The Seventy-first proceeded shortly afterwards to Middleburg, where the battalion remained for a few days, when it was ordered to occupy Ter Veer, of which place Lieut.-Colonel Pack was appointed Commandant, and Lieutenant Henry Clements, of the Seventy-first, Town Major. The battalion remained doing duty in the garrison until this island, after destroying the works, etc, was finally evacuated on the 22nd of December.
On the 23rd of December the battalion embarked in transports and sailed for England, after a service of five months in a very unhealthy climate, which cost the battalion the loss of the following officers and men:—
| Sergeants, Drummers, | |||
| Officers. | and Rank and File. | ||
| Died on service | 1 | 57 | |
| Killed | 2 | 19 | |
| Died after return home | 2 | 9 | |
| — | — | ||
| 5 | 85 | ||
In passing Cadsand, that fort opened a fire on the transports, one of which, having part of the Seventy-first on board, was struck by a round shot which carried off Sergeant Steel’s legs above the knees.[7]
On the 25th of December the first battalion of the Seventy-first disembarked at Deal, and marched to Brabourne-Lees barracks, in Kent, where it was again brigaded with the Sixty-eighth and Eighty-fifth Light Infantry, and was occupied in keeping itself in an efficient state for active service.
1810.
Upon the Seventy-first being made light infantry, they were permitted to retain such parts of the national dress as might not be inconsistent with their duties as a light corps. A correspondence on the subject took place as follows between Lieut.-Colonel Pack and the Adjutant-General in April, 1810:—
“Sir,
“I beg leave to state that until I read the Adjutant-General’s letter of the 31st January last, a copy of which I have the honour herewith to enclose, I did not think it possible any misconception could exist as to the Seventy-first being no longer considered a Highland Regiment, having myself clearly understood from His Royal Highness the Duke of York and the present Commander-in-Chief that in becoming light infantry the corps was to be put, as to Colonel’s allowances, clothing, and appointments, exactly on the same establishment as English regiments of the line, being only allowed to retain our name and such characteristics of the old corps as were in no way found objectionable, and out of which in point of ‘esprit de corps’ much good and no possible harm could arise, and it was under this impression that the bonnet cocked as a regimental cap was submitted to the Horse Guards for approval, and was sealed by the Adjutant-General for our use. With this security I should now rest satisfied, but on a point affecting the honour of the regiment, I cannot allow a shadow of doubt to rest. I have, therefore, to entreat the Commander-in-Chief that unquestionable authority may be given for our wearing the bonnet so cocked, for retaining our pipes, and still dressing our pipers in the Highland garb. It cannot be forgotten how those pipes were obtained, and how constantly the regiment has upheld its title to them. These are the honourable characteristics alluded to, which must preserve to future times the previous remains of the old corps, and of which I feel confident His Majesty never will have reason to deprive the Seventy-first Regiment.
“I have the honour to be,
“Sir,
“Your most obedient servant,
(Signed) “D. Pack,
“Lieut.-Colonel Seventy-first
“Regiment.