15,832
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Edit article
The 76th Regiment was raised in 1787 for service in India, and accordingly proceeded to India in the following year, that is, in 1788. It remained in India until 1806, nearly 20 years. During that protracted period the Regiment was almost constantly in the field, constantly in camps, repeatedly in front of the enemy, and always found zealously anxious to do its duty like good soldiers, anxious for the honour of their King, anxious for the honour of their country, jealous of their own honour and character. And in those days, comrades, soldiering in India was not what it has been in later times ; then there were few roads, no maps, troops had to penetrate tractless wastes and deserts, often guided only by the compass, often regulated as to its halts by where they could procure water, to force through almost impenetrable jungles only keenly anxious to meet the enemies of their country and when met to conquer them. And besides in those days we were at war with one of the most powerful nations of Europe, and that nation to damage us, sent out of its best Generals to organise and discipline the native forces against us. In all those years the 76th was always found doing its duty.
It was particularly distinguished at the siege of Ally Ghur[[Aligarh]], one of the strongest forts in India, fortified and commanded by a first-rate French General, General Perron. The contest was terrific in the ditches and intricate gateways of this fort, but the 76th were not to be deterred, were not to be denied ; steadily, silently, resolutely, they forced their way through fire, steel, and blood, and never ceased until with a shout of victory the Colours of the 76th Regiment floated over the highest pinnacle of the fortress. This great success, of course, cost many valuable lives. The 76th Regiment had five officers killed ; Namely, Captain Cameron, Lieutenants Fleming, Brown and Campbell, the Adjutant Lieutenant St. Aubin, and a great many men. I wish I could remember their names. The names of such men, dying in such services, are deserving of going down to history. Besides the killed, the 76th had on this occasion many officers and men wounded, not by distant shots at long bowls, but hand to hand fight. The Colonel was stabbed while forcing the last gate. The 76th was also engaged at the siege of Deig , where it was lead to the assault by the gallant Commander-in-Chief himself, Lord Lake. It was engaged at the battle of [[Agra]], the battle of [[Delhi]], and most particularly did it distinguish itself at the battle of Leswarree, where a terrible fight took place. The enemy were astonished at the onset, they fought nobly, but nothing could withstand the 76th, with Lord Lake at their head ; the enemy were first checked, staggered, then turned and fled, pursued with terrible slaughter by the infantry, led by Lord Lake at the head of the 76th Regiment. For these and other services in India, the King was graciously pleased to confer upon the 76th the word "Hindoostan" to be worn on its Colours and appointments, and also the badge of the Elephant, the elephant being in Asia the emblem of power, strength, and grandeur, as the lion is esteemed by us at home. And besides, the East India Company presented the Regiment with a stand of embroidered Colours ; and not only so, but when these Colours were worn out, that Honourable Body sent the Regiment another stand of Colours, so strong was their sense of the valuable services of the corps.
'''1806'''
When the Peninsular War was over, part of our army went to America, where we were then unfortunately at war with the United States, and the 76th was selected to form part of this force. On arrival in America, the force was divided into two divisions ; one went southward to operate at Baltimore, at Bladensburg, and in the Gulf of Mexico ; the other proceeded northward to operate north of New York, and towards the St. Lawrence. With this latter division the 76th marched, and here again it was found ever at its post, and always did its duty.
'''1815'''
In November half the Regiment moved by rail to [[Bangalore]] en route to [[Bellary]] the left wing following in December. From [[Bangalore]] the regiment marched to Bellary, a distance of over 190 miles, divided into 19 stages.
'''1868'''
Here it remained until January 1868, when it was ordered to British Burmah. On January 24th headquarters and the right wing embarked on the Alnwick Castle, which was towed across the Bay of Bengal by the Dacca, which carried the left wing. Arrived in Burmah the Regiment was divided into two detachments, the right -wing moved up the Irrawaddy to THAYETMYOO, while the left wing embarked in country boats and moved by the Pegu and Setang rivers to TONGHOO[[Tounghoo]], arriving on the 24th February, 1868. In these stations the Regiment remained for 3 Years, except the right wing.
== External Links ==
