King's Royal Rifle Corps: Difference between revisions
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{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}} |
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}} |
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{{Infobox military unit |
{{Infobox military unit |
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|unit_name=62nd (Royal American) Regiment<br>60th (Royal American) Regiment<br>Duke of York's Own Rifle Corps<br>King's Royal Rifle Corps |
| unit_name = 62nd (Royal American) Regiment<br>60th (Royal American) Regiment<br>Duke of York's Own Rifle Corps<br>King's Royal Rifle Corps |
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|image=King's Royal Rifle Corps |
| image = King's Royal Rifle Corps cap badge 2.jpg |
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|caption=Cap badge of the King's Royal Rifle Corps |
| caption = Cap badge of the King's Royal Rifle Corps |
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|dates=1756–1966 |
| dates = 1756–1966 |
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|country={{flag|United Kingdom}} |
| country = {{flag|United Kingdom}} |
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|branch={{army|United Kingdom}} |
| branch = {{army|United Kingdom}} |
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|type=[[Rifle regiment|Rifles]] |
| type = [[Rifle regiment|Rifles]] |
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|command_structure= |
| command_structure = |
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|role=[[Light infantry]] |
| role = [[Light infantry]] |
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|size=4 Battalions in peacetime (28 during the Great War) |
| size = 4 Battalions in peacetime (28 during the Great War) |
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|current_commander= |
| current_commander = |
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|garrison=[[Peninsula Barracks]], [[Winchester, England|Winchester]] |
| garrison = [[Peninsula Barracks]], [[Winchester, England|Winchester]] |
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|ceremonial_chief= |
| ceremonial_chief = |
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|ceremonial_chief_label=Colonel in Chief |
| ceremonial_chief_label = Colonel in Chief |
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|colonel_of_the_regiment= |
| colonel_of_the_regiment = |
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|nickname=60th Rifles<br>Royal Americans<br>The Jaggers<ref name="Burnham">{{cite book |last1=Burnham|first1=Robert|last2=McGuigan|first2=Ron|year=2010|title=The British Army against Napoleon|location=Barnsley, South Yorkshire|publisher=Frontline Books|isbn=978-1-84832-562-3|page=127}}</ref> |
| nickname = 60th Rifles<br>Royal Americans<br>The Jaggers<ref name="Burnham">{{cite book |last1=Burnham|first1=Robert|last2=McGuigan|first2=Ron|year=2010|title=The British Army against Napoleon|location=Barnsley, South Yorkshire|publisher=Frontline Books|isbn=978-1-84832-562-3|page=127}}</ref> |
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|motto=Celer et Audax (Swift and Bold) |
| motto = ''Celer et Audax'' (Swift and Bold) |
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|colors= |
| colors = |
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|identification_symbol_2= |
| identification_symbol_2 = |
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|identification_symbol_2_label= |
| identification_symbol_2_label = |
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|identification_symbol= |
| identification_symbol = |
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|identification_symbol_label= |
| identification_symbol_label = |
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|march=Lützow's Wild |
| march = Lützow's Wild Hunt<ref name="Russell">{{cite web|last=Russell |first=W.M.S. |title=A Note on the Regimental March |url=http://www.krrcassociation.com/music/introduction.htm |publisher=King's Royal Rifle Corps Association |access-date=11 June 2016 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120514083617/http://www.krrcassociation.com/music/introduction.htm |archive-date=14 May 2012 }}</ref> |
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|mascot= |
| mascot = |
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|battles=[[French and Indian War]]<br>[[American Revolutionary War]]<br>[[Napoleonic Wars]]<br>[[Anglo-Egyptian War]]<br>[[Second Boer War]]<br>[[First World War]]<br>[[Second World War]] |
| battles = [[French and Indian War]]<br>[[American Revolutionary War]]<br>[[Napoleonic Wars]]<br>[[Anglo-Egyptian War]]<br>[[Second Boer War]]<br>[[First World War]]<br>[[Second World War]] |
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|notable_commanders= |
| notable_commanders = |
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|anniversaries=[[Christmas Day]] (Formation) |
| anniversaries = [[Christmas Day]] (Formation) |
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}} |
}} |
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The '''King's Royal Rifle Corps''' was an [[infantry]] [[rifle regiment]] of the [[British Army]] that was originally raised in [[British North America]] as the '''Royal American Regiment''' during the phase of the [[Seven Years' War]] |
The '''King's Royal Rifle Corps''' was an [[infantry]] [[rifle regiment]] of the [[British Army]] that was originally raised in [[British North America]] as the '''Royal American Regiment''' during the phase of the [[Seven Years' War]] in North America known in the United States as 'The French and Indian War.' Subsequently numbered the 60th Regiment of Foot, the regiment served for more than 200 years throughout the [[British Empire]]. In 1958, the regiment joined the [[Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry]] and the [[Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own)|Rifle Brigade]] in the [[Green Jackets Brigade]] and in 1966 the three regiments were formally amalgamated to become the [[Royal Green Jackets]]. The KRRC became the 2nd Battalion, [[Royal Green Jackets]]. On the disbandment of the 1st Battalion, Royal Green Jackets in 1992, the RGJ's KRRC battalion was redesignated as the 1st Battalion, Royal Green Jackets, eventually becoming 2nd Battalion, [[The Rifles]] in 2007. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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===French and Indian War=== |
===French and Indian War=== |
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The King's Royal Rifle Corps was raised in the American colonies in 1756 as the '''62nd (Royal American) Regiment''' to defend the |
The King's Royal Rifle Corps was raised in the American colonies in 1756 as the '''62nd (Royal American) Regiment''' to defend the colonies against attack by the French and their indigenous allies. After [[Braddock Expedition|Braddock's defeat]] in 1755, royal approval for a new regiment, as well as funds, were granted by parliament just before Christmas 1755 – hence the regiment's traditional birthday of Christmas Day. However, parliamentary delays meant that it was 4 March 1756 before a special act of parliament created four [[battalion]]s of 1,000 men each to include foreigners for service in the Americas.{{sfn|Cusick|2014| p= 44}} |
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[[File:Johnson saving Dieskau.jpg|thumb|right|[[Benjamin West]]'s depiction of [[Sir William Johnson, 1st Baronet|Sir William Johnson]] sparing [[Jean Erdman, Baron Dieskau|Lord Dieskau]]'s life after the [[Battle of Lake George]]. (Reportedly, the uniforms of soldiers in the background right are of the Royal Americans)]] |
[[File:Johnson saving Dieskau.jpg|thumb|right|[[Benjamin West]]'s depiction of [[Sir William Johnson, 1st Baronet|Sir William Johnson]] sparing [[Jean Erdman, Baron Dieskau|Lord Dieskau]]'s life after the [[Battle of Lake George]]. (Reportedly, the uniforms of soldiers in the background right are of the Royal Americans)]] |
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[[File:60th Royal American Regiment.jpg|thumb|Soldier of the 60th Royal American Regiment in 1758]] |
[[File:60th Royal American Regiment.jpg|thumb|upright|Soldier of the 60th Royal American Regiment in 1758]] |
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[[File:Thomas McKee.jpg|thumb|upright|Often identified as a portrait of his father Alexander, this is probably Thomas McKee because the uniform is that of an officer of the 60th Regiment of Foot of the 1790s.<ref>Nelson, p. 159</ref>]] |
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{{anchor|Commissions to Foreign Protestants Act 1756}} |
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A regimental history compiled in 1879 states that, in November 1755, Parliament voted the sum of £81,000 for the purpose of raising a regiment of four battalions, each one thousand strong, for service in [[British North America]]. To provide experienced personnel, Parliament passed the Commissions to Foreign Protestants Act 1756 (29 Geo. 2 c. 5)<ref name="Acts1766">{{cite book|title=The Statutes at Large from the Magna Charta, to the End of the Eleventh Parliament of Great Britain|chapter-url=https://archive.org/stream/statutesatlarge57britgoog#page/n376 |chapter=An Act to enable his Majesty to grant commissions to a certain number of foreign Protestants, who have served abroad as officers or engineers, to act and rank as officers or engineers in America only under certain restrictions and regulations|page=376|publisher=J. Bentham|year=1766}}</ref> [[John Campbell, 4th Earl of Loudoun|The Earl of Loudoun]], who as [[commander-in-chief]] of the Forces in North America, was appointed [[colonel-in-chief]] of the regiment. About fifty officers' commissions were given to Germans and Swiss, and none were allowed to rise above the rank of lieutenant-colonel.{{sfn|Wallace|1879| p=1}} |
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{{Infobox UK legislation |
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| short_title = Commissions to Foreign Protestants Act 1756 |
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| type = Act |
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| parliament = Parliament of the United Kingdom |
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| long_title = An Act to enable His Majesty to grant Commissions to a certain Number of Foreign Protestants, who have served Abroad as Officers or Engineers, to act and rank as Officers or Engineers in America only, under certain Restrictions and Qualifications. |
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| year = 1756 |
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| citation = [[29 Geo. 2]]. c. 5 |
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| introduced_commons = |
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| introduced_lords = |
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| territorial_extent = |
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| royal_assent = 9 March 1756 |
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| commencement = |
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| expiry_date = |
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| repeal_date = |
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| amends = |
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| replaces = |
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| amendments = |
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| repealing_legislation = [[Statute Law Revision Act 1867]] |
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| related_legislation = |
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| status = repealed |
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| legislation_history = |
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| theyworkforyou = |
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| millbankhansard = |
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| original_text = |
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| revised_text = |
|||
| use_new_UK-LEG = |
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| UK-LEG_title = |
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| collapsed = yes |
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}} |
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A regimental history compiled in 1879 states that, in November 1755, Parliament voted the sum of £81,000 for the purpose of raising a regiment of four battalions, each one thousand strong, for service in [[British North America]]. To provide experienced personnel, Parliament passed the '''Commissions to Foreign Protestants Act 1756''' ([[29 Geo. 2]]. c. 5)<ref name="Acts1766">{{cite book|title=The Statutes at Large from the Magna Charta, to the End of the Eleventh Parliament of Great Britain|chapter-url=https://archive.org/stream/statutesatlarge57britgoog#page/n376 |chapter=An Act to enable his Majesty to grant commissions to a certain number of foreign Protestants, who have served abroad as officers or engineers, to act and rank as officers or engineers in America only under certain restrictions and regulations|page=376|publisher=J. Bentham|year=1766}}</ref> [[John Campbell, 4th Earl of Loudoun|The Earl of Loudoun]], who as [[commander-in-chief]] of the Forces in North America, was appointed [[colonel-in-chief]] of the regiment. About fifty officers' commissions were given to Germans and Swiss, and none were allowed to rise above the rank of lieutenant-colonel.{{sfn|Wallace|1879| p=1}} |
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According to a modern history of the regiment, the idea for creating this unique force was proposed by Jacques Prevost, a Swiss soldier and adventurer who was a friend of the [[Prince William, Duke of Cumberland|Duke of Cumberland]] (the Duke was the King's |
According to a modern history of the regiment, the idea for creating this unique force was proposed by Jacques Prevost, a Swiss soldier and adventurer who was a friend of the [[Prince William, Duke of Cumberland|Duke of Cumberland]] (the Duke was the King's third son and also [[Commander-in-Chief of the Forces]]). Prevost recognised the need for soldiers who understood forest warfare, unlike the regulars who were brought to America in 1755 by General [[Edward Braddock]].<ref>{{cite journal|last=Williams|first=Edward G.|title=The Prevosts of the Royal Americans|page=7|publisher=Western Pennsylvania Historical Magazine | year=1973 |url=https://journals.psu.edu/wph/article/download/3199/58417|volume=56|issue=1}}</ref> |
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The regiment was intended to combine the characteristics of a [[colonial troops|colonial corps]] with those of a [[foreign volunteers|foreign legion]]. Swiss and German forest fighting experts, American colonists and British volunteers from other British regiments were recruited. These men were Protestants, an important consideration for fighting against the predominantly Catholic French. The officers were also recruited from Europe – not from the American colonies – and consisted of English, Scots, Irish, Dutch, Swiss and Germans. It was the first time foreign officers were commissioned as British Army officers. In total, the regiment consisted of 101 officers, 240 non-commissioned officers and 4,160 enlisted men. The battalions were raised on [[Governors Island]], New York. The regiment was renumbered the '''60th (Royal American) Regiment''' in February 1757 when the [[Shirley's Regiment|50th (Shirley's)]] and [[Pepperrell's Regiment|51st (Pepperrell's)]] foot regiments were removed from the British Army roll after their surrender at [[Fort Oswego]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Siege and Capture of Havana in 1762 |first= Robert |last=Brown|publisher= Maryland Historical Magazine|date= March 1909|volume=4 | page= 324| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ubs1AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA324}}</ref> |
The regiment was intended to combine the characteristics of a [[colonial troops|colonial corps]] with those of a [[foreign volunteers|foreign legion]]. Swiss and German forest fighting experts, American colonists and British volunteers from other British regiments were recruited. These men were Protestants, an important consideration for fighting against the predominantly Catholic French. The officers were also recruited from Europe – not from the American colonies – and consisted of English, Scots, Irish, Dutch, Swiss and Germans. It was the first time foreign officers were commissioned as British Army officers. In total, the regiment consisted of 101 officers, 240 non-commissioned officers and 4,160 enlisted men. The battalions were raised on [[Governors Island]], New York. The regiment was renumbered the '''60th (Royal American) Regiment''' in February 1757 when the [[Shirley's Regiment|50th (Shirley's)]] and [[Pepperrell's Regiment|51st (Pepperrell's)]] foot regiments were removed from the British Army roll after their surrender at [[Fort Oswego]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Siege and Capture of Havana in 1762 |first= Robert |last=Brown|publisher= Maryland Historical Magazine|date= March 1909|volume=4 | page= 324| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ubs1AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA324}}</ref> |
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Among the distinguished foreign officers given commissions in the 60th (Royal Americans) was [[Henry Bouquet]], a Swiss citizen, whose forward-looking ideas on tactics, training and man-management (including the unofficial introduction of the rifle and more practical clothing suited to bush-fighting) would come to be accepted as standard in the British Army many years in the future. Bouquet was commanding officer of the 1st battalion, and with his fellow battalion commanders, worked to form units that were better suited to warfare in the forests and lakes of northeast America.<ref name="Chartrand">{{cite web|url=http://www.militaryheritage.com/60thregt.htm|title= History and Uniform of the 60th (Royal American) Regiment of Foot, 1755–1760 |publisher=Military Heritage|access-date=11 June 2016}}</ref> |
Among the distinguished foreign officers given commissions in the 60th (Royal Americans) was [[Henry Bouquet]], a Swiss citizen, whose forward-looking ideas on tactics, training and man-management (including the unofficial introduction of the rifle and more practical clothing suited to bush-fighting) would come to be accepted as standard in the British Army many years in the future. Bouquet was commanding officer of the 1st battalion, and with his fellow battalion commanders, worked to form units that were better suited to warfare in the forests and lakes of northeast America.<ref name="Chartrand">{{cite web|url=http://www.militaryheritage.com/60thregt.htm|title= History and Uniform of the 60th (Royal American) Regiment of Foot, 1755–1760 |publisher=Military Heritage|access-date=11 June 2016}}</ref> |
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{{anchor|American Protestant Soldier Naturalization Act 1762}} |
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Elements of the new regiment fought at [[Siege of Louisbourg (1758)|Louisbourg]] in June 1758, the [[Cape Sable Campaign]] in September 1758 and [[Battle of the Plains of Abraham|Quebec]] in September 1759, and finally the [[Montreal Campaign]] from July to September 1760 which finally wrested Canada from France. At [[Quebec City|Quebec]] General [[James Wolfe]] is said to have granted the 60th the motto {{lang|la|Celer et Audax}} (Swift and Bold). To reward and maintain their service and loyalty, Parliament passed the American Protestant Soldier Naturalization Act 1762 (2 Geo. 3 c. 25), which offered British naturalization to those officers, engineers and soldiers who had or would serve for two years, with certain conditions and on the model of the [[Plantation Act 1740]].<ref name="Acts1766" />{{rp|197}} |
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{{Infobox UK legislation |
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| short_title = American Protestant Soldier Naturalization Act 1762 |
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| type = Act |
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| parliament = Parliament of Great Britain |
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| long_title = An Act for naturalizing such Foreign Protestants as have served, or shall serve, for the Time therein mentioned, as Officers, or Soldiers, in His Majesty's Royal American Regiment, or as Engineers in America. |
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| year = 1762 |
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| citation = [[2 Geo. 3]]. c. 25 |
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| introduced_commons = |
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| introduced_lords = |
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| territorial_extent = |
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| royal_assent = 2 June 1762 |
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| commencement = |
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| expiry_date = |
|||
| repeal_date = |
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| amends = |
|||
| replaces = |
|||
| amendments = |
|||
| repealing_legislation = [[Statute Law Revision Act 1867]] |
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| related_legislation = |
|||
| status = repealed |
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| legislation_history = |
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| theyworkforyou = |
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| millbankhansard = |
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| original_text = |
|||
| revised_text = |
|||
| use_new_UK-LEG = |
|||
| UK-LEG_title = |
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| collapsed = yes |
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}} |
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Elements of the new regiment fought at [[Siege of Louisbourg (1758)|Louisbourg]] in June 1758, the [[Cape Sable Campaign]] in September 1758 and [[Battle of the Plains of Abraham|Quebec]] in September 1759, and finally the [[Montreal Campaign]] from July to September 1760 which finally wrested Canada from France. At [[Quebec City|Quebec]] General [[James Wolfe]] is said to have granted the 60th the motto {{lang|la|Celer et Audax}} (Swift and Bold). To reward and maintain their service and loyalty, Parliament passed the '''American Protestant Soldier Naturalization Act 1762''' ([[2 Geo. 3]]. c. 25), which offered British naturalization to those officers, engineers and soldiers who had or would serve for two years, with certain conditions and on the model of the [[Plantation Act 1740]].<ref name="Acts1766" />{{rp|197}} |
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These earlier engagements were conventional battles on the European model, but fighting during [[Pontiac's War]] in 1763 was of a very different character. The frontier war threatened the British control of North America. The new regiment at first lost several outlying garrisons such as [[Fort Michilimackinac]], later a detachment fought under Bouquet's leadership at the victory of [[Battle of Bushy Run|Bushy Run]] in August 1763.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bushyrunbattlefield.com/history/battle-of-bushy-run/|title=Battle of Bushy Run|publisher=Bushy Run Battlefield|access-date=11 June 2016}}</ref> |
These earlier engagements were conventional battles on the European model, but fighting during [[Pontiac's War]] in 1763 was of a very different character. The frontier war threatened the British control of North America. The new regiment at first lost several outlying garrisons such as [[Fort Michilimackinac]], later a detachment fought under Bouquet's leadership at the victory of [[Battle of Bushy Run|Bushy Run]] in August 1763.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bushyrunbattlefield.com/history/battle-of-bushy-run/|title=Battle of Bushy Run|publisher=Bushy Run Battlefield|access-date=11 June 2016}}</ref> |
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The 60th was uniformed and equipped in a similar manner to other British regiments with red coats and cocked hats or grenadier caps,<ref name="Chartrand"/> but on campaign, swords were replaced with hatchets, and coats and hats cut down for ease of movement in the woods.<ref name="Chartrand"/> |
The 60th was uniformed and equipped in a similar manner to other British regiments with red coats and cocked hats or grenadier caps,<ref name="Chartrand"/> but on campaign, swords were replaced with hatchets, and coats and hats cut down for ease of movement in the woods.<ref name="Chartrand"/> |
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===American |
===American War of Independence=== |
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Two additional battalions of the regiment (the 3rd and 4th battalions) were raised in England in 1775, principally of men recruited from England and Hanover in 1775 for service in the [[American |
Two additional battalions of the regiment (the 3rd and 4th battalions) were raised in England in 1775, principally of men recruited from England and Hanover in 1775 for service in the [[American War of Independence]]. After assembly in the [[Isle of Wight]], both battalions were sent in 1776 to Florida where they were joined by detachments from 1st and 2nd Battalions.{{sfn|Wallace|2005|pp=16–18}} These battalions were deployed to [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] and were involved in skirmishes at Sudbury in January 1779, the [[Battle of Briar Creek]] in March 1779, the [[Siege of Savannah]] in October 1779 where elements from the 4th Battalion captured the colour of the [[2nd South Carolina Regiment]], and at [[Augusta, Georgia|Augusta]] in September 1780.{{sfn|Wallace|2005|pp=16–18}} The 3rd battalion later took part in the [[Gulf Coast campaign|British defense of the Gulf Coast]]. Elements of the battalion fought at the [[Battle at The Village]] and the [[Siege of Pensacola]]. The 3rd and 4th battalions were disbanded in June 1783.{{sfn|Wallace|2005|pp=16–18}} |
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These battalions were deployed to [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] and were involved in skirmishes at Sudbury in January 1779, the [[Battle of Briar Creek]] in March 1779, the [[Siege of Savannah]] in October 1779 where elements from the 4th Battalion captured the Colour of the [[2nd South Carolina Regiment]], and at [[Augusta, Georgia|Augusta]] in September 1780.{{sfn|Wallace|2005|pp=16–18}} The 3rd and 4th battalions were disbanded in June 1783.{{sfn|Wallace|2005|pp=16–18}} |
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===Napoleonic Wars=== |
===Napoleonic Wars{{anchor|Augmentation of 60th Regiment Act 1797}}=== |
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{{Infobox UK legislation |
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During the [[Napoleonic Wars]], the regiment saw action in the [[Peninsular War]]. The first four battalions had been raised as regular line battalions, but in 1797 a 5th battalion had been raised on Barbados, with additional companies formed on the Isle of Wight, and equipped entirely with rifles. The troops of the 5th battalion were so effective that [[Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington|Sir Arthur Wellesley]] recommended their use to the divisional commanders describing them as the "most useful, active and brave troops in the field".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://krrcassociation.com/index.php/history/12-1758-1914/17-the-peninsula-war|title=The Regiment in the Peninsula|publisher=King's Royal Rifle Corps|access-date=17 February 2019}}</ref> |
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| short_title = Augmentation of 60th Regiment Act 1797 |
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| type = Act |
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| parliament = Parliament of Great Britain |
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| long_title = An act to amend an act made in the twenty-ninth year of the reign of his late majesty King George the Second, intituled, "An act to enable his Majesty to grant commissions to a certain number of foreign protestants, who have served abroad as officers or engineers, to act and rank as officers or engineers in America only, under certain restrictions and qualifications." |
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| year = 1797 |
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| citation = [[38 Geo. 3]]. c. 13 |
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| introduced_commons = |
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| introduced_lords = |
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| territorial_extent = |
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| royal_assent = 30 December 1797 |
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| commencement = |
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| expiry_date = |
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| repeal_date = |
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| amends = [[Commissions to Foreign Protestants Act 1756]] |
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| replaces = |
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| amendments = |
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| repealing_legislation = [[Statute Law Revision Act 1871]] |
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| related_legislation = |
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| status = repealed |
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| legislation_history = |
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| theyworkforyou = |
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| millbankhansard = |
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| original_text = https://books.google.com/books?id=7wjKeKNK9qUC&pg=PA533 |
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| revised_text = |
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| use_new_UK-LEG = |
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| UK-LEG_title = |
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| collapsed = yes |
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}} |
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During the [[Napoleonic Wars]], the regiment saw action in the [[Peninsular War]]. The first four battalions had been raised as regular line battalions, but in 1797 a 5th battalion had been raised on [[Barbados]], with additional companies formed on the [[Isle of Wight]], and equipped entirely with rifles. The troops of the 5th battalion were so effective that [[Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington|Sir Arthur Wellesley]] recommended their use to the divisional commanders describing them as the "most useful, active and brave troops in the field".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://krrcassociation.com/index.php/history/12-1758-1914/17-the-peninsula-war|title=The Regiment in the Peninsula|publisher=King's Royal Rifle Corps|access-date=17 February 2019}}</ref> |
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A 7th battalion was raised specifically for service in the American [[War of 1812]].<ref name="Raynor">{{cite web|title=Raising of the 7th Battalion of the 60th Regiment for North America|first=Keith |last=Raynor |url=http://www.warof1812.ca/60th.htm |publisher=War of 1812|access-date=11 June 2016}}</ref> |
A 7th battalion was raised specifically for service in the American [[War of 1812]].<ref name="Raynor">{{cite web|title=Raising of the 7th Battalion of the 60th Regiment for North America|first=Keith |last=Raynor |url=http://www.warof1812.ca/60th.htm |publisher=War of 1812|access-date=11 June 2016}}</ref> |
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===Anglo-Egyptian War and Second Boer War=== |
===Anglo-Egyptian War and Second Boer War=== |
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[[File:King's Royal Rifle Corps by Harry Payne.JPG| |
[[File:King's Royal Rifle Corps by Harry Payne.JPG|upright|thumb|King's Royal Rifle Corps c. 1895–1914 by [[Harry Payne (artist)|Harry Payne]] (1858–1927)]] |
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[[File:7th Kings Royal Rifles Barnet.jpg|thumb|The 7th (Militia) Battalion, KRRC marching from their Depot in [[Chipping Barnet|Barnet]] in 1900. This battalion became 6th ( |
[[File:7th Kings Royal Rifles Barnet.jpg|thumb|right|The [[7th (Royal 2nd Middlesex Militia) Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps|7th (Royal 2nd Middlesex Militia) Battalion, KRRC]], marching from their Depot in [[Chipping Barnet|Barnet]] in 1900. This battalion became [[6th (Extra Reserve) Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps|6th (Extra Reserve) Bn, KRRC]], in the [[Special Reserve]] in 1908.]] |
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After the Napoleonic Wars, the regiment received a new title: first, in 1815, its name was changed to '''The Duke of York's Own Rifle Corps''' and then, in 1830, to the '''King's Royal Rifle Corps''' (KRRC). In 1858, the [[Peninsula Barracks|Rifle Depot]] at [[Winchester]] was made their headquarters. The regiment served in the [[Anglo-Egyptian War]] in 1882. During the rest of the 1800s, the unit also was active in China, Canada ([[Wolseley expedition]]), Afghanistan, India, [[Myanmar|Burma]] and South Africa. The regiment was deployed during the [[Second Boer War]] from the outset playing a key role in the first battle at [[Battle of Talana Hill|Talana Hill]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://angloboerwar.com/?option=com_content&view=article&id=566|title=King's Royal Rifle Corps|publisher=Anglo-Boer War|access-date=11 June 2016}}</ref> Two officers from the regiment were awarded the [[Victoria Cross]]; Lieutenant [[Frederick Roberts (British Army officer)|Frederick Roberts]]<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=27157|page=506|date=26 January 1900}}</ref> and Lieutenant [[Llewelyn Alberic Emilius Price-Davies]].<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=27381|page=8409|date=29 November 1901}}</ref> Private [[Frederick Corbett]] also received the Victoria Cross for his action at [[Battle of Kafr-el-Dawwar|Kafr Dowar]], [[Egypt]], on 5 August 1882; his VC was later rescinded when he was convicted of embezzlement, theft, and being absent without leave.<ref name=Stewart>{{cite web|first=Iain|last= Stewart|url=http://www.victoriacross.org.uk/bbcorbet.htm |title= Frederick Corbett|publisher=Victoria Cross Trust|date=21 April 2004 |access-date=11 June 2016}}</ref> |
After the Napoleonic Wars, the regiment received a new title: first, in 1815, its name was changed to '''The Duke of York's Own Rifle Corps''' and then, in 1830, to the '''King's Royal Rifle Corps''' (KRRC). In 1858, the [[Peninsula Barracks|Rifle Depot]] at [[Winchester]] was made their headquarters. The regiment served in the [[Anglo-Egyptian War]] in 1882. During the rest of the 1800s, the unit also was active in China, Canada ([[Wolseley expedition]]), Afghanistan, India, [[Myanmar|Burma]] and South Africa. The regiment was deployed during the [[Second Boer War]] from the outset playing a key role in the first battle at [[Battle of Talana Hill|Talana Hill]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://angloboerwar.com/?option=com_content&view=article&id=566|title=King's Royal Rifle Corps|publisher=Anglo-Boer War|access-date=11 June 2016}}</ref> Two officers from the regiment were awarded the [[Victoria Cross]]; Lieutenant [[Frederick Roberts (British Army officer)|Frederick Roberts]]<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=27157|page=506|date=26 January 1900}}</ref> and Lieutenant [[Llewelyn Alberic Emilius Price-Davies]].<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=27381|page=8409|date=29 November 1901}}</ref> Private [[Frederick Corbett]] also received the Victoria Cross for his action at [[Battle of Kafr-el-Dawwar|Kafr Dowar]], [[Egypt]], on 5 August 1882; his VC was later rescinded when he was convicted of embezzlement, theft, and being absent without leave.<ref name=Stewart>{{cite web|first=Iain|last= Stewart|url=http://www.victoriacross.org.uk/bbcorbet.htm |title= Frederick Corbett|publisher=Victoria Cross Trust|date=21 April 2004 |access-date=11 June 2016}}</ref> |
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Following the end of the war in South Africa, the 1st battalion was transferred to [[Malta]], where it arrived in October 1902.<ref>{{Cite newspaper The Times |title=Naval & Military intelligence|date=13 October 1902 |page=7 |issue=36897}}</ref> |
Following the end of the war in South Africa, the 1st battalion was transferred to [[Malta]], where it arrived in October 1902.<ref>{{Cite newspaper The Times |title=Naval & Military intelligence|date=13 October 1902 |page=7 |issue=36897}}</ref> |
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In 1908, the Volunteers and Militia were reorganised nationally, with the former becoming the [[Territorial Force]] and the latter the [[Special Reserve (militia)|Special Reserve]];<ref>{{cite web|url= |
In 1908, the Volunteers and Militia were reorganised nationally, with the former becoming the [[Territorial Force]] and the latter the [[Special Reserve (militia)|Special Reserve]];<ref>{{cite web|url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1908/mar/31/territorial-and-reserve-forces-act-1907|title=Territorial and Reserve Forces Act 1907|work=[[Hansard|Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)]]|date=31 March 1908|access-date=20 June 2017|archive-date=12 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812022930/http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1908/mar/31/territorial-and-reserve-forces-act-1907|url-status=live}}</ref> the regiment now had two Reserve but no Territorial battalions.<ref>These were the 5th Battalion (Special Reserve) and the 6th Battalion (Special Reserve)</ref><ref name=regiments>{{cite web|url=http://www.regiments.org/regiments/uk/inf/060KRRC.htm|title=King's Royal Rifle Corps|publisher=Regiments.org|access-date=27 September 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051225085904/http://www.regiments.org/regiments/uk/inf/060KRRC.htm|archive-date=25 December 2005}}</ref> |
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===First World War=== |
===First World War=== |
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[[File:WilliamHenryLaverty.jpg|thumb|left|Memorial to William Henry Laverty, King's Royal Rifles, killed during the First World War. [[St Swithun-upon-Kingsgate Church]], Winchester]] |
[[File:WilliamHenryLaverty.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Memorial to William Henry Laverty, King's Royal Rifles, killed during the First World War. [[St Swithun-upon-Kingsgate Church]], Winchester]] |
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[[File:King’s Royal Rifle Corps Memorial, Winchester.jpg|thumb|King's Royal Rifle Corps Memorial in [[Winchester]]]] |
[[File:King’s Royal Rifle Corps Memorial, Winchester.jpg|thumb|King's Royal Rifle Corps Memorial in [[Winchester]]]] |
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====Regular Army==== |
====Regular Army==== |
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The 1st Battalion landed at [[Rouen]] as part of the [[6th Infantry Brigade (United Kingdom)|6th Brigade]] in the [[2nd Infantry Division (United Kingdom)|2nd Division]] in August 1914 for service on the [[Western Front (World War I)|Western Front]].<ref name=trail>{{cite web|url=http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/kings-royal-rifle-corps/|title= King's Royal Rifle Corps|publisher=The Long, Long Trail|access-date=19 July 2019}}</ref> It saw action at the [[Battle of Mons]] in August 1914, the [[First Battle of the Marne]] and the [[First Battle of the Aisne]] in September 1914 and [[First Battle of Ypres]] in October 1914. |
The 1st Battalion landed at [[Rouen]] as part of the [[6th Infantry Brigade (United Kingdom)|6th Brigade]] in the [[2nd Infantry Division (United Kingdom)|2nd Division]] in August 1914 for service on the [[Western Front (World War I)|Western Front]].<ref name=trail>{{cite web|url=http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/kings-royal-rifle-corps/|title= King's Royal Rifle Corps|publisher=The Long, Long Trail|access-date=19 July 2019}}</ref> It saw action at the [[Battle of Mons]] in August 1914, the [[First Battle of the Marne]] and the [[First Battle of the Aisne]] in September 1914 and [[First Battle of Ypres]] in October 1914. It fought at the [[Battle of Festubert]] in May 1915, the [[Battle of Loos]] in September 1915 and the [[Battle of the Somme]] in Autumn 1916 before taking part in the advance to the [[Hindenburg Line]], the [[Battle of Cambrai (1917)|Battle of Arras]] in November 1917, the [[Battle of Cambrai (1917)|Battle of Cambrai]] in November 1917, the [[Second Battle of the Somme (1918)|Second Battle of the Somme]] in Autumn 1918 and the [[Battle of the Selle]] in October 1918.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/battalion.php?pid=6475|title=1st Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps|publisher=Wartime Memories Project|access-date=14 June 2016}}</ref> |
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The 2nd Battalion landed at [[Le Havre]] as part of the [[2nd Infantry Brigade (United Kingdom)|2nd Brigade]] in the [[ |
The 2nd Battalion landed at [[Le Havre]] as part of the [[2nd Infantry Brigade (United Kingdom)|2nd Brigade]] in the [[History of the British 1st Division during the World Wars|1st Division]] in August 1914 for service on the Western Front<ref name=trail/> and saw action at the [[Battle of Aubers Ridge]] in May 1915.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/battalion.php?pid=4719|title=2nd Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps|publisher=Wartime Memories Project|access-date=14 June 2016}}</ref> |
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[[File:The Official Visits To the Western Front, 1914-1918 Q8991.jpg|thumb|left|[[Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn|Prince Arthur, the Duke of Connaught]], inspecting men of the 2nd Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps at Le Buissiere, near Bruay, 1 July 1918.]] |
[[File:The Official Visits To the Western Front, 1914-1918 Q8991.jpg|thumb|left|[[Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn|Prince Arthur, the Duke of Connaught]], inspecting men of the 2nd Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps at Le Buissiere, near Bruay, 1 July 1918.]] |
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The 17th (Service) Battalion (British Empire League) landed at Le Havre as part of the [[117th Brigade (United Kingdom)|117th Brigade]] in the [[39th Division (United Kingdom)|39th Division]] in March 1916 for service on the Western Front.<ref name=trail/> |
The 17th (Service) Battalion (British Empire League) landed at Le Havre as part of the [[117th Brigade (United Kingdom)|117th Brigade]] in the [[39th Division (United Kingdom)|39th Division]] in March 1916 for service on the Western Front.<ref name=trail/> |
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The 18th (Service) Battalion (Arts & Crafts) landed at Le Havre as part of the [[122nd Brigade |
The 18th (Service) Battalion (Arts & Crafts) landed at Le Havre as part of the [[122nd Brigade (United Kingdom)|122nd Brigade]] in the [[41st Division (United Kingdom)|41st Division]] on 3 May 1916 for service on the Western Front.<ref name=trail/> |
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The 20th (Service) Battalion (British Empire League Pioneers) landed at Le Havre as pioneer battalion for the [[3rd Division (United Kingdom)|3rd Division]] in March 1916 for service on the Western Front.<ref name=trail/> The 21st (Service) Battalion (Yeoman Rifles) landed in France as part of the [[124th Brigade]] in the [[41st Division (United Kingdom)|41st Division]] in May 1916 for service on the Western Front but moved to Italy in November 1917 before returning to France in March 1918.<ref name=trail/> |
The 20th (Service) Battalion (British Empire League Pioneers) landed at Le Havre as pioneer battalion for the [[3rd Division (United Kingdom)|3rd Division]] in March 1916 for service on the Western Front.<ref name=trail/> The 21st (Service) Battalion (Yeoman Rifles) landed in France as part of the [[124th Brigade (United Kingdom)|124th Brigade]] in the [[41st Division (United Kingdom)|41st Division]] in May 1916 for service on the Western Front but moved to Italy in November 1917 before returning to France in March 1918.<ref name=trail/> |
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Seven members of the regiment received the Victoria Cross.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.northeastmedals.co.uk/british_regiment/kings_royal_rifle_corps_victoria_cross_60th_foot.htm |title=King's Royal Rifle Corps|publisher=North East Medals|access-date=11 June 2016}}</ref> |
Seven members of the regiment received the Victoria Cross.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.northeastmedals.co.uk/british_regiment/kings_royal_rifle_corps_victoria_cross_60th_foot.htm |title=King's Royal Rifle Corps|publisher=North East Medals|access-date=11 June 2016}}</ref> |
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[[File:The British Army in Italy 1945 NA21882.jpg|thumb|left|[[ML 3-inch mortar|3-inch mortars]] of the 1st Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps set up beside a farm building, Italy, 27 January 1945.]] |
[[File:The British Army in Italy 1945 NA21882.jpg|thumb|left|[[ML 3-inch mortar|3-inch mortars]] of the 1st Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps set up beside a farm building, Italy, 27 January 1945.]] |
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The 1st Battalion, KRRC, commanded initially by [[Lieutenant colonel (United Kingdom)|Lieutenant Colonel]] [[William Gott]], was deployed to North Africa upon war's outbreak and saw action as part of the pivot group within the [[7th Armoured Division (United Kingdom)|7th Armoured Division]] at the [[Battle of Sidi Rezegh]] in November 1941, the [[First Battle of El Alamein]] in July 1942 and the [[Second Battle of El Alamein]] in October 1942 during the [[Western Desert Campaign]]. [[Rifleman]] [[John Beeley]] was awarded a posthumous [[Victoria Cross]] for his actions during [[Operation Crusader]] in North Africa in late 1941.<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=35530 |date=17 April 1942|page=1741 |supp=y}}</ref> The battalion, now part of the [[2nd Armoured Brigade (United Kingdom)|2nd Armoured Brigade]] of the [[1st Armoured Division (United Kingdom)|1st Armoured Division]], was then engaged in action throughout the final stages of the [[Tunisian Campaign]]. The battalion, now commanded by Lieutenant Colonel [[ |
The 1st Battalion, KRRC, commanded initially by [[Lieutenant colonel (United Kingdom)|Lieutenant Colonel]] [[William Gott]], was deployed to North Africa upon war's outbreak and saw action as part of the pivot group within the [[7th Armoured Division (United Kingdom)|7th Armoured Division]] at the [[Battle of Sidi Rezegh]] in November 1941, the [[First Battle of El Alamein]] in July 1942 and the [[Second Battle of El Alamein]] in October 1942 during the [[Western Desert Campaign]]. [[Rifleman]] [[John Beeley]] was awarded a posthumous [[Victoria Cross]] for his actions during [[Operation Crusader]] in North Africa in late 1941.<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=35530 |date=17 April 1942|page=1741 |supp=y}}</ref> The battalion, now part of the [[2nd Armoured Brigade (United Kingdom)|2nd Armoured Brigade]] of the [[1st Armoured Division (United Kingdom)|1st Armoured Division]], was then engaged in action throughout the final stages of the [[Tunisian Campaign]]. The battalion, now commanded by Lieutenant Colonel [[Alexander Williams (British Army officer)|Edward Williams]], served in the [[Italian Campaign (World War II)|Italian Campaign]] then with the independent [[9th Armoured Brigade (United Kingdom)|9th Armoured Brigade]] and finally the [[6th Armoured Division (United Kingdom)|6th Armoured Division]]'s [[61st Infantry Brigade (United Kingdom)|61st Infantry Brigade]].<ref name=rats>{{cite web|url=http://www.desertrats.org.uk/orginfantry.htm#2KRRC|title= King's Royal Rifle Corps (60th)|publisher=Desert Rats|access-date=15 June 2016}}</ref> |
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The 2nd Battalion, KRRC, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel [[Thomas Needham Furnival Wilson|Thomas Wilson]], was part of the [[British Expeditionary Force (World War II)|British Expeditionary Force]] (BEF) that landed in France in May 1940. The battalion, which was part of the [[30th Infantry Brigade (United Kingdom)|30th Infantry Brigade]], 1st Armoured Division, and now commanded by Lieutenant Colonel [[Euan Miller]], was lost in the [[Siege of Calais (1940)|defence of Calais]], where the brigade slowed the German advance and enabled the [[Dunkirk evacuation]] to proceed. The battalion was reformed in the summer of 1940 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel [[George Erskine]] and transferred to the [[22nd Armoured Brigade (United Kingdom)|22nd Armoured Brigade]] of the 1st Armoured Division. The reformed battalion took part in the [[Battle of Gazala]] in May 1942 and the [[Second Battle of El Alamein]] in October 1942 during the [[North African Campaign]], forming part of the |
The 2nd Battalion, KRRC, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel [[Thomas Needham Furnival Wilson|Thomas Wilson]], was part of the [[British Expeditionary Force (World War II)|British Expeditionary Force]] (BEF) that landed in France in May 1940. The battalion, which was part of the [[30th Infantry Brigade (United Kingdom)|30th Infantry Brigade]], 1st Armoured Division, and now commanded by Lieutenant Colonel [[Euan Miller]], was lost in the [[Siege of Calais (1940)|defence of Calais]], where the brigade slowed the German advance and enabled the [[Dunkirk evacuation]] to proceed. The battalion was reformed in the summer of 1940 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel [[George Erskine]] and transferred to the [[22nd Armoured Brigade (United Kingdom)|22nd Armoured Brigade]] of the 1st Armoured Division. The reformed battalion took part in the [[Battle of Gazala]] in May 1942 and the [[Second Battle of El Alamein]] in October 1942 during the [[North African Campaign]], forming part of the division's [[18th Infantry Brigade (United Kingdom)#Second World War|7th Motor Brigade]] during the latter engagement and transferring to [[4th Infantry Brigade and Headquarters North East#Second World War|4th Armoured Brigade]] in January 1943.<ref name=rats /> Now under Lieutenant Colonel W. Heathcote-Amory, the battalion continued serving with 4th Armoured Brigade in the [[Normandy landings]] in June 1944 and the subsequent [[Western Front (World War II)|campaign in North-West Europe]], finally leaving 1st Division six days after [[VE Day]]. Two officers of note served with the battalion in its final campaign of the war, [[Roland Gibbs]] and [[Edwin Bramall]].<ref name=rats/> |
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The 1st Battalion of the [[Queen Victoria's Rifles]] (QFR) was a [[Army Reserve (United Kingdom)|Territorial Army]] (TA) unit which had been closely associated with the KRRC. The battalion, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel J. A. M. Elison-Mccartney, was initially part of the TA [[56th (London) Infantry Division|1st London Division]], serving as the division's motorcycle battalion. However, like the 2nd Battalion, it was also lost in the defence of Calais in May 1940.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rgjmuseum.co.uk/pages_photo/photo_0007.asp|title=Queen Victoria's Rifles training as a motor cycle recce battalion|publisher=Royal Green Jackets Museum|access-date=16 June 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304080630/http://www.rgjmuseum.co.uk/pages_photo/photo_0007.asp|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> The battalion was later reformed in the United Kingdom and, in December 1940, transferred to the [[27th Armoured Brigade]], part of the newly formed [[9th Armoured Division (United Kingdom)|9th Armoured Division]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ordersofbattle.com/Units/UnitSubordinates?UniX=3273 |title=9th Armoured Division subordinates|publisher=Orders of Battle|access-date=21 March 2018}}</ref> |
The 1st Battalion of the [[Queen Victoria's Rifles]] (QFR) was a [[Army Reserve (United Kingdom)|Territorial Army]] (TA) unit which had been closely associated with the KRRC. The battalion, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel J. A. M. Elison-Mccartney, was initially part of the TA [[56th (London) Infantry Division|1st London Division]], serving as the division's motorcycle battalion. However, like the 2nd Battalion, it was also lost in the defence of Calais in May 1940.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rgjmuseum.co.uk/pages_photo/photo_0007.asp|title=Queen Victoria's Rifles training as a motor cycle recce battalion|publisher=Royal Green Jackets Museum|access-date=16 June 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304080630/http://www.rgjmuseum.co.uk/pages_photo/photo_0007.asp|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> The battalion was later reformed in the United Kingdom and, in December 1940, transferred to the [[27th Armoured Brigade]], part of the newly formed [[9th Armoured Division (United Kingdom)|9th Armoured Division]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ordersofbattle.com/Units/UnitSubordinates?UniX=3273 |title=9th Armoured Division subordinates|publisher=Orders of Battle|access-date=21 March 2018}}</ref> |
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===Royal Green Jackets and The Rifles=== |
===Royal Green Jackets and The Rifles=== |
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In 1958 for administrative purposes, the KRRC was brigaded with the [[Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry]] and the [[Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own)|Rifle Brigade]] to form the [[Green Jackets Brigade]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aU1-AwAAQBAJ&pg=PA156|title=A History of British Infantry: For Love of Regiment|volume =2, 1915–1994|first=Charles |last=Messenger|date=16 March 1994|page=156|isbn=9780850524222}}</ref> In 1958, the |
In 1958 for administrative purposes, the KRRC was brigaded with the [[Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry]] and the [[Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own)|Rifle Brigade]] to form the [[Green Jackets Brigade]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aU1-AwAAQBAJ&pg=PA156|title=A History of British Infantry: For Love of Regiment|volume =2, 1915–1994|first=Charles |last=Messenger|date=16 March 1994|page=156|publisher=Pen and Sword |isbn=9780850524222}}</ref> In 1958, the regiment was re-titled the '''2nd Green Jackets, the King's Royal Rifle Corps''', while the two other regiments of the Green Jackets Brigade were re-titled the [[1st Green Jackets (43rd and 52nd)]] and 3rd Green Jackets, the Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own) respectively. In 1966, the three regiments were amalgamated to form the three battalions of the [[Royal Green Jackets]].<ref name=bau>{{cite web |url=http://british-army-units1945on.co.uk/infantry/royal-green-jackets.html |title=Royal Green Jackets |publisher=British Army units from 1945 on |access-date=24 May 2014}}</ref> |
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==Regimental museum== |
==Regimental museum== |
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==Cadet battalions== |
==Cadet battalions== |
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There were two cadet battalions: 1st Cadet Battalion, The King's Royal Rifle Corps and Queen Victoria's Rifles Cadet Corps (re-titled the 2nd Cadet Battalion, The King's Royal Rifle Corps in 1945). Over the years, the formation of the cadet battalions was changed regularly, due to the changes to do with rules and the commanding officer.{{sfn|Wallace|2005|pp=235–236}} |
There were two cadet battalions: 1st Cadet Battalion, The King's Royal Rifle Corps and Queen Victoria's Rifles Cadet Corps (re-titled the 2nd Cadet Battalion, The King's Royal Rifle Corps in 1945). Over the years, the formation of the cadet battalions was changed regularly, due to the changes to do with rules and the commanding officer.{{sfn|Wallace|2005|pp=235–236}} The 1st Cadet Battalion owes its foundation to the Reverend Freeman Wills, who was commissioned into the Volunteer Army in the rank of captain on 26 July 1890. He was also Vicar of St Agatha's just behind Sun Street, [[Finsbury Square]]. On receiving his commission he decided to form a cadet company within the 1st Cadet Battalion, the [[Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey)|Royal West Surrey Regiment]]. The company quickly expanded to become the 2nd Cadet Battalion, the Royal West Surrey Regiment, at which point he moved the battalion headquarters to No. 2 Finsbury Square (and in 1904 to 24 Sun Street, which he had specially built for the purpose). In 1894 he applied to [[Prince George, Duke of Cambridge]], Colonel-in-Chief, to affiliate to the regiment, with the title of 1st Cadet Battalion, the King's Royal Rifle Corps. Consent was granted on 8 November 1894, and the battalion has remained a part of the regiment ever since.{{sfn|Wallace|2005|pp=235–236}} |
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The 1st Cadet Battalion owes its foundation to the Reverend Freeman Wills, who was commissioned into the Volunteer Army in the rank of captain on 26 July 1890. He was also Vicar of St Agatha's just behind Sun Street, [[Finsbury Square]]. On receiving his commission he decided to form a cadet company within the 1st Cadet Battalion, the [[Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey)|Royal West Surrey Regiment]]. The Company quickly expanded to become the 2nd Cadet Battalion, the Royal West Surrey Regiment, at which point he moved the battalion headquarters to No. 2 Finsbury Square (and in 1904 to 42 Sun Street, which he had specially built for the purpose). In 1894 he applied to [[Prince George, Duke of Cambridge]], Colonel-in-Chief, to affiliate to the Regiment, with the title of 1st Cadet Battalion, the King's Royal Rifle Corps. Consent was granted on 8 November 1894 and the Battalion has remained a part of the Regiment ever since.{{sfn|Wallace|2005|pp=235–236}} |
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In the days of their foundation, |
In the days of their foundation, cadet battalions were privately organized and funded. On becoming a part of the King's Royal Rifle Corps, subscriptions began to flow in and, after the commanding officer had spent nearly £1,000, the battalion was placed on a financial basis that many volunteer corps would have envied. There were to be many ups and down in later years, especially when recognition of the Cadet Force was withdrawn between the two world wars, but fortunately the enthusiasm and commitment of those involved consistently triumphed over the parsimony of governments.{{sfn|Wallace|2005|pp=235–236}} |
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In 1900, when volunteers were urgently needed for the Second Boer War, the commanding officer, Colonel Freeman Croft-Wills, persuaded the War Office to accept a company of the older cadets, principally N.C.O.s (non-commissioned officers), the company being enrolled in the City Imperial Volunteers. Around 100 cadets thus served in South Africa with this unit, whilst other cadets and ex-cadets served in the Royal Army Medical Corps, and other units. Four were killed in action, one serving with the 1st Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps at the Battle of Dundee, and the others with units of the C.I.V.s. Their comrades erected brass plaques in their memory in the Drill Hall at Sun Street. These are now displayed in the Cadet Company Office here at Davies Street.{{sfn|Wallace|2005|pp=235–236}} |
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In 1900, when volunteers were urgently needed for the Second Boer War, the Commanding Officer, Colonel Freeman Croft-Wills persuaded the War Office to accept a |
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Company of the older Cadets, principally N.C.O.s (Non-Commissioned Officers), the company being enrolled in the City Imperial Volunteers. Around 100 cadets thus served in South Africa with this unit, whilst other Cadets and ex-Cadets served in the Royal Army Medical Corps, and other units. Four were killed in action, one serving with the 1st Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps at the Battle of Dundee, and the others with units of the C.I.V.s. Their comrades erected brass plaques in their memory in the Drill Hall at Sun Street. These are now displayed in the Cadet Company Office here at Davies Street.{{sfn|Wallace|2005|pp=235–236}} |
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In recognition of this service, [[Edward VII|King Edward VII]] granted the |
In recognition of this service, [[Edward VII|King Edward VII]] granted the battalion the honour of wearing on its accoutrements the battle honour "South Africa 1900–1902" (Army Order 151 of 1905). The announcement of this privilege was made to the battalion by [[George V|King George V]], then Prince of Wales, when, accompanied by [[Mary of Teck|Queen Mary]], he distributed the prizes at the [[Guildhall, London|Guildhall]] in the City of London. The 1st Cadet Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps are the only cadet unit in the United Kingdom to have been granted such an honour and are permitted to wear the miniature 60th cap badge with the single battle honour, and call their cadets "riflemen".{{sfn|Wallace|2005|pp=235–236}} |
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The 2nd Cadet Battalion, the King's Royal Rifle Corps was formed in 1942 when a [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] instruction was issued ordering each Home Guard battalion to raise a cadet unit. Lieutenant-Colonel R.L. Clark of Queen Victoria's Rifles was given the task and on 15 May 1942 the Queen Victoria's Rifles Cadet Corps was born. Over the next three years the unit expanded to five companies, which in April 1945 led to it being re-titled the 2nd Cadet Battalion, The King's Royal Rifle Corps. In 1951 the 1st and 2nd Cadet Battalion were amalgamated. This resulted in the disposal of the |
The 2nd Cadet Battalion, the King's Royal Rifle Corps was formed in 1942 when a [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] instruction was issued ordering each Home Guard battalion to raise a cadet unit. Lieutenant-Colonel R.L. Clark of Queen Victoria's Rifles was given the task, and on 15 May 1942 the Queen Victoria's Rifles Cadet Corps was born. Over the next three years the unit expanded to five companies, which in April 1945 led to it being re-titled the 2nd Cadet Battalion, The King's Royal Rifle Corps. In 1951 the 1st and 2nd Cadet Battalion were amalgamated. This resulted in the disposal of the headquarters of the 1st Cadet Battalion at Sun Street. In 1954, the battalion office of the 'new' 1st Cadet Battalion was established at 56 Davies Street, where it remains to this day.{{sfn|Wallace|2005|pp=235–236}}<ref name="Cadet History">{{cite web|title=1st Cadet Battalion, The King's Royal Rifle Corps |url=http://www.krrcassociation.com/history/cadets.pdf |publisher=King's Royal Rifle Corps Association |access-date=11 June 2016 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120514083543/http://www.krrcassociation.com/history/cadets.pdf |archive-date=14 May 2012 }}</ref> |
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Today, the KRRC 1st Cadet Battalion still exists, with the following units making up the |
Today, the KRRC 1st Cadet Battalion still exists, with the following units making up the battalion:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://krrcassociation.com/index.php/history/55-cadet-battalions-krrc|title=1st Cadet Battalion, The King's Royal Rifle Corps|publisher=King's Royal Rifle Corps Association|access-date=31 August 2018}}</ref> |
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*A Company, 231 KRRC (Paddington) Rifles ACF |
*A Company, 231 KRRC (Paddington) Rifles ACF |
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*B Company, 232 KRRC (Westminster) Rifles ACF |
*B Company, 232 KRRC (Westminster) Rifles ACF |
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*C Company, 233 KRRC (Camden) Rifles ACF |
*C Company, 233 KRRC (Camden) Rifles ACF |
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*D Company, 234 KRRC (Putney) Rifles ACF |
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*D Company, 234 KRRC (Putney) RGJ ACF; until recently, when they formed the London Oratory School RGJ ACF unit (now CCF), although they were rebadged as Irish Guards in 2010 (making them the last remaining RGJ unit). |
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All these ACF units are currently in the Middlesex and Northwest London Sector Army Cadet Force. |
All these ACF units are currently in the Middlesex and Northwest London Sector Army Cadet Force. |
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==Alliances== |
==Alliances== |
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Alliances include:<ref name=regiments/> |
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*{{flagu|Canada}} – [[The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada]] (1956–1966) |
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*{{Can}} – [[The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada]] (1956–1966) |
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*{{flagu|Australia}} – [[Sydney University Regiment]] |
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*{{Can}} - [[The Victoria Rifles of Canada]] (Until 1965) |
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*{{CAN}} - [[Royal Rifles of Canada|The Royal Rifles of Canada]] (Until 1965) |
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*{{CAN}} - [[Dufferin Rifles of Canada|The Dufferin Rifles of Canada]] (Until 1936) |
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*{{CAN}} - [[Dufferin and Haldimand Rifles of Canada|The Dufferin and Haldimand Rifles of Canada]] (1936-1946) |
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*{{CAN}} - [[56th Field Regiment (Dufferin and Haldimand Rifles), RCA]] (1946-1966) |
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*{{CAN}} - [[Halifax Rifles (RCAC)|The Halifax Rifles]] (Until 1965) |
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*{{CAN}} - [[The King's Own Rifles of Canada]] (Until 1946) |
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*{{CAN}} - [[Saskatchewan Dragoons|The Saskatchewan Dragoons]] (1946-1966) |
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*{{CAN}} - [[The Regina Rifle Regiment]] (Until 1966) |
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*{{AUS}} – [[Sydney University Regiment]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-10-17 |title=The King's Royal Rifle Corps [UK] |url=http://www.regiments.org/regiments/uk/inf/060KRRC.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017210343/http://www.regiments.org/regiments/uk/inf/060KRRC.htm |archive-date=2007-10-17 |access-date=2022-10-20 }}</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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Line 181: | Line 279: | ||
==Sources== |
==Sources== |
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{{refbegin|2|indent=yes}} |
{{refbegin|2|indent=yes}} |
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* {{cite book|last=Cusick|first=Ray|title=Wellington's Rifles: The Origins, Development and Battles of the Rifle Regiments in the Peninsular War and at Waterloo from 1758 to 1815|publisher=Pen & Sword|year= 2014 |isbn= 978-1781592878}} |
* {{cite book|last=Cusick|first=Ray|title=Wellington's Rifles: The Origins, Development and Battles of the Rifle Regiments in the Peninsular War and at Waterloo from 1758 to 1815|publisher=Pen & Sword|year= 2014 |isbn= 978-1781592878}} |
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* {{cite book|last=Griffith|first=Robert|title=Riflemen: The History of the 5th Battalion, 60th (Royal American) Regiment 1797-1818|publisher=Helion & Co|year= |
* {{cite book|last=Griffith|first=Robert|title=Riflemen: The History of the 5th Battalion, 60th (Royal American) Regiment 1797-1818|publisher=Helion & Co|year=2019|isbn=978-1911628460|url=https://www.helion.co.uk/riflemen-the-history-of-the-5th-battalion-60th-royal-american-regiment-1797-1818.html}}{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} |
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* {{cite book|last=Wallace|first= Lieutenant-General Sir Christopher|title=The King's Royal Rifle Corps - the 60th Rifles – A Brief History: 1755 to 1965|publisher=Royal Green Jackets Museum Trust, Winchester|year=2005|isbn= 0-9549-3700-7}} |
* {{cite book|last=Wallace|first= Lieutenant-General Sir Christopher|title=The King's Royal Rifle Corps - the 60th Rifles – A Brief History: 1755 to 1965|publisher=Royal Green Jackets Museum Trust, Winchester|year=2005|isbn= 0-9549-3700-7}} |
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* {{cite book|last=Wallace|first=Captain Nesbit Willoughby|title=A Regimental chronicle and list of officers: The 60th, or The King's Royal Rifle Corps formerly the 62nd, or The Royal American Regiment of Foot |
* {{cite book|last=Wallace|first=Captain Nesbit Willoughby|title=A Regimental chronicle and list of officers: The 60th, or The King's Royal Rifle Corps formerly the 62nd, or The Royal American Regiment of Foot|publisher=Harrison|year=1879|url=https://archive.org/stream/regimentalchroni00walluoft#page/n9/mode/2up}} |
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{{Refend}} |
{{Refend}} |
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[[Category:King's Royal Rifle Corps| ]] |
[[Category:King's Royal Rifle Corps| ]] |
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[[Category:Infantry regiments of the British Army]] |
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[[Category:Rifle regiments]] |
[[Category:Rifle regiments]] |
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[[Category:Rifle regiments of the British Army]] |
[[Category:Rifle regiments of the British Army]] |
Revision as of 13:18, 19 April 2024
62nd (Royal American) Regiment 60th (Royal American) Regiment Duke of York's Own Rifle Corps King's Royal Rifle Corps | |
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Active | 1756–1966 |
Country | United Kingdom |
Branch | British Army |
Type | Rifles |
Role | Light infantry |
Size | 4 Battalions in peacetime (28 during the Great War) |
Garrison/HQ | Peninsula Barracks, Winchester |
Nickname(s) | 60th Rifles Royal Americans The Jaggers[1] |
Motto(s) | Celer et Audax (Swift and Bold) |
March | Lützow's Wild Hunt[2] |
Anniversaries | Christmas Day (Formation) |
Engagements | French and Indian War American Revolutionary War Napoleonic Wars Anglo-Egyptian War Second Boer War First World War Second World War |
The King's Royal Rifle Corps was an infantry rifle regiment of the British Army that was originally raised in British North America as the Royal American Regiment during the phase of the Seven Years' War in North America known in the United States as 'The French and Indian War.' Subsequently numbered the 60th Regiment of Foot, the regiment served for more than 200 years throughout the British Empire. In 1958, the regiment joined the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry and the Rifle Brigade in the Green Jackets Brigade and in 1966 the three regiments were formally amalgamated to become the Royal Green Jackets. The KRRC became the 2nd Battalion, Royal Green Jackets. On the disbandment of the 1st Battalion, Royal Green Jackets in 1992, the RGJ's KRRC battalion was redesignated as the 1st Battalion, Royal Green Jackets, eventually becoming 2nd Battalion, The Rifles in 2007.
History
French and Indian War
The King's Royal Rifle Corps was raised in the American colonies in 1756 as the 62nd (Royal American) Regiment to defend the colonies against attack by the French and their indigenous allies. After Braddock's defeat in 1755, royal approval for a new regiment, as well as funds, were granted by parliament just before Christmas 1755 – hence the regiment's traditional birthday of Christmas Day. However, parliamentary delays meant that it was 4 March 1756 before a special act of parliament created four battalions of 1,000 men each to include foreigners for service in the Americas.[3]
Commissions to Foreign Protestants Act 1756 | |
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Act of Parliament | |
Long title | An Act to enable His Majesty to grant Commissions to a certain Number of Foreign Protestants, who have served Abroad as Officers or Engineers, to act and rank as Officers or Engineers in America only, under certain Restrictions and Qualifications. |
Citation | 29 Geo. 2. c. 5 |
Dates | |
Royal assent | 9 March 1756 |
Other legislation | |
Repealed by | Statute Law Revision Act 1867 |
Status: Repealed |
A regimental history compiled in 1879 states that, in November 1755, Parliament voted the sum of £81,000 for the purpose of raising a regiment of four battalions, each one thousand strong, for service in British North America. To provide experienced personnel, Parliament passed the Commissions to Foreign Protestants Act 1756 (29 Geo. 2. c. 5)[5] The Earl of Loudoun, who as commander-in-chief of the Forces in North America, was appointed colonel-in-chief of the regiment. About fifty officers' commissions were given to Germans and Swiss, and none were allowed to rise above the rank of lieutenant-colonel.[6]
According to a modern history of the regiment, the idea for creating this unique force was proposed by Jacques Prevost, a Swiss soldier and adventurer who was a friend of the Duke of Cumberland (the Duke was the King's third son and also Commander-in-Chief of the Forces). Prevost recognised the need for soldiers who understood forest warfare, unlike the regulars who were brought to America in 1755 by General Edward Braddock.[7]
The regiment was intended to combine the characteristics of a colonial corps with those of a foreign legion. Swiss and German forest fighting experts, American colonists and British volunteers from other British regiments were recruited. These men were Protestants, an important consideration for fighting against the predominantly Catholic French. The officers were also recruited from Europe – not from the American colonies – and consisted of English, Scots, Irish, Dutch, Swiss and Germans. It was the first time foreign officers were commissioned as British Army officers. In total, the regiment consisted of 101 officers, 240 non-commissioned officers and 4,160 enlisted men. The battalions were raised on Governors Island, New York. The regiment was renumbered the 60th (Royal American) Regiment in February 1757 when the 50th (Shirley's) and 51st (Pepperrell's) foot regiments were removed from the British Army roll after their surrender at Fort Oswego.[8]
Among the distinguished foreign officers given commissions in the 60th (Royal Americans) was Henry Bouquet, a Swiss citizen, whose forward-looking ideas on tactics, training and man-management (including the unofficial introduction of the rifle and more practical clothing suited to bush-fighting) would come to be accepted as standard in the British Army many years in the future. Bouquet was commanding officer of the 1st battalion, and with his fellow battalion commanders, worked to form units that were better suited to warfare in the forests and lakes of northeast America.[9]
American Protestant Soldier Naturalization Act 1762 | |
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Act of Parliament | |
Long title | An Act for naturalizing such Foreign Protestants as have served, or shall serve, for the Time therein mentioned, as Officers, or Soldiers, in His Majesty's Royal American Regiment, or as Engineers in America. |
Citation | 2 Geo. 3. c. 25 |
Dates | |
Royal assent | 2 June 1762 |
Other legislation | |
Repealed by | Statute Law Revision Act 1867 |
Status: Repealed |
Elements of the new regiment fought at Louisbourg in June 1758, the Cape Sable Campaign in September 1758 and Quebec in September 1759, and finally the Montreal Campaign from July to September 1760 which finally wrested Canada from France. At Quebec General James Wolfe is said to have granted the 60th the motto Celer et Audax (Swift and Bold). To reward and maintain their service and loyalty, Parliament passed the American Protestant Soldier Naturalization Act 1762 (2 Geo. 3. c. 25), which offered British naturalization to those officers, engineers and soldiers who had or would serve for two years, with certain conditions and on the model of the Plantation Act 1740.[5]: 197
These earlier engagements were conventional battles on the European model, but fighting during Pontiac's War in 1763 was of a very different character. The frontier war threatened the British control of North America. The new regiment at first lost several outlying garrisons such as Fort Michilimackinac, later a detachment fought under Bouquet's leadership at the victory of Bushy Run in August 1763.[10]
The 60th was uniformed and equipped in a similar manner to other British regiments with red coats and cocked hats or grenadier caps,[9] but on campaign, swords were replaced with hatchets, and coats and hats cut down for ease of movement in the woods.[9]
American War of Independence
Two additional battalions of the regiment (the 3rd and 4th battalions) were raised in England in 1775, principally of men recruited from England and Hanover in 1775 for service in the American War of Independence. After assembly in the Isle of Wight, both battalions were sent in 1776 to Florida where they were joined by detachments from 1st and 2nd Battalions.[11] These battalions were deployed to Georgia and were involved in skirmishes at Sudbury in January 1779, the Battle of Briar Creek in March 1779, the Siege of Savannah in October 1779 where elements from the 4th Battalion captured the colour of the 2nd South Carolina Regiment, and at Augusta in September 1780.[11] The 3rd battalion later took part in the British defense of the Gulf Coast. Elements of the battalion fought at the Battle at The Village and the Siege of Pensacola. The 3rd and 4th battalions were disbanded in June 1783.[11]
Napoleonic Wars
Augmentation of 60th Regiment Act 1797 | |
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Act of Parliament | |
Long title | An act to amend an act made in the twenty-ninth year of the reign of his late majesty King George the Second, intituled, "An act to enable his Majesty to grant commissions to a certain number of foreign protestants, who have served abroad as officers or engineers, to act and rank as officers or engineers in America only, under certain restrictions and qualifications." |
Citation | 38 Geo. 3. c. 13 |
Dates | |
Royal assent | 30 December 1797 |
Other legislation | |
Amends | Commissions to Foreign Protestants Act 1756 |
Repealed by | Statute Law Revision Act 1871 |
Status: Repealed | |
Text of statute as originally enacted |
During the Napoleonic Wars, the regiment saw action in the Peninsular War. The first four battalions had been raised as regular line battalions, but in 1797 a 5th battalion had been raised on Barbados, with additional companies formed on the Isle of Wight, and equipped entirely with rifles. The troops of the 5th battalion were so effective that Sir Arthur Wellesley recommended their use to the divisional commanders describing them as the "most useful, active and brave troops in the field".[12]
A 7th battalion was raised specifically for service in the American War of 1812.[13]
Anglo-Egyptian War and Second Boer War
After the Napoleonic Wars, the regiment received a new title: first, in 1815, its name was changed to The Duke of York's Own Rifle Corps and then, in 1830, to the King's Royal Rifle Corps (KRRC). In 1858, the Rifle Depot at Winchester was made their headquarters. The regiment served in the Anglo-Egyptian War in 1882. During the rest of the 1800s, the unit also was active in China, Canada (Wolseley expedition), Afghanistan, India, Burma and South Africa. The regiment was deployed during the Second Boer War from the outset playing a key role in the first battle at Talana Hill.[14] Two officers from the regiment were awarded the Victoria Cross; Lieutenant Frederick Roberts[15] and Lieutenant Llewelyn Alberic Emilius Price-Davies.[16] Private Frederick Corbett also received the Victoria Cross for his action at Kafr Dowar, Egypt, on 5 August 1882; his VC was later rescinded when he was convicted of embezzlement, theft, and being absent without leave.[17]
Following the end of the war in South Africa, the 1st battalion was transferred to Malta, where it arrived in October 1902.[18]
In 1908, the Volunteers and Militia were reorganised nationally, with the former becoming the Territorial Force and the latter the Special Reserve;[19] the regiment now had two Reserve but no Territorial battalions.[20][21]
First World War
Regular Army
The 1st Battalion landed at Rouen as part of the 6th Brigade in the 2nd Division in August 1914 for service on the Western Front.[22] It saw action at the Battle of Mons in August 1914, the First Battle of the Marne and the First Battle of the Aisne in September 1914 and First Battle of Ypres in October 1914. It fought at the Battle of Festubert in May 1915, the Battle of Loos in September 1915 and the Battle of the Somme in Autumn 1916 before taking part in the advance to the Hindenburg Line, the Battle of Arras in November 1917, the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917, the Second Battle of the Somme in Autumn 1918 and the Battle of the Selle in October 1918.[23]
The 2nd Battalion landed at Le Havre as part of the 2nd Brigade in the 1st Division in August 1914 for service on the Western Front[22] and saw action at the Battle of Aubers Ridge in May 1915.[24]
The 3rd Battalion landed at Le Havre as part of the 80th Brigade in the 27th Division in December 1914 for service on the Western Front[22] and saw action at the Second Battle of Ypres in April 1915.[25]
The 4th Battalion landed at Le Havre as part of the 80th Brigade in the 27th Division in December 1914 for service on the Western Front and saw action at the Second Battle of Ypres in April 1915[26] but moved to Salonika in November 1915 before returning to France in June 1918.[22]
Territorial force
The regiment did not have any territorial force battalions.[22]
New armies
The 7th (Service) Battalion landed at Boulogne-sur-Mer as part of the 41st Brigade in the 14th (Light) Division in August 1914 for service on the Western Front[22] and saw action the Second Battle of Ypres in May 1915, the Battle of Delville Wood in July 1916 and the Battle of Flers–Courcelette in September 1916 as well as the advance to the Hindenburg Line, the Battle of Arras in April 1917, the Battle of Langemark in August 1917, the First Battle of Passchendaele in October 1917 and the Second Battle of Passchendaele in November 1917 before taking part in the Battle of St Quentin in March 1918 and the Battle of the Avre in April 1918.[27]
The 8th (Service) Battalion landed at Boulogne-sur-Mer as part of the 41st Brigade in the 14th (Light) Division in May 1915 for service on the Western Front[22] and saw action most of the same battles as the 7th Battalion.[28] The 9th (Service) Battalion landed at Boulogne-sur-Mer as part of the 42nd Brigade in the 14th (Light) Division in May 1915 for service on the Western Front[22] and saw action most of the same battles as the 7th and 8th battalions.[29]
The 10th (Service) Battalion and 11th (Service) Battalion landed at Boulogne-sur-Mer as part of the 59th Brigade in the 20th (Light) Division in July 1915 for service on the Western Front[22] and saw action at the Battle of Mont Sorrel in June 1916, the Battle of Delville Wood in July 1916 and the Battle of Guillemont in September 1916 as well as the Battle of Flers–Courcelette in September 1916, the Battle of Morval in September 1916 and the Battle of Le Transloy in October 1916 before taking part in the advance to the Hindenburg Line, the Battle of Langemarck in August 1917, the Battle of the Menin Road Ridge in September 1917, the Battle of Polygon Wood in September 1917 and the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917.[30][31]
The 12th (Service) Battalion landed at Boulogne-sur-Mer as part of the 60th Brigade in the 20th (Light) Division in July 1915 for service on the Western Front[22] and saw action most of the same battles as the 10th and 11th Battalions.[32] The 13th (Service) Battalion landed at Boulogne-sur-Mer as part of the 111th Brigade in the 37th Division in July 1915 for service on the Western Front[22] and saw action at the Battle of Morval in September 1916, the advance to the Hindenburg Line and the Battle of Arras in April 1917 as well as the Battle of Passchendaele in Autumn 1917, the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 and the Hundred Days Offensive in Autumn 1918 before taking part in the Battles of the Hindenburg Line and the Final Advance in Picardy.[33]
The 16th (Service) Battalion (Church Lads Brigade) landed at Le Havre as part of the 100th Brigade in the 33rd Division in November 1915 for service on the Western Front.[22]
The 17th (Service) Battalion (British Empire League) landed at Le Havre as part of the 117th Brigade in the 39th Division in March 1916 for service on the Western Front.[22]
The 18th (Service) Battalion (Arts & Crafts) landed at Le Havre as part of the 122nd Brigade in the 41st Division on 3 May 1916 for service on the Western Front.[22]
The 20th (Service) Battalion (British Empire League Pioneers) landed at Le Havre as pioneer battalion for the 3rd Division in March 1916 for service on the Western Front.[22] The 21st (Service) Battalion (Yeoman Rifles) landed in France as part of the 124th Brigade in the 41st Division in May 1916 for service on the Western Front but moved to Italy in November 1917 before returning to France in March 1918.[22]
Seven members of the regiment received the Victoria Cross.[34]
Inter-war years
After 1918, the unit returned to garrison duties in India, Palestine and Ireland. In 1922, the regiment was reduced from four to two battalions with the third and fourth being disbanded. In 1926, the Regiment was reorganised as one of the first mechanised infantry regiments.[35]
Second World War
The 1st Battalion, KRRC, commanded initially by Lieutenant Colonel William Gott, was deployed to North Africa upon war's outbreak and saw action as part of the pivot group within the 7th Armoured Division at the Battle of Sidi Rezegh in November 1941, the First Battle of El Alamein in July 1942 and the Second Battle of El Alamein in October 1942 during the Western Desert Campaign. Rifleman John Beeley was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for his actions during Operation Crusader in North Africa in late 1941.[36] The battalion, now part of the 2nd Armoured Brigade of the 1st Armoured Division, was then engaged in action throughout the final stages of the Tunisian Campaign. The battalion, now commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Edward Williams, served in the Italian Campaign then with the independent 9th Armoured Brigade and finally the 6th Armoured Division's 61st Infantry Brigade.[37]
The 2nd Battalion, KRRC, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Wilson, was part of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) that landed in France in May 1940. The battalion, which was part of the 30th Infantry Brigade, 1st Armoured Division, and now commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Euan Miller, was lost in the defence of Calais, where the brigade slowed the German advance and enabled the Dunkirk evacuation to proceed. The battalion was reformed in the summer of 1940 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel George Erskine and transferred to the 22nd Armoured Brigade of the 1st Armoured Division. The reformed battalion took part in the Battle of Gazala in May 1942 and the Second Battle of El Alamein in October 1942 during the North African Campaign, forming part of the division's 7th Motor Brigade during the latter engagement and transferring to 4th Armoured Brigade in January 1943.[37] Now under Lieutenant Colonel W. Heathcote-Amory, the battalion continued serving with 4th Armoured Brigade in the Normandy landings in June 1944 and the subsequent campaign in North-West Europe, finally leaving 1st Division six days after VE Day. Two officers of note served with the battalion in its final campaign of the war, Roland Gibbs and Edwin Bramall.[37]
The 1st Battalion of the Queen Victoria's Rifles (QFR) was a Territorial Army (TA) unit which had been closely associated with the KRRC. The battalion, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel J. A. M. Elison-Mccartney, was initially part of the TA 1st London Division, serving as the division's motorcycle battalion. However, like the 2nd Battalion, it was also lost in the defence of Calais in May 1940.[38] The battalion was later reformed in the United Kingdom and, in December 1940, transferred to the 27th Armoured Brigade, part of the newly formed 9th Armoured Division.[39]
The 9th Battalion (The Rangers) was deployed to the Mediterranean theatre as part of the 1st Armoured Brigade in the 7th Armoured Division. It saw action in the Greek campaign in April 1941 before being disbanded in August 1942.[37]
Royal Green Jackets and The Rifles
In 1958 for administrative purposes, the KRRC was brigaded with the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry and the Rifle Brigade to form the Green Jackets Brigade.[40] In 1958, the regiment was re-titled the 2nd Green Jackets, the King's Royal Rifle Corps, while the two other regiments of the Green Jackets Brigade were re-titled the 1st Green Jackets (43rd and 52nd) and 3rd Green Jackets, the Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own) respectively. In 1966, the three regiments were amalgamated to form the three battalions of the Royal Green Jackets.[41]
Regimental museum
The regimental collection is held by the Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum which is based at Peninsula Barracks in Winchester.[42]
Territorial battalions
The territorial battalions were as follows:
In the Second World War, the following territorial battalions were formally made part of the KRRC:
- 1st Battalion Queen Victoria's Rifles – 7th Battalion KRRC
- 2nd Battalion Queen Victoria's Rifles – 8th Battalion KRRC
- 1st Battalion The Rangers – 9th Battalion KRRC
- 2nd Battalion The Rangers – 10th Battalion KRRC
- 1st Battalion The Queen's Westminsters – 11th Battalion KRRC
- 2nd Battalion The Queen's Westminsters – 12th Battalion KRRC
Cadet battalions
There were two cadet battalions: 1st Cadet Battalion, The King's Royal Rifle Corps and Queen Victoria's Rifles Cadet Corps (re-titled the 2nd Cadet Battalion, The King's Royal Rifle Corps in 1945). Over the years, the formation of the cadet battalions was changed regularly, due to the changes to do with rules and the commanding officer.[43] The 1st Cadet Battalion owes its foundation to the Reverend Freeman Wills, who was commissioned into the Volunteer Army in the rank of captain on 26 July 1890. He was also Vicar of St Agatha's just behind Sun Street, Finsbury Square. On receiving his commission he decided to form a cadet company within the 1st Cadet Battalion, the Royal West Surrey Regiment. The company quickly expanded to become the 2nd Cadet Battalion, the Royal West Surrey Regiment, at which point he moved the battalion headquarters to No. 2 Finsbury Square (and in 1904 to 24 Sun Street, which he had specially built for the purpose). In 1894 he applied to Prince George, Duke of Cambridge, Colonel-in-Chief, to affiliate to the regiment, with the title of 1st Cadet Battalion, the King's Royal Rifle Corps. Consent was granted on 8 November 1894, and the battalion has remained a part of the regiment ever since.[43]
In the days of their foundation, cadet battalions were privately organized and funded. On becoming a part of the King's Royal Rifle Corps, subscriptions began to flow in and, after the commanding officer had spent nearly £1,000, the battalion was placed on a financial basis that many volunteer corps would have envied. There were to be many ups and down in later years, especially when recognition of the Cadet Force was withdrawn between the two world wars, but fortunately the enthusiasm and commitment of those involved consistently triumphed over the parsimony of governments.[43]
In 1900, when volunteers were urgently needed for the Second Boer War, the commanding officer, Colonel Freeman Croft-Wills, persuaded the War Office to accept a company of the older cadets, principally N.C.O.s (non-commissioned officers), the company being enrolled in the City Imperial Volunteers. Around 100 cadets thus served in South Africa with this unit, whilst other cadets and ex-cadets served in the Royal Army Medical Corps, and other units. Four were killed in action, one serving with the 1st Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps at the Battle of Dundee, and the others with units of the C.I.V.s. Their comrades erected brass plaques in their memory in the Drill Hall at Sun Street. These are now displayed in the Cadet Company Office here at Davies Street.[43]
In recognition of this service, King Edward VII granted the battalion the honour of wearing on its accoutrements the battle honour "South Africa 1900–1902" (Army Order 151 of 1905). The announcement of this privilege was made to the battalion by King George V, then Prince of Wales, when, accompanied by Queen Mary, he distributed the prizes at the Guildhall in the City of London. The 1st Cadet Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps are the only cadet unit in the United Kingdom to have been granted such an honour and are permitted to wear the miniature 60th cap badge with the single battle honour, and call their cadets "riflemen".[43]
The 2nd Cadet Battalion, the King's Royal Rifle Corps was formed in 1942 when a Home Guard instruction was issued ordering each Home Guard battalion to raise a cadet unit. Lieutenant-Colonel R.L. Clark of Queen Victoria's Rifles was given the task, and on 15 May 1942 the Queen Victoria's Rifles Cadet Corps was born. Over the next three years the unit expanded to five companies, which in April 1945 led to it being re-titled the 2nd Cadet Battalion, The King's Royal Rifle Corps. In 1951 the 1st and 2nd Cadet Battalion were amalgamated. This resulted in the disposal of the headquarters of the 1st Cadet Battalion at Sun Street. In 1954, the battalion office of the 'new' 1st Cadet Battalion was established at 56 Davies Street, where it remains to this day.[43][44]
Today, the KRRC 1st Cadet Battalion still exists, with the following units making up the battalion:[45]
- A Company, 231 KRRC (Paddington) Rifles ACF
- B Company, 232 KRRC (Westminster) Rifles ACF
- C Company, 233 KRRC (Camden) Rifles ACF
- D Company, 234 KRRC (Putney) Rifles ACF
All these ACF units are currently in the Middlesex and Northwest London Sector Army Cadet Force.
Alliances
Alliances include:[21]
- Canada – The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada (1956–1966)
- Canada - The Victoria Rifles of Canada (Until 1965)
- Canada - The Royal Rifles of Canada (Until 1965)
- Canada - The Dufferin Rifles of Canada (Until 1936)
- Canada - The Dufferin and Haldimand Rifles of Canada (1936-1946)
- Canada - 56th Field Regiment (Dufferin and Haldimand Rifles), RCA (1946-1966)
- Canada - The Halifax Rifles (Until 1965)
- Canada - The King's Own Rifles of Canada (Until 1946)
- Canada - The Saskatchewan Dragoons (1946-1966)
- Canada - The Regina Rifle Regiment (Until 1966)
- Australia – Sydney University Regiment[46]
See also
- Category:Battle honours of the King's Royal Rifle Corps
- Category:King's Royal Rifle Corps officers
- Category:King's Royal Rifle Corps soldiers
- Rifle Brigade – sister regiment sharing much common history and traditions
References
- ^ Burnham, Robert; McGuigan, Ron (2010). The British Army against Napoleon. Barnsley, South Yorkshire: Frontline Books. p. 127. ISBN 978-1-84832-562-3.
- ^ Russell, W.M.S. "A Note on the Regimental March". King's Royal Rifle Corps Association. Archived from the original on 14 May 2012. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Cusick 2014, p. 44.
- ^ Nelson, p. 159
- ^ a b "An Act to enable his Majesty to grant commissions to a certain number of foreign Protestants, who have served abroad as officers or engineers, to act and rank as officers or engineers in America only under certain restrictions and regulations". The Statutes at Large from the Magna Charta, to the End of the Eleventh Parliament of Great Britain. J. Bentham. 1766. p. 376.
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(help) - ^ Brown, Robert (March 1909). Siege and Capture of Havana in 1762. Vol. 4. Maryland Historical Magazine. p. 324.
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Sources
- Cusick, Ray (2014). Wellington's Rifles: The Origins, Development and Battles of the Rifle Regiments in the Peninsular War and at Waterloo from 1758 to 1815. Pen & Sword. ISBN 978-1781592878.
- Griffith, Robert (2019). Riflemen: The History of the 5th Battalion, 60th (Royal American) Regiment 1797-1818. Helion & Co. ISBN 978-1911628460.[permanent dead link]
- Wallace, Lieutenant-General Sir Christopher (2005). The King's Royal Rifle Corps - the 60th Rifles – A Brief History: 1755 to 1965. Royal Green Jackets Museum Trust, Winchester. ISBN 0-9549-3700-7.
- Wallace, Captain Nesbit Willoughby (1879). A Regimental chronicle and list of officers: The 60th, or The King's Royal Rifle Corps formerly the 62nd, or The Royal American Regiment of Foot. Harrison.
Further reading
- Butler, Lieutenant Colonel Lewis (2015). The Annals of the King's Royal Rifle Corps, 1755–1965 (Seven volumes & an Appendix). Naval & Military Press. ISBN 978-1843424451.
- Collett, Captain R.L. The History of 1st Cadet Battalion, The King's Royal Rifle Corps: Centenary 1894-1994 (undated pamphlet).
- Deedes, WF; Wake, Sir Hereward (1949). Swift and Bold: the story of the King's Royal Rifle Corps in the Second World War 1939–1945. Gale and Polden, Aldershot.
- Fairlie Wood, Herbert (1967). Famous Regiments: The King's Royal Rifle Corps. H. Hamilton.
- Marston, Daniel (1997). Swift and Bold: The 60th Regiment and Warfare in North America, 1755–1765 (PDF). McGill University. ISBN 978-0612295056.
External links
- "King's Royal Rifle Corps Association". Retrieved 4 April 2015.
- King's Royal Rifle Corps
- Rifle regiments
- Rifle regiments of the British Army
- Military units and formations established in 1755
- Loyalist military units in the American Revolution
- Regiments of the British Army in the American Revolutionary War
- Military units and formations of the United Kingdom in the Peninsular War
- Military units and formations in Winchester
- Military units and formations in Hampshire
- British light infantry
- Regiments of the British Army in World War II
- Regiments of the British Army in World War I
- Military units and formations disestablished in 1966
- British military units and formations of the War of 1812