.

In the mean time the left wing of the King's army had been defeated; six hundred Highlanders surprised the infantry in the act of forming, and put them into confusion; but Carpenter's, Kerr's, and the squadron of Inniskilling dragoons on the left flank, charged and defeated the rebel horsemen opposed to them, and captured a standard. The infantry of this wing being in disorder, the advantage gained by the dragoons was not pursued any further. Both armies claimed the victory, each having a wing victorious and a wing defeated; but the King's forces succeeded in preventing the march of the rebels southwards, and consequently the advantage was on the side of the Royal army.

The Inniskilling dragoons had seven men and twelve horses killed; six men and fifteen horses wounded. In some of the numerous accounts of this battle which were published at the time, the Inniskilling dragoons are styled the black dragoons, from which it is presumed they were mounted on black horses exclusively.

1716

Returning to Stirling with the army, the Inniskilling dragoons resumed their former station in the camp near that city, where they remained until January, 1716, when, additional forces having arrived, they advanced through snow and over ice to Perth. The rebel army dispersed, and the leaders in the rebellion fled to France.

1717

After the suppression of this commotion, the regiment was quartered at Aberdeen, from whence it marched southwards, and was stationed in Cumberland; but returned to Scotland in June, 1717; and in the autumn of that year occupied cantonments near Glasgow. At the same time the establishment was fixed at six troops, of three officers, one quarter-master, and forty-five non-commissioned officers and soldiers each.

1718
1725
1726

The regiment appears to have passed the succeeding ten years in Scotland. In July, 1725, it was employed in suppressing riots at Glasgow, and was encamped near that city; and in October, 1726, the Greys and Inniskilling dragoons were reviewed in brigade at Musselburgh by Lieutenant-General Wade.

1728

Leaving Scotland in the spring of 1728, the regiment proceeded to Carlisle, Penrith, and Kendal, where it halted a week, and afterwards continued its march southwards, and was quartered in Berkshire. On the 3rd of June it was reviewed on Datchet Common by King George II., who expressed his approbation of its appearance and discipline.

1729
1730
1731
1732

After the review the Inniskilling dragoons marched back to Lancashire; in December their quarters were extended to Northumberland; and in March, 1729, they were ordered to return to Scotland, where they passed the succeeding three years.

1733

In the spring of 1733, the regiment was ordered to march for England, and in June furnished detachments on coast duty in Essex, on which service it was employed during the following year.

1734

The Earl of Stair having joined the opposition against Sir Robert Walpole was removed from the regiment, and was succeeded in the colonelcy by Charles Lord Cadogan from the Fourth foot, by commission dated the 19th of June, 1734.

1735
1736
1737
1738

The regiment remained in the south of England, and was employed on coast duty during the years 1735 and 1736; in May, 1737, it marched to Nottingham and Derby; and in April, 1738, into Lincolnshire, and furnished detachments for the prevention of smuggling along the coast.

1739

At this period the establishment was six troops of three officers, one quarter-master, two sergeants, three corporals, two drummers, one hautboy, and forty-nine private men per troop; but on the breaking out of the war with Spain, in 1739, an augmentation of one sergeant and ten men per troop was ordered, making a total of four hundred and thirty-five officers and men, including the staff.

1740

The regiment continued to occupy quarters in Lincolnshire in 1740.

1741

In the summer of 1741, when the Elector of Bavaria, aided by the French monarch, attempted to deprive the Archduchess Maria Theresa, of Hungary and Bohemia, the Inniskilling dragoons were directed to hold themselves in readiness to proceed on foreign service, and were encamped on Lexden Heath, with six other regiments of cavalry and seven of infantry; but no embarkation took place, and in the autumn they went into quarters.

Sixth (Inniskilling) Dragoons, 1742.

[To face page 39.

1742

In 1742 King George II. sent sixteen thousand men to Flanders, under Field-Marshal the Earl of Stair, to support the interests of the house of Austria; and the Inniskilling dragoons were selected for this service. After landing at Ostend, the regiment marched to Ghent, where it was quartered several weeks, and subsequently proceeded to Brussels.

1743

From Brabant, the Inniskilling dragoons marched, in the beginning of 1743, for Germany, and in May they formed, with the Third dragoons, three battalions of foot guards, and two regiments of the line, a detached camp below the town of Hochst.

While in Germany, the lieutenant-colonel, James Gardiner, was promoted to the colonelcy of the Thirteenth dragoons[13].

Lord Cadogan, having been removed to the second troop (now second regiment) of life guards, was succeeded in the colonelcy by Field-marshal the Earl of Stair, by commission dated the 25th of April, 1743.

In the early part of June the Inniskilling dragoons crossed the Maine and encamped at Aschaffenberg, where King George II. and His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland joined the army.

Leaving Aschaffenberg on the morning of the 16th of June, the army moved in columns along the banks of the Maine to join the Hanoverians and Hessians at Hanau. The French under Marshal Noailles crossed the river, and taking up a formidable position between the Maine and the mountains near Dettingen, prepared to oppose the march of the allies: at the same time the French commander seized the bridge at Aschaffenberg, to cut off the retreat of his opponents. These movements brought on a general engagement, and the Inniskilling dragoons had an opportunity of signalizing themselves under the eye of their sovereign.

While the allied army was forming for battle, the Inniskilling dragoons and other cavalry covered the operation, and were exposed to the enemy's cannon. The French household troops, headed by the princes of the blood, became impatient of inactivity, and quitting their advantageous position, galloped forward to commence the action. The British cavalry advanced to meet their antagonists, and were repulsed; but a volley from the British infantry destroyed several French squadrons, and the English troopers returning to the charge, drove back their opponents. The battle extended along the line, and the British, Austrian, and Hanoverian infantry, fiercely encountering the French battalions, gained advantage after advantage, until the fortune of the day was so evidently in their favour that the result was no longer doubtful. Meanwhile the charges of the cavalry were frequent and sanguinary. Bland's (third) dragoons, and the Inniskilling troopers charged and overpowered a superior body of horse, then rushed sword in hand upon a line of French cuirassiers, whose polished armour proved ineffectual against the prowess and resolution of the British dragoons fighting in the presence of their King. The life-guards, blues, King's horse (now first dragoon guards), and Ligonier's troopers (now seventh dragoon guards), behaved nobly; the royals and greys captured each a standard[14]; and Rich's (fourth) and Cope's (seventh) dragoons had their share in the combat. Unable to withstand the fury of the charging Britons, the French gave way, and were driven across the Maine with such precipitation, that many men were drowned in the river.

The Inniskilling dragoons returned from the pursuit and bivouacked near the scene of conflict. Their loss was two men and eighteen horses killed; and one man and nine horses wounded. On the following day they continued their march to Hanau, where they were encamped until the beginning of August, when they proceeded towards the Rhine, and having passed that river, were employed in West Germany; the King having his head-quarters at the episcopal palace of Worms, and afterwards at Spire. In October His Majesty marched the army back to Mentz, from whence the Inniskilling dragoons continued their route to Flanders, where they passed the winter.

1744

The regiment served the campaign of 1744 with the army commanded by Field-Marshal Wade; and after encamping for some time behind the Scheldt, was employed in an incursion into the French territory, and in collecting contributions. In October the regiment went into winter quarters at Ghent.

1745

Having been withdrawn from their cantonments in April, 1745, the Inniskilling dragoons encamped near Brussels, where they were reviewed by the Duke of Cumberland, and subsequently advanced with the army commanded by His Royal Highness to attack the French, who had commenced the siege of Tournay with an immense body of troops under the command of Marshal Saxe. One squadron of the regiment formed part of the force which drove in the enemy's out-guards, on the 28th of April (O.S.).

The French occupied a fortified camp, protected by immense batteries, near the village of Fontenoy; and the Inniskilling dragoons supported the infantry in their attacks on this formidable position; on which occasion the English foot-guards, and several regiments of the line, displayed signal valour and intrepidity, and carried the enemy's trenches in gallant style; but the Dutch having failed in their attempt on the village of Fontenoy, and the French battery in the wood of Barri not having been stormed according to order, the troops, which had forced the position, were unable to maintain their ground. Towards the close of the action, the cavalry was ordered forward, and several corps charged with great spirit and resolution, but were unable to retrieve the fortune of the day; and a retreat having been ordered, the army withdrew to Aeth. In this action the Inniskilling dragoons evinced the same forward bearing and firmness as on former occasions. Their loss was Quarter-master Baird, three men, and nineteen horses killed; eleven men and seven horses wounded.

The army encamped on the plains of Lessines; and while the Inniskilling dragoons were at this camp, their Colonel, Field-Marshal the Earl of Stair, was removed to the Scots greys, and was succeeded by John Earl of Rothes, by commission dated the 29th of May, 1745.

After the surrender of Fontenoy the French army advanced, and having an immense superiority of numbers, the allies withdrew, and took up a position to cover Brussels. The Inniskilling dragoons encamped near Meerbeck, and subsequently on the canal between Ghent and Brussels.

1746

Meanwhile a rebellion, headed by Charles Edward, eldest son of the Pretender, had broken out in Scotland, and many British regiments were ordered to return home. The Inniskilling dragoons marched, during the winter, to Williamstadt, in North Brabant, and towards the end of February, 1746, embarked for England; but the transports were driven by tempestuous weather back into the harbour, and the troops disembarked. The rebellion having been suppressed shortly afterwards, the order for their return was countermanded, and they went into quarters on the frontiers of Holland.

Quitting their cantonments in the spring of 1746, the Inniskilling dragoons were employed in the operations of the army commanded by Lieutenant-General Sir John Ligonier. In May they were encamped behind the Dyle: the French having a great superiority of numbers, the allies were forced to retire towards Antwerp; subsequently to Breda; and many fortified towns were captured by the enemy. In July, Prince Charles of Lorraine took the command of the army, and the British dragoons were employed in manœuvring and skirmishing with the French cavalry, in order to retard the operations of the adverse army.

During the forenoon of the 1st of October (O.S.), the allies were in position on the plain of Liege; several villages were occupied by the infantry, and the Inniskilling dragoons stood in line on some open ground near the village of Roucoux. About mid-day numerous columns of the enemy appeared advancing under Marshal Saxe; and being emboldened by their superior numbers, their artillery opened a tremendous cannonade, and about fifty battalions attacked three villages on the left of the allied army with great fury. Having carried the villages, the French infantry diverged upon the open ground, where the Greys, Inniskilling, and Seventh dragoons appeared in line, headed by the gallant Earls of Rothes and Crawford. As the enemy advanced in crowds, as if confident of success, the three regiments dashed forward, overthrew the opposing ranks, and chased the French musketeers to the hedges and thickets near the village in gallant style. A retreat having been ordered, the army withdrew across the river Maese, and encamped near Maestricht.

The regiment was commended in orders for its conduct on this occasion; it had three men wounded: and six horses killed and seven wounded: one horse fell into the hands of the enemy.

After encamping a short time in the province of Limburg, the regiment went into quarters in the country along the Lower Maese.

1747

During the campaign of 1747 the allied army was commanded by the Duke of Cumberland; and after encamping a short time near the banks of the Scheldt, the Inniskilling dragoons were employed in operations on the Great Nethe, and on the Demer. The 1st of July was passed in skirmishing near the frontiers of Liege; the two armies confronted each other, and on the following day a sharp action was fought, on which occasion the regiment acquired new laurels.

Under the cover of a heavy cannonade, the French infantry attacked the village of Val, which was occupied by four battalions (three British and one Hanoverian), and the Inniskilling dragoons were formed behind the houses. Eventually the village was captured, and the enemy broke the centre of the allied army. The cavalry of the left wing was led forward by Sir John Ligonier, and charged the French horsemen with signal intrepidity. The Greys particularly distinguished themselves. The Inniskilling dragoons, vying in heroism with the Scots troopers, overthrew and routed the squadrons opposed to them; and a sanguinary sword fight ensuing, the British horsemen made great havoc among the discomfited ranks of their opponents. Following up their first success, the Greys, Inniskilling, and other British dragoons, dashed forward; a volley from some French musketeers posted on the low grounds, and behind hedges, emptied several saddles; but the survivors rushed upon the infantry and chased them from behind the hedges and from the low grounds, with dreadful carnage. While pursuing the fugitives, a new line of combatants appeared; but, with ranks confused and blended together, the British dragoons galloped forward and dispersed these also. This astonishing gallantry of the British cavalry produced important results; but the enemy having broken the centre of the allied army, the Duke of Cumberland ordered a retreat.

When the Inniskilling, and other British dragoons, faced about to retire, the enemy came down upon them in crowds, and they sustained considerable loss. The army retreated to Maestricht, where it arrived in the evening.

The casualty-return of the regiment on this occasion exhibited a serious loss, viz., Lieutenant Armstrong, Quarter-master Seaman, forty men, and twenty-two horses wounded; Lieutenant Gordon, Cornet Hay, seventy-eight men, and ninety-eight horses killed and missing. The conduct of the British cavalry on this occasion, was highly commended in the accounts of the battle published at the time.

The Inniskilling dragoons were subsequently encamped at Richel, near the Maese, in the province of Limburg; in October they proceeded to North Brabant, and pitched their tents behind the lines at Terheyden; and at the end of the campaign they went into cantonments among the Dutch peasantry.

1748

A strong remount of men and horses having joined to replace the losses of the preceding year, the regiment took the field to serve the campaign of 1748 in a high state of efficiency, and according to the publications of that date its warlike appearance was much admired. It was employed in the province of Limburg, and was encamped a short time near Ruremonde. Meanwhile preliminary articles for a treaty of peace had been agreed upon; the regiment proceeded to North Brabant, where it remained a short time, and during the winter, returned to England.

1749

After the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle the establishment was reduced to two hundred and eighty-five officers and men.

1750

The Earl of Rothes was removed in January, 1750, to the Royal North British dragoons, and was succeeded in the colonelcy of the Inniskilling dragoons by Major-General the Honourable James Cholmondeley from the Third Irish horse, now Sixth dragoon guards.

1751

In 1751 a regulation was issued for insuring uniformity in the clothing, standards, and regimental distinctions of the British army, from which the following particulars have been extracted relating to the Inniskilling Dragoons.

Coats,—scarlet; double-breasted; without lappels; lined with full yellow; slit sleeves, turned up with full yellow; the button-holes worked with narrow white lace; the buttons of white metal, set on two and two; a long slash pocket in each skirt; and a white shoulder-knot, or aiguillette, on the right shoulder.

Waistcoats and Breeches,—full yellow.

Hats,—bound with silver lace; and ornamented with a white metal loop and a black cockade.

Boots,—of jacked leather, and reaching to the knee.

Cloaks,—of scarlet cloth, with a full yellow collar and lined with yellow shalloon; the buttons set on two and two upon white frogs, or loops, with a blue stripe down the centre.

Horse Furniture,—of full yellow cloth; the holster caps and housing having a border of white lace with a blue stripe down the centre; the castle of Inniskilling embroidered upon a red ground within a wreath of roses and thistles, on each corner of the housing; and on the holster caps the king's cipher and crown, with VI. D. underneath.

Officers,—distinguished by silver lace; their coats and waistcoats bound with silver embroidery; the button-holes worked with silver; and a crimson silk sash worn across the left shoulder.

Quarter-Master,—to wear a crimson sash round the waist.

Serjeants,—to have narrow silver lace on the cuffs, pockets, and shoulder-straps; silver shoulder-knots, or aiguillettes, and yellow and white worsted sashes tied round their waists.

Drummers and Hautboys,—clothed in full yellow coats lined with scarlet, and ornamented with silver lace with a blue stripe down the centre; their waistcoats and breeches of scarlet cloth.

Guidons,—The first or King's guidon to be of crimson silk, embroidered and fringed with gold and silver: in the centre the rose and thistle conjoined and crown over them, with the motto Dieu et mon Droit underneath: the white horse in a compartment in the first and fourth corners, and VI. D. in silver characters on a yellow ground in a compartment in the second and third corners. The second and third guidons to be of full yellow silk, in the centre the castle of Inniskilling within a wreath of roses and thistles on a crimson ground; the white horse on a scarlet ground in the first and fourth compartments, and VI. D. within a small wreath of roses and thistles upon a scarlet ground in the second and third compartments.

1752

During the succeeding seven years, the regiment was employed on home service in Great Britain, and was distinguished as an efficient and well-conducted corps.

1755
1756

In 1755, when the aggressions of the French in North America led to acts of open hostility, the establishment was augmented one corporal and fifteen men per troop. Shortly afterwards a light troop was added on the same principle as light companies to infantry corps: and the regiment consisted of six heavy troops and one light troop. The light dragoons were sometimes styled hussars. A periodical of this date (June, 1756) has the following paragraph: 'On Monday morning the newly-raised light horse, or, as they are commonly called, hussars, were exercised in Hyde Park, as were also some life guards and horse grenadiers. The hussars in particular made a very pretty and genteel appearance; went through their peculiar method of exercise, both on horseback and on foot, with the greatest vivacity and exactness, to the satisfaction of many thousands of spectators.'

War was proclaimed, and the French monarch made such extensive preparations for invading England, that some alarm was occasioned.

1757

These preparations being continued in 1757, the country was placed in a posture of defence. Seven battalions were encamped on Barham Downs under the Duke of Marlborough; five at Chatham under Lord George Sackville; six at Amersham under Lieutenant-General Campbell; a regiment of cavalry and six battalions of infantry at Dorchester under Sir John Mordaunt; another camp was formed on the Isle of Wight; and the Inniskilling dragoons, with the third dragoon guards, and first, third, fourth, and eleventh dragoons were encamped on Salisbury plain, under Lieutenant-General Hawley. The formidable attitude assumed by the government, with the increased military power prepared to oppose the invasion, induced the French monarch to lay aside his design of landing troops on the British coast, and he resolved to attack the possessions of his Britannic Majesty in Hanover.

1758

The increased naval and military establishments of Britain enabled King George II. to assail the coast of France, and an expedition was prepared for that purpose under the command of Charles Duke of Marlborough. The light troop of the Inniskilling dragoons was selected to take part in this enterprise, and having been encamped some time on Southsea Common, and formed in brigade with the light troops of eight other regiments, under the command of Brigadier-General Eliott, (afterwards Lord Heathfield,) it embarked towards the end of May, 1758, and sailed for the coast of France on the 1st of June. On the evening of the 5th a landing was effected in Cancalle Bay, in the province of Brittany; on the 7th the troops advanced to Paramé; and during the following night the light dragoons and piquets of the infantry regiments proceeded to the harbour of St. Maloes, and destroyed by fire one hundred vessels with extensive magazines of maritime stores. The light cavalry afterwards advanced to the town of Dol, and evinced signal intrepidity in skirmishing with detachments of French troops. After remaining five days in France the British re-embarked, and severe weather rendering another descent impracticable, they returned to Portsmouth. The light troop of the Sixth dragoons having landed, was encamped a short time at Portsmouth, and subsequently on Southsea Common. In the beginning of August it sailed on a second expedition under Lieutenant-General Bligh. A landing having been effected in the Bay des Marées, Cherbourg was taken, and the fortifications and vessels in the harbour were destroyed. The troops returned on board the fleet, and another landing was effected in the bay of St. Lunar; but no advantage resulted from this enterprise, and before the whole were re-embarked, the enemy attacked the rear with such fury that the grenadiers and foot guards sustained considerable loss. The expedition returned to England, and the light troop of the Sixth dragoons went into cantonments in villages along the coast.

Disastrous events had, in the mean time, occurred in Germany; the Hanoverian, Hessian, and Brunswick troops commanded by the Duke of Cumberland, had been subject to a capitulation, and the electorate of Hanover was taken possession of by the enemy. The French having violated the conditions of the capitulation, the Hanoverians, Hessians, and Brunswickers reassembled under Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick; a body of British troops was sent to Germany under Charles Duke of Marlborough; and the six heavy troops of the Sixth dragoons were selected for this service. The light troop of the regiment was left in England on coast duty; and it was subsequently employed in the travelling escort duty for the royal family.

The regiment was reviewed on Blackheath by King George II., who expressed his royal approbation of its appearance and discipline; it embarked at Gravesend on the 27th of July; and landed on the 3rd of August, a few miles above the city of Embden in Germany, where it encamped two days, and subsequently marched up the country to join the Hanoverians, Hessians, and Brunswickers. The regiment joined the army at Coesveldt on the 17th of August, and was reviewed on the 20th, with the other British corps, by His Serene Highness Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick, who expressed his admiration of the condition of the several regiments after the march. After taking part in the movements of the army, the regiment went into winter quarters in the bishopric of Paderborn.

1759

The Inniskilling dragoons, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Harvey, took the field in the spring of 1759, and were formed in brigade with the Blues and first dragoon guards; the British were commanded by Lord George Sackville, and the allied army by Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick. The French monarch sent an immense body of troops to Germany, under the Duke de Broglio and Marshal Contades; and the allies, being so very inferior in numbers, were compelled to retire before their opponents.

After a series of retreats and occasional skirmishes, the enemy occupied a strong position near Minden, and the allied army encamped on Petershagen heath. Prince Ferdinand advanced, and having succeeded in drawing the French from their formidable post, a general engagement was fought on Minden heath on the 1st of August, when the astonishing valour of the British infantry decided the fortune of the day. The British cavalry were posted behind a wood on the right of the army, and towards the close of the action they were ordered forward to charge the French legions; but a misunderstanding on the part of Lord George Sackville occasioned some delay; the Inniskilling and other British dragoons, who were panting for an opportunity to distinguish themselves, were detained in a state of inactivity, and the victory was rendered less decisive than it otherwise would have been. The Marquis of Granby was afterwards appointed to the command of the British troops in Germany.

The allied army moved forward in pursuit of the enemy, whose line of retreat might be traced by scenes of devastation and the smoke of burning villages. The Inniskilling dragoons formed part of the division commanded by the Hereditary Prince of Brunswick, who harassed and attacked the French during their retreat, occasioning them serious loss on several occasions; especially at Grubenhagen, Eimbec, and in the defiles of Minden. On the 25th of August the Sixth dragoons, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Harvey, arrived, with the remainder of the Hereditary Prince's division, at Schonstadt. During the night between the 27th and 28th of August, the Inniskilling dragoons, with a detachment from the first dragoon guards and a battalion of English grenadiers, commanded by Colonel Beckwith, marched in the direction of Wetter to surprise the corps commanded by the celebrated Colonel Frischer, amounting to about two thousand men, in quarters at that town. Frischer's men were alarmed, and attempted to make resistance, but the gallant Colonel Harvey rushed upon them at the head of the Inniskilling dragoons, and Beckwith's grenadiers, drawing their swords, joined in the charge;—the French were overthrown; sixty were killed on the spot; many were wounded; about four hundred were made prisoners; and the remainder fled in confusion, towards Marpurg; leaving their camp-equipage, baggage, and a number of horses in possession of the conquerors. Lieutenant-Colonel Harvey, of the Inniskilling dragoons, had a personal encounter with Frischer's brother, whom he slew with his broadsword; and both the dragoons and grenadiers distinguished themselves in a particular manner[15].

The pursuit of the French army was continued a distance of nearly two hundred miles; and operations were not suspended during the winter. The weather becoming severe, the Inniskilling dragoons went into cantonments in the villages near the river Lahn.

1760

During the campaign of 1760 the regiment was formed in brigade with the tenth dragoons under Major-General the Earl of Pembroke; and, after much manœuvring and some skirmishing was encamped at Kalle. At the same time thirty thousand French troops, commanded by the Chevalier de Muy, crossed the river Dymel, and took post at Warbourg, to cut off the communication of the allies with Westphalia. The Inniskilling dragoons left the camp at Kalle about eleven o'clock on the night of the 30th of June, passed the Dymel near Liebenau, and about five on the following morning were in position on the heights of Corbeke, from whence they advanced to a wood within five miles of the enemy's position. The French were attacked, and while the action was still raging, the British cavalry were ordered forward. Traversing the five miles at a quick pace, they speedily arrived at the field of battle, and charging the enemy with signal intrepidity, routed the French cavalry, put the opposing infantry into disorder, and chased them across the Dymel. The conduct of the Inniskilling dragoons and other British cavalry regiments was such, that the Marquis of Granby stated, in his public despatch, that nothing could exceed their gallant behaviour; Prince Ferdinand declared in general orders that all the British cavalry performed prodigies of valour; and an historian of that date stated, that they outdid all former examples.

The regiment had only two men and two horses killed; three men and one horse wounded, and three horses missing.

The French retired from their camp beyond the Dymel on the 22nd of August; when the Hereditary Prince of Brunswick crossed the river with twelve thousand men to gain the enemy's left flank. His leading corps encountered the enemy's rear-guard near Zierenberg, and a sharp skirmish ensued. At length the Prince brought forward the Greys and Inniskilling dragoons; a gallant charge of the two regiments decided the contest; and the French were driven into the town.

The French army encamped beyond Zierenberg, and the volunteers of Clermont and Dauphiné, amounting to about nine hundred cavalry and a thousand infantry, were quartered in the town. After sunset, on the evening of the 5th of September, the Greys, Inniskilling, and Bock's dragoons, two regiments of infantry, and one hundred and fifty Highlanders, crossed the Dymel, and arriving at Zierenberg before daybreak, forced the guard and entered the town. A dreadful slaughter was made of the enemy in the streets, and a sharp encounter with the bayonet took place in the churchyard; between three and four hundred prisoners were captured; also two pieces of cannon; and at three o'clock the assailants retired to Warbourg, having lost only ten men. It was stated in the London Gazette, that 'the behaviour of the officers and the bravery of the troops, on this occasion, deserve the greatest commendation.'

The Hereditary Prince of Brunswick marched with a body of troops to the duchy of Cleves, and invested Wesel. The Inniskilling dragoons and several other corps left the camp at Warbourg, on the 1st of October, under Major-General Waldegrave, to join the prince, and take part in the operations on the lower Rhine. The French, commanded by the Marquis de Castries, advanced to raise the siege of Wesel, and encamped half a league behind the convent of Campen, with Frischer's corps posted within the convent. The Inniskilling dragoons passed the Rhine by a bridge two miles below Wesel, and having joined the Hereditary Prince, advanced at ten o'clock, on the evening of the 15th of October, to surprise the enemy's camp. It being necessary to dislodge the troops in the convent, the firing alarmed the French army, which instantly formed for battle. The allies having passed the convent, commenced the action at five o'clock on the morning of the 16th; and a succession of charges was continued with varied success until nine at night, when the Prince ordered a retreat.

The Sixth lost on this occasion two men and four horses killed; Lieutenant-Colonel Harvey, Major Hepburn, Cornet Sayer, five men and one horse wounded; and one man and horse taken by the enemy.

After repassing the Rhine, the regiment was encamped at Bounnen, subsequently at Klein Reckum, and in December went into cantonments.

1761

In February, 1761, the regiment took part in a successful incursion into the quarters occupied by the French army; when the allies, advancing through a heavy snow, drove their opponents before them many leagues, captured several strong towns with extensive magazines of forage and provisions, but were subsequently obliged to retire.

During the campaign of 1761 the regiment was brigaded with the royals and tenth dragoons, commanded by Major-General Eliott. It was employed in several manœuvres, and was in position in the middle of July, on the rivers Asse and Lippe in Westphalia, forming part of the division under the Prince of Anhalt. On the 15th of July, the enemy attacked the Marquis of Granby's division at Kirch-Denkern, when the Inniskilling dragoons crossed the Asse river to support the infantry, and the French were driven back. The action was renewed on the following day, and the enemy was again repulsed with serious loss; but owing to the scene of conflict being in a thickly-wooded country, interspersed with marshy ground, the services of the regiment were limited to supporting the infantry.

The Sixth dragoons were subsequently employed in operations on the Dymel; in November they were engaged in the electorate of Hanover, where several sharp skirmishes occurred, in which they took part, in severe weather, and were sometimes encamped in the snow. They eventually went into cantonments in Friesland.

1762

Having taken the field to serve the campaign of 1762, the regiment was formed in brigade with the fifteenth dragoons, under Colonel Harvey. After encamping at Brackel in the bishopric of Paderborn, and subsequently on the heights of Tissel, the brigade advanced, on the morning of the 24th of June, with the view of surprising the French camp at Groebenstien. This movement was conducted with such address, that the French were instantly thrown into confusion, and, abandoning their camp equipage, they fell back upon Cassel, one division being surrounded and made prisoners in the woods of Wilhelmsthal. The Inniskilling dragoons pursued the French towards Cassel, and afterwards encamped near Holtzhausen.

In the subsequent operations of the campaign, the Inniskilling dragoons were actively employed, and a series of successes was followed by the capture of Cassel. A suspension of hostilities took place in November, and the regiment went into cantonments in the bishopric of Munster.

1763

A treaty of peace was concluded at Fontainbleau. The regiment received the thanks of Parliament for its conduct during the war: and in January, 1763, commenced its march through Holland to Williamstadt, where it embarked for England. It landed in February, and was stationed in South Britain; the light troop was disbanded; the establishment was reduced to six troops of twenty-eight private men each, and eight men per troop were equipped as light dragoons.

Lieutenant-Colonel Harvey, who had repeatedly distinguished himself during the war, was rewarded with the colonelcy of the twelfth dragoons, and was succeeded by Major Robert Rickart Hepburn, a most meritorious officer, who had served with the regiment many years.

1764

After the return of the regiment from Germany, its head-quarters were established at Northampton; from whence they were removed, in 1764, to York; at the same time orders were received for the officers and men to wear epaulettes on the left shoulder instead of aiguillettes; the jacked leather boots were directed to be replaced by others of a lighter description; and the regiment was directed to be mounted on long-tailed horses.

1765
1766

In 1765 the Inniskilling dragoons occupied cantonments in Scotland; they returned to England in the following year, and the head-quarters were stationed at Coventry, where an order was received for the drummers on the establishment to be replaced by trumpeters.

1767

The regiment marched into village cantonments, near London, in May, 1767, and was reviewed on the 11th of that month, in brigade with the fourth dragoons, on Wimbledon Common, by King George III., who was pleased to express his high approbation of the appearance and discipline of the two regiments.

1768
1769
1770

After the review the Inniskilling dragoons marched into cantonments in Worcestershire; in 1768 the head-quarters were removed to Lewes; in 1769 to Ipswich; and in 1770 to York.

1771
1772
1773
1774

In the spring of the following year the regiment proceeded to Scotland; but returned to England in the beginning of 1772, and was stationed in Lancashire, the head-quarters being established at Manchester; from whence they were removed in 1773 to Worcester, and in 1774 to Canterbury.

1775

A change of quarters took place in the summer of 1775, and the regiment was stationed in Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire, with the head-quarters at Northampton.

On the decease of General Cholmondeley, in October, 1775, King George III. conferred the colonelcy on Lieutenant-General Edward Harvey, who so highly distinguished himself at the head of the regiment in Germany during the seven years' war.

1776
1777

In the early part of 1776 the Sixth dragoons commenced their march for Scotland; from whence they returned in the beginning of 1777, and were cantoned in Warwickshire and Staffordshire, the head-quarters being at Coventry.

1778

The colonelcy having become vacant by the decease of General Harvey, it was conferred on Lieutenant-General James Johnston, from the first Irish horse, now fourth dragoon guards, by commission dated the 2nd of April, 1778.

Meanwhile the American war had commenced, and the French monarch having agreed to aid the revolted colonies, war was declared against France. The British army was augmented, and one hundred men and horses were added to the Inniskilling dragoons; but the scene of conflict was so little adapted for cavalry, that the heavy dragoon regiments were not called upon to quit the United Kingdom.

The head-quarters were removed to Salisbury in May, 1778; and a further augmentation of forty-eight men, who were to be mounted on small horses and equipped as light dragoons, was added to the regiment.

1779

In April, 1779, the men equipped as light cavalry were incorporated, with the men of the third dragoon guards, and first and eleventh dragoons, into a regiment, which was numbered the twentieth light dragoons. During the following summer, the Sixth, and five other regiments of cavalry, were encamped on Salisbury Plain, under Lieutenant-General Johnston.

1780
1781
1782
1783

In the two following years the regiment occupied quarters in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire; in 1782 it was stationed in Dorsetshire, with the head-quarters at Dorchester; and in 1783 it was removed into Northamptonshire and Leicestershire.

The American war had, in the mean time, terminated, and the establishment was reduced to two hundred and thirty-two officers and men.

1784
1785

During part of the year 1784, the head-quarters were at Lincoln, with detachments along the coast; in 1785 they were removed to York, with detached troops in Northumberland, Durham, and on the Yorkshire coast.

1786
to
1792

In 1786 and 1787 the regiment was stationed in Lancashire; in 1788 the head-quarters were at Exeter, with detachments on the Devonshire coast; they were removed to Dorchester in 1789; to Winchester in 1790; to Ipswich in 1791; and to York in 1792, with detachments on coast duty.

1793

A revolution had, in the mean time, taken place in France; and a violent republican party had seized the reins of government, and imprisoned their king. These indications of an approaching war occasioned the establishment of the regiment to be increased sixty men; in the beginning of 1793 it was augmented to nine troops, and was held in constant readiness to proceed on foreign service; a tenth troop was afterwards added.

The French republicans, pursuing a career of cruelty, spoliation, and bloodshed, added to their multiplied enormities the decapitation of their king. Infatuated by success in their own land, they sought to subvert the liberties of other countries,—to destroy the civil order of Europe,—to spread a moral contamination of principle and practice which outraged the nature of mankind,—and to involve every country in atheism, despotism, and anarchy. They attacked Holland, when a British force was sent to the assistance of the Dutch, and the Inniskilling dragoons marched from York in June, 1793,—embarked at Blackwall, and having landed at Ostend, went into quarters for a short time among the Flemish peasantry.

From Ostend the Sixth proceeded to the vicinity of Bruges, and were formed in brigade with the blues and royal dragoons. Meanwhile the successes of the allies had removed the theatre of the war from Holland, to the frontiers of French Flanders, and the Inniskilling dragoons advanced up the country and joined the forces commanded by the Duke of York before Valenciennes, which fortress surrendered to His Royal Highness a few days after the regiment joined the army.

The British were separated from the remainder of the allies, with a view of undertaking the siege of Dunkirk; and the Inniskilling dragoons marched from Valenciennes to the vicinity of the coast for the purpose of forming part of the covering army. On the evening of the 22nd of August the French were driven from the camp at Ghivelde, and the covering forces took up a defensive position under Marshal Freytag, while the Duke of York carried on the operations against the fortress. The delay which took place in the arrival of the battering train, and of a British naval force, to co-operate with the army, gave time for the government of France to assemble men from various parts, crowd them into coaches, waggons, and other vehicles, and hurry them day and night towards Dunkirk. On the 6th of September the enemy attacked the covering army with overwhelming numbers, and, owing to the nature of the ground, the Inniskilling dragoons dismounted and formed as infantry. Some sharp fighting occurred during the day, and after sunset the covering army withdrew to a new position. The night was dark and tempestuous; the advance-guard took a wrong road, and on entering the village of Rexpoede it was found to be occupied by the enemy. Some confused fighting took place, and Marshal Freytag and Prince Adolphus were surrounded, but escaped with slight wounds. Finally the French were repulsed with great slaughter, and the army, continuing its route, arrived at Hondschoote on the following morning, and took up a new position. The Sixth dragoons lost one quarter-master, their sick men, the women, and the baggage, which fell into the enemy's hands.

On the 8th of September the covering army was again attacked, and driven from its ground by superior numbers; when the Duke of York raised the siege and retired.

The Dutch posts on the Lys having been forced on the 12th of September, they abandoned Menin, which fortress was immediately taken possession of by the French. The Duke of York advanced, on the 14th of September, to drive the enemy across the Lys; and the Inniskilling dragoons formed part of the force under Major-General Harcourt, which joined the leading column of Austrians and Hessians under Lieutenant-General Ehrbach. The French were forced to evacuate Menin, and were pursued by two British squadrons and the Austrian hussars towards Roncq.

After bivouacking a few days in the fields, near Menin, the regiment marched to Tournay, where it was stationed several weeks, and subsequently passed the severe winter months at Drongen.

1794

Leaving Drongen in February, 1794, the regiment marched to Oudenarde; in April it joined the army at Cateau, where it was seen in marching order by the Emperor Francis; and on the 17th of that month it supported the column which attacked and carried the heights of Vaux.

The Inniskilling dragoons formed part of the covering army during the siege of Landrécies; and on the 21st of April, when the enemy attacked the Prince of Coburg's advanced posts at Blocus, the regiment formed part of the force which proceeded to the support of the Austrians; the French were repulsed at this point; but they succeeded in driving the Imperialists from Nouvion.

Thirty thousand French, commanded by Lieutenant-General Chapuy, attacked the Duke of York's post at Cateau on the 26th of April, and several cannon shot and shells fell among the Sixth dragoons before they were mounted; but did little injury. The Duke of York watched the enemy's movements from the top of a redoubt, and observing their left uncovered, he detached a body of troops against that flank; and after a sharp contest the French general was taken prisoner, and his army driven from the field with severe loss.

On the 27th of April the Inniskilling dragoons were detached to support the troops at Courtray under General Clairfait, whose advance-posts at Mourcon were attacked two days afterwards by the French under General Pichegru, who carried the post after a severe engagement, and also gained possession of Courtray. The Inniskilling dragoons rejoined the army under the Duke of York.

On the 1st of May the Inniskilling dragoons encamped in front of Tournay, with their left to the road leading towards Lisle, where the army arrived from the vicinity of Landrécies, and took up a position to oppose the enemy.

About three o'clock on the morning of the 10th of May a few pistol-shots from the advance-posts gave indication of an approaching enemy, and soon afterwards thirty thousand republican troops appeared in dark masses advancing to battle. The British soldiers stood to their arms, and the Inniskilling dragoons mounted and prepared for the combat. The report of musketry with the deep tones of the artillery succeeded, and the enemy's attempt to turn the left was repulsed by the fire of the Austrians posted in a wood. A shower of bullets from the French artillery assaulted the British centre, and through the clouds of smoke the opposing columns rushed to battle. During the conflict several cavalry corps were detached against the enemy's right flank. The Queen's Bays, Scots Greys, and Inniskilling dragoons, forming one superb brigade, were led forward by the Duke of York, in open column of half-squadrons; on approaching the enemy they formed line under a heavy cannonade, and rushed sword in hand upon their adversaries. Deep lines, bristled with bayonets, opposed a formidable resistance; but they were broken by the terrific charge of the British heavy cavalry, and the heroic troopers riding furiously among their adversaries, cut them down with a terrible carnage. The enemy commenced a retreat, but was speedily broken and pursued from the field with great loss.

Three men and seven horses of the Sixth dragoons were killed; seven men and nineteen horses were wounded, and three horses missing.

A combined attack on the French posts having been resolved upon, the Sixth dragoons joined the column under General Count Kinsky, who advanced on the morning of the 17th of May from Cysoing to the La Marque, and forced the passage of the river at Bauvines, in which service the Inniskilling dragoons were engaged; but no decisive results followed the movements of the army on this occasion. On the evening of the same day the regiment joined the Austrians under Archduke Charles, and advanced on the 18th to form a junction with the column under the Duke of York at Roubaix, but was suddenly ordered to take the route to Tournay, where the army was again assembled.

The enemy attacked the position with great fury on the 22nd of May, but was repulsed. The Inniskilling dragoons were formed in column on their camp ground; but the French did not attack that part of the line.

The extraordinary efforts made by the French government to collect an army of overwhelming numbers, were eventually attended with complete success. The Austrians were overthrown and forced to retreat; the Duke of York was obliged to withdraw from his position in front of Tournay, and a series of retrograde movements followed, during which the Inniskilling dragoons performed much severe duty.

After encamping a short period at Rosendael, the regiment withdrew with the army, in the early part of August, beyond Breda. Thirty-five thousand men under the Duke of York confronted a hundred thousand opponents; and when the French had made preparations for enveloping this small body of British troops, His Royal Highness withdrew to another post beyond Bois-le-duc, where the Sixth dragoons encamped in the beginning of September.

Strenuous exertions were made by the allies for the preservation of Holland; but the Dutch, having imbibed the revolutionary principles and doctrines of equality from the French, did not second these efforts with zeal and energy, and the British troops were opposed by such immense masses, that no chance of ultimate success remained. The Duke of York withdrew beyond the Maese in the middle of September; and early in October concentrated his forces about Nimeguen, through which fortress the Inniskilling dragoons marched a few days before the place was besieged by the French, and eventually went into quarters in the villages between Rhenen and Wyck.

At length a severe frost set in, the rivers became frozen, so as to admit of an army passing on the ice, and the advance of the enemy being facilitated thereby, the prospect of being able to defend the passage of the Waal became hopeless, and the regiment was directed to pass the Rhine and occupy cantonments beyond that river.

1795

In the early part of January, 1795, a sudden thaw rendering it probable the army would be enabled to maintain a more forward position and defend the passage of the Waal, the Inniskilling dragoons were ordered to advance; they repassed the Rhine on the ice on the 8th of January, and joined the forces under Major-General Sir David Dundas near Geldermalsen. The frost, however, set in with greater severity than before, the country was converted into a plain, and after some sharp fighting the British troops fell back before the superior numbers of their opponents. The Sixth dragoons withdrew from their forward position; they were joined by the Queen's Bays, and Scots Greys, on the 13th of January; harassing marches over a region of ice and snow followed, and several men and horses perished from the severity of the weather.

On the 17th of January the Inniskilling dragoons halted at Campen in Overyssel; on the 26th they were at Steenwyk in the same province, and continuing this harassing march, they passed the confines of Holland, and arrived on the 10th of February at the banks of the Ems, a river of Westphalia. They were to have halted at Warmer, but a thaw occasioned them to prosecute their journey and pass the river on the ice. Continuing the march on the following day, the country for a considerable distance was under water, and several horses which had become exhausted, were lost in the inundations.

The frost returning, the Sixth dragoons countermarched, repassed the Ems on the ice on the 20th of February, and on the 20th skirmished with the van of the French army. Several manœuvres followed, and on the 3rd of March a party of French failed in an attempt to pass the Ems. On the following day the Inniskilling dragoons had to traverse a small river on the ice at a point which was commanded by the enemy's cannon; but the regiment, being favoured by a very thick fog, passed unperceived by the French.

1796
1797

Hostilities terminated in this quarter soon afterwards; in May the regiment went into cantonments in villages near the banks of the Weser, one of the principal rivers in Germany; and in July it encamped near Delmenhorst, the chief town of a district of that name in Westphalia, seven miles south-west of Bremen. On the breaking up of the camp, the Sixth dragoons marched through Bremen into cantonments on the right bank of the Weser until November, when they embarked for England, but were detained in the river several weeks by contrary winds. They landed at Yarmouth and South Shields about Christmas; in January, 1796, they marched to Norwich, and in September following to Ipswich, where they passed the succeeding winter. In the autumn of 1797 they proceeded to Romford.

General Johnston died on the 13th of December, 1797, and was interred in great state in Westminster Abbey. He was succeeded in the colonelcy by George, Earl of Pembroke, K.G., who commanded the regiment during the succeeding thirty years.

1798
1799
1800
1801

Leaving Romford in June, 1798, the regiment proceeded to Windsor, and encamped in the forest, where a numerous body of troops was assembled, and exercised in the presence of King George III. and the royal family. His Majesty reviewed the regiment; and it afterwards proceeded into cantonments, the head-quarters being at Uxbridge. In December, 1799, it marched to Birmingham; in August, 1800, to Bristol; and in June, 1801, to Exeter.

1802

The successes of the British forces in Egypt and the West Indies, were followed by a treaty of peace, in 1802, when the establishment of the Sixth dragoons was reduced to eight troops, and the total number of officers and men to five hundred and fifty-three. In October the head-quarters were removed to Nottingham.

1803

Before the following summer the ambitious policy of the French republic involved Great Britain in another war, and the first consul of France, Napoleon Bonaparte, assembled an army for the invasion of England. This vain project was met by formidable preparations on the part of the British government; an army of six hundred thousand men (including militia, yeomanry, volunteers, and troops on foreign stations) was embodied; and the establishment of the Inniskilling dragoons was again augmented.

1804
1805

In the summer of 1803 the regiment marched to Birmingham; in January, 1804, it proceeded to Brighton, and was stationed near the Sussex coast during the two following summers, while the French army lay at Boulogne, on the opposite side of the channel. In 1805 Napoleon withdrew his legions from the coast, and marched against the Russians and Austrians; and in October the Sixth dragoons proceeded to Lewes.

1806
1807
1808
1809

The danger of foreign invasion passed away, the arts, sciences, agriculture, manufactures, and commerce flourished throughout the British dominions; while the other countries of Europe became successively scenes of war, rapine, and spoliation. The Inniskilling dragoons proceeded, in March, 1806, to Ipswich; during the winter of 1807 to York, and in the summer of 1808 they marched to Scotland, and occupied Piershill barracks, Edinburgh. In June, 1809, they embarked at Portpatrick for Ireland; they landed at Donaghadee, and marched to Dundalk.

1810
1811
1813
1814

While the British troops were triumphant over the legions of Napoleon, in Portugal, Spain, and the south of France, the Inniskilling dragoons were detained on home service in Ireland. In the summer of 1810 they marched to Dublin; in November, 1811, to Ballinasloe; in March, 1813, to Belturbet; in May following, to Tullamore, and in April, 1814, to Dublin, from whence they embarked for Liverpool, where they arrived on the 3rd of May, and proceeding to York, halted there three months, and afterwards marched to Nottingham.

While the regiment was in Ireland, the cocked hats and feathers were replaced by brass helmets, and the high boots and breeches by cloth trousers and short boots.

Meanwhile the victories of the British army had been followed by the removal of Napoleon from the throne of France, and the re-establishment of tranquillity in Europe: the numbers of the regiment were consequently reduced from ten to eight troops.

1815

The return of peace was followed by public rejoicings throughout the country; but scarcely had these subsided, when news arrived of the return of Bonaparte to France; of the flight of Louis XVIII. from the capital; and of the re-assumption of the imperial dignity by the usurper. Preparations for war immediately commenced; the establishment of the Inniskilling dragoons was augmented, and six troops, mustering four hundred and fifty officers and men, under the command of Colonel Joseph Muter, were selected to proceed on foreign service; the depôt troops commanded by Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Ellice, were stationed at Ipswich.

Sixth (Inniskilling) Dragoons, 1815.

[To face page 80.

The six troops destined for service abroad proceeded, in April, 1815, to Gravesend, where they embarked for Ostend; some delay was occasioned by contrary winds; but the whole reached Flanders in safety, and on the first of May they were in quarters beyond Bruges, from whence they removed a few stages further up the country. A British, Hanoverian, and Brunswick force was assembled in Belgium under Field-Marshal His Grace the Duke of Wellington, and the King of the Netherlands placed his troops under the orders of the British commander. The Sixth were formed in brigade with the royal dragoons and Scots greys, commanded by Major-General Sir William Ponsonby, K.C.B. They were reviewed by the Prince of Orange, and Lieutenant-General the Earl of Uxbridge, commanding the cavalry, on the 24th of May; and on the 29th of that month they were seen, together with the other cavalry corps and the royal horse artillery, by the Duke of Wellington, who was accompanied by Marshal Von Blucher, the commander of the Prussian army.

The Inniskilling dragoons reposed in cantonments among the Belgic peasantry about six weeks; being stimulated by the fame acquired by several corps in the Peninsular campaigns, from 1808 to 1814, they were eager for an opportunity to signalize their intrepidity and prowess against the enemies of their country, and this opportunity was soon afforded them. About four o'clock on the morning of the 16th of June, they were suddenly aroused by the notes of the bugle summoning them to assemble, mounted, at the alarm posts. Springing from their beds with alacrity, they were speedily equipped, and, as the Belgic husbandmen commenced their labours in the field, the Inniskilling dragoons were seen directing their march towards Quatre Bras, where the French divisions, under Marshal Ney, had suddenly attacked the advance-posts, while Bonaparte assailed the Prussians at Ligny with the main body of his army. Continuing its route by Enghien, Brain-le-Conte, and Nivelles, the regiment arrived at the scene of conflict a little before midnight; the hostile forces were reposing on their arms; and the Sixth bivouacked behind the position, in a corn-field on the left of the road from Charleroi to Brussels.

The Prussians having retreated, the Duke of Wellington made a corresponding movement, and the Inniskilling dragoons were employed in covering the retreat of the infantry and artillery to the position of Mont St. Jean, in front of the village of Waterloo. On passing through Genappe, a heavy thunder-storm deluged the country and put a stop to the firing; but as the atmosphere cleared, the scene became particularly interesting; the cavalry brigades were manœuvring in the face of the adverse army; the loud tones of the artillery, the fire of skirmishers in the fields, the seventh hussars and first life guards charging the French lancers in the streets, while Bonaparte urged forward his numerous squadrons, thinking to overwhelm the British horsemen, presented to the eye an animating and splendid spectacle. On arriving at the heights of Mont St. Jean, an opposition was presented to the French emperor, which he despaired to overcome that evening, and the hostile forces confronted each other during the night, the men and horses being exposed to a continual rain.

On the morning of the memorable 18th of June, the army appeared in order of battle. The Royals, Greys, and Inniskilling dragoons, were formed on the left of the road leading from Brussels to Charleroi, to support Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas Picton's division of infantry, which crowned the heights in front of the brigade. At ten o'clock the French appeared on the opposite heights, from whence a cloud of skirmishers was sent forward; the artillery gradually opened its fire, and about noon the enemy's columns traversed the intervening space, and one of the most sanguinary, hard-contested, and important battles recorded in the annals of war commenced: a battle in which the fate of kingdoms, and the destiny of millions, was decided by British skill, and by British valour.

After failing in reiterated assaults on the post of Hugomont, simultaneous attacks were formed; one of cuirassiers against the centre, which was defeated by the British household cavalry; and one of infantry against the left of the position occupied by the allied army. The formation of columns was partly concealed by the nature of the ground; but the glistening of bayonets was seen at intervals, above the undulations which form the features of this sanguinary field.

Twenty thousand infantry appeared on the heights opposite the spot where the Inniskilling dragoons were formed, and rushing forward with that eager velocity which characterizes the first attack of French soldiers, they traversed the intervening space with astonishing expedition, dispersed a Belgic brigade with which they first came in contact, broke through parts of the British supporting infantry, and ascended the position occupied by the allied army. A favourable opportunity for the Royals, Greys, and Inniskilling dragoons to charge presented itself; the Earl of Uxbridge galloped up to the three regiments, and they instantly deployed and advanced against the dark masses of the enemy. A spirit of emulation, and a thirst for glory, beamed in the countenances of the officers and men, as they moved forward in firm array, presenting a noble spectacle of nine squadrons of superb heavy cavalry, whose warlike appearance and resolute bearing excited admiration. The French columns were urging forward with rapid steps as to certain victory; crowds of infantry and artillery fled before them; and as they ascended the crest of the position, they presented a menacing and alarming aspect. An important crisis in the battle had arrived, and stupendous results depended on the valour of the Royals, Greys, and Inniskilling dragoons. The three regiments advanced steadily to meet these numerous and formidable bands of opponents, who were concealed from their view by the rising ground: they paused a short time to permit the retreating infantry and artillery to pass through the intervals of squadrons, and the next moment these powerful horsemen raised a loud and terrific shout, and rushed furiously upon the adverse ranks of war. The spectacle was grand, and the result glorious to the British arms. The French masses being unable to deploy, the heads of columns were instantly broken and forced back; confusion ensued, the firing ceased, a general flight commenced, and as the smoke cleared away the British dragoons were seen plunging their horses into the midst of the broken columns, and cutting down the French musketeers with a terrible carnage, until the slope of the position was literally covered with slain. Crowds of French soldiers threw down their arms and surrendered; while others cast themselves on the ground to escape the victorious troopers. The Royals and Greys took each an eagle: the Inniskilling dragoons cut off from their own lines and made prisoners a numerous body of French infantry, with whom part of the regiment was detached to the rear. The brigade continued its victorious course, spreading terror, carnage, and dismay over the field: it crossed the ravine, carried several batteries, and penetrated to the rear of the enemy's position. Pursuing their opponents too far, the Inniskilling dragoons were, on returning, charged by a numerous body of the enemy's lancers, and sustained considerable loss.

Major-General Sir William Ponsonby having been killed by the lancers, the command of the brigade devolved on Colonel Muter of the Inniskilling dragoons; and that of the regiment on Lieutenant-Colonel Fiennes Miller, who had previously had his horse killed under him, and had received several bayonet wounds, but having had his wounds dressed, and procuring a horse which had belonged to a French officer of lancers, he kept his post at the head of the regiment.

The brigade having re-formed, was stationed behind a little wood, where it remained, protected from the enemy's incessant fire of shot and shells by some high ground and by the trees, until about four o'clock in the afternoon, when it was ordered to the right of the position, and there suffered severely from a heavy cannonade.

Lieutenant-Colonel Miller was again wounded about five o'clock, and withdrew, leaving the regiment under the command of Captain Madox. About half-past five Colonel Muter was wounded, and the command of the brigade devolved on Lieutenant-Colonel Clifton, of the royal dragoons.

In the general attack made on the French army at the close of the day, the brigade had another opportunity of distinguishing itself, and, although it was reduced to a very small number of officers and men by casualties and parties detached to the rear with prisoners, yet it proved victorious over every description of force which opposed its advance. The French army sustained a decisive overthrow. The troops under the Duke of Wellington halted on the field, surrounded by cannon and other trophies of victory, while the Prussians, who had arrived at the close of the action, pursued Bonaparte's discomfited legions throughout the night.

Thus ended a battle, the greatest of past or present times, the character and importance of which may be estimated by the splendid results, and by the continued peace which has followed. The brigade, of which the Inniskilling dragoons formed part, was commended by the Duke of Wellington in his public despatch.

The regiment had Lieutenant and Adjutant Clusky, two troop-serjeant-majors, three serjeants, four corporals, one trumpeter, seventy-five privates, and one hundred and sixty-four horses killed; Colonel Muter, Lieutenant-Colonel Miller, Captains W. F. Browne, and the Honourable S. Douglas, Lieutenant Hassard, and Cornet Ruffo, three serjeant-majors, six serjeants, five corporals, two trumpeters, eighty-five men, and twenty-seven horses wounded.

Colonel Muter and Lieutenant-Colonel Miller had the honour of receiving the riband and badge of companion of the order of the Bath. Colonel Muter was further rewarded with the decoration of the fourth class of St. Wladimir of Russia, Captain Madox was promoted to the rank of major in the army.

Serjeant-Majors William Seney, John Laws, and Matthew Marshall, Serjeants Hugh M'Mahon, and Johnston Marlow, with Privates William Penfold and Robert Potters, particularly distinguished themselves.

Every officer and soldier present at this engagement received a silver medal; and the subaltern officers, with the non-commissioned officers and privates, were allowed to reckon two years' service for that battle[16].

The royal authority was also given for the regiment to bear the word "Waterloo" on its guidons and appointments.

The regiment advanced in pursuit of the wreck of the French army on the following day; on the 22nd of June it bivouacked at Malplaquet, a village which is celebrated in history as the scene of a desperate engagement, on the 11th of September, 1709, when the army commanded by the Duke of Marlborough gained a victory over the French under Marshals Villars and Boufflers.

Continuing the pursuit of the French army, the Inniskilling dragoons arrived, in the beginning of July, at the vicinity of Paris, and after the surrender of the capital, they went into quarters at the village of Nanterre, where they remained three weeks, and subsequently marched to Rouen. They took part in several reviews of the army commanded by the Duke of Wellington, at which the sovereigns of Russia, Austria, Prussia, and France, were present.

1816

The war having terminated with the restoration of the Bourbon dynasty to the throne of France, and the conclusion of a treaty of peace, the regiment marched to Calais. It embarked for England on the 1st of January, 1816, and after landing at Dover, proceeded to Salisbury, and subsequently to Exeter. At the same time its numbers were reduced to a peace establishment.

1817
1818
1819

In October, 1817, the regiment marched to Birmingham; during the summer of 1818 it proceeded to Scotland and was stationed at Piershill barracks, near Edinburgh. Leaving this station in June, 1819, for Portpatrick, it embarked for Ireland,—arrived at Donaghadee on the 1st of July, and marched into quarters at Gort, in the county of Galway.

1820
1821

The Inniskilling dragoons passed the four succeeding years in Ireland. In 1820 their head-quarters were removed to Longford; and in July, 1821, to Dublin, on the occasion of the auspicious visit of His Majesty King George IV. to this part of his dominions. In August the regiment marched to Newbridge, for the purpose of attending His Majesty at the race-ground of Kildare.

1822

On the 9th of November the Sixth dragoons left Newbridge for Fermoy; in February, 1822, they proceeded to Cahir, and in June following returned to Newbridge, where they remained till December, when they proceeded to Dublin and occupied the royal barracks.

1823

Leaving Dublin in May, 1823, the regiment proceeded to Donaghadee, where it embarked for Scotland on the 6th of June, landed on the same day, and proceeded to Glasgow, where it passed the succeeding twelve months.

1824
1825
1826
1827

From Glasgow the regiment marched in July, 1824, for York; in the summer of 1825 the head-quarters were removed to Manchester; in April, 1826, to Dorchester; and in the following year to Nottingham.

The Earl of Pembroke died in the autumn, and was succeeded in the colonelcy by the Hon. Sir William Lumley, G.C.B., by commission dated the 3rd of November, 1827.

1828
1829

Leaving Nottingham in March, 1828, the regiment proceeded to Ipswich, but returned to Nottingham in October following; and in the summer of 1829 proceeded to Liverpool and embarked for Ireland. After landing at Dublin, it proceeded to Dundalk, where it passed the winter.

1830
1831
1832

In the summer of 1830 the regiment proceeded to Dublin; in July, 1831, the head-quarters were at Longford; and in 1832 at Cahir, many detachments being furnished in aid of the civil power during these years.

1833

The Regiment proceeded, in March, 1833, to Dublin, where it embarked for England, and after landing at Liverpool, marched to Scotland, and was stationed at Edinburgh.

1834
1835
1836
1837

From Scotland the regiment marched in the summer of 1834 to England, the head-quarters, proceeding to Nottingham; in 1835 to Ipswich; in 1836 to Brighton; and in 1837 to Dorchester.

1838
1839

In the summer of 1838 the regiment marched to Bristol and embarked for Ireland; it landed at Cork on the 4th of June, and proceeded from thence to Cahir. In April, 1839, it was removed to Newbridge, and in July to Dublin.

1840

In April, 1840, General the Honourable Sir William Lumley, G.C.B., was removed to the first dragoon guards, and was succeeded in the colonelcy of the Sixth dragoons by Lieutenant-General Sir Joseph Straton, K.C.H., from the eighth hussars; and this officer dying in October following, the colonelcy was conferred on Lieutenant-General Sir George Pownall Adams, K.C.H., by commission dated the 26th of October, 1840.

In the summer of this year the head-quarters were removed to Newbridge, and several detachments were furnished in aid of the civil power.

1841

The regiment proceeded to Dublin in the spring of 1841, embarked for Liverpool, and the head-quarters were afterwards established at Birmingham.

1842

In May, 1842, the regiment commenced its march for Scotland, and was quartered at Glasgow and Edinburgh; the whole assembling at Edinburgh in August.

On the visit of Queen Victoria to Scotland in September of this year, the Inniskilling dragoons had the honour to receive Her Majesty on landing at Granton Pier, and to furnish guards of honour, and all the Royal escorts at Edinburgh, and as far as Perth, on Her Majesty's journey to the north of Scotland. The regiment also attended the Queen to Granton Pier, when Her Majesty re-embarked for London on the 15th of September.

1843

Routes were received in the spring of 1843, for the regiment to march to England, when the following general order was issued, dated

"Edinburgh, April 1, 1843.

"Major-General Sir Neil Douglas cannot permit the Inniskilling dragoons to quit the North British district without expressing to Lieutenant-Colonel White, the officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers of that regiment, his perfect satisfaction with their conduct during the time they have been under his command. It appears very evident that the exertions of the officers have succeeded in instilling into the minds of their men, that, next to distinguished valour in the field, nothing can more fully establish the character of a British soldier than quiet, peaceable, and subordinate behaviour in quarters, which the Sixth dragoons have so eminently displayed while stationed in North Britain. Nor can the Major-General forget the manner in which the regiment performed the honorable duties assigned to it during Her Majesty's visit to her northern dominions, which called forth approbation from the highest authorities. In taking leave of the regiment the Major-General begs to assure the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the Sixth dragoons, that they carry with them his sincere and hearty wishes for their prosperity and honour, wherever their country may require their services.

"By order of Major-General Sir Neil Douglas, K.C.B. and K.C.H.

(Signed) "Rt. Kerr, Colonel,
"Assistant Adjutant-General."

On arriving in England the head-quarters of the regiment were established at Leeds; in October the regiment marched from that station to Nottingham.

1844
1845

The Regiment remained at Nottingham until June 1844, when it proceeded to Brighton, and remained there until April 1845, when it marched to Birmingham.

Sixth (Inniskilling) Dragoons, 1843.

[To face page 95.

1846

In April, 1846, the regiment embarked at Liverpool for Ireland, and on its arrival at Dublin it proceeded to Newbridge, from whence it marched in May to Longford, where the head-quarters are now stationed.

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The Sixth, or the Inniskilling Regiment of Dragoons, was originally composed of men who evinced an example of valour, constancy, and devotion to the interests of civil and religious liberty, as established by law, at a period of peculiar difficulty and danger, such as seldom has been witnessed in the United Kingdom; and their heroic gallantry ensured to their country the blessings of constitutional monarchy. Loyalty, courage and obedience, have been evinced by the officers and soldiers of the regiment from that period to the present time; and whether in the war of the Austrian succession,—in the seven years' war in Germany,—the early campaigns of the war of the French revolution,—or on the memorable field of Waterloo, the same valour and constancy have been displayed, which shone so brilliantly in the first members of the corps. Being equally conspicuous for good conduct on home service, the regiment has always possessed the confidence, and ranked high in the estimation, of the sovereign and of the country.

1846.