“In commemoration of the glorious defence made by the regiments of infantry which composed the garrison of Gibraltar during the late memorable siege of that fortress,” the Fifty-sixth Regiment received the royal authority to bear on its regimental colours the word “Gibraltar,” with the device of a “Castle and Key,” and the motto “Montis Insignia Calpe.”
In pursuance of an arrangement made by His Majesty’s command, the several regiments were at this period directed to assume County Titles, and to cultivate a connexion with such parts of the kingdom, with the view of promoting the recruiting of the army. The Fifty-sixth received the title of the West Essex Regiment.
In the month of October of this year, the Fifty-sixth Regiment was relieved at Gibraltar, and embarked for England: having landed at Portsmouth in December, it marched from thence to Chatham.
1784
In the beginning of 1784 the regiment marched to St. Albans, and in the spring commenced its route to Scotland, proceeding first to Glasgow, and afterwards to Aberdeen.
1785
1786
On the 8th of April, 1785, the regiment commenced its march from Aberdeen for Fort George, where it was stationed twelve months, and, in April, 1786, marched to Perth: in June it proceeded to Edinburgh Castle.
1787
Leaving Edinburgh in May, 1787, the regiment proceeded to Ayr, and in September to Glasgow. Its establishment was reduced from eleven to ten companies.
1788
1789