After the conquest of Canada, the TWENTY-SECOND were removed to Albany, from whence they proceeded to New York, in April, 1761, and afterwards embarked, under Lord Rollo, for the West Indies.
The island of Dominica had been declared neutral; but it was found to be so much under the influence of France, and proved a refuge to so many privateers of that nation, that the British government resolved to take possession of it. The TWENTY-SECOND, and other corps under Lord Rollo, landed on the island on the 6th of June, under cover of the fire of the men-of-war, and drove the enemy from his batteries: the grenadiers of the TWENTY-SECOND regiment distinguished themselves on this occasion. In two days the island was reduced to submission with little loss.
1762
From Dominica the TWENTY-SECOND proceeded to Carlisle Bay, Barbadoes, and joined the troops assembled at that place under the orders of Major-General the Honorable Robert Monckton, for the attack of the French island of Martinique. After several attempts on other parts of the island, a landing was effected in Cas des Navières Bay, on the 16th of January, 1762; the works on the heights of Morne Tortenson were captured on the 24th of that month; Morne Garnier was carried on the 27th; and the citadel of Fort Royal surrendered on the 4th of February. These successes were followed by the surrender of the opulent city of St. Pierre, and the submission of the whole island to the British Crown. The Commander of the expedition stated in his despatch—"I cannot find words to render that ample justice which is due to the valor of his Majesty's troops which I have had the honor to command. The difficulties they had to encounter in the attack of an enemy possessed of every advantage of art and nature were great; and their perseverance in surmounting these obstacles, furnishes a noble example of British spirit."
The capture of Martinique was followed by that of Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent; and the acquisition of these islands gave additional honor to the expedition of which the TWENTY-SECOND regiment formed part.
Additional forces arrived in the West Indies, and the TWENTY-SECOND regiment, mustering six hundred and two rank and file, under the command of Major Loftus, joined the expedition commanded by General the Earl of Albemarle, for the reduction of the wealthy and important Spanish city of the Havannah, in the island of Cuba The TWENTY-SECOND, Fortieth, Seventy-second, and five companies of the Ninetieth, were formed in brigade under Brigadier-General Lord Rollo.
Proceeding through the Straits of Bahama, the armament arrived within six leagues of the Havannah on the 6th of June. A landing was effected on the following day, and the Moro fort, being the key-position of the extensive works which covered the town, was besieged. This proved an undertaking of great difficulty; but every obstacle was overcome by the spirited efforts of the land and sea forces, and the fort was captured by storm on the 30th of July. An extensive series of batteries was prepared, and opened, on the 11th of August, so well-directed a fire on the works which protected the town, that the guns of the garrison were soon silenced, and the important city of the Havannah was surrendered to the British arms. Nine Spanish men-of-war were delivered up; two were found upon the stocks; and three sunk at the entrance of the harbour.
In March of this year Major-General Whitmore, who was drowned at sea, was succeeded in the colonelcy by Major-General the Honorable Thomas Gage, from the Eightieth regiment, a provincial corps which was raised in 1758, and disbanded after the treaty of Fontainebleau.
1763
At the peace of Fontainebleau the Havannah was restored to Spain, in exchange for the province of Florida, on the continent of America; and in 1763 the TWENTY-SECOND regiment proceeded to West Florida.