Chapter III: Part 3

The Dutch posts on the Lys having been forced on the 12th of September, they abandoned _Menin_, which fortress was immediately taken possession of by the French. The Duke of York advanced, on the 14th of September, to drive the enemy across the Lys; and the INNISKILLING dragoons formed part of the force under Major-General Harcourt, which joined the leading column of Austrians and Hessians under Lieutenant-General Ehrbach. The French were forced to evacuate Menin, and were pursued by two British squadrons and the Austrian hussars towards Roncq.

After bivouacking a few days in the fields, near Menin, the regiment marched to Tournay, where it was stationed several weeks, and subsequently passed the severe winter months at Drongen.

[Sidenote: 1794]

Leaving Drongen in February, 1794, the regiment marched to Oudenarde; in April it joined the army at Cateau, where it was seen in marching order by the Emperor Francis; and on the 17th of that month it supported the column which attacked and carried the heights of _Vaux_.

The INNISKILLING dragoons formed part of the covering army during the siege of _Landrécies_; and on the 21st of April, when the enemy attacked the Prince of Coburg's advanced posts at _Blocus_, the regiment formed part of the force which proceeded to the support of the Austrians; the French were repulsed at this point; but they succeeded in driving the Imperialists from Nouvion.

Thirty thousand French, commanded by Lieutenant-General Chapuy, attacked the Duke of York's post at _Cateau_ on the 26th of April, and several cannon shot and shells fell among the SIXTH dragoons before they were mounted; but did little injury. The Duke of York watched the enemy's movements from the top of a redoubt, and observing their left uncovered, he detached a body of troops against that flank; and after a sharp contest the French general was taken prisoner, and his army driven from the field with severe loss.

On the 27th of April the INNISKILLING dragoons were detached to support the troops at _Courtray_ under General Clairfait, whose advance-posts at Mourcon were attacked two days afterwards by the French under General Pichegru, who carried the post after a severe engagement, and also gained possession of Courtray. The INNISKILLING dragoons rejoined the army under the Duke of York.

On the 1st of May the INNISKILLING dragoons encamped in front of _Tournay_, with their left to the road leading towards Lisle, where the army arrived from the vicinity of Landrécies, and took up a position to oppose the enemy.

About three o'clock on the morning of the 10th of May a few pistol-shots from the advance-posts gave indication of an approaching enemy, and soon afterwards thirty thousand republican troops appeared in dark masses advancing to battle. The British soldiers stood to their arms, and the INNISKILLING dragoons mounted and prepared for the combat. The report of musketry with the deep tones of the artillery succeeded, and the enemy's attempt to turn the left was repulsed by the fire of the Austrians posted in a wood. A shower of bullets from the French artillery assaulted the British centre, and through the clouds of smoke the opposing columns rushed to battle. During the conflict several cavalry corps were detached against the enemy's right flank. The Queen's Bays, Scots Greys, and INNISKILLING dragoons, forming one superb brigade, were led forward by the Duke of York, in open column of half-squadrons; on approaching the enemy they formed line under a heavy cannonade, and rushed sword in hand upon their adversaries. Deep lines, bristled with bayonets, opposed a formidable resistance; but they were broken by the terrific charge of the British heavy cavalry, and the heroic troopers riding furiously among their adversaries, cut them down with a terrible carnage. The enemy commenced a retreat, but was speedily broken and pursued from the field with great loss.

Three men and seven horses of the SIXTH dragoons were killed; seven men and nineteen horses were wounded, and three horses missing.

A combined attack on the French posts having been resolved upon, the SIXTH dragoons joined the column under General Count Kinsky, who advanced on the morning of the 17th of May from Cysoing to the La Marque, and forced the passage of the river at _Bauvines_, in which service the INNISKILLING dragoons were engaged; but no decisive results followed the movements of the army on this occasion. On the evening of the same day the regiment joined the Austrians under Archduke Charles, and advanced on the 18th to form a junction with the column under the Duke of York at Roubaix, but was suddenly ordered to take the route to Tournay, where the army was again assembled.

The enemy attacked the position with great fury on the 22nd of May, but was repulsed. The INNISKILLING dragoons were formed in column on their camp ground; but the French did not attack that part of the line.

The extraordinary efforts made by the French government to collect an army of overwhelming numbers, were eventually attended with complete success. The Austrians were overthrown and forced to retreat; the Duke of York was obliged to withdraw from his position in front of Tournay, and a series of retrograde movements followed, during which the INNISKILLING dragoons performed much severe duty.

After encamping a short period at Rosendael, the regiment withdrew with the army, in the early part of August, beyond Breda. Thirty-five thousand men under the Duke of York confronted a hundred thousand opponents; and when the French had made preparations for enveloping this small body of British troops, His Royal Highness withdrew to another post beyond Bois-le-duc, where the SIXTH dragoons encamped in the beginning of September.

Strenuous exertions were made by the allies for the preservation of Holland; but the Dutch, having imbibed the revolutionary principles and doctrines of equality from the French, did not second these efforts with zeal and energy, and the British troops were opposed by such immense masses, that no chance of ultimate success remained. The Duke of York withdrew beyond the Maese in the middle of September; and early in October concentrated his forces about Nimeguen, through which fortress the INNISKILLING dragoons marched a few days before the place was besieged by the French, and eventually went into quarters in the villages between Rhenen and Wyck.

At length a severe frost set in, the rivers became frozen, so as to admit of an army passing on the ice, and the advance of the enemy being facilitated thereby, the prospect of being able to defend the passage of the Waal became hopeless, and the regiment was directed to pass the Rhine and occupy cantonments beyond that river.

[Sidenote: 1795]

In the early part of January, 1795, a sudden thaw rendering it probable the army would be enabled to maintain a more forward position and defend the passage of the Waal, the INNISKILLING dragoons were ordered to advance; they repassed the Rhine on the ice on the 8th of January, and joined the forces under Major-General Sir David Dundas near Geldermalsen. The frost, however, set in with greater severity than before, the country was converted into a plain, and after some sharp fighting the British troops fell back before the superior numbers of their opponents. The SIXTH dragoons withdrew from their forward position; they were joined by the Queen's Bays, and Scots Greys, on the 13th of January; harassing marches over a region of ice and snow followed, and several men and horses perished from the severity of the weather.

On the 17th of January the INNISKILLING dragoons halted at Campen in Overyssel; on the 26th they were at Steenwyk in the same province, and continuing this harassing march, they passed the confines of Holland, and arrived on the 10th of February at the banks of the Ems, a river of Westphalia. They were to have halted at Warmer, but a thaw occasioned them to prosecute their journey and pass the river on the ice. Continuing the march on the following day, the country for a considerable distance was under water, and several horses which had become exhausted, were lost in the inundations.

The frost returning, the SIXTH dragoons countermarched, repassed the Ems on the ice on the 20th of February, and on the 20th skirmished with the van of the French army. Several manœuvres followed, and on the 3rd of March a party of French failed in an attempt to pass the Ems. On the following day the INNISKILLING dragoons had to traverse a small river on the ice at a point which was commanded by the enemy's cannon; but the regiment, being favoured by a very thick fog, passed unperceived by the French.

[Sidenote: 1796]

[Sidenote: 1797]

Hostilities terminated in this quarter soon afterwards; in May the regiment went into cantonments in villages near the banks of the Weser, one of the principal rivers in Germany; and in July it encamped near Delmenhorst, the chief town of a district of that name in Westphalia, seven miles south-west of Bremen. On the breaking up of the camp, the SIXTH dragoons marched through Bremen into cantonments on the right bank of the Weser until November, when they embarked for England, but were detained in the river several weeks by contrary winds. They landed at Yarmouth and South Shields about Christmas; in January, 1796, they marched to Norwich, and in September following to Ipswich, where they passed the succeeding winter. In the autumn of 1797 they proceeded to Romford.

General Johnston died on the 13th of December, 1797, and was interred in great state in Westminster Abbey. He was succeeded in the colonelcy by George, Earl of Pembroke, K.G., who commanded the regiment during the succeeding thirty years.

[Sidenote: 1798]

[Sidenote: 1799]

[Sidenote: 1800]

[Sidenote: 1801]

Leaving Romford in June, 1798, the regiment proceeded to Windsor, and encamped in the forest, where a numerous body of troops was assembled, and exercised in the presence of King George III. and the royal family. His Majesty reviewed the regiment; and it afterwards proceeded into cantonments, the head-quarters being at Uxbridge. In December, 1799, it marched to Birmingham; in August, 1800, to Bristol; and in June, 1801, to Exeter.

[Sidenote: 1802]

The successes of the British forces in Egypt and the West Indies, were followed by a treaty of peace, in 1802, when the establishment of the SIXTH dragoons was reduced to eight troops, and the total number of officers and men to five hundred and fifty-three. In October the head-quarters were removed to Nottingham.

[Sidenote: 1803]

Before the following summer the ambitious policy of the French republic involved Great Britain in another war, and the first consul of France, Napoleon Bonaparte, assembled an army for the invasion of England. This vain project was met by formidable preparations on the part of the British government; an army of _six hundred thousand men_ (including militia, yeomanry, volunteers, and troops on foreign stations) was embodied; and the establishment of the INNISKILLING dragoons was again augmented.

[Sidenote: 1804]

[Sidenote: 1805]

In the summer of 1803 the regiment marched to Birmingham; in January, 1804, it proceeded to Brighton, and was stationed near the Sussex coast during the two following summers, while the French army lay at Boulogne, on the opposite side of the channel. In 1805 Napoleon withdrew his legions from the coast, and marched against the Russians and Austrians; and in October the SIXTH dragoons proceeded to Lewes.

[Sidenote: 1806]

[Sidenote: 1807]

[Sidenote: 1808]

[Sidenote: 1809]

The danger of foreign invasion passed away, the arts, sciences, agriculture, manufactures, and commerce flourished throughout the British dominions; while the other countries of Europe became successively scenes of war, rapine, and spoliation. The INNISKILLING dragoons proceeded, in March, 1806, to Ipswich; during the winter of 1807 to York, and in the summer of 1808 they marched to Scotland, and occupied Piershill barracks, Edinburgh. In June, 1809, they embarked at Portpatrick for Ireland; they landed at Donaghadee, and marched to Dundalk.

[Sidenote: 1810]

[Sidenote: 1811]

[Sidenote: 1813]

[Sidenote: 1814]

While the British troops were triumphant over the legions of Napoleon, in Portugal, Spain, and the south of France, the INNISKILLING dragoons were detained on home service in Ireland. In the summer of 1810 they marched to Dublin; in November, 1811, to Ballinasloe; in March, 1813, to Belturbet; in May following, to Tullamore, and in April, 1814, to Dublin, from whence they embarked for Liverpool, where they arrived on the 3rd of May, and proceeding to York, halted there three months, and afterwards marched to Nottingham.

While the regiment was in Ireland, the cocked hats and feathers were replaced by brass helmets, and the high boots and breeches by cloth trousers and short boots.

Meanwhile the victories of the British army had been followed by the removal of Napoleon from the throne of France, and the re-establishment of tranquillity in Europe: the numbers of the regiment were consequently reduced from ten to eight troops.

[Sidenote: 1815]

The return of peace was followed by public rejoicings throughout the country; but scarcely had these subsided, when news arrived of the return of Bonaparte to France; of the flight of Louis XVIII. from the capital; and of the re-assumption of the imperial dignity by the usurper. Preparations for war immediately commenced; the establishment of the INNISKILLING dragoons was augmented, and six troops, mustering four hundred and fifty officers and men, under the command of Colonel Joseph Muter, were selected to proceed on foreign service; the depôt troops commanded by Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Ellice, were stationed at Ipswich.

[To face page 80.]

The six troops destined for service abroad proceeded, in April, 1815, to Gravesend, where they embarked for Ostend; some delay was occasioned by contrary winds; but the whole reached Flanders in safety, and on the first of May they were in quarters beyond Bruges, from whence they removed a few stages further up the country. A British, Hanoverian, and Brunswick force was assembled in Belgium under Field-Marshal His Grace the Duke of Wellington, and the King of the Netherlands placed his troops under the orders of the British commander. The SIXTH were formed in brigade with the royal dragoons and Scots greys, commanded by Major-General Sir William Ponsonby, K.C.B. They were reviewed by the Prince of Orange, and Lieutenant-General the Earl of Uxbridge, commanding the cavalry, on the 24th of May; and on the 29th of that month they were seen, together with the other cavalry corps and the royal horse artillery, by the Duke of Wellington, who was accompanied by Marshal Von Blucher, the commander of the Prussian army.

The INNISKILLING dragoons reposed in cantonments among the Belgic peasantry about six weeks; being stimulated by the fame acquired by several corps in the Peninsular campaigns, from 1808 to 1814, they were eager for an opportunity to signalize their intrepidity and prowess against the enemies of their country, and this opportunity was soon afforded them. About four o'clock on the morning of the 16th of June, they were suddenly aroused by the notes of the bugle summoning them to assemble, mounted, at the alarm posts. Springing from their beds with alacrity, they were speedily equipped, and, as the Belgic husbandmen commenced their labours in the field, the INNISKILLING dragoons were seen directing their march towards _Quatre Bras_, where the French divisions, under Marshal Ney, had suddenly attacked the advance-posts, while Bonaparte assailed the Prussians at Ligny with the main body of his army. Continuing its route by Enghien, Brain-le-Conte, and Nivelles, the regiment arrived at the scene of conflict a little before midnight; the hostile forces were reposing on their arms; and the SIXTH bivouacked behind the position, in a corn-field on the left of the road from Charleroi to Brussels.

The Prussians having retreated, the Duke of Wellington made a corresponding movement, and the INNISKILLING dragoons were employed in covering the retreat of the infantry and artillery to the position of Mont St. Jean, in front of the village of _Waterloo_. On passing through Genappe, a heavy thunder-storm deluged the country and put a stop to the firing; but as the atmosphere cleared, the scene became particularly interesting; the cavalry brigades were manœuvring in the face of the adverse army; the loud tones of the artillery, the fire of skirmishers in the fields, the seventh hussars and first life guards charging the French lancers in the streets, while Bonaparte urged forward his numerous squadrons, thinking to overwhelm the British horsemen, presented to the eye an animating and splendid spectacle. On arriving at the heights of Mont St. Jean, an opposition was presented to the French emperor, which he despaired to overcome that evening, and the hostile forces confronted each other during the night, the men and horses being exposed to a continual rain.

On the morning of the memorable 18th of June, the army appeared in order of battle. The Royals, Greys, and INNISKILLING dragoons, were formed on the left of the road leading from Brussels to Charleroi, to support Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas Picton's division of infantry, which crowned the heights in front of the brigade. At ten o'clock the French appeared on the opposite heights, from whence a cloud of skirmishers was sent forward; the artillery gradually opened its fire, and about noon the enemy's columns traversed the intervening space, and one of the most sanguinary, hard-contested, and important battles recorded in the annals of war commenced: a battle in which the fate of kingdoms, and the destiny of millions, was decided by British skill, and by British valour.

After failing in reiterated assaults on the post of Hugomont, simultaneous attacks were formed; one of cuirassiers against the centre, which was defeated by the British household cavalry; and one of infantry against the left of the position occupied by the allied army. The formation of columns was partly concealed by the nature of the ground; but the glistening of bayonets was seen at intervals, above the undulations which form the features of this sanguinary field.

Twenty thousand infantry appeared on the heights opposite the spot where the INNISKILLING dragoons were formed, and rushing forward with that eager velocity which characterizes the first attack of French soldiers, they traversed the intervening space with astonishing expedition, dispersed a Belgic brigade with which they first came in contact, broke through parts of the British supporting infantry, and ascended the position occupied by the allied army. A favourable opportunity for the Royals, Greys, and INNISKILLING dragoons to charge presented itself; the Earl of Uxbridge galloped up to the three regiments, and they instantly deployed and advanced against the dark masses of the enemy. A spirit of emulation, and a thirst for glory, beamed in the countenances of the officers and men, as they moved forward in firm array, presenting a noble spectacle of nine squadrons of superb heavy cavalry, whose warlike appearance and resolute bearing excited admiration. The French columns were urging forward with rapid steps as to certain victory; crowds of infantry and artillery fled before them; and as they ascended the crest of the position, they presented a menacing and alarming aspect. An important crisis in the battle had arrived, and stupendous results depended on the valour of the Royals, Greys, and INNISKILLING dragoons. The three regiments advanced steadily to meet these numerous and formidable bands of opponents, who were concealed from their view by the rising ground: they paused a short time to permit the retreating infantry and artillery to pass through the intervals of squadrons, and the next moment these powerful horsemen raised a loud and terrific shout, and rushed furiously upon the adverse ranks of war. The spectacle was grand, and the result glorious to the British arms. The French masses being unable to deploy, the heads of columns were instantly broken and forced back; confusion ensued, the firing ceased, a general flight commenced, and as the smoke cleared away the British dragoons were seen plunging their horses into the midst of the broken columns, and cutting down the French musketeers with a terrible carnage, until the slope of the position was literally covered with slain. Crowds of French soldiers threw down their arms and surrendered; while others cast themselves on the ground to escape the victorious troopers. The Royals and Greys took each an eagle: the INNISKILLING dragoons cut off from their own lines and made prisoners a numerous body of French infantry, with whom part of the regiment was detached to the rear. The brigade continued its victorious course, spreading terror, carnage, and dismay over the field: it crossed the ravine, carried several batteries, and penetrated to the rear of the enemy's position. Pursuing their opponents too far, the INNISKILLING dragoons were, on returning, charged by a numerous body of the enemy's lancers, and sustained considerable loss.

Major-General Sir William Ponsonby having been killed by the lancers, the command of the brigade devolved on Colonel Muter of the INNISKILLING dragoons; and that of the regiment on Lieutenant-Colonel Fiennes Miller, who had previously had his horse killed under him, and had received several bayonet wounds, but having had his wounds dressed, and procuring a horse which had belonged to a French officer of lancers, he kept his post at the head of the regiment.

The brigade having re-formed, was stationed behind a little wood, where it remained, protected from the enemy's incessant fire of shot and shells by some high ground and by the trees, until about four o'clock in the afternoon, when it was ordered to the right of the position, and there suffered severely from a heavy cannonade.

Lieutenant-Colonel Miller was again wounded about five o'clock, and withdrew, leaving the regiment under the command of Captain Madox. About half-past five Colonel Muter was wounded, and the command of the brigade devolved on Lieutenant-Colonel Clifton, of the royal dragoons.

In the general attack made on the French army at the close of the day, the brigade had another opportunity of distinguishing itself, and, although it was reduced to a very small number of officers and men by casualties and parties detached to the rear with prisoners, yet it proved victorious over every description of force which opposed its advance. The French army sustained a decisive overthrow. The troops under the Duke of Wellington halted on the field, surrounded by cannon and other trophies of victory, while the Prussians, who had arrived at the close of the action, pursued Bonaparte's discomfited legions throughout the night.

Thus ended a battle, the greatest of past or present times, the character and importance of which may be estimated by the splendid results, and by the continued peace which has followed. The brigade, of which the INNISKILLING dragoons formed part, was commended by the Duke of Wellington in his public despatch.

The regiment had Lieutenant and Adjutant Clusky, two troop-serjeant-majors, three serjeants, four corporals, one trumpeter, seventy-five privates, and one hundred and sixty-four horses killed; Colonel Muter, Lieutenant-Colonel Miller, Captains W. F. Browne, and the Honourable S. Douglas, Lieutenant Hassard, and Cornet Ruffo, three serjeant-majors, six serjeants, five corporals, two trumpeters, eighty-five men, and twenty-seven horses wounded.

Colonel Muter and Lieutenant-Colonel Miller had the honour of receiving the riband and badge of companion of the order of the Bath. Colonel Muter was further rewarded with the decoration of the fourth class of St. Wladimir of Russia, Captain Madox was promoted to the rank of major in the army.

Serjeant-Majors William Seney, John Laws, and Matthew Marshall, Serjeants Hugh M'Mahon, and Johnston Marlow, with Privates William Penfold and Robert Potters, particularly distinguished themselves.

Every officer and soldier present at this engagement received a silver medal; and the subaltern officers, with the non-commissioned officers and privates, were allowed to reckon two years' service for that battle[16].

The royal authority was also given for the regiment to bear the word "WATERLOO" on its guidons and appointments.

The regiment advanced in pursuit of the wreck of the French army on the following day; on the 22nd of June it bivouacked at Malplaquet, a village which is celebrated in history as the scene of a desperate engagement, on the 11th of September, 1709, when the army commanded by the Duke of Marlborough gained a victory over the French under Marshals Villars and Boufflers.

Continuing the pursuit of the French army, the INNISKILLING dragoons arrived, in the beginning of July, at the vicinity of Paris, and after the surrender of the capital, they went into quarters at the village of Nanterre, where they remained three weeks, and subsequently marched to Rouen. They took part in several reviews of the army commanded by the Duke of Wellington, at which the sovereigns of Russia, Austria, Prussia, and France, were present.

[Sidenote: 1816]

The war having terminated with the restoration of the Bourbon dynasty to the throne of France, and the conclusion of a treaty of peace, the regiment marched to Calais. It embarked for England on the 1st of January, 1816, and after landing at Dover, proceeded to Salisbury, and subsequently to Exeter. At the same time its numbers were reduced to a peace establishment.

[Sidenote: 1817]

[Sidenote: 1818]

[Sidenote: 1819]

In October, 1817, the regiment marched to Birmingham; during the summer of 1818 it proceeded to Scotland and was stationed at Piershill barracks, near Edinburgh. Leaving this station in June, 1819, for Portpatrick, it embarked for Ireland,--arrived at Donaghadee on the 1st of July, and marched into quarters at Gort, in the county of Galway.

[Sidenote: 1820]

[Sidenote: 1821]

The INNISKILLING dragoons passed the four succeeding years in Ireland. In 1820 their head-quarters were removed to Longford; and in July, 1821, to Dublin, on the occasion of the auspicious visit of His Majesty King George IV. to this part of his dominions. In August the regiment marched to Newbridge, for the purpose of attending His Majesty at the race-ground of Kildare.

[Sidenote: 1822]

On the 9th of November the SIXTH dragoons left Newbridge for Fermoy; in February, 1822, they proceeded to Cahir, and in June following returned to Newbridge, where they remained till December, when they proceeded to Dublin and occupied the royal barracks.

[Sidenote: 1823]

Leaving Dublin in May, 1823, the regiment proceeded to Donaghadee, where it embarked for Scotland on the 6th of June, landed on the same day, and proceeded to Glasgow, where it passed the succeeding twelve months.

[Sidenote: 1824]

[Sidenote: 1825]

[Sidenote: 1826]

[Sidenote: 1827]

From Glasgow the regiment marched in July, 1824, for York; in the summer of 1825 the head-quarters were removed to Manchester; in April, 1826, to Dorchester; and in the following year to Nottingham.

The Earl of Pembroke died in the autumn, and was succeeded in the colonelcy by the Hon. Sir William Lumley, G.C.B., by commission dated the 3rd of November, 1827.

[Sidenote: 1828]

[Sidenote: 1829]

Leaving Nottingham in March, 1828, the regiment proceeded to Ipswich, but returned to Nottingham in October following; and in the summer of 1829 proceeded to Liverpool and embarked for Ireland. After landing at Dublin, it proceeded to Dundalk, where it passed the winter.

[Sidenote: 1830]

[Sidenote: 1831]

[Sidenote: 1832]

In the summer of 1830 the regiment proceeded to Dublin; in July, 1831, the head-quarters were at Longford; and in 1832 at Cahir, many detachments being furnished in aid of the civil power during these years.

[Sidenote: 1833]

The Regiment proceeded, in March, 1833, to Dublin, where it embarked for England, and after landing at Liverpool, marched to Scotland, and was stationed at Edinburgh.

[Sidenote: 1834]

[Sidenote: 1835]

[Sidenote: 1836]

[Sidenote: 1837]

From Scotland the regiment marched in the summer of 1834 to England, the head-quarters, proceeding to Nottingham; in 1835 to Ipswich; in 1836 to Brighton; and in 1837 to Dorchester.

[Sidenote: 1838]

[Sidenote: 1839]

In the summer of 1838 the regiment marched to Bristol and embarked for Ireland; it landed at Cork on the 4th of June, and proceeded from thence to Cahir. In April, 1839, it was removed to Newbridge, and in July to Dublin.

[Sidenote: 1840]

In April, 1840, General the Honourable Sir William Lumley, G.C.B., was removed to the first dragoon guards, and was succeeded in the colonelcy of the SIXTH dragoons by Lieutenant-General Sir Joseph Straton, K.C.H., from the eighth hussars; and this officer dying in October following, the colonelcy was conferred on Lieutenant-General Sir George Pownall Adams, K.C.H., by commission dated the 26th of October, 1840.

In the summer of this year the head-quarters were removed to Newbridge, and several detachments were furnished in aid of the civil power.

[Sidenote: 1841]

The regiment proceeded to Dublin in the spring of 1841, embarked for Liverpool, and the head-quarters were afterwards established at Birmingham.

[Sidenote: 1842]

In May, 1842, the regiment commenced its march for Scotland, and was quartered at Glasgow and Edinburgh; the whole assembling at Edinburgh in August.

On the visit of QUEEN VICTORIA to Scotland in September of this year, the INNISKILLING dragoons had the honour to receive Her Majesty on landing at Granton Pier, and to furnish guards of honour, and all the Royal escorts at Edinburgh, and as far as Perth, on Her Majesty's journey to the north of Scotland. The regiment also attended the Queen to Granton Pier, when Her Majesty re-embarked for London on the 15th of September.

[Sidenote: 1843]

Routes were received in the spring of 1843, for the regiment to march to England, when the following general order was issued, dated

"_Edinburgh, April 1, 1843._

"Major-General Sir Neil Douglas cannot permit the INNISKILLING
dragoons to quit the North British district without expressing
to Lieutenant-Colonel White, the officers, non-commissioned
officers, and soldiers of that regiment, his perfect satisfaction
with their conduct during the time they have been under his
command. It appears very evident that the exertions of the
officers have succeeded in instilling into the minds of their
men, that, next to distinguished valour in the field, nothing
can more fully establish the character of a British soldier than
quiet, peaceable, and subordinate behaviour in quarters, which
the SIXTH dragoons have so eminently displayed while stationed
in North Britain. Nor can the Major-General forget the manner
in which the regiment performed the honorable duties assigned
to it during Her Majesty's visit to her northern dominions,
which called forth approbation from the highest authorities. In
taking leave of the regiment the Major-General begs to assure
the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the SIXTH
dragoons, that they carry with them his sincere and hearty wishes
for their prosperity and honour, wherever their country may
require their services.

"By order of Major-General Sir NEIL DOUGLAS, K.C.B. and K.C.H.

(Signed) "RT. KERR, _Colonel_,
"_Assistant Adjutant-General_."

On arriving in England the head-quarters of the regiment were established at Leeds; in October the regiment marched from that station to Nottingham.

[Sidenote: 1844]

[Sidenote: 1845]

The Regiment remained at Nottingham until June 1844, when it proceeded to Brighton, and remained there until April 1845, when it marched to Birmingham.

[To face page 95.]

[Sidenote: 1846]

In April, 1846, the regiment embarked at Liverpool for Ireland, and on its arrival at Dublin it proceeded to Newbridge, from whence it marched in May to Longford, where the head-quarters are now stationed.

* * * * *

THE SIXTH, OR THE INNISKILLING REGIMENT OF DRAGOONS, was originally composed of men who evinced an example of valour, constancy, and devotion to the interests of civil and religious liberty, as established by law, at a period of peculiar difficulty and danger, such as seldom has been witnessed in the United Kingdom; and their heroic gallantry ensured to their country the blessings of constitutional monarchy. Loyalty, courage and obedience, have been evinced by the officers and soldiers of the regiment from that period to the present time; and whether in the war of the Austrian succession,--in the seven years' war in Germany,--the early campaigns of the war of the French revolution,--or on the memorable field of WATERLOO, the same valour and constancy have been displayed, which shone so brilliantly in the first members of the corps. Being equally conspicuous for good conduct on home service, the regiment has always possessed the confidence, and ranked high in the estimation, of the sovereign and of the country.

1846.

FOOTNOTES:

[7] The second battalion of the Irish foot guards came to England at the Revolution, in 1688, and was disbanded by the Prince of Orange: the first battalion remained in Ireland until the treaty of Limerick, in 1691, when it followed King James to France, and was for many years in the service of Louis XIV. and his successsors.

[8] The regiment of horse was disbanded after the treaty of Ryswick, in 1697.

The two regiments of dragoons were retained on the establishment of the army, and were subsequently numbered as--

The V. Royal Irish Dragoons, and
The VI., or the Inniskilling Dragoons.

The three regiments of foot were consolidated into one, which is now the _Twenty-seventh_, or the Inniskilling regiment of foot.

The Londonderry regiments were disbanded.

[9] _London Gazette._

[10] _Narrative of the Battle of the Boyne_, by Captain RICHARDSON.

[11] STORY'S _Continuation_, p. 25.

[12] HARRIS'S _Life of King William_. This author states, that Colonel Sir Albert Cunningham was the father of General Henry Cunningham, of the Eighth Dragoons, who was killed in Spain. _Vide the Record of the Eighth Hussars._

[13] A memoir of this distinguished officer is given in the Record of the Thirteenth Light Dragoons.

[14] Four other standards were also captured, and several pairs of kettle drums; but the regiments which captured them are not known.

[15] 'By yesterday's mail we have advice that Prince Ferdinand has continued his pursuit as far as Wetter; that Colonel Harvey, at the head of a body of about five hundred English dragoons, fell in with a large body of Frischer's corps, under the command of Frischer's brother; that Colonel Harvey attacked them sword in hand, killed a great number, and took between four and five hundred prisoners. It is said, that Colonel Harvey, upon coming up to the troops, and being saluted in a haughty manner by Frischer, drew his sword and killed him on the spot.'--_Dublin Gazette._

'Colonels Harvey and Beckwith, at the head of some British cavalry and grenadiers, distinguished themselves in a particular manner.'--_History of the Campaigns of Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick._

N.B. Lieutenant-Colonel Harvey was appointed to the lieutenant-colonelcy of the INNISKILLING dragoons, 29th May, 1754.

[16] List of Officers who obtained _Waterloo_ medals.

Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Muter--_Brevet-Colonel_.
Major Fiennes Miller--_Lieutenant-Colonel_.

_Captains._
Henry Madox.
Wm. F. Browne.
Thomas Macky.
Wm. F. Hadden.
Edward Holbech.
Hon. S. Douglas.

_Lieutenants._
Theo. Biddulph.
Aug. S. Willett.
John Linton.
Henry Petre.
Alex. Hassard.
Samuel Black.
Richard Brown.

_Cornets._
Paul Ruffo.
John D. Allingham.

_Paym._ Wm. Armstrong.
_Surgeon_, John Bolton.
_A.-Sur._ W. H. Ricketts.
_Vet. Sur._ R. Vincent.
_Qu. Ma._ James Kerr.

+----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| SUCCESSION OF LIEUTENANT-COLONELS |
| |
| OF |
| |
| THE SIXTH, OR THE INNISKILLING REGIMENT OF DRAGOONS. |
+-----------------------+---------------+------------------------------+
| NAMES. | Date of | REMARKS. |
| | Appointment. | |
+-----------------------+---------------+------------------------------+
|Robert Echlin | Dec. 31, 1689 | { Promoted Colonel of the |
| | | { Regiment in 1691 |
| | | |
|Henry Cunningham | Dec. 30, 1691 | { Promoted Colonel of the |
| | | { 8th Dragoons in 1693 |
| | | |
|Sir Richard Vernon | | |
| | | |
|John Upton | | |
| | | |
|Alexander Montgomery | March 30, 1711| |
| | | |
|James Gardiner | Jan. 24, 1730 | { Promoted Colonel of the |
| | | { 13th Dragoons in 1743 |
| | | |
|Cuthbert Ellison | April 19, 1743| |
| | | |
|Sir John Whitefoord, | March 19, 1745| { Promoted Colonel of the |
| Bart. | | { 12th Dragoons in 1750 |
| | | |
|Charles William Tonyn | Jan. 3, 1750 | Died May, 1754 |
| | | |
|Edward Harvey | May 29, 1754 | { Promoted Colonel of the |
| | | { 12th Dragoons in 1763 |
| | | |
|Robert Rickart Hepburn | March 18, 1763| Retired in 1768 |
| | | |
|John Whitemore | June 24, 1768 | |
| | | |
|Lord Robert Kerr | July 23, 1773 | Died in 1781 |
| | | |
|Francis Augustus } | | { Promoted Colonel of the |
| Eliott, afterwards } | March 23, 1781| { 29th Dragoons in 1795 |
| second Lord } | | |
| Heathfield } | | |
| | | |
|William Gunn | March 1, 1794 | Augmentation--Retired in |
| | | 1796 |
| | | |
|John Prince | March 25, 1795| Promoted Major-General in |
| | | 1809 |
| | | |
|Ralph Bates | Oct. 26, 1796 | Retired in 1799 |
| | | |
|George Richard Martin | June 12, 1799 | Retired in 1800 |
| | | |
|Richard O'Donovan | May 2, 1800 | Promoted Major-General in |
| | | 1813 |
| | | |
|Joseph Muter, after- } | | { Promoted Major-General in |
| wards Sir Joseph } | June 4, 1813 | { 1825, afterwards Colonel |
| Straton, K.C.H. } | | { of the Regt. |
| | | |
|Edward Keane | June 2, 1825 | Appointed to the 7th Hussars |
| | | in 1830 |
| | | |
|Lord George Lennox | June 15, 1830 | Retired in 1832 |
| | | |
|Edmund Meysey Wigley } | July 27, 1832 | Died in 1833 |
| Greswolde } | | |
| | | |
|Henry Madox, K.H. | Jan. 18, 1833 | Exchanged to half-pay in 1838|
| | | |
|Jeremiah Ratcliffe, | June 9, 1838 | Exchanged to half-pay in 1840|
| K.H. | | |
| | | |
|Raymond White | July 17, 1840 | Exchanged to half-pay in 1843|
| | | |
|Willoughby Moore | July 28, 1843 | |
+-----------------------+---------------+------------------------------+

SUCCESSION OF COLONELS

OF THE

SIXTH, OR INNISKILLING REGIMENT

OF

DRAGOONS.

SIR ALBERT CUNNINGHAM.

_Appointed 31st December, 1689._

SIR ALBERT CUNNINGHAM is represented by historians as a gentleman of great personal merit. He held a commission in the army in Ireland, and was appointed lieutenant-general of the Ordnance in that country; but he was removed from his appointment by King James II., for his stedfast adherence to the established institutions of his country. His cordial co-operation with the INNISKILLING men in the defence of their civil and religious liberties, occasioned him to be commissioned by King William III. to raise from among their numbers a corps of dragoons, now the SIXTH, or the INNISKILLING Regiment. He evinced distinguished courage and ability at the head of his regiment in several battles and skirmishes in Ireland; and was killed by an Irish serjeant in King James's service, after having been taken prisoner at Coloony, near Sligo, in September, 1691, as narrated at page 30, in the Record of the SIXTH Dragoons.

ROBERT ECHLIN.

_Appointed 30th December, 1691._

This officer held the commission of lieutenant-colonel in the INNISKILLING dragoons, and was so conspicuous for personal bravery, attention to duty, and devotion to the principles of the Revolution of 1688, that after the death of Sir Albert Cunningham, King William III. promoted him to the colonelcy of the regiment. He was advanced to the rank of brigadier-general in 1703; to that of major-general in 1704; and of lieutenant-general in 1707. A change in the political sentiments of Lieutenant-General Echlin appears to have taken place towards the close of Queen Anne's reign, and soon after the accession of King George I. he was required to dispose of his commission of colonel of the INNISKILLING dragoons.

JOHN EARL OF STAIR, K.T.

_Appointed 4th March, 1715._

LORD JOHN DALRYMPLE served as a volunteer under King William III., in Flanders, and was with the Cameronian regiment (twenty-sixth foot) at the battle of Steinkirk, in 1692. Immediately before the decease of His Majesty, he was nominated lieutenant-colonel of the Scots foot-guards, and his commission was one of the first signed by Queen Anne after her accession. He served as aide-de-camp to the Earl of Marlborough during the campaign of 1702, and in the following year he obtained the colonelcy of a Dutch regiment, which he exchanged, on the 1st of January, 1706, with Colonel James Borthwick, of the Cameronian regiment. In the same year he obtained the rank of brigadier-general; served in that capacity at the battle of Ramilies; and in August he was promoted to the colonelcy of the Scots Greys. On the decease of his father, in January, 1707, he succeeded to the title of EARL OF STAIR. He commanded a brigade at the battle of Oudenarde, in 1708; and was sent to England with the news of that victory.

Having been appointed major-general on the 1st of January, 1709, he served in that capacity at the battle of Malplaquet; and was advanced to the rank of lieutenant-general on the 1st of January, 1710. He passed the winter of 1709-10 in Poland, as envoy extraordinary to that court; but returning to the army in the spring, he served at the siege of Douay, and was honoured in the same year with the order of the Thistle. He was promoted to the rank of general on the 5th of April, 1712, and afterwards served in Flanders under the Duke of Ormond; but having subsequently opposed the ministry, he was ordered to sell the colonelcy of his regiment to the Earl of Portmore.

Shortly after his accession to the throne, King George I. appointed the Earl of Stair, one of the lords of the bedchamber, a member of the privy council, and commander-in-chief in Scotland in the absence of the Duke of Argyle; and in the following spring conferred upon his Lordship the colonelcy of the INNISKILLING dragoons. In the same year he was sent to France in a diplomatic character, and afterwards displayed great abilities as ambassador extraordinary at that court, from which he was recalled in 1720. In 1729 he had the appointment of vice-admiral of Scotland; but having joined the opposition against Sir Robert Walpole, his lordship was removed in 1733 from that post, and in the following year from the colonelcy of the INNISKILLING dragoons.

After his return from France, in 1720, the active mind of the Earl of Stair was turned to agricultural improvements; but on the dissolution of the Walpole administration, in 1742, his lordship was called from his retirement, appointed governor of Minorca, field-marshal of the forces, and commander-in-chief of the troops sent to Flanders; also ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the States General of Holland. In April, 1743, he was restored to the colonelcy of the INNISKILLING dragoons; and he commanded the British troops on the continent during the early part of the campaign of that year. He also commanded, under King George II., at the battle of Dettingen; but, observing that His Majesty gave preference to the advice of the Hanoverian generals, he shortly afterwards obtained permission to resign.

In 1744 the Earl of Stair was appointed commander-in-chief in Great Britain. After the death of his gallant brother-in-law, Sir James Campbell, who fell at Fontenoy, the colonelcy of the Scots Greys was again conferred upon his lordship, and he was appointed general of the marine forces in 1746. He died in 1747.

CHARLES LORD CADOGAN.

_Appointed 19th June, 1734._

CHARLES CADOGAN entered the army in 1706, and served in Flanders under the celebrated John Duke of Marlborough. He was a member of parliament for the borough of Reading, also for Newport, in Hampshire. In 1715 he was appointed captain and lieutenant-colonel in the second foot-guards; and in 1719 he purchased the colonelcy of the King's own regiment of foot. He succeeded, on the decease of his brother, the celebrated William Earl Cadogan, in 1726, to the dignity of LORD CADOGAN, Baron of Oakley; and in 1734 he was removed to the INNISKILLING dragoons. In 1739 he was promoted to the rank of major-general; in 1742 he was appointed colonel of the second troop of life guards, which gave him the privilege of taking the court duty of Gold Stick; and in 1745 he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general. The government of Sheerness was conferred upon his lordship in 1749, that of Gravesend and Tilbury in 1752, and in 1761 he was promoted to the rank of general. His lordship was a fellow of the Royal Society, and one of the trustees of the British Museum. He died in 1776.

JOHN EARL OF STAIR, K.T.

_Re-appointed 25th April, 1743.--Removed to the Scots Greys in 1745._

JOHN EARL OF ROTHES.

_Appointed 29th May, 1745._

LORD JOHN LESLIE was appointed to the captaincy of a troop of dragoons in 1715, and in 1717 he obtained the command of a company in the foot guards. Two years afterwards he was appointed to the lieut.-colonelcy of the Royal North British Fusiliers. On the decease of his father, in 1722, he succeeded to the title of EARL OF ROTHES, and was appointed governor of Stirling castle. He obtained the colonelcy of the twenty-fifth regiment in May, 1732, and the rank of brigadier-general in 1739. In 1742 he proceeded with the forces under the Earl of Stair to Flanders; was appointed major-general on the 1st of January, 1743, and served in that capacity at the head of the second line of infantry at the battle of Dettingen. In April, 1745, he was removed to the colonelcy of the Scots horse grenadier guards, and in the following month to the INNISKILLING dragoons. His lordship distinguished himself at the head of a brigade of cavalry at the battle of Roucoux in 1746; was advanced to the rank of lieutenant-general in 1747; and, in 1750, obtained the colonelcy of the Scots Greys. In the succeeding year he was appointed governor of Duncannon fort, and lieutenant-general on the staff of Ireland; and in April, 1752, he was removed to the colonelcy of the third, or Scots, foot guards. He was constituted a Knight of the Thistle in 1753; and obtained the rank of general in 1765. He died on the 10th of December, 1767.

THE HONOURABLE JAMES CHOLMONDELEY.

_Appointed 16th January, 1750._

THE HONOURABLE JAMES CHOLMONDELEY, third son of George, second Earl of Cholmondeley, was appointed guidon and major in the first troop (now first regiment) of life guards on the 12th of May, 1725; in 1731 he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and lieutenant-colonel in the third troop of life guards; and in January, 1741, King George II. conferred upon him the colonelcy of a newly-raised regiment, then numbered the fifty-ninth, and now the forty-eighth foot; from which he was removed in December, 1742, to the colonelcy of the thirty-fourth regiment. In 1744 he proceeded with his regiment to Flanders, and served the campaign of that year with the allied army under Field-Marshal Wade. He was at the battle of Fontenoy on the 11th of May, 1745, and on the 8th of the following month he was appointed brigadier-general, in which capacity he served the remainder of that campaign. On the breaking out of the rebellion in Scotland, in the winter of the same year, he was ordered to England, with a brigade of infantry, and after his arrival he was sent to Chester to take command of two battalions which had recently arrived from Ireland, with which he joined the army commanded by Field-Marshal Wade, in Yorkshire. After the flight of the rebels from Derby, he was detached to Scotland, where he served under Lieutenant-General Hawley, and signalized himself in a most conspicuous manner at the battle of Falkirk, on the 17th of January, 1746; but the excessive fatigue he underwent, with continued exposure to severe weather, deprived him of the use of his limbs for some time. On the 23rd of September, 1747, he was promoted to the rank of major-general; on the 24th of July, 1749, he was removed to the twelfth dragoons; and in November of the same year to the third Irish horse, now sixth dragoon guards. He was again removed on the 16th of January, 1750, to the SIXTH dragoons; and on the 2nd of May, 1754, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general. He was many years lieutenant-governor of Chester; and died on the 13th of October, 1775.

EDWARD HARVEY.

_Appointed 18th October, 1775._

EDWARD HARVEY was many years an officer of the SIXTH, or INNISKILLING regiment of dragoons, with which corps he served at the battles of Dettingen, Fontenoy, Roucoux, and Val. On the 29th of May, 1754, he was promoted to the lieutenant-colonelcy of the regiment; and under his care and attention to all the duties of commanding officer, the INNISKILLING dragoons became celebrated as a corps of heavy cavalry. Proceeding with his regiment to Germany, in the summer of 1758, he was present at nearly every action during the remainder of the seven years' war, and was twice wounded, viz., at Wetter, in August, 1759, where he highly distinguished himself, and at Campen, in October, 1760. He commanded a brigade of cavalry during the summer of 1762, and was highly commended for his signal gallantry and ability at the dislodging of a French corps from Homburg in August of that year, when he led the Blues to the charge in gallant style, and overthrew all opposition. On the 17th of March, 1763, King George III. promoted him to the colonelcy of the twelfth dragoons, and in the following year he was removed to the third Irish horse, or carabineers. He was promoted to the rank of major-general in 1762, and to that of lieutenant-general in 1772. He performed the duties of adjutant-general of the forces several years, to which appointment he was nominated by King George III. soon after the termination of the seven years' war. On the decease of General Cholmondeley, His Majesty gave him the colonelcy of the INNISKILLING dragoons, with which corps his early services were connected. He died in 1778.

JAMES JOHNSTON.

_Appointed 2nd April, 1778._

This officer obtained the commission of cornet in the thirteenth dragoons on the 5th of October, 1736, and was removed to the royal dragoons in 1739, in which corps he rose to the rank of major, and was promoted to the lieutenant-colonelcy of the thirteenth dragoons on the 2nd of December, 1754. In April, 1759, he was re-appointed to the first royal dragoons, and proceeding in command of the regiment to Germany, served in the battles and skirmishes of that and the two succeeding campaigns under Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick. He particularly distinguished himself at the battle of Warbourg, and was wounded at the battle of Campen. In 1762 he was promoted to the local rank of major-general in Germany, and he commanded a brigade of cavalry during the campaign of that year. He was distinguished alike for the sterner military virtues,--for a gentlemanly deportment,--and an amiable disposition, which procured him the esteem of all ranks; and on the breaking up of the army on the continent he received a flattering mark of the approbation of the hereditary Prince of Brunswick,[17]--namely, a valuable gold snuff-box embellished with highly-chased military trophies, accompanied by an autograph letter from the prince. His services were rewarded with the appointment of lieutenant-governor of the island of Minorca in 1763, and he was promoted to the rank of major-general in 1770. In the following year this meritorious officer was rewarded with the colonelcy of the ninth dragoons; in 1774 he was constituted governor of Quebec; and in 1775 he obtained the colonelcy of the first Irish horse (now fourth dragoon guards). Two years afterwards he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general; in 1778 he was removed from the first Irish horse to the SIXTH INNISKILLING dragoons; and was further promoted to the rank of general in 1793: he is stated to have been one of the most celebrated swordsmen of his time. The decease of this distinguished veteran occurred on the 13th of December, 1797, at Hampton, from whence he was removed with great state for interment in Westminster Abbey on the 21st of that month.

GEORGE AUGUSTUS EARL OF PEMBROKE, K.G.

_Appointed 15th December, 1797._

GEORGE AUGUSTUS LORD HERBERT entered the army on the 10th of September, 1775, as ensign in the twelfth foot, then stationed at Gibraltar, and obtained the rank of lieutenant in 1777. In January, 1778, he obtained a company in the seventy-fifth, or Prince of Wales's regiment of foot, then being raised, and in December following he was removed to the royal regiment of dragoons. In 1781 he was appointed major of the twenty-second light dragoons, and in the following year he was promoted to the lieutenant-colonelcy of the second dragoon guards.

In 1793 he proceeded with his regiment to Flanders, and soon after his arrival, he was detached by the Duke of York, with the second and third dragoon guards, to join the Prussians. Having united the two regiments with Lieutenant-General Count Hohenzollern's corps, he was employed in covering the left flank of the Prussian army during the siege of Valenciennes, in which service he was several times engaged in skirmishes with the French, and evinced signal ardour and gallantry. He subsequently rejoined the Duke of York's army, and was employed in covering the siege of Dunkirk; having under his command four British and Hanoverian squadrons and four pieces of flying artillery, he dislodged a body of French from Hundschuyt. His lordship was principally employed in the out-post duty during the remainder of the campaign.