MEMOIRS AND SERVICES OF THE
EIGHTY-THIRD REGIMENT

MEMOIRS AND SERVICES
OF THE
EIGHTY-THIRD REGIMENT
COUNTY OF DUBLIN

FROM 1793 TO 1907

INCLUDING

THE CAMPAIGNS OF THE REGIMENT

IN THE WEST INDIES, AFRICA, THE PENINSULA,
CEYLON, CANADA, AND INDIA

LONDON

HUGH REES, Ltd.

119, PALL MALL, S.W.

1908

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

THE EIGHTY-THIRD REGIMENT

“CAPE OF GOOD HOPE”
“TALAVERA.” “BUSACO.” “FUENTES D’ONOR”
“CIUDAD RODRIGO”
“BADAJOS.” “SALAMANCA.” “VITTORIA”
“NIVELLE”
“ORTHES.” “TOULOUSE.” “PENINSULA”
“CENTRAL INDIA”

PREFACE

This Memoir of the Services of the 83rd (County of Dublin) Regiment, now 1st Battalion Royal Irish Rifles, was originally arranged and prepared for publication, from September, 1793, “in which year the Regiment was raised,” to September, 1863, by Brevet Major Edward William Bray, who was then serving with the Regiment. The later history, from 1864 up to present time, has been collected from the Authentic Records preserved in the Regimental Orderly Room.

Meerut,

December, 1907.

CONTENTS

Part I contains the Services of 1st Battalion, from 1793, the date of its being raised, to 1817, when the 1st and 2nd Battalions were amalgamated at the Cape of Good Hope.

Part II contains the History of the 2nd Battalion from 1804 to 1814, and the Services of the Regiment during the Peninsular War.

Part III contains the Services of the Regiment in Ceylon from 1814 to 1829.

Part IV contains the Services of the Regiment from 1829 to 1848, including its Services in Canada.

Part V contains the Services of the Regiment in India, including the Indian Mutiny, from 1849 to 1857.

Part VI contains the Services of the Regiment from 1858 to 1863, including the campaign of 1858 in Central India.

Part VII contains the Services of the Regiment from 1864 to 1907, including the campaign of 1881 in South Africa.

MEMOIRS
OF THE
EIGHTY-THIRD REGIMENT

PART I
SERVICES OF THE 1st BATTALION, 1793–1817

1793.

In September, 1793, Major William Fitch obtained a letter of service to raise a regiment, which, after being numbered, became the 83rd, its formation bearing date 28th September, 1793, and of which the major was appointed lieutenant-colonel commandant. The regiment was embodied at Dublin, and quartered in the old Custom House at Essex Bridge for about two months, when it was called upon to take a portion of the garrison duties, in consequence of a great number of troops having been drawn from that garrison for the purpose of embarking for the West Indies. The regiment then moved to the royal barracks. The establishment of the regiment at this period was fixed at 72 sergeants, 26 drummers, 1200 rank and file, and an additional lieutenant added to each company.

1794.

In October, 1794, a second battalion was added to the regiment, and the establishment of the first battalion was reduced to 52 sergeants, 22 drummers, and 1000 rank and file. The 2nd Battalion soon afterwards was numbered, and became the 134th Regiment.

On the 7th November, 1794, the regiment embarked at Dublin and sailed for England. It landed at Pill and marched to Bath, in Somersetshire, where it was quartered several months. It then marched to Poole, in Dorsetshire, where it remained about five months, and from thence to Southampton.

1795.

On the 5th May, 1795, the regiment embarked at Stokes Bay for the West Indies, and sailed in about ten days afterwards.[1]

On the arrival of the regiment at Martinique, it received orders to proceed to Jamaica, and, after a few days’ sail, arrived at Port Royal on the 16th July, 1795.

The regiment was then removed from the chartered ships to men-of-war and transports, and sailed for Saint Domingo; but the Maroon insurrection having broken out a few days after the regiment had sailed, Lord Balcarras, the Governor, despatched a schooner to recall them; but she could only overtake two ships, which returned with about half the regiment, which landed at Mondego Bay and was marched into the interior.

The regiment was actively employed in the suppression of the Maroon insurrection for about eight months, and sustained a loss of 70 killed and wounded; amongst the former was the Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant, William Fitch; and Captains Lee and Brunt slightly wounded—the former died in four days afterwards.

On the 13th September, 1795, Major-General James Balfour succeeded to the colonelcy, vice Lieutenant-Colonel Fitch, killed in action.

1798.

The few men that remained of the detachment that went to Saint Domingo in 1795 returned to Jamaica in 1798.

1802.

The regiment remained on the north side of Jamaica until the beginning of June, 1802, when it embarked in men-of-war at Savannah le Mar, Falmouth, and Mondego Bay, for Port Royal, and on its arrival marched to Spanish Town; shortly afterwards the men were allowed to extend their services in the 60th and 85th, and a few to the 2nd West India Regiment.

On the 4th July, 1802, the regiment embarked on board His Majesty’s ship Delft, and landed at Portsmouth on the 22nd August following, its strength being 1 lieutenant-colonel, 2 majors, 9 captains, 16 subalterns, 29 sergeants, 11 drummers, and 294 rank and file.

During the service of seven years of the regiment in the West Indies, it received drafts and volunteers from several regiments, amounting to 410 rank and file, and deducting men who were drafted and volunteered on its embarkation from England, the regiment appears to have lost by deaths 870 non-commissioned officers and rank and file, from the period of its arrival in the West Indies to its return to England in August, 1802.

During this period the officers named in the margin also died.[2]

The regiment on disembarking proceeded to Hilsea Barracks, where it remained about three weeks, from whence it proceeded to Chelmsford; and in March, 1803, received the route for Portsmouth, and on its arrival embarked for Jersey, on board the Acastra frigate and other vessels; and on its disembarkation was quartered at Grove Hill.

1806.

On the 4th May, 1805, the regiment embarked at St. Heliers. It joined the expedition at the Cove of Cork, destined against the Cape of Good Hope, under the command of Lieutenant-General Sir David Baird, and landed at the Cape on the 6th January, 1806; and was actually employed in the reduction of that settlement, where its head-quarters were stationed, and where it remained quartered until October, 1817, when it was joined by a large detachment of the 2nd Battalion, under Lieutenant-Colonel Collier, on the reduction of the 2nd Battalion at Armagh in 1817. The whole of the regiment, now reunited, and forming but one battalion henceforward, was collected together at Simon’s Bay, Cape of Good Hope, in September, 1817, and embarked for Ceylon on 1st October, 1817.[3]

PART II
HISTORY OF THE 2ND BATTALION, 1804–14, AND SERVICES OF THE REGIMENT DURING THE PENINSULAR WAR

The 2nd Battalion, 83rd Regiment, was raised in the year 1804; the establishment being fixed at 600 rank and file, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Hutchison, who had previously belonged to the 1st Battalion.

The head-quarters of the 2nd Battalion were first established at Horsham Barracks, Sussex, where it remained a few months and was then removed to Chichester, at which place it received a draft of 300 men, chiefly from the 3rd Royal Lancashire Militia.

1805.

During the stay of the battalion at Chichester, Lieutenant-Colonel Hutchison was removed to the Staff, and Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon succeeded to the command of the regiment.

1806.

The battalion removed to Newport, in the Isle of Wight, whence it sent 270 rank and file, with a proportion of officers and non-commissioned officers (being the entire of the effectives fit for active service), to join the 1st Battalion at the Cape of Good Hope.

In August the battalion marched to Chipping Norton, in Oxfordshire, and in November following removed to Battle Barracks, Sussex, where its establishment was increased to 800 rank and file. After a short stay at this station, it was ordered to Brabourne Leas and Ashford, in Kent, and in March, 1807, proceeded to Portsmouth and embarked for Guernsey.

1807.

Having remained a few days there, it re-embarked and sailed for Jersey; and was quartered at St. Owens, in that island.

In September following it embarked for Ireland; but owing to contrary winds, the whole battalion was not assembled at Cove till January, 1808, when it marched to Kinsale, County Cork.

1808.

The same month the battalion was marched to Birr, in King’s County, where its establishment was augmented to 1000 rank and file, and an additional lieutenant appointed to each company; from this place 14 officers and 214 rank and file were sent to reinforce the 1st Battalion at the Cape of Good Hope.

In the month of May following the battalion marched to Dublin and occupied the Palatine Barracks, and in December marched to Fermoy.

1809.

In January, 1809, the battalion marched from Fermoy to Cork, and embarked at Cove for Corunna; but intelligence having been received of the battle of Corunna and the evacuation of Spain by the British, a ship of war was despatched to recall the transports, when the regiment disembarked and marched back to its old quarters at Fermoy.

In March following the battalion received orders to march to Cove, for embarkation for Lisbon, and having been previously inspected by Brigadier-General Rowland Hill, proceeded to Cove, and embarking on board the transports, sailed to join the British army in Portugal.

On the 6th April, 1809, the battalion, 900 strong, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon, landed at Lisbon, and was immediately despatched to join the British army, then under the command of Sir John Cradock, at Coimbra. It was there brigaded with the 9th Regiment (1st Battalion), and placed under the command of Brigadier-General Alan Cameron.

CAMPAIGN OF THE DOURO

1809.

General Sir Arthur Wellesley, having superseded Sir John Cradock in the command of the army, advanced to the relief of Oporto, then occupied by the French. General Cameron’s brigade was placed in General Sherbrook’s division, and was actively engaged at the passage of the Douro and the attack on the French in Oporto.

On the 12th May, at the passage of the Douro, Captain Summerfield and the Light Company of the 83rd were amongst the foremost that crossed in the boats, and occupied the Seminary, and Captain Summerfield rendered himself conspicuous by his gallantry in climbing up and endeavouring to secure the iron gate of the building. The remainder of the regiment crossed at Villa Nova, and, having fought their way through the streets of Oporto, came upon the rear of the enemy as, with their artillery, they were moving out of the town.

At this moment the French were exposed to a flank fire from the troops which had occupied the Seminary, the 83rd and 9th at the same time pouring a volley into their rear. The greater part were killed and wounded, and the remainder dispersing, left their guns in possession of the victorious British.

In this affair the battalion had 14 men wounded.

The 2nd Battalion, 83rd, was one of the regiments employed in the pursuit of the French army to the frontiers of Spain; and on the 16th, a little after dark, after a harassing and stormy march, overtook the French rear-guard at Salamonde. The 9th and 83rd immediately attacked, and the French, the greater part of whom were cooking, and quite unprepared, were speedily driven from the position.

The battalion in this affair had 5 men wounded. The pursuit was continued on the 18th to Montalagne; but the whole army subsequently retiring to Abrantes, the 9th and 83rd went into quarters at Tancos, on the banks of the Tagus, about eight leagues from the former place. Here sickness prevailed to such an extent in the whole army, and especially in the 9th regiment, that that corps was obliged to be sent to Lisbon, and its place in General Cameron’s brigade was taken by the 61st Regiment, at Oropesa, on the subsequent advance of the army to Talavera.

CAMPAIGN AND BATTLE OF TALAVERA

1809.

In all the movements and privations of the British army in this advance the 83rd bore its full share; and on the 27th and 28th July, when under Sir Arthur Wellesley, it fought and won the glorious battle of Talavera. The battalion was most severely engaged, and particularly distinguished itself in the gallant and impetuous charge on the enemy’s line, made by General Sherbrook’s division with the bayonet.

In this battle, General Alan Cameron’s brigade, composed of the 61st and 83rd Regiments, was posted in the left centre of the front line, with the brigade of Guards on its right, and the German Legion on its left, and about 100 paces in its front, occupied by its Light Infantry, was the dry, rocky bed of a mountain torrent. On the 27th, the French attempted to turn the allies’ left, and to take a height in front of General Hill’s division. In this they were unsuccessful, but the following day, at about 2 p.m., they renewed their efforts, and made a general attack on the whole line.

The battle then recommenced, and raged with redoubled fury. The French guns played with murderous precision on General Cameron’s brigade, and the men of the 61st and 83rd Regiments were mowed down by sections.

Under cover of this fire, the French Infantry, in imposing masses, advanced rapidly and steadily to the attack.

The 83rd Regiment had been previously ordered to lie down to avoid the tremendous cannonade directed against it; but on the French battalion nearing the ravine on its front, it rose up, and with the 61st advancing steadily to meet them, allowed their dark columns to approach to within thirty paces of their ranks, then, pouring in a well-directed and destructive volley, it dashed impetuously forward through the ravine, and, charging vigorously with the bayonet, drove the enemy with great slaughter headlong before them.

The regiment followed in pursuit, until it received the command to retire, when, facing about and carrying off its wounded, it steadily recrossed the ravine, and, amid the warm encomiums of General Cameron himself, resumed its original position in the line; this (together with the 61st) it maintained with unflinching resolution till the close of the day, when the French (who had been temporarily successful on the right and left of the brigade) were compelled to return, leaving the victory to the British.

The very severe loss of the 83rd in this hard-fought battle, amounting to nearly half its number present, fully testifies the honourable service it performed.

Its commanding officer, Colonel Gordon, while cheering and leading on his men, fell in the first burst of the glorious charge at their head.

Three lieutenants—Montgomery, Dahman, and Flood—with 2 sergeants and 64 rank and file, were killed with him. Two captains—Summerfield and Reynolds; 7 lieutenants—Abel, Johnstone, Nicholson, Pine, Boggie, Baldwin, and Ferris; 4 ensigns—Lord Tulloch, Barry, Carey, and Irwin; and Adjutant Brahan, with 15 sergeants, 2 drummers, and 265 rank and file, were wounded; making the total casualties of the battalion 365 rank and file killed and wounded, and amongst the latter many were so badly injured that on the subsequent abandonment of Talavera by the Spaniards, the greater part, being unable to move, fell into the hands of the French.

For the services of the regiment in this arduous battle, Sir William Gordon, the brother of Colonel Gordon, received the medal which would have decorated that gallant soldier’s breast, had he happily survived the action.

Lieutenant Pine, the subaltern of the Grenadier Company of the 83rd, was promoted to a company in the 66th Regiment for his distinguished valour in hastening to the assistance of the colours—in carrying which through this battle, officer after officer had been shot down. Lieutenant Pine seized one of the colours and bore it gallantly forward, and did not relinquish it till he was himself severely wounded and obliged to be relieved of his honourable burden. Many sergeants also were killed and wounded in protecting the colours through this fierce battle.

Its casualties, however, had so weakened the 83rd, that it was deemed unable to keep the field any longer; it was on this account ordered to Lisbon, and on its departure from the army General Cameron expressed his approbation of the corps, and his appreciation of its conduct in the battle of Talavera, in the following brigade order:—

“BRIGADE ORDERS

“Talavera de la Real, August 29th, 1809.

“The death of Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon, who so gloriously fell at the head of the 2nd Battalion 83rd Regiment, while charging the enemy on the 28th ult., leaves Brigadier-General Cameron the painful necessity of regretting the loss of a sincere friend and gallant officer, and his regiment that of a brave and worthy commander.

“The conduct of the 83rd Regiment in the arduous contest of Talavera merits the Brigadier-General’s warmest thanks, and he hopes that Major Napper will justly appreciate the merits of those few that are left.

“The very weak state of the 83rd renders it necessary to send them to Lisbon. The Brigadier-General requests them to accept of his best acknowledgments for their uniform good conduct whilst under his command, and has, at the same time, to assure them that he shall be proud to have the 83rd again in his brigade, when established in health and numbers.

“By order,

“(Signed) H. Balneavis, Captain,

“Acting Brigade Major.”

In addition to the above honourable testimonial to its services in this action, the 83rd has been graciously permitted to have the word “Talavera” inscribed on its colours and appointments, in commemoration of its distinguished gallantry in that battle.

The battalion arrived in Lisbon in October, 1809, and remained there till the beginning of September, 1810, during which period Lieutenant-Colonel Collins joined from the 1st Battalion and assumed the command.

In the beginning of September, 1810, the battalion being re-established in health, and numbering 600 rank and file, marched under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Collins, to join Lord Wellington, at that time retiring to the frontiers of Portugal. It effected its junction with the army the same month, and was placed in the left brigade of the 3rd Division, commanded by General Picton, and in the celebrated division which acquired in the army the distinguished appellation of the “Fighting Division” the 83rd had the honour of serving throughout the remainder of the Peninsular campaigns.

With it, therefore, and its heroic commander, Sir Thomas Picton, the services of the battalion in this memorable war are henceforth identified, being engaged in every skirmish, battle, and assault which this renowned division fought and won, and in every glorious deed of daring and honour it was ever so nobly performing.

On the 26th and 27th of September the battalion was engaged in the actions on the Sierra de Busaco; but the brunt of the battle falling to the good fortune of the right brigade, its casualties were few, amounting only to 1 lieutenant (Lieutenant Colthurst) and 6 rank and file wounded. For the services of the regiment on this occasion Colonel Collins received a medal, and his Majesty was pleased to sanction the word “Busaco” being borne on its colours and appointments.

Shortly after Lieutenant-Colonel Collins was removed to the command of a brigade in the Portuguese service, and the command of the 83rd devolved upon Major H. W. Carr.

After the decisive and signal repulse of the French at Busaco, the British army continued its retrograde movement until it was halted by its skilful commander in the strongly fortified lines of Torres Vedras, and the regiment remained in position in these celebrated lines till the month of March, 1811, when the French, under Marshal Massena, commenced its retreat.

The British army followed in eager and hot pursuit, and the 3rd Division hanging closely on the rear, the 83rd was in constant and warm engagement with the enemy.

It came up with them at Leyria, Pombal, and Condeixa, and in the skirmishes at those places, and at Fleur-de-Lis, Guarda, and Sabugal, its casualties amounted to 2 sergeants and 52 men killed and wounded.

In May following, the battalion was actively engaged in the actions at Fuentes d’Onor, on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th of that month, and was mentioned in Lord Wellington’s despatch of the battle, as being distinguished in the defence of the village of Fuentes d’Onor, and the repulse of the enemy therefrom. Its casualties, however, were fortunately but few, amounting to 1 lieutenant (Ferris) and 6 rank and file killed, and 1 lieutenant (Vereker), 1 sergeant, and 22 rank and file wounded, and his Majesty was pleased to sanction the word “Fuentes d’Onor” being inscribed on the colours and appointments of the 83rd, in commemoration of the distinguished conduct of the battalion in that battle.

The same month the battalion was employed in the first siege of Badajoz, and had 6 rank and file wounded in the trenches.

The siege being raised, the regiment assisted in the blockade of Ciudad Rodrigo, and on the 25th September, when Marshal Marmont advanced to the relief of that fortress, the 83rd, with Colville’s brigade, then composed of the 5th (2nd Battalion), 77th, 83rd, and 94th Regiments, greatly distinguished itself. On that occasion immense bodies of French cavalry, supported by artillery and infantry, attacked the 5th and 77th Regiments in their position on a hill, covering the road to Guinaldo; but these two gallant regiments nobly sustained their assault, and repeatedly repulsed the enemy. Their flank, however, being threatened, Lord Wellington gave the order to retire, when, being joined by the remaining regiments of the brigade, the whole, driving back the French horsemen whenever they approached them, fell back steadily, until they reached Guinaldo, where they were halted, and joined the day after by the right brigade, which, stationed at Pastores, had been cut off by the movement. In this gallant affair the 83rd had 1 sergeant and 5 rank and file killed, and 3 sergeants and 16 rank and file wounded.

CIUDAD RODRIGO

1812.

In the month of January, 1812, the regiment was employed in the siege and capture of Ciudad Rodrigo; and on the 19th of that month, when that fortress was taken by storm, the Light Company of the 83rd, under the Hon. Captain Powys, led the right attack, and escaladed the outwork in front of the castle. The remainder of the battalion lined the trenches and covered the advance of the storming parties of the 3rd Division in their assault on the great breach. The loss of the regiment in the siege amounted to 4 men killed, and 2 lieutenants (Vereker and Matthews) and 12 men wounded; and the word “Ciudad Rodrigo” has been inscribed by the royal authority on its colours and appointments for its services on this occasion.[4]

BADAJOZ

1812.

At Badajoz, in April, the same year, the regiments of the 3rd Division were again called upon to display the burning, irresistible courage of British soldiers, and the capture of that fortress by storm on the 6th April was mainly attributed to the impetuous valour with which they escaladed and took the castle.

On this, as on former occasions, the 83rd highly distinguished itself, and its services on the 25th March were most conspicuous.

On the 25th March, fire was first opened on Badajoz, and it was determined to storm the outwork, La Picurina, after nightfall on that day. For this purpose, General Kempt, with 500 men from the 3rd Division, was ordered to carry it by assault. These he divided into three divisions, the centre of which, composed of 100 men from the 83rd, under the Hon. Captain Powys, was held in reserve. The flank divisions rushed impetuously to the attack, but the strength of the work, and the destructive musketry of the French, having rendered their courageous efforts fruitless, Powys and his reserve were also sent headlong against it. Running vehemently forward, the men of the 83rd soon cleared the intervening space, and in spite of a most galling fire escaladed the work, at a salient angle, and mounted the rampart. Here a desperate struggle ensued. Powys, first and foremost of his men, fell dangerously wounded, but Sergeant Hazlust of his regiment, defending him stoutly with his halberd, kept the French at bay, and held his ground till the remainder of the men, clambering up thickly and resolutely, came to his aid, and driving the enemy before them, cleared the ramparts, and enabled the flank divisions to enter also. For this gallant service, Captain Powys received the rank of brevet major, but did not survive to enjoy the fruits of his bravery. With his dying breath, however, the gallant fellow recommended Sergeant Hazlust to the notice of his superiors, and that valiant soldier, for his conduct on this occasion, was almost immediately promoted to be sergeant-major of the battalion.

On the 6th April, also, the memorable night of the storm of Badajoz, the 83rd most successfully and nobly availed itself of the glorious opportunity of distinction afforded it. The distinguished honour of leading the 3rd Division in the assault on the castle was assigned to it, and, rapidly and resolutely filing over the narrow bridge of the little River Rivillas, the regiment rushed impetuously to the walls, and under a most galling and murderous discharge of shells and combustibles, planted the ladders against them. Four out of the seven ladders were broken and destroyed, but officers and men, mounting the remainder, made the most determined efforts to force themselves in, repeatedly driven back and thrown down, crushed and bruised, from the parapets of the ramparts. The 83rd still persevered, and at length Major Carr, Captain Hext, Lieutenant Broomfield, Adjutant Swinburne, with others, followed closely by their men, effected an entrance at the right angle of the work, and established themselves on the rampart. At about the same time, the remainder of the division scaling the wall at another angle, the French turned and made in full flight for the gate. The officers and men of the 83rd rapidly pursued, and closing the gate, and blocking it with stones, wood, and other materials, secured the castle from recapture by the French, who, crowding from the breaches, and pouring volley after volley through it, endeavoured in vain to retake it. The castle thus being won, the French abandoned the remaining defences, and surrendered the fortress to the British.

The regiment’s loss in this siege and assault was necessarily very severe, amounting to one-third of its number engaged. Three officers—Captains Powys, Fry, and Ensign Hackett—with 1 sergeant, and 36 rank and file, were killed; and 6 officers—Lieutenants Broomfield, O’Neill, Bowles, Lane, Vavasour, and Baldwin—and 81 rank and file, wounded. Major Carr received a clasp and the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and Captain Hext that of brevet major, for their own and their regiment’s highly distinguished conduct in this assault, and his Majesty has been pleased to permit the 83rd to bear the word “Badajoz” on its colours and appointments, in commemoration of the important and successful service it there rendered.

CAMPAIGN OF SALAMANCA

1812.

The fall of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz having opened the way into Spain, the British army was enabled to commence its march into that country, and the 2nd Battalion 83rd, serving throughout the glorious campaign of 1812, had its full share of danger and honour, in the memorable victory of Salamanca, when the French army, under Marshal Marmont, was signally defeated on the 22nd July, 1812.

On that glorious day, the 3rd Division, commanded by Major-General the Hon. Edward Pakenham (General Picton being absent on account of ill-health) was posted in a wood, behind Aldea Tejada, completely concealed from the enemy, and securing the main road to Ciudad Rodrigo. About 2 p.m., the French, endeavouring to turn the British right and gain the road to Ciudad Rodrigo, extended their left in the direction of that fortress, thereby weakening their centre, and affording Lord Wellington the favourable opportunity he had so long desired of attacking them. He immediately took advantage of it, and assailing in front, with the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Divisions, ordered the 3rd Division to attack the French columns, which were moving down on the Ciudad Rodrigo road, and nobly and gallantly did General Pakenham launch the battalions of the “Fighting Division” against the enemy; forming line by regiments, they rushed impetuously forward, and bearing on with resistless force, carried everything before them.

The 83rd Regiment, with Colville’s brigade, was in the full brunt of this decisive and successful attack. At one time charging gallantly forward, it overthrew the enemy whenever he stood to meet it; at another, halting, and wheeling by divisions, to allow the British cavalry to pass through, it re-formed, and followed hotly on, encouraging and cheering the pursuing troopers.

Three thousand prisoners were taken by the division this day, and special mention of its commander and it was made by Lord Wellington in his despatch. Colonel Campbell, also, who commanded Colville’s brigade (in the absence of that officer commanding the 4th Division), received his lordship’s thanks for its services on the occasion.

The casualties of the battalion in this battle amounted to 13 rank and file killed, and 1 lieutenant (Lieutenant Gascoyne) and 32 rank and file wounded; and it had, moreover, the great misfortune to lose, though not in its own ranks, its gallant lieutenant-colonel (Lieutenant-Colonel Collins), who, commanding a Portuguese brigade, had previously, at the sanguinary battle of Albuera, lost a leg, and now, in this great action again distinguishing himself, received a mortal wound.

Lieutenant-Colonel Carr had one horse, and Adjutant Swinburne two horses, shot under them, and in commemoration of the distinguished services of the battalion of the 83rd in this action, his Majesty has been graciously pleased to sanction the word “Salamanca” being inscribed on its colours and appointments.

The battalion was next employed in the investment of the “Retiro,” a fortified building at Madrid; at which two men of the battalion were wounded. It subsequently retired with the 3rd Division, when the whole of the army retreated from before Burgos.

CAMPAIGN OF VITTORIA

1813.

The next service which the battalion had the good fortune to be engaged in was the triumphant battle of Vittoria, on the 21st June, 1813, when the 83rd bore a prominent part and highly distinguished itself. On that occasion, Colville’s brigade being in front, the 83rd had the honour of leading the 3rd Division in its passage across the River Zadara; and the advance of the brigade against the enemy drew forth the especial approbation of Lord Wellington, who mentioned it in his despatch in the following terms:—

“Major-General the Hon. C. Colville’s brigade, of the 3rd Division, was seriously attacked in its advance by a very superior force, which it drove in, supported by General Inglis’s brigade of the 7th Division, under Colonel Grant, of the 82nd; these officers and the troops under their command distinguished themselves.”

Maxwell, an historian of the great duke’s life, also, in his description of this memorable victory, thus vividly recounts the advance of Colville’s brigade:—

“The subsequent advance of the allied columns against the enemy’s right centre was beautifully executed, as in echelon of regiments it crossed the hallowed ground on which tradition placed the chivalry of England when the Black Prince delivered battle to Henry the Bastard, and by a decisive victory replaced Don Pedro on the throne. As if animated by some glorious impulse, the battalions advanced not to combat, but to conquer; Colville’s brigade of the ‘Fighting Third’ led the attack, and the first enemy’s corps that confronted it was gallantly defeated. Pressing on with characteristic impetuosity, and without halting to correct the irregularity a recent and successful struggle had occasioned, the brigade encountered on the brow of the hill two lines of French infantry, regularly drawn up, and prepared to receive the assailants. For a moment the result was regarded with considerable apprehension, and means were adopted by Lord Wellington for sustaining the brigade, when (as that event seemed inevitable) it should be repulsed by the enemy; but valour overcame every disadvantage, and the perfect formation of the French could not withstand the dashing onset of the assailants; their rush was irresistible. On went the daring soldiers, sweeping before them the formidable array which, circumstanced as they were, appeared calculated to produce annihilation.”

The 83rd, moreover, had this day the good fortune to obtain particular commendation from General Colville himself; with the 94th it attacked and captured a battery of guns, and in an assault on a village, led by General Colville in person, the men of the 83rd rendered themselves so conspicuous by their daring valour, that he directed Adjutant Swinburne (who, with Lieutenants Hingston, Barry, C. O’Neill, and Volunteer Nugent, were also distinguishing themselves at that particular point) to take the names of a large number of them, to whom, after the action, he awarded a guinea apiece.

The casualties of the 83rd in this glorious victory were severe: 3 officers (Major Widrington, Lieutenants Lindsey and Bloxham), 4 sergeants, and 28 rank and file were killed; and 4 officers (Captain Venables, Lieutenants J. Smith, Baldwin, and Barry), with 6 sergeants and 68 rank and file, were wounded. Its gallant conduct in the battle was acknowledged by medals being awarded to its commanding officer, Colonel Carr, and to Major Hext. Volunteer Nugent also was appointed to an ensigncy in the battalion, and his Majesty was graciously pleased to permit the word “Vittoria” being inscribed on the colours and appointments of the 83rd, in commemoration of the distinguished service it rendered in that battle.

After this crowning victory, Lord Wellington undertook the sieges of San Sebastian and Pampeluna, and the 3rd Division was employed in the investment of the latter place; but being shortly after relieved by the 7th Division, it was formed in right support of the remainder of the army, which was so disposed as to cover the operations against these strong and important fortresses.

On the 25th and 26th of July, the French under Marshal Soult having, after a desperate struggle, forced the Roncesvalles and Maya Passes, General Picton moved his division up in support, and, forming in order of battle on the right of the 4th Division, in front of Huarte, and extending to the hills beyond Olaz, there awaited the further advance of the French.

In the ensuing hard-fought battles on the 27th and 28th July, the brunt of the fight fell to the good fortune of the 4th Division, and the 3rd was but slightly engaged. Its picquets and light infantry, however, skirmished with the enemy’s tirailleurs, and the division itself advancing on the right of the victorious 4th, turned the enemy’s left and completed his signal repulse. In this affair the battalion lost only 8 men wounded.

The French having been thus driven back, the siege of San Sebastian was prosecuted with redoubled vigour; and at last, after a second most sanguinary assault, the city was carried by storm. Pampeluna also having been reduced, the British general led his victorious troops from their lofty positions, and, descending from the snow-clad summits of the Pyrenees, launched them on the fair and fertile provinces of France.

On the 10th of November, 1813, 90,000 men descended to the fight, and, rushing simultaneously from various points on the entrenched and strongly fortified lines of the enemy, commenced the battle of Nivelle; and here again the “Fighting Third Division” signally availed itself of the glorious opportunity for distinction afforded it. Led by General Charles Colville (in the absence of Picton in England), the division attacked the left centre of the enemy’s position, and carrying everything before it, won the bridge of Amotz, and seizing the heights between that structure and the fortified redoubt called Louis XIV, established itself firmly on them. It then attacked the enemy in flank, while he was assailed in front by the 4th and 7th Divisions, stormed the redoubt, hurled the enemy headlong out of it, and, afterwards crossing the Nivelle, attacked him on the heights on that side of the river also, and gained triumphant and secure possession of them.

In this battle, as on former occasions, the 83rd was in the heat of the engagement, and proved itself worthy of the noble division to which it belonged.

Its casualties amounted to 10 rank and file killed, and 5 officers (Lieutenants Watson, Barry, and Wyatt, Ensigns Burgess and——[5]), and 28 rank and file wounded; and the royal authority has been received for the regiment to bear the word “Nivelle” on its colours and appointments, to commemorate its gallantry in that action.

The next service the regiment was employed in was the passage of the Gare d’Oleron, when the 3rd Division, under General Picton himself, attacked the ford above the bridge at Sanvetterre; the regiment, with the left brigade commanded by Colonel Keane, was in this encounter warmly engaged, and sustained a loss of 5 rank and file killed, and 12 rank and file wounded, and lost some prisoners from the Light Infantry, which had crossed the river.

At Orthes, on the 27th February, 1814, the 3rd Division was again in the very heat and brunt of battle, and highly distinguished itself, attacking the heights, on which the left and centre of the enemy were strongly posted. It, after severe fighting, gained possession of them, and with the simultaneous assaults of the 52nd Regiment on the left, dislodged the enemy from his position and secured the victory.

The loss of the 83rd in this action was severe, amounting to 1 sergeant, 10 rank and file killed, 9 officers (Lieutenant-Colonel Carr, Major Blaquiere, Captains Venables and Elliott, Lieutenants Baldwin, Watson, and Lane, Ensign Nugent and Adjutant Swinburne), with 1 sergeant, 1 drummer, and 28 rank and file wounded; and its conduct was so meritorious that Colonel Keane, in brigade orders, returned it and the 87th his thanks for their gallant behaviour, declaring that in this battle they had added to their already high reputation. On this occasion Captain Elliott, of the Light Company, was promoted to be brevet major, and received a medal, and his Majesty was graciously pleased to permit the word “Orthes” to be inscribed on the colours and appointments of the 83rd, to commemorate the service it performed in that battle.

In the month of March following, Picton’s division again encountered the enemy, and falling upon him at Vic Bigorre, drove him from his position, and compelled him to continue his retreat.

In this affair the 83rd Regiment was vigorously engaged, and lost 1 sergeant and 6 men killed, and 2 Lieutenants (Hingstone and Lane) and 16 men wounded.

TOULOUSE

1814.

On the 10th April, the British army fought and won the crowning battle of Toulouse, and Picton again led his division into the middle of the fight. The 83rd Regiment, with the left brigade, was but partially engaged and suffered a slight loss, and it has received the royal commission to bear the word “Toulouse” on its colours and appointments, for its services in that victory.

The war was at this period brought to a conclusion; the illustrious Emperor of the French, Napoleon Bonaparte, being compelled to abdicate. His able lieutenant, Marshal Soult, gave in his adhesion to the new government, and hostilities accordingly ceased.

The 83rd was quartered at La Mao, where Major Blaquiere, having recovered from his wounds, rejoined and assumed the command. It was afterwards removed to Blanque Fort Camp, near Bordeaux, where 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 assistant-surgeon, and 15 rank and file joined from prisoners of war.

The whole army was there reviewed by the Duke of Wellington; and on the 1st of June the battalion embarked from Bordeaux for England.

As a reward for their own and their regiment’s service during this memorable war, his Majesty was pleased to appoint Lieutenant-Colonel H. W. Carr a Knight Commander, and Major George Hext a Companion, of the Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath; and the word “Peninsula,” inscribed by the royal authority on the colours and appointments of the 83rd, commemorates the valiant achievements of the 2nd Battalion throughout the whole of the Peninsular campaigns.

PART III
SERVICES OF THE REGIMENT IN CEYLON FROM 1814–29

1814.

On the 4th July, 1814, the 2nd Battalion embarked on board transports for Ireland, and on the 24th following disembarked at Monkstown, County Cork, and marched into the Fort of Kinsale.

On the 10th of September the battalion marched to Clonmel, and on the 30th of October to Kilkenny, when most of the companies were detached to do duty in the adjacent villages.

On the 9th of November the depôt joined from Maldon in Essex, consisting of 1 major, 7 lieutenants, 5 ensigns, 10 sergeants, 4 drummers, and 192 rank and file, under Major Sullivan, who assumed the command of the battalion.

1815.

On the 26th January, 1815, the regiment marched for Dublin, from which place all the officers belonging to the 1st Battalion then doing duty with the 2nd were ordered to join it at the Cape of Good Hope.

1816.

In the month of March, 1816, the battalion marched for Armagh, and was detached in that and the neighbouring counties.

At this place Lieutenant-Colonel Cother, C.B., from the half-pay of the 71st, assumed the command.

1817.

The 2nd Battalion was inspected by Major-General Barnet on the 24th April, 1817, and disbanded the same day, having previously selected all the serviceable non-commissioned officers and men (consisting of 8 sergeants, 4 drummers, and 381 rank and file), to be held in readiness to join the 1st Battalion, supposed to be in the island of Ceylon, for which station it had been a considerable time under orders.

The major-general expressed his perfect approbation of the battalion during its stay in Armagh, in a district order, wishing the officers every success in future.

There were 15 sergeants, 7 drummers, and 164 rank and file (chiefly wounded men) discharged in consequence of the reduction of the 2nd Battalion.

The route for the march of the detachment was received on the 22nd May, 1817, for Fermoy in two divisions, where it arrived on the 11th and 12th of June. The detachment and depôt received a further route for Cork on the 26th June, from whence the former proceeded in steamboats to Cove, and embarked on board the transports Adamant and Eliza, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Cother, C.B.

The detachment sailed from the Cove on the 7th July, 1817, and arrived in Simon’s Bay, Cape of Good Hope, on the 22nd September following, and joined the head-quarters of the regiment, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Brunt in Simon’s Town.

During the services of the 1st Battalion at the Cape of Good Hope, five companies of the regiment, under the command of Brevet Major Summerfield, were ordered to proceed to the frontier of Africa, in consequence of a revolt of a great number of Boers and Hottentots, joined with the Caffres. This detachment landed at Algoa Bay, and on its disembarkation proceeded to Graaff Reinet, on the banks of Sunday’s River, being a march of 350 miles, through a barren country. This revolt having been amicably settled, the detachment returned to Algoa Bay in October, 1816, where it remained until September of the following year.

The head-quarters, etc., embarked, and the regiment sailed from Simon’s Bay on the 1st October, and arrived at Colombo, island of Ceylon, on the 16th November and 3rd December, 1817.

1817.

The insurrection in the “Kandyan”[6] provinces of Ceylon having commenced a few weeks previous to the arrival of the regiment in that colony, nearly the whole of the battalion, then consisting of 4 field officers, 10 captains, 32 subalterns, 48 sergeants, 22 drummers, and 969 rank and file, was marched into the interior, and was actively employed in the suppression of the rebellion. During this service the regiment suffered much from climate and privation of every description; the loss in killed and wounded only amounted to 12, but the regiment sustained a loss of 3 officers,[7] 3 sergeants, 3 drummers, and 112 rank and file by disease, and previous to the effects of this campaign being eradicated a further loss of 1 officer,[8] 4 sergeants, and 86 rank and file, making a total of 209 deaths within two years after the landing of the regiment in Ceylon.

1819.

On the 9th July, 1819, the regiment, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Cother, was inspected by General Sir Robert Brownrigg, Bart., G.C.B., Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the forces in Ceylon, by whom the regiment was very highly complimented.

1820.

On the 23rd September, 1819, the following detachment, under the command of Captain Campbell, joined the regiment from the depôt, viz., 89 rank and file, and on the 7th January, 1820, a further detachment of 20 rank and file, under the command of Lieutenant Mee, viâ New South Wales and Calcutta.

On the 25th December, 1818, the establishment of the regiment was reduced in conformity with the instructions, dated War Office, 23rd November, 1818, to the following numbers, viz., 1 colonel, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 2 majors, 10 captains, 20 subalterns, 5 staff, 35 sergeants, 22 drummers, and 650 rank and file.

1821.

On the 12th March, 1821, the regiment[9] was inspected by Major-General Sir Edward Barnes, K.C.B., commanding the forces, who issued a very complimentary order on the occasion.

The 73rd Regiment having received orders in June, 1820, to return to England, the men of that corps were allowed to transfer their services to other regiments in Ceylon, when 140 non-commissioned officers and rank and file volunteered to the 83rd Regiment.

On the 5th September, 1821, the regiment was again inspected by Major-General Sir Edward Barnes, K.C.B., and the regiment, still commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Cother, was again highly complimented.

1822.

On the 25th February, 1822, the regiment was reduced to the following numbers, viz., 1 colonel, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 2 majors, 8 captains, 16 subalterns, 5 staff, 29 sergeants, 12 drummers, and 576 rank and file.

1823.

Agreeably to general orders issued by Major-General James Campbell, C.B., the head-quarters of the regiment, consisting of 1 field officer, 4 captains, 3 staff, 12 sergeants, 14 drummers, and 303 rank and file, embarked on the 22nd January, 1823, under the command of Major Summerfield, for Trincomalee, and arrived at that station on the 8th of the following month.

On the 20th March, 1823, Lieutenant-General John Hodgson succeeded to the colonelcy of the regiment vice General James Balfour, deceased.

1824.

The head-quarters, etc., of the regiment embarked at Trincomalee, on board several vessels, between the 26th March and 31st October, 1824, and were all landed and collected at Colombo on the 6th November following.

A few months previous to the regiment leaving Trincomalee, the Governor, Lieutenant-General Sir Edward Barnes, received orders for its return to England, but the Burmese War having broken out, the battalion was detained, and ordered to proceed to Kandy, to relieve the 45th Regiment, which corps had been a considerable time under orders for India.

1825.

On the 25th September, 1825, the establishment of the regiment was increased to 10 companies, consisting of the following numbers: 6 service companies—2 field officers, 6 captains, 12 subalterns, 5 staff, 30 sergeants, 10 drummers, and 516 rank and file; 4 depôt companies—1 field officer, 4 captains, 8 subalterns, 1 staff, 12 sergeants, 4 drummers, and 224 rank and file.

The regiment was stationed in Kandy from January, 1825, to October, 1825, when it received the route for Colombo, preparatory to embarkation for England, on board the transports Amity and Arab; the former vessel, with the head-quarters division, under Lieutenant-Colonel Cother, C.B., sailed on the 4th December, and the latter, under Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Kelly, with the remainder of the regiment, a few days afterwards.

During the services of the regiment in Ceylon (a period of eleven years) it sustained a loss by deaths of 17 officers and 491 non-commissioned officers and rank and file.

Upon the embarkation of the regiment at Colombo, his Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir Edward Barnes, K.C.B., was pleased to issue a most complimentary order to the regiment on its departure from Ceylon for England. Lieutenant-Colonel Cother, the commanding officer, was particularly complimented by the lieutenant-general, and Lieutenant-Colonel Kelly was especially mentioned for his talents and exertions during the Kandyan rebellion.

1829.

After a passage of about five months, the regiment arrived in England on the 16th April, and on the 18th May, 1829, landed at Gosport, and was quartered at Forton Barracks, where it remained till the 27th August following, from which place it embarked on board the transports Hope, Amphitrite, and William Harris, for Scotland, and landed at Leith a few days afterwards and marched to Glasgow.

PART IV
SERVICES OF THE REGIMENT FROM 1829–48

On the 3rd December, 1829, Major the Hon. Henry Dundas, M.P., succeeded to the lieutenant-colonelcy, vice Cother, who retired.

1830.

The regiment was stationed at Glasgow until the 16th August, 1830, when it embarked on board steam-vessels for Belfast, in Ireland, and on landing marched to Enniskillen.

During the stay of the regiment at Enniskillen, it furnished detachments to Omagh, Lifford, Sligo, and Ballyshannon, and on the 1st November, 1831, proceeded to Castlebar.

1832.

The regiment was quartered at Castlebar until the 23rd October, 1832, when it received a route for Limerick, at which place the head-quarters arrived on the 29th of the same month.

During the stay of the regiment at Castlebar, it furnished detachments to Drunnore, Westport, Foxford, Ballinrobe, and Tuam.

The cholera having made its appearance in the corps,[10] on the 26th June, 1832, the whole of the men at head-quarters, consisting of 5 companies, and staff, were ordered into camp at Ballinew, about a mile distant from the town, and remained encamped until the 5th of September, when instructions were received to reoccupy the barracks. The regiment lost 10 men by this disease at Castlebar, and 2 officers fell victims to this malady at Ballinrobe.

The regiment removed to Limerick in 1832, when it furnished detachments to Newcastle, Bruff, Galbally, Kilfinnan, Tipperary, and Killaloe.

The officers named in the margin[11] died at this station.

On the 11th August, 1833, the regiment received a route for Dublin, where it arrived on the 19th of that month.

1834.

On the 22nd of February, 1834, the regiment received a letter of readiness to proceed to Cork for embarkation to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and on the 5th of April the 1st division embarked on board the Innisfaile steamer, and landed at Cork on the next day; the head-quarters division following a few days afterwards.

The separation of the service and depôt companies took place on the 1st April, and the latter, under Major Trydell, proceeded to Mullingar.

During the stay of the regiment at Dublin, the officer named in the margin[12] died.

The service companies, consisting of 2 field officers, 6 captains, 18 subalterns, 5 staff, 30 sergeants, 10 drummers, and 479 rank and file, embarked at Cork, on board the freight ships Brunswick and Rickers, on the 21st April and 15th May, 1834, and landed at Halifax, Nova Scotia, on the 26th May and 20th June following.

Cholera having made its appearance in the town of Halifax, the three companies at head-quarters were ordered into camp at Windmill Hill, a short distance from the barracks, on the 8th September, and remained encamped until the 1st October. The regiment only lost one man by this disease.

On the 30th September of this year, Major-General Hastings Frazer, C.B., succeeded to the colonelcy of the regiment vice Lieutenant-General Hodgson, removed to the 4th Foot.

The companies which had been stationed at Cape Breton, Prince Edward’s Island, etc., since the arrival of the regiment at Halifax, returned to the head-quarters on the 17th, 18th, and 20th July of this year.

1836.

During this year the regiment remained stationary at Halifax, Nova Scotia.

1837.

The regiment remained in Nova Scotia until the 29th June, 1837, when, in consequence of the unsettled state of Lower Canada, orders were received for its embarkation for Quebec on board her Majesty’s frigate Vestal and Champion sloop of war. The head-quarters landed on the 12th, and the remaining companies on the 13th July, occupying the citadel barracks.

During the services of the regiment at Nova Scotia, a period of about three years, it sustained a loss by deaths of 23 rank and file.

Upon the embarkation of the regiment, Major-General Sir Colin Campbell, K.C.B., was pleased to issue a complimentary order, Lieutenant-Colonel Hon. H. Dundas at this time commanding.

On the 3rd August, 1 sergeant and 20 rank and file proceeded to Gross Isle, and returned to the head-quarters on the 19th October. On the 1st November, Major Trydell, with two companies, embarked for Three Rivers, and having remained at that post about ten days, received instructions to proceed to Montreal.

On the 8th December the head-quarters and remaining four companies received orders to embark the following day for Montreal, and landed at that station on the 11th, occupying part of the Quebec Gate barrack.

On the 13th December the regiment formed part of the brigade under Lieutenant-General Sir J. Colbourne, K.C.B., which proceeded to attack St. Eustache, and were actively engaged in that day’s operations.

The following morning the brigade proceeded to Benoit, and returned to Montreal on the 17th December.

1838.

In January of this year, two companies proceeded on sleighs to the Upper Provinces, and after remaining some days at St. Thomas, distant about 600 miles from Montreal, one of them, under the command of Lieutenant Kelsall, proceeded to Amherstburg.

The brigands having come over from the American shore and taken possession of Fighting Island, this company, with one of the 32nd, proceeded on the 25th February to disperse them, which service they effectually performed; the brigands leaving behind them a small piece of cannon, with ammunition, muskets, etc. On the 3rd March, this company was again actively employed against the brigands at Peel Island, in conjunction with a part of the 32nd Regiment, and finally rejoined the head-quarters with the other company on the 17th June.

The head-quarters remained at Montreal until the 6th May, when it proceeded viâ the St. Lawrence to Kingston.

On the 11th November, Lieutenant Johnson, with 44 men of the regiment and a party of marines, embarked on board her Majesty’s steamboat Experiment, with a view to cut off two American schooners, laden with some hundreds of brigands, and whom it was reported they intended to land in the neighbourhood of Prescott. On their arrival, it was discovered that these marauders had effected a landing about a mile and a half below the town, and taken possession of a large stone mill and adjacent houses.

On the morning of the 13th, an attack on the brigands was decided on, and Lieutenant Johnson and a party, with the marines under Lieutenant Parker, reinforced by a number of volunteers, proceeded to attack them. The men advanced under a galling fire from the walls at some distance from the mill, and speedily expelling them from this position, compelled them to seek refuge in the mill and houses. Lieutenant Johnson then attempted to storm one of the houses filled with brigands, and in the act of doing so was killed, and four rank and file wounded. Being destitute of artillery to batter the houses, the party was ordered to retire. In this affair the brigands sustained a loss of about 40 killed and 28 prisoners.

On the 16th of this month, Colonel Dundas and four companies of the regiment, with some heavy artillery, landed at Prescott, and at once took up position about 500 yards from the mill. The guns were brought to bear on the houses with great effect, and it being now late, and daylight wearing away, the lieutenant-colonel ordered the regiment to advance, when a smart fire was opened by the brigands from one of the houses, and as quickly replied to. The buildings on the left of the mill being by this time gained, were set fire to, and the enemy, seeing no prospect of escape, threw out a “white flag,” and about 130 of them surrendered unconditionally.

Their killed in this affair amounted to about 30. The only loss sustained by the regiment on this occasion was one private killed. The four companies returned to Kingston the day following.

1839.

During this year the regiment remained stationary at Kingston.

1840.

On the 19th May, 1840, the officer named in the margin[13] died at this station, and he was succeeded first by Lieutenant B. H. Browne, and on his promotion Ensign William Nott was appointed adjutant. Ensign Nott was promoted from the ranks, and performed the duties of adjutant most efficiently for eleven years, when he became captain by seniority in 1851, at Kurrachee.

The regiment remained at Kingston, N. S., until the 20th and 21st May, 1840, when it embarked in steamboats for London and St. Thomas, N. S., and marched into quarters at these stations on the 29th and 30th of the same month.

1841.

On the 14th May, 1841, Lieutenant Wynniatt was accidentally drowned while endeavouring to ford the River Thomas on horseback.

On the 4th October, 1841, Captain Colquhoun died at London (England) while on leave of absence.

1842.

The 1st division of the regiment, under the command of Brevet Major Swinburne, marched en route to Toronto on the 7th July, 1842; and the 2nd division or head-quarters, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Trydell, on the following day. The former arrived at Toronto on the 14th, and the latter on the 15th July, 1842.

On the 2nd August, 1842, Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel B. Trydell succeeded to the lieutenant-colonelcy of the regiment, vice the Hon. H. Dundas, placed on half-pay.

1843.

The 1st division of the regiment proceeded on the 22nd May, 1843, to Three Rivers, under the command of Major Swinburne. The 2nd division and head-quarters proceeded to Quebec on the 23rd, and arrived there on the 27th May. No. 4 company joined head-quarters at Quebec on the 30th May, leaving No. 1 and the Light Company at Three Rivers. Light Company and No. 1 joined the head-quarters at Quebec on the 11th June, 1843, from Three Rivers.[14]

The regiment embarked for England at Quebec, Canada, on the 16th June, 1843. The 1st division and head-quarters, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Trydell, on board the Countess, London freight ship, consisting of 3 captains, 5 subalterns, 3 staff, 28 sergeants, 8 drummers, and 502 rank and file, 54 women, and 110 children; and the 2nd division, under the command of Major Swinburne, on board the Jamaica, freight ship, consisting of 1 captain, 4 subalterns, 1 staff, 10 sergeants, 2 drummers, 184 rank and file, 16 women, and 20 children, sailed together on the 17th June, 1843, and both ships anchored at Spithead on the 10th July, 1843.

The 2nd division, under the command of Major Swinburne, landed at Gosport on the 11th; and the 1st division and head-quarters, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Trydell, on the 12th July, 1843.

The regiment was quartered in Forton Barracks, Gosport, until the 17th July, when the 1st division proceeded by railroad, through London, to Weedon, and the head-quarters division on the following day, at which they occupied barracks until the 4th August, 1843, when the head-quarters with two companies proceeded to Northampton, and the remainder of the regiment was distributed in detachments at Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Burslem, Coventry, Hanley, and Newcastle-under-Lyme.

On the 17th October, 1843, the regiment received the new percussion muskets.

1844.

In April, 1844, the regiment was again collected at Weedon, where it remained till October, 1844, when the head-quarters and three companies proceeded to Leeds, and the remainder furnished detachments to York, Bradford, Sheffield, Keighley, Huddersfield, Halifax, and Scarborough Castle.

1845.

In June, 1845, the regiment was assembled at Manchester, where it remained till 22nd July, when it proceeded by rail to Liverpool, and embarked for Dublin, where it arrived the following morning, and proceeded en route to Limerick, Cahir, and Tipperary. The head-quarters of the regiment were established at Limerick, and furnished detachments also to Kilrush, the forts on the Shannon, Rathkeale, Newcastle, Castleconnell, Croom, Ennis, and Clare Castle.

1846.

In September, 1846, the regiment proceeded by divisions to Dublin, and was assembled there in October. It occupied Richmond Barracks, and subsequently detached companies to Aldboro’ House and Island Bridge Barracks.

During the stay of the regiment at Dublin, Captain T. J. St. Aubyn died while on leave of absence in Surrey.

1847.

In May, 1847, the head-quarters proceeded to Kilkenny, and during its stay there furnished detachments to Carlow, Castlecomer, Carrick-on-Suir, Bagenalstown, Thomas Town, Wexford, Enniscarthy, New Ross, Callan, and Graignenemagh.

1848.

Lieutenant T. Lane died at Castlecomer on 26th June, 1848.

On the 1st September, 1848, Major-General Sir Frederick Stovin, K.C.B. and K.C.M.G., succeeded General Frazer in the colonelcy of the regiment.

In September, 1848, the regiment was removed to Fermoy, whence it furnished detachments to Fethard, Lismore, and Clogheen.

PART V
SERVICES OF THE REGIMENT IN INDIA, 1849–57

On the 1st December, 1848, the regiment was ordered to be augmented to the establishment as per margin,[15] and received instructions to prepare for service in the East Indies, and on the 9th January, 1849, two companies, with head-quarters, proceeded to Cork, and embarked on the 11th, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Trydell, in the freight ship Bombay, for Bombay, and sailed for its destination on the 17th of the same month.

1849.

The remainder of the regiment followed in the succeeding months of February and March, as follows, viz.—

In the China, under Major Townsend.

In the Mermaid, under Brevet Major Ainslie.

In the Marion, under Lieutenant-Colonel Law.

In the Ursula, under Captain Lloyd.

In the Zion’s Hope, under Major Swinburne.

On the 8th May, 1849, the head-quarters arrived in Bombay, and on the 10th, disembarked and proceeded to Poona, and arrived at that station on the 18th of the same month. The whole of the regiment, however, was not assembled at Poona till the 14th July, 1849, where it remained till November, 1850.

During the stay of the regiment at Poona, it lost by disease two officers (Captain the Hon. W. Gage and Surgeon Ledingham), 5 sergeants, 1 drummer, and 69 rank and file.

1850.

In November, 1850, the regiment marched in four divisions on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 11th of the month for Panwell and Bombay, and embarked in steamers for Kurrachee, where the head-quarters arrived and disembarked on the 14th of the same month, but the last division did not join the regiment till the 1st December following.

1851.

In January, 1851, Lieutenant-Colonel Trydell was appointed to the command of the Poona brigade, and Lieutenant-Colonel W. H. Law assumed command of the regiment.

From November, 1850, to 31st December, 1852, the regiment was stationed at Kurrachee, and lost through disease during that period 5 officers—viz., Major Townsend, Lieutenant and Adjutant W. Hall,[16] Ensign Graham, Quartermaster Colburn (at Poona when on leave), and Assistant-Surgeon Boyce—and 6 sergeants, 3 drummers, and 135 rank and file, chiefly cases of cholera, fever, and dysentery.

On two occasions—viz., in May and June, 1851, and again in September and October, 1852—the regiment was visited with cholera, fever, and dysentery, and suffered greatly, and on the last occasion it was considered necessary to remove the regiment from the barracks and encamp the men on Ghizree Heights, near the sea.[17]

1852.

It, however, soon recovered from these fell diseases, and numbered upwards of 950 efficient soldiers, men strong and stalwart in form, perfect in discipline, and influenced in no ordinary degree by an ardent esprit de corps, the prestige of the honourable name and high reputation won by the 83rd wherever it served.

1853.

On the 8th February, the right wing of the regiment (448 strength), under the command of Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Swinburne, proceeded in river steamers by the Indus River to Hyderabad, there to be stationed.

On the 15th March, 1853, the establishment of the regiment was altered by Horse Guards’ letter, dated 24th March, 1853, to 12 captains, 20 lieutenants, 4 ensigns, and 1 adjutant.

Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Swinburne, after a long and distinguished service of forty-four years in the 83rd Regiment, retired from the service on the full pay of his rank of major. He served throughout the whole of the Peninsular campaign (the greater part of the time as adjutant), and received a medal and ten clasps for Talavera, Busaco, Fuentes d’Onor, Ciudad Rodrigo, Badajoz, Salamanca, Vittoria, Nivelle, Orthes, Toulouse. He was engaged with the regiment in the Kandyan rebellion and in Canada, and, embarking with the regiment for India, left it on the 22nd May, 1853, with the esteem and veneration of every individual in it.

He was succeeded in the majority by Captain Henry Lloyd.

The head-quarters, consisting of 5 subalterns, 4 staff, 19 sergeants, 6 drummers, and 353 rank and file, embarked at Kurrachee on board the Hon. E.I.C. steam frigate Semiramis, for Gogo, en route for Deesa; landed at Gogo on the 22nd December, where they were halted and encamped awaiting further orders.

On the departure of head-quarters from Scinde, Major-General Sir Henry Somerset, K.C.B., issued a very complimentary order to the regiment. Lieutenant-Colonel W. H. Law was then commanding, and Lieutenant E. H. M. Mainwaring was adjutant.