The Newsletters of the Friends of the Green Howards Regimental Museum

Issue No.12

Issue 12. SEPTEMBER 2001. With the 19th Regiment of Foot, 1738 - 1763

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Issue 12. September 2001 With the 19th Regiment of Foot, 1738 - 1763
The mid-18th century was one of the most glorious phases in the story of the 19th Regiment of Foot. It is a tale which commences in 1738 with the appointment of the Honourable Charles Howard as Colonel of the Regiment and terminates with the end of the Seven Years War, twenty-five years later. In this quarter century, the 19th Foot were on campaign in Flanders in the War of the Austrian Succession, pacifying the Scottish Highlands after the Jacobite rising of Bonnie Prince Charlie and involved with the capture of Belle Isle, off the coast of France, during the Seven Years War, in one of the most successful amphibious operations of the century. However, it was in Flanders that the 19th Foot were to win renown and their nickname 'The Green Howards'. They and the 13th Foot were the only two British infantry regiments to be present at all three major battles Fontenoy 1745, Roucoux 1746 and Lauffeldt 1747 - when the British infantry won the admiration of their foes. In each case, the British formed but part of a larger allied army which was defeated by Maurice de Saxe, Marshal of France, one of the great captains of the 18th century. Indeed, at Fontenoy, seeing the British 'redcoats' advance and penetrate the French lines, Saxe himself cried out, "Is it possible that such soldiers cannot be victorious?"

Issue 12. September 2001
With the 19th Regiment of Foot, 1738 - 1763

The mid-18th century was one of the most glorious phases in the story of the 19th Regiment of Foot. It is a tale which commences in 1738 with the appointment of the Honourable Charles Howard as Colonel of the Regiment and terminates with the end of the Seven Years War, twenty-five years later.
In this quarter century, the 19th Foot were on campaign in Flanders in the War of the Austrian Succession, pacifying the Scottish Highlands after the Jacobite rising of Bonnie Prince Charlie and involved with the capture of Belle Isle, off the coast of France, during the Seven Years War, in one of the most successful amphibious operations of the century.
However, it was in Flanders that the 19th Foot were to win renown and their nickname 'The Green Howards'. They and the 13th Foot were the only two British infantry regiments to be present at all three major battles Fontenoy 1745, Roucoux 1746 and Lauffeldt 1747 - when the British infantry won the admiration of their foes. In each case, the British formed but part of a larger allied army which was defeated by Maurice de Saxe, Marshal of France, one of the great captains of the 18th century. Indeed, at Fontenoy, seeing the British 'redcoats' advance and penetrate the French lines, Saxe himself cried out, "Is it possible that such soldiers cannot be victorious?"

Timeline

The chronology of the Green Howards between 1738 - 1763 described in terms of the Regiment's movements, locations, and campaigns.

Colonel the Honourable Charles Howard

A brief biography of The Honourable Charles Howard who was appointed Colonel of the 19th Foot in 1738

Uniforms of the Green Howards, 1738 - 1763

A description of the typical uniforms and equipment in use by the regiments of that period.

Regimental Training and Oreganisation

A description of the establishment of Officers in a Regiment of Foot of the time, and the typical "training" that they were likely to receive in order to be able to carry out their duties.

The British Soldier

A description of the typical soldier of the day, with their likely training.

With the Green Howards in Scotland, 1739 - 1743

The everyday life of the Regiment during their first tour of Scotland.

With the Green Howards from 1744 - 1748

The Regiment was involved in the War of Austrian Succession, and the Flanders Capaign of 1744, in this time period.

Food and Drink on Campaign

How the soldiers ate and drank whilst on manoeuvres or in action.

How the Regiment Got it's Name

How the Regiment became known as the Green Howards in 1744, before becoming the 19th Foot on 1 July 1751.

The Battle of Fontenoy, 11 May 1745

A description of the battle, with map, in which the Regiment fared rather badly and their Colonel was wounded four times.

The Campaigns of 1745 - 1747

The involvement of the Regiment in the Jacobite invasion of 1745, the campaigns of 1746 and the Battle of Roucoux, and the capaigns of 1747 and the Battle of Laufeldt.

The capture of Belle Isle, 1761

A description of the amphibious assault and capture of Belle Isle off the French coast, in which the Regiment gained the Battle Honour of Belle Isle for their gallant conduct and fighting skills during the ten-week seaborne expedition.

Desertion and Discipline

The extraordinarily barbaric punishments meted out in order to maintain discipline

Drummers, Fifers, and the Band

The Regiment's music of the time, and a description of how the Regiment acquired its Slow March, - "The Maria Theresa".