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MARCH TO “THE YORKSHIRE LASS” AN INTRODUCTION TO THE HISTORY OF INTRODUCTION The Regimental Quick March of the 15 th was called The Yorkshire Lass, a recording in MP3 can be heard at: http://www.army.mod.uk/bands/king_s_division/regimental_marches.htm it is preceded by a later march, Ca Ira, which, half way through the track, fades into The Yorkshire Lass. While attempts to edit the file, and present it here for immediate listening were successful, the overall file size remained too large, consequently it has been decided to remain with the original live link instead – sorry folks! The original version of this work first appeared as Local History Unit Resource Guide No. 31, published by the Local History Unit, Park Street Centre, Hull College, in 1994, ISBN 1898398054, of which I retained full copyright of the text. Because of ever changing circumstances of the Local History Unit, I now think it the right time to make this available to a wider public, and thereby also to supplement the original text with more information regarding some aspects of it. It is therefore with gratitude to Mr. Chris Ketchell, the highly respected ex-supervisor of the said Unit, who encouraged my faltering attempts in front of a green screen word processor for the first time in my life, in this, my very first effort to create a viable article. Thanks Chris!! The Hull College Local History Unit has now been closed down, irrespective of the fact that several million pounds have now been allocated to the construction of a purpose built repository for Hull’s archives currently housed in several locations. The loss of CK to the local history scene of Hull is nothing short of mischief, a couple more years could have seen him, and his vast collections safely lodged at the new premises, where he and they rightly belong. As the Unit is now its self history, then the need to publish this introduction to the history of the East Yorkshire Regiment, together with the formation of a new regiment that combines all previous Yorkshire regiments, is imperative. On top of all this, since the original was so assiduously typed out on an ancient word processor in the days before the Internet was readily available to all, that obstacle can now be overcome, and it is the hope that the Internet will provide yet more on this story. [RGH October 2006] – It has!! [RGH Nov. 2006] Some might ask, why this particular Yorkshire regiment, when there have been so many, e.g. the Yorks. & Lancs., the King’s Own Yorks. Light Infantry [the KOYLIs], the West Yorks., the Green Howards, etc. The answer some would say is because I have a preference for matters relating to the East Riding, but in truth, they were for me the easiest to research, and their story, while it does not include the greater glories of the Napoleonic Wars, does contain glories from Quebec to the American War of Independence; from Blenheim and Ramillies to the Boer Wars, the East Yorks. served their country with distinction and valour, and their story demands to be told. However, a taster for the old 33 rd and 51 st can be read in my 2 Yorkshire Regiments at Waterloo, which describes their adventures during the month of June, 1815. Originally this, in booklet form, was compiled at the request of the late Mr. Frank Gritt, (Service number 22715681) who proudly served with the Regiment between the years 1952 and 1954, in the hope that it would help settle some arguments at his ‘local’ pub. I hope it serves, as the Regiment did, with truth and honour. It is also dedicated to my uncle, Stan White, who like Frank, served with the regiment under National Service conditions but between 1949 and 1951, and whose service number was 22154959. I hope he gets to read this some time soon! One thing these chaps never forget is their old Service Numbers!!
Chronology
A REGIMENT IS BORN With the accession of the Catholic king, James II to the throne of England on the 6 th February 1685, it was not long before a Protestant Pretender came forth to challenge James’ claim. In order to counter this threat, James decided to raise several new regiments to augment the standing army. In 1685, as part of that expansion, the regiment later to be known as the 15 th Regiment of Foot amongst other appellations was recruited originally in Nottinghamshire by its founding Colonel, Sir William Clifton 3rd Baronet of Clifton on the 22 nd June. Although the ranks were rapidly filled, the new regiment was not ready when, on the 6 th of July that same year, the Protestant Pretender made his move at the battle called Sedgemoor. Loyalist troops soundly defeated the rebels under the standard of James Duke of Monmouth, the illegitimate some of Charles II. The new regiment did however take part in the royal review at Hounslow, the following August, where King James thanked his loyal troops for their readiness to support the Crown. Later that year, the regiment decamped for a tour of Yorkshire which included over-wintering at Scarborough Castle, and also visits the following spring to Hull, York and other Yorkshire locations. NOTE Less than a year after its foundation, the regiment underwent a change in its commanding officer, and thereby according to custom, a change of name. On the 12 th May, 1686, Arthur (Herbert), 1st Earl of Torrington of the 1st Marines and Admiral, Commander in Chief of the fleet, became the Colonel of the regiment. A further rapid change of colonel happened on the 12 th of April 1687, when the Hon. Sackville Tufton acquired the colonelcy. Himself relinquishing it on 31 st December to Sir James Leslie, who in turn transferred it to Lt-Gen. Hon. Emmanuel Scrope Howe on 1 st November 1695, but we get ahead of things! Some months after the Sedgemoor battle, on the 13 th February 1689, by proclamation, King James II was deposed, to be replaced by King William and Queen Mary, in what has become known as the Glorious Revolution. The change of monarch was in the most part welcomed by the people of England and Wales, but in Scotland, the Highland clans were ardently opposed. As a consequence, the regiment was moved north from Yorkshire to Leith in Scotland, where they would be better placed to quell any rebellious actions by the Scots. This was the time when a new word entered the English vocabulary, ‘Jacobite’. The term 'Jacobite' became the name for those who supported James VII [James II of England], after his deposition. “The first Jacobite rebellion in Scotland occured in 1689, after the Scottish Convention had accepted William III as king. John Graham, Viscount Dundee (aka 'Bonnie Dundee') withdrew from the convention in protest and raised a small army based on the cavalry group of which he was commander. His spectacular victory against the Williamite army at Killiecrankie was won at the cost of his own life. He was killed at the moment of victory. Thereafter the rebellion was fought to a standstill at Dunkeld by a regiment of the religiously fanatical Cameronians. Ironically, Colonel Cleland, their commander, died at the moment of their victory.” The Regiment was brigaded with troops under the overall command of Major General Hugh Mackay. “In January 1689 Mackay was appointed major-general commanding in chief in Scotland. In this capacity he was called upon to deal with the formidable insurrection headed by John Graham of Claverhouse, Viscount Dundee. In the Battle of Killiecrankie, Mackay was severely defeated, but Dundee was killed, and the English commander, displaying unexpected energy, subdued the Highlands in one summer.” The regiment, after a brief period in reserve to the troops then besieging Edinburgh Castle, helped reinforce MacKay’s advance into the Highlands, but the clans were not to be duped into a forlorn hope, and continued their retreat to Lochaber and eventually Inverness, where the 15 th were garrisoned. It is from this period of what today would be called guerrilla warfare, that one of the more unusual regimental traditions was founded. Owing to the uncertainties of the campaign, when the Highlanders might raid at any moment, officers were ordered to wear their swords at all meals. And although the custom gradually fell into disuse, the recollection of it was retained by the Orderly Officer who wore his sword before dinner in the Mess until granted permission to remove it by the senior officer then present. The Battle of Cromdale took place on May 1st 1690 under the shadow of Creagan a’Chaise on the other side of the Cromdale Hills. More of a routing than a battle, 400 Highland Clansmen under the leadership of Colonel Cannon were killed or captured by government troops led by Sir Thomas Livingstone. The regiment was present at this incident together with (what were to become the Royal Scots Greys), the Royal Regiment of Scots Dragoons. At the subsequent siege of Lethindy [Lethendy] Castle, Lieutenant Carleton of the Regiment succeeded in reaching an old house close by the castle. From there he threw two or three hand grenades into the ‘works’, so alarming the enemy that they immediately surrendered. For his distinguished conduct Carleton was promoted Captain into the 27 th Foot. THE WAR OF THE GRAND ALLIANCE The regiment was however still required to maintain order ‘North of the Border’, so they spent the next two years in Scotland. In the interim however, international relations with various continental powers were on the point of collapse. Already by 1680, King Louis XIV of France was threatening the fragile stability of Europe with his expansionism. Matters eventually came to a head at the Treaty of Vienna, 12 th May 1689, when the Grand Alliance was formed between England, Holland, Spain, Savoy, Brandenburg, Saxony, Bavaria, and Hanover, all united against king Louis of France. This war of the Grand Alliance was a fleeting affair in many ways, but for the Regiment it provided the basis for their first excursion outside their national boundaries. In 1694, they were transferred from Scotland to Ostend, thence to the town of Malines, where King William took personal command of the British army. Victory had been achieved by 1697, the war being fought as a series of small engagements and sieges rather than fully fledged battles. Thus ended the Regiment’s first active service abroad. They returned to England, and then served in Ireland. THE WAR OF THE SPANISH SUCCESSION
In 1702, Queen Anne had succeeded to the crown of England, and she immediately appointed John Churchill, Earl of Marlborough, later the Duke of Marlborough, in command of all British and Dutch forces on in Europe. During the first year of the war, the Regiment took part in besieging Venloo and Ruremond, and the Grenadier Company of the 15 th participated in the storming of the citadel of Liege. In 1703, the Regiment helped capture the fortresses of Huy and Limberg. In the following year, strategic considerations necessitated an advance through Germany to the Danube valley, consequently Marlborough left some 60,000 troops in Holland, and with 35,000 men, of which 10,000 were British and the remainder mainly Germans, he marched eastward. After a long hard slog, the British, which included the 15 th, defeated a combined force of French and Bavarians at the Heights of Shellenburg. Marlborough continued his advance, and rendezvoused with a force of Austrians outside a village called Blenheim. The 15 th was brigaded on the left of the British line, commanded by Brigadier General Row, whose objective was to take the village. Even with reinforcements, it proved to be an extremely difficult task as the position was well fortified and the attackers were heavily out-numbered. Elsewhere on the field, the enemy centre broke, and gave way resulting in a state of confusion and panic. The outcome was the capture of 24 battalions of enemy infantry, who lost in total some 38,000 men killed, wounded or captured. Also taken were 12 squadrons of cavalry, over 100 guns, and huge amounts of stores and equipment. “The 15 th Foot formed part of his [Lieutenant General Lord Cutts] in the brigade of Brigadier-General Row. This brigade crossed the Nebel, and advanced against the French in the village of Blenheim with the greatest gallantry, General Row striking his sword into the enemy’s palisade before giving the word “Fire”. click on image for a larger view On the completion of the Blenheim campaign, the 15 th was returned to the Netherlands. BLENHEIM was the first battle honour granted to the Regiment, later to be displayed upon its Regimental Colour. “A battle honour is an official acknowledgement rewarded to military units for their achievements in specific wars or operations. Granted only through the British monarch's Royal Authority, the rewarding of battle honours is a military tradition practiced not only in Britain but also in Commonwealth countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand etc.” click here for Definitions of battle honour on the Web Also see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_honour for further explanation. click on image for a larger view After a period of relative inactivity, 1706 saw a renewed French army ready and in positions near Ramillies, twelve miles north of Namur. Marlborough immediately advanced with a combined British and Dutch army and brought the French to battle. Initial gains by the Dutch were speedily followed up by the British (which included the 15 th), who crashed through the French lise and carried all before them. The pursuit lasted for four days during which time the French army lost all cohesion and were once more totally routed and demoralised, and in consequence fled back within their own borders. It was another two years before the French were able to take the field again in any great strength, when they occupied the town of Oudenarde on the River Schelt. The 15 th Foot, who had briefly been returned to British shores to defend against a threatened Jacobite invasion, together with the rest of the British troops crossed the river by means of a pontoon bridge. The two armies clashed in a series of disorganised engagements until Marlborough was able to mount what proved to be a decisive flanking manoeuvre which took the French in their right rear. It was the onset of night that saved the French from yet another total disaster. click on image for a larger view After taking part in the successful siege of Lille in the latter half of 1708, the 15 th Foot was sent to winter quarters at Ghent.
“At Malplaquet, a village about nine miles south-west of Mons, the French, under Marshals Villars and Boufflers, were occupying a strongly fortified position between two woods with about 95,000 men and 80 guns. The Allies, under the command of the Duke of Marlborough and Prince Eugene, were slightly stronger, having some 100,000 men. But this numerical superiority was very largely discounted by the formidable character of the French entrenchments, and by the fact that the Allied army was limited to a frontal attack, as the nature of the country rendered any outflanking move out of the question.
click on image for a larger view During the following year, the Regiment was involved in several sieges culminating in that of Bouchain. The loss of those fortresses, along with other circumstances soon forced the French king to sue for peace. Britain consequently acquired territories in North America, the West Indies and the Mediterranean by way of reparation. It was to be a fateful deal as far as the 15 th Regiment of Foot was concerned! For now however, they remained in Flanders until after the accession of King George I, in 1714. As a result of their hard campaigning, and resoluteness in combat, the 15 th would be awarded a further three Battle Honours which would eventually adorn their Colours, they were that of RAMILLIES, OUDENARDE, and MALPLAQUET. Precise details OF THE 15 TH’s uniform of this period are somewhat sketchy, contemporary paintings and illustrations show uniforms similar to that shown here, but there is no indication as to which regiment is meant to be depicted, and it can only be surmised that most regiments were dressed in a similar manner. It will be noticed that he carries a sword rather than a bayonet, this is because at this time, the latter had not come into use. The facing colour of the coat is assumed. Some illustrations show blue facings for some regiments, these one suspects were for the Guards regiments. The 15 th however always seem to have had buff/yellow facings, so they are here so shown. The large cross-belt supported the cartridge cartouche which hung over the right hip. The tri-corn felt hat seems to have been universal in centre companies or all regiments. THE WAR OF THE QUADRUPAL ALLIENCE With a repeated threat of a union between Spain and France caused by the death of Louis XIV, Britain, Austria, France and Holland declared war on Spain. However, apart from naval engagements, most of this minor war was fought in the vicinity of Sicily. In 1719, because the single real aspect to affect Britain was a renewed threat of invasion by the Catholic supported Stuart exiles, which had originally been a force of some 6,000 had been sent to assist the Stuart Pretender, supported by about 1,500 Highlanders. Brigaded with the North British Cavalry once again, the 15 th caught up with the insurgents at the Pass of Glenshiel, where the Spaniards surrendered, and the Highlanders fled back to their homes in the mountains and glens. By this time the regiment was under the command of Lt-Gen. Henry Harrison, who had acquired the colonelcy in 1715. The army sent to confront the Spanish and Highlanders included: 150 grenadiers under Major Milburn; Montagu’s Regiment, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence; a detachment of 50 men under Colonel Harrison; Huffel’s Dutch Regiment; four companies of Arnerongen’s. On the flank were 80 men of Clan MacKay led under their chief Lord Strathnaver, Ensign Mackay. The government army's left wing, which was deployed on the south side of the river, consisted of: Clayton’s Regiment, commanded by Lieut. - Colonel Reading. On the flank were about 100 men of the Clan Munro under George Munro of Culcairn; the government dragoons and the four mortars remained on the road. They confronted the Jacobites at Glen Shiel, just a few miles from Loch Duich, on June 10, near the Five Sisters hills. The Spanish took their advantage to occupy the top and the front of one of the hills while the Jacobite Scott’s mounted barricades on the sides. The engagement began between about five and six o'clock when the left wing of the British government army advanced against Lord George Murray's position on the south side of the river. The position was first shelled by the mortar batteries and then attacked by four platoons of Clayton's regiment and Munro's. After some initial stubborn resistance Lord George Murray's men who were not supported were driven from their position and forced to retreat. Once the Jacobite's right wing had been dislodged General Joseph Wightman ordered his right wing to attack the Jacobite's left. The detachment commanded by chief of MacKenzies Lord Seaforth was strongly positioned behind a group of rocks on the hillside. It was against them that British right wing troops of Harrison's and Montigue's regiments were directed. Seaforth was reinforced by his own men under Sir John MacKenzie. Finding themselves hard pressed by the government troops Seaforth sent for further reinforcements. Another reinforcement of men under Rob Roy went to his aid but before it could reach him his men had given way and Seaforth himself was badly wounded. Wightman concentrated his troops on the flanks while the mortars battered the whole and kept the Spaniards in their positions. Wightman's whole force was now directed toward the Jacobite centre. The Spanish regulars stood their ground well but found that most of their allies had deserted them so they too retreated up the hill. Rob Roy had become severely wounded and his clan MacGregor left the battle to save him. Other clans followed and left their allies retreating uphill. At 9 o'clock in the evening, they surrendered, three hours after the start of the combat, while the remaining Jacobites fled into the fog, to escape an execution as traitors. The Jacobites were poorly provisioned and armed, and when expected Jacobite support from the Lowlanders was minimal, spirits fell completely. The Rising was abandoned and the Jacobites dispersed to their homes. Far up the hill there is a corrie which, to this day, the shepherds call Bealach-na-Spainnteach, "The Spaniards’ Pass." THE WAR OF JENKINS’ EAR For the next twenty years there was little to occupy the Regiment, but in 1739, Britain found itself at war again, this time seemingly over a triviality. Consequently in July 1740, the 15 th formed part of an expeditionary force sent to attack Spanish interests in South America and the West Indies. The whole enterprise was ill-fated from the outset, and after abortive campaigns on the mainland of South America and on the island of Cuba, the Regiment was transferred to the British held island of Jamaica. By 1742, nine out of every ten of the men who had left England had died, either from wounds, but more commonly from disease. The 15 th was therefore repatriated back to Britain to regain its strength both in numbers and moral.
CANADA The Seven Years' War (1754 and 1756–1763), Some of the theatres of which are called the Pomeranian War and the French and Indian War (see below), was a war in the mid-18th century that enveloped both European and colonial theatres. The war was described by Winston Churchill as the first world war, as it was the first conflict in human history to be fought around the globe, although almost all of the combatants were either European nations or their overseas colonies. The war involved all major powers of the world: Prussia, Great Britain (with British Colonies in North America, the British East India Company, and Ireland), and Hanover were pitted against Austria, France (with New France and the French East India Company), the Russian Empire, Sweden, and Saxony. Spain and Portugal were later drawn into the conflict, while a force from the neutral United Provinces of the Netherlands was attacked in India. See: Colonial America was in the 1750’s dominated by the French, who had nominal control over huge tracts of the continent, from what is now northern Canada through the Great Lakes, down the Missouri and Mississippi rivers to the Gulf of Mexico, all was collectively known as New France. Spain laid claim to Florida and the south west, through present day Texas around the Mexican coast. Britain had colonised the thirteen colonies from Maine in the north to Georgia in the south collectively known then as New England, the colonies sat along the eastern seaboard. The British methodology was to colonise, to make their own the new lands of America, while the French had but few colonists, their priority was trade and the domination of the trade from America. British colonists outnumbered their French counterparts by a ratio of 10 to 1, even though French controlled lands were five times larger in area. The border lands between the two spheres of influence were constantly in a state of flux for several reasons. Initially there was bad blood between the English (as opposed to British) and the French; the two nations had been fighting each other for centuries periodically since 1066. Secondly, the British were constantly seeking to expand westwards, to colonise more and more land – at the same time, the French were trying to prevent any and all encroachment into what they saw as their territory, and if that included pushing the colonists back to Britain, so much the better. The method employed by the French to police their borders was to build a series of forts at strategic positions. In 1754, a certain George Washington had been sent to reconnoitre the lands on the Ohio River and had suggested that the confluence of the rivers Allegheny and Monongahela, which joined to form the Ohio, would be a good place for the British to set up a fort of their own to protect colonists who had been given land grants in the Ohio valley. The result was Fort Prince George, which before it could be completed fell to a French attack; the French then completed the fort and renamed it Fort Duquesne, today, the locale is the city of Pittsburgh. Washington meanwhile had returned to the fort with extra men, only to find the fort had been taken, and, after an initial attack, was forced to withdraw, leaving entire region west of the Allegheny Mountains in French control. The following year, 1755, two British regular army regiments were sent to America, and French reinforcements were able to slip past the British blockade into Louisburg at the mouth of the St Lawrence River. The two sides continued bickering, and atrocities were committed by both, making the situation worse. Meanwhile, in Europe, Continental powers were once more on the rink of war, and in August 1756, hostilities began, pitting France and Britain against each other yet again. That conflict naturally spilt over to their respective colonies, and while the war in Europe became known as the Seven Years War, the conflict in the Americas became known as the French and Indian War, even though it was an extension of the war in Europe, it had its own roots, and consequently, its own identity. Reinforcements continued to build up in America, until in 1758, a second British expedition was mounted against Louisburg which would open access to the St. Lawrence.
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~crossroads/regiments/regiments-infantry.html The first objective of the campaign was the capture of Louisburg, a major fortress, the guns of which dominated the entrance to the St. Lawrence River, the main artery to the interior. The Grenadier Company of the 15 th formed part of the force, which under the command of General Wolfe, landed at Freshwater Cove, where a bridgehead was successfully established after the defenders had been attacked at the point of the bayonet. This bold venture enabled the bulk of the army to come ashore in safety, which in turn permitted the siege of the fort to be undertaken in strength. Artillery and infantry attacks, combined with a naval bombardment from the Fleet of Royal Naval warships, eventually forced a surrender by the French defenders about two months later, and the 15 th would be able in due course to add another Battle Honour to their Colours, that of Louisburg. For further information, and a guided tour of the fortress see: http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/louisbourg/index_e.asp
The 7 th September saw the 43 rd Regiment onboard HMS ‘Seahorse’ frigate, which together with the transport ‘Lowestoffe’ (sic) and two floating batteries together with other units and naval vessels, which had doubled the mouth of the River Chaudiere and anchored off Cape Rouge. This brought French troops flooding to the area to counter the threatened landing, which was but a feint to draw them off from observing General Wolfe, accompanied by two of his general officers, who used the diversion to reconnoiter the situation up river. Severe weather hampered operations for the following few days, but on the 11 th, plans had been formulated, and troops were set to their new dispositions. Every boat, every barge capable of carrying soldiers was brought together in preparation for the planned assault to the west of Quebec. Arrangements were made for some of the boats to be filled with sailors, marines, and any possible remaining detachments from the camp on Isle de Orleans, so that at the right time, they could be used to cause another diversion off Beauport and Point de Leste. Naval ships were worked as close inshore as safely possible in readiness for the forthcoming bombardment. This was to be a combined amphibious assault so very familiar to later generations of soldiers from many nations. Image from National Archives of Canada Because of the nature of the terrain, it was not until September 12 th that Wolfe was able to locate a ‘secret’ path that would enable his troops to ascend to the top of the bluff and cliffs known as the Heights of Abraham. This geographical feature formed part of the plateaux upon which Quebec stood, and lay only a few miles distant to the west of the town. The secretive means by which the British were to ascend the Heights was the only possible way the French could be approached without the slaughter of British troops. The pathway was initially secured by the first four battalions ashore; this allowed the safe passage of the remaining troops, including the 15 th. The heights were named after a French émigré called Abraham Martin, who had settled in the area of Quebec in the summer of 1617, even though it seems unlikely that he or any member of his large family ever owned the land that was to become engraved in history. One source however differs, i n 1863 the historian, J. B. A. Ferland began to follow the track of the great curate Thomas Maguire. M. Maguire ‘suggested that a part of the Plains (heights) had belonged to an individual by the name of Abraham.’
These two plans are representative only, they are not to scale, and merely indicate the evolutions and final dispositions of the British on the Heights of Abraham. 13 th September, 1759. The regiments selected by Wolfe to make the attempt to capture Quebec were the 1/15 th Amherst’s, 1/28 th Bragg’s, 1/35 th Otway’s, 1/43 rd Kennedy’s, 1/47 th Lacelles’, 1/48 th Web’s, 1/58 th Anstruther’s, 2/60 th Royal American, and the 1/78 th Fraser’s Highlanders. These were augmented by the addition of the grenadier companies of those regiments that had formed the garrison at Louisburg after that place had been finally taken, they came from the 22 nd, 40 th and 45 th, and have been subsequently called the Louisburg (sic) Grenadiers. In the dark before daybreak, 1,600 men were sent in barges to the north shore about 120 yards east of Sillery, and the landing, though not unopposed, took the French totally by surprise, however, their sentries on the cliffs overlooking the landing place quickly began harassing the British. In one boat, even before they were able to land, the 43 rd were taking casualties, three were killed, and a further four wounded. Upon a challenge from one sentry, Capt. M’Donald (sic) of the 78 th was able to answer in French that he and his men were there to take post, and that the sentry should re-join his guard, and to call off (by number?) all the remaining sentries along the heights. The sentry was completely taken in, which resulted in a considerable saving of life on the British side, though it likely cost the line of sentries dear. It allowed Wolfe and his two generals, Monckton and Murray to come ashore with the first division of heavy infantry, the boats quickly returning to the naval transports to collect another human cargo. It was now that the earlier reconnoitres bore fruit, a narrow cleft breached the line of cliffs, lightly defended, Wolfe had chosen this place to get his army to the heights above. Called then the Anse au Foulon, it is today called Wolfe’s Cove. 3,600 men were able to gain the heights without mishap, but a small outpost, initially taken by surprise had been able to fire at the boats with some light field pieces, and on them being overrun, the resulting cheers of the British were enough to awaken the drowsiest of sentries. Wolfe then sent units of light infantry to disable the enemy batteries on the left while the remainder faced to the right and marched in files to the Plains of Abraham, at which time it began raining. By Benjamin West (1771) At about six o’clock in the morning the first French troops from Quebec appeared on the field set to interpose them selves between the town and the threat posed by the British. Wolfe’s column then halted and wheeled right, their right on the Anse au Foulon, their left by the heavily wooded terrain to the north. The first manoeuvre brought the Louisburg Grenadiers and the 28 th on the right, with the 43 rd and 47 th on the left of the line. Units of light infantry held Sillery, while other dwellings were occupied likewise to protect the left flank. An attempt to out flank the right was made by the French which was seen off by the Grenadiers and sections of the 28 th, who were then set the task of harassing the rapidly forming French columns from the relative safety of the cliff line. The 15 th and 35 th had by this time come ashore, and formed up behind to create a second line. Next ashore and to join the line were the 48 th, 2/60 th, and the 78 th Highlanders, Wolfe was then able to reform his line placing the 35 th on the right, on their left were the Grenadiers, next left was the 28 th, then the 43 rd in the centre, and on their left the 47 th, then the 78 th, and the 58 th on the left flank, this, the front line, was commanded by Wolfe and Brigadiers Monckton and Murray. The 15 th and 2/60 th formed the second line under the command of brigadier Townshend, the 48 th commanded by Colonel Burton were placed in reserve. The 43 rd were under the command of Major Elliott, as Colonel James had been left in charge of the main camp, together with it seems, a few companies of the 43 rd (one can imagine his reactions later that day!) Wolfe’s force now numbered some 4,800 souls, although numbers in such cases are always a topic of debate, Montcalm, a mere one and a half miles distant is reported to have had 7,500 men with which to repel the attack, which together with the fortifications of the town, should have been enough. Both sides continued their military two-step towards each other, and the appearance of artillery on both sides at about eight o’clock, forced the entire British line to lie down until such time as the French guns were made silent. It is obvious that Wolfe was not happy with his original dispositions; adjustments were made to the line. The 15 th were brought forward to cover the left flank, thrown back, in military parlance, their battalion line bent back at almost right angles, to the uninitiated! On their left to counter any enfilade by Native American and other militia sharpshooters in the woods, the 2/60 th was brought up. The 48 th remained in reserve and the 3/60 th was detailed to secure communications between the beach and the boats should a retreat become necessary. By ten o’clock the French had formed up with the Quebec and Montreal Militia on the right, then the Regiment La Sarre, the Regiment de Languedoc, and the regiments of Bearne and Guyenne, to the left of them the Royal Rousillon regiment, and finally on the left flank the Montreal and Troi Rivieres Militia. Both flanks were covered by artillery. Wolfe paced up and down in front of his line, reminding the men not to fire until such time as the order to do so was given, and not to break ranks prior to any ordered advance. During this period, the skies cleared and the rains and drizzle ceased. Soon after, in three fighting columns, and with resounding cheers the French regiments began their advance. Firing as they came on, by necessity on a relatively narrow front, the gap between the two armies decreased. British discipline was tested to the extreme as the order to return fire had not yet been given, not a single shot was returned, even though the casualties began to mount, and the battalion lines closed in upon them selves. Ahead of the French there were 3,000 loaded British Long Land Pattern muskets, reports indicate they were double shotted i.e. there were some 6,000 musket balls waiting, ready to inflict death and mutilation. At a distance of 40 yards (even a British soldier could hardly miss at such a range) the entire British line fired, with such precision it sounded like a single cannon shot. A second volley was delivered in rapid succession, and the French, totally bemused, confused and defeated, broke and ran. The order was given for a general advance, and the victorious British chased the French to the gates of Quebec. Some sources have indicated that the 15 th, in their thrown back formation on the left flank of the army were also formed up in two ranks rather than the then normal three ranks. It is also said that this was the first time a British unit had been so deployed. Among the casualties were both commanders, Wolfe had died immediately upon learning of the victory, and Montcalm later the same night. Quebec surrendered shortly afterwards with no further fighting, and Lieutenant Colonel the Honourable James Murray, then Colonel of the 15 th, was made Governor of the town, and the Regiment stayed with him as part of the new British garrison. The Battle Honour, QUEBEC 1759 was added to the list of those later to appear on the Regimental Colours, it remains, arguably the Regiment’s proudest, and in addition, a black stripe was incorporated into the regimental lace in respect of the later General Wolfe.
: Image from National Archives of Canada ID# 20673; c-2834 A French relief force was dispatched from Montreal the following spring, and laid siege to Quebec from the 28 th April to the 16 th May, 1760, during which time the 15 th, assisted in the defence of the town. The siege was lifted with the arrival of a British naval force, and the Regiment then became involved following the former be-siegers back to Montreal. That town also was subsequently captured and occupied in the September of 1760, upon which event the whole of French Canada was surrendered to the British. The anniversary of Quebec Day was honoured by the men of the Regiment by placing a wreath of white roses on the Regimental Colours. Nationally, when news of the victory reached the British Isles, the population was euphoric, David Garrick, the countries foremost actor and entertainer was moved to pen some lines, 1759 had been a year of victories. For his pantomime called Harlequin’sInvasion he wrote the words of a song to music by William Boyce to commemorate the victories of Minden, 1 st August, Quebec, General James Wolfe, 13 th September, and the naval battle of Quiberon Bay, Admiral Hawke, 20 th November, the patriotic song ‘Hearts of Oak’ was written which begins with the evocative lines: “Come cheer up, my lads, ‘tis to glory we steer, To add something more to this wonderful year …” In these situations the year closed, a year, which in 15 minutes had changed the course of American history, even, it can be said with little exaggeration, the history of the world. It meant that the whole continent of northern America would, amongst other things, speak English rather than French, a quite amazing concept! As the Seven Year War continued, in 1762, the Regiment formed part of General Monkton’s force sent to capture the French West Indian island of Martinque. The result was the complete occupation of the island within two weeks of the first landing, and the 15 th acquired yet another Battle Honour. In June the same year they became part of General Lord Albemarle’s force and sent to attack and take Havana on the island of Cuba. The task took over a month, disease accounting for many of the casualties incurred by the Regiment as they remained on Cuba for a further eleven months. The Battle Honour HAVANNAH (sic) was awarded for this campaign. But at the cessation of hostilities, both Martinique and Cuba were handed back to the governance of their previous occupiers. The Regiment was returned to Canada, where it remained until 1768, after which the remnants were transported home to British shores for a well earned rest and a rejuvenation of the battalion’s numbers. Before the next phase of the regimental history, it should be pointed out that about 1770, it is recorded that ‘the 15 th had a Regimental band; a certain Major-General Mackay writing at Wakefield in May 1777 that. “The Regiment have a Band of Musick”, and Lieutenant-General Sir Adolphus Oughton recording a year later that “Drummers and Fifers of the 15 th beat and played well.”. the Band of Musick good and genteelly dressed.” At this time three quick steps were in vogue, and one march is reproduced at the end of this book. Up to 1749 infantry regimental bands were made up of about six to eight civilians who were pais by the officers. More often than not they were foreigners, whose discipline and habits were unsatisfactory. The instruments used at this period were the hautbois, drums, French horn, clarinet, and bassoon. The fife – an instrument of great antiquity – had not been used for many years, but was re-introduced into the British army in 1748.’
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Designed by Richard Hayton 2006 |
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