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The Rifles Museum, RHQ The Rifles, Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Road, Winchester (2026)

02/01/2024

Happy New Year!

In 2024, The Ri**es Museum and the Royal Green Jackets Museum are merging collections to form a R***e Regiment Museum that will record our heritage from the 18th Century to the present day.

To learn more and to stay up to date on the latest developments, check out the following links: rgjmuseum.co.uk, facebook.com/theroyalgreenjacketsmuseum, twitter.com/RGJMuseum & instagram.com/thergjmuseum.

***esmuseum

25/12/2023

Merry Christmas from The Ri**es Museum!

We hope that you all have a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year! In December 1944, antecedent regiments of The Ri**es were deployed all over the world – in North-West Europe, Italy, Greece, the Middle East, India, Burma, and in the UK. In today’s post, we are looking at the experiences of some RI**ES antecedents during the last Christmas of the Second World War.

Devonshire Regiment:

2/DEVONS was operating in the area of the Dutch city of Sittard in December 1944. A few men were able to go home on leave, with allocation drawn by lot. However, this ended following the German offensive in the Ardennes on the 16th December. The Battalion spent Christmas day in frontline positions. 2/DEVONS was rotated into the Brigade Reserve on Boxing Day, moving to Geleen. It was here that late Christmas celebrations were held on the 28th December.

12/DEVONS had returned to the UK in September 1944, for training and refitting. In December, the dining halls at Bulford Barracks were decorated for Christmas, while Major Carey was despatched to Wales to source turkeys for dinner. The deteriorating situation in the Ardennes forced a change of plans. The Battalion landed at Calais on the 22nd December, bringing with it 12 turkeys, and hundreds of jumpers and mufflers, kitted by the people of Exeter! Christmas day was spent in Waregem, Belgium, where the Battalion received a very friendly welcome. The turkeys were eaten on 28th December.

Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry:

2/DCLI was hastily despatched from Italy to Greece in December 1944, following the outbreak of the Greek Civil War, flying into Athens onboard American Liberator bombers. The Battalion’s Christmas was spent under difficult circumstances, with a constant threat of sniper attacks. Christmas dinner consisted of bully beef and hard tack biscuits.

5/DCLI was billeted at Bilzen, Belgium, on Christmas Day. The weather was fine, and the Belgians did all they could to ensure the festivities were a success. In the afternoon, a football match between 5/DCLI and 7/Somerset Light Infantry (another RI**ES antecedent) took place, resulting in a narrow win for the Cornwalls (3-2).

King’s Royal R***e Corps

1/KRRC were in action in Italy in December 1944. It was taken out of the line late in the month and stationed in Cervia. Billets were comfortable, with some R***emen comparing the coastal town to Bournemouth! In preparation for Christmas, the Battalion had gathered poultry and pigs. The decision was made to celebrate Christmas early, on the 24th December, as the Battalion would be returning to the frontline on the 26th.

2/KRRC was advancing through the Netherlands in December 1944. At Christmas, the Battalion was based in and around the town of Wessem. Although the Battalion was not able to celebrate together, most were able to spend Christmas with a roof over their heads. Some R***emen went carolling on Christmas Eve and were able to hear singing coming from the nearby German positions. The Battalion had pork, turkey, plum pudding, b**r (mixed with rum) and “a reasonable supply of champaign” for Christmas dinner.

Wiltshire Regiment:

2/WILTS were in British Mandatory Palestine in December 1944. On Christmas Eve, some men of the Battalion attended Midnight Mass at Bethlehem. Heavy rain on Christmas Day restricted many of the planned outdoor events, but the celebrations were still much enjoyed.

4/WILTS spent Christmas in village of Millen, Belgium. Preparations for Christmas included gathering supplies for dinner, ensuring that each man had a tin of turkey, Christmas pudding, one orange, two bottles of b**r, ci**rs, bar of chocolate and sweets. The Battalion was unable to celebrate together on Christmas Day, as it was deployed to guard against the possibility of an airborne assault, but nevertheless a good time was had by all.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Picture: A R***eman, 1st Battalion, R***e Brigade, with Christmas pudding and rum, on Christmas Day, 1944 – collections of the Imperial War Museum

16/12/2023

Treasures of the RHQ:

One of the sporting trophies on display in RHQ RI**ES was awarded for the Judhpur, or Jodhpur, Polo Tournament, Christmas 1896. The competition was won by a team from the 2nd Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, an antecedent regiment of The Ri**es, which enjoyed a remarkable period of success on the polo field in India.

The Judhpur Polo Tournament trophy is a silver cup, with prominent handles, a short neck/stand, and round base. It is decorated with floral and geometric patterns, while the handles also feature the heads of female figures. The trophy has a lid, topped by a decorative fruit, possibly a pomegranate.

Both sides of the trophy feature inscriptions. The first reads “Judhpur Polo Tournament Christmas 1896”. The second reads “Won by the 2nd Bn the Durham Light Infantry 1896”.

The trophy features silver marks for London, the London and other English Assay Offices, and the date letter for 1880. It was produced by Elkington & Co., a silver manufacturer, based in Birmingham, which was highly regarded for both its silverware and silver plating. In 1963, Elkington & Co. became part of British Silverware, Ltd., today based in Sheffield.

2/DLI saw action in Egypt and the Sudan during the Mahdist uprising (1881–1885), notably at the Battle of Ginnis. Following this, in 1887, the Battalion returned to India, where it had originally been raised as the 2nd Bombay (European) Regiment by the East India Trading Company in 1839. 2/DLI would remain in India until 1898, when it was redeployed to Burma. During this period, the Battalion enjoyed an incredible run of polo victories.

The polo team of 2/DLI first saw successes at the Quetta Open Polo Tournament (1891) and the Barnard Challenge Cup at Jubbulpore (1893). The first major victories occurred in 1894, winning the Infantry Cup, defeating the Gordon Highlanders in the finals at Lucknow, the Barnard Challenge Cup again, and the 7th Hussars Cup.

During the subsequent polo seasons, the 2/DLI team won each of the fourteen open tournaments that it entered! The Infantry Cup was secured three years running – 1895-97 – and in 1896 the Battalion won the All-India Inter-Regimental Cup, defeating the 5th Dragoon Guards in the final. It was also during this period that the Judhpur/Jodhpur Tournament was won. The run of successes continued until 1898, when the Battalion departed from India. In the team’s final polo season, it not only won the Inter-Regimental Cup again, but also Championship of India, which was open to all British and Indian regiments, as well as teams from the Indian states.

Polo was often regarded as an occupation of rich regiments, which the 2/DLI were not. However, the Battalion’s successes were primarily due to Captain de Lisle – a extremely capable trainer of ponies and horses, as well as an excellent rider and polo player. He later rose to the rank of general and commanded the 29th Division during the First World War.

Not all regiments appreciated the dominance of the Durham polo team. General Sir Hubert Gough said of his time in the 16th Lancers, “The 16th liked them [2/DLI] personally and played a most friendly game with them whenever we met on the polo field however hard the struggle. I am sorry to say this was not the case with some cavalry regiments who went out of their way to show resentment that an infantry regiment should even compete in the Regimental Cup – much less win it”!

Polo is still played in Jodhpur today.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

To learn more about the DLI, contact the Durham Light Infantry Regiment Collection. For the current Regiment, come to The Ri**es Museum.

Pictured: The Judhpur Polo Tournament trophy – RHQ RI**ES

10/12/2023

RI**ES Heritage:

Today is the 83rd anniversary of the Battle of Sidi Barrani (1940), the first action of Operation Compass. Although outnumbered 2-1, British and Commonwealth troops attacked and destroyed an Italian force. Elements of three RI**ES antecedents took part in the Battle – 1st Battalion, King's Royal R***e Corps, 1st Battalion, Durham Light Infantry and 2nd Battalion, R***e Brigade.

Italian forces had invaded Egypt from Libya in September 1940, occupying the town of Sidi Barrani. After advancing 60-miles, the Italian 10th Army halted, due to lack of supplies. A series of fortified camps were constructed around Sidi Barrani. These were well defended – protected by barbed wire, machinegun posts, anti-tank ditches and stone walls.

General Sir Archibald Wavell (Commander-in-Chief, Middle East) decided to order a counterattack. Western Desert Force, which would carry out what became known as Operation Compass, was under the command of Lieutenant-General Richard O'Connor.

Western Desert Force included 1/KRRC and 2/RB, which both formed part of the 7th Support Group, attached to 7th Armoured Division. Elements from 1/DLI were attached to composite units – Selby Force and Arthur Force.

Both in the period prior to the Italian invasion of Egypt and during the preparations for Operation Compass, the British launched repeated raids into Italian territory. 1/KRRC and 2/RB took part in successful attacks on Fort Capuzzo and Fort Madalena. Long-range patrols scouted out enemy positions and pin-pointed weak points, notably gaps in the Italian minefields.

While the bulk of 1/DLI remained at Mersa Matruh, a reduced company, commanded by Colonel Arderne, joined Arthur Force, a unit tasked with misleading the Italians. Just prior to the battle, it advanced along the coast road and erected a camp, consisting of wooden and fabric tanks, and slit trenches! However, when no Italian air attacks materialized, the unit was instead ordered to join Selby Force (which also included a platoon from 1/DLI), which was charged with taking the Fort Maktila and then driving west towards Sidi Barrani.

Operation Compass was launched on the night of 9th December 1940. Three officers from 2/RB guided the 7th Support Group to a gap in a minefield. Having breached the enemy defences, the first objective was the camp at Nibeiwa, south of Sidi Barrani. British forces surrounded the camp under the cover of a sandstorm and the noise of bombers overhead. Virtually the entire garrison of over 2,000 men were either killed or captured, for the loss of 56 British and Indian soldiers.

Meanwhile, Colonel Arderne received orders to attack a position held on the coast road by over 500 Italian troops. His forces consisted of 74 men of 1/DLI, assisted by six machine guns of the Cheshire Regiment. The British assault was met by an inaccurate artillery bombardment, before the Italians surrendered. A reduced section (less than 12-men) was left to guard 500 prisoners.

The 7th Support Group drove across the desert. Part of the force, including 2/RB, moved towards Buq-Buq to cut off the Italian line of retreat from Sidi Barrani, while the rest, among which was 1/KRRC, guarded the flank 7th Armoured Division by capturing the camps at Rabia and Sofafis. In one lucky incident, the Universal Carrier of Second Lieutenant Holdsworth, 2/KRRC, came under artillery fire, with the Bren gun shot away, leaving both the carrier and its crew unharmed! The Italians evacuated Rabia on the night of the 10th December.

The main British attack pushed north towards Sidi Barrani. British tanks, most notably the heavily armoured Matilda IIs, proved virtually impervious to Italian tanks, anti-tank guns and artillery, even when firing at point black range. The defenders were pushed back into Sidi Barrani, which was shelled by artillery and tanks from the land, and came under both air and naval bombardment.

A final attack on 11th December captured Sidi Barrani. In the opening phase of Operation Compass the Italian 10th Army had sustained 2,194 men killed, 2,286 wounded and 38,300 taken prisoner. The British also captured 237 guns, 73 tanks, and around 1,000 other vehicles. Anglo-Indian losses were 624 men killed, wounded and missing.

In the subsequent days, 1/DLI was brought forward to guard prisoners. C Company of 2/RB was tasked with guarding a whole Italian division, 15,000-strong. One of these, the cook of an Italian general, was for a time unofficially employed as the cook of the C Company officers’ mess and was known as ‘R***eman Antonio’! All three RI**ES antecedents would continue to see action in Operation Compass.

To learn more about the KRRC and RB, visit the Royal Green Jackets Museum. For the DLI, visit or contact the Durham Light Infantry Regiment Collection. To discover the story of the current Regiment, come to The Ri**es Museum.

Pictured: The British crew of a Universal Carrier pass an Italian monument (erected to celebrate the capture of Sidi Barrani) during Operation Compass – from the collections of the Imperial War Museum

02/12/2023

Founding Fathers of The Ri**es:

In today’s post we are looking at Lieutenant-General Sir John Moore, who is regarded as the founding father of The Ri**es. Much of the ethos, customs, traditions, symbols, uniform and music of the modern Regiment are based upon Light Brigade – later the Light Division – which had been shaped and trained by Sir John Moore. He was commissioned into a RI**ES antecedent and would see service commanding or alongside many other antecedent regiments.

John Moore was born on the 13th November 1761 in Glasgow, the son of a prominent Scottish doctor, also named John Moore. He attended the Glasgow Grammar School, before being educated by his father, who took him on a grand tour of Europe.

In 1776, at the age of 15, Moore joined the British Army as an ensign in 51st Foot (which was later titled the 51st (2nd Yorkshire West Riding) Regiment). He was first deployed to Menorca, but, upon the outbreak of the American War of Independence, he transferred to the 82nd Regiment of Foot, a newly formed Scottish regiment. He saw action with them in the conflict, notably in the Penobscot Expedition.

After the end of the war and the disbanding of the 82nd, Moore returned to Britain, where he was elected as a Member of Parliament for Linlithgow Burghs. In 1788, he returned to the active Army list, becoming a major in 60th (Royal American) Regiment. Later that year, he returned to the 51st, serving with them in Ireland and Gibraltar.

Moore was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1790 and led the 51st during the Siege of Toulon (1793) and the Invasion of Corsica (1794). He next saw action in the West Indies, where he took part in the invasion of St Lucia. Among the troops present during the conquest were the 53rd (Shropshire) Regiment. After the invasion, Moore remained on St Lucia, until he was invalided home with yellow fever.

Upon his recovery, Moore, now promoted to major-general, fought in the Irish Rebellion of 1798. At the Battle of Foulksmills, his forces included elements of the 60th. Moore was then given command of the 4th Brigade, which included the 49th (the Hertfordshire) Regiment, during the Anglo-Russian invasion of Holland in 1799.

Moore travelled to Egypt in 1801 to take part in the Anglo-Ottoman campaign against the French. Here he saw action at Aboukir Bay, where he was among the first men ashore, and the Battle of Alexandria, where the 28th (North Gloucestershire) Regiment fought back-to-back (for which they were later awarded the honour of wearing the back badge – still worn in The Ri**es today). Moore also served alongside the 54th (West Norfolk) Regiment in Egypt.

In May 1801, Moore became the colonel of the 52nd (Oxfordshire) Regiment. In 1803, Moore took command of a brigade, made up of the 43rd (Monmouthshire) and 52nd Regiments, and 95th Ri**es, at Shorncliffe Camp in Kent. Drawing on decades of military experience, across three continents, he drilled and trained his men, emphasizing the importance of manoeuvre, marksmanship and concentrated fire. Together they would form a new unit – Light Brigade.

Over the next five years, Moore was a key figure in securing the South East of England from a possible French invasion, building defences modelled on those that he had seen in Corsica. For his services he was knighted in 1804 and a made a Lieutenant-General in 1806. Moore would go on to see service in the Mediterranean and the Baltic, before being given command of the British forces in Spain and Portugal in 1808.

Moore’s army in the Iberian Peninsula included the 28th, 32nd (Cornwall) Regiment, 43rd, 51st, 52nd, 2/60th Foot and 1 & 2/95th Ri**es. In November 1808, Moore marched into Spain to help drive back a French invasion. However, when it became clear that the Spanish had already been defeated, he decided to withdraw his forces to Corunna to be evacuated, as they were heavily outnumbered.

On the 16th January 1809, Moore fought a defensive battle with the French, to gain time for the evacuations. For the full story of Corunna, see our post (16/01/21). During the fighting, Moore was struck in the side by a cannon ball, inflicting terrible injuries. He lived long enough to hear that the French attack had been driven back, before dying that night, aged 47.

The Light Brigade would later be renamed the Light Division and continued to see significant action throughout the rest of the Peninsula War. Disbanded and reformed on a number of occasions, it was formed again in 2022 and today includes The Ri**es.

Let us know your thoughts on Sir John Moore in the comments!

Pictured: Portrait of Sir John Moore by Sir Thomas Lawrence – from the collections of the National Army Museum

16/11/2023

RI**ES Heritage:

During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, 29 Victoria Crosses were awarded to soldiers serving in antecedent regiments of The Ri**es. In two days, the 16-17th November 1857, during the Relief of the Siege of Lucknow, four VC actions were performed by men of the 53rd (Shropshire) Regiments of Foot – a RI**ES antecedent.

Following the outbreak of the Indian Rebellion on the 10th May 1857, Lucknow was besieged by a rebel force on the 30th May. One antecedent of The Ri**es, the 32nd (Cornwall) Regiment of Foot, were present in the city and were the main defending force. After a siege of 87-days, a relief force, under Major-General Sir Henry Havelock reached Lucknow. However, the city was then besieged again, trapping the first relief force inside.

A second relief army, commanded by General Sir Colin Campbell reached the outskirts of Lucknow in early November 1857. The Anglo-Indian force included the 53rd (Shropshire) Regiments of Foot. Rather than making a frontal attack against the city, Campbell ordered his forces to flank east, through open parkland and crossing a canal. The initial advance was achieved between the 14-15th November.

However, the path of final phase of the advance on Residency was blocked by the Secundra Bagh and the Shah Najaf. The former was a villa with a walled garden, the latter a walled mosque and mausoleum. Both were heavily fortified and well defended. Beyond these obstacles, were the Moti Mahal (‘The Pearl Palace’) and the stoutly built former mess house of the 32nd (Cornwall) Regiment of Foot.

As the Anglo-Indian troops approached Secundra Bagh, defended by over 2,000 rebels, they came under heavy musket fire, with mutineers firing from loopholes in the walls of the garden and from neighbouring fortified buildings. The 53rd formed part of the 4th Brigade, under acting-Brigadier Adrian Hope. As the Brigade moved towards Secundra Bagh, it came under intense fire from a barrack block on its right flank. A detachment mostly consisting of the men of the 53rd, led by Captain Walton, stormed the building.

Cannons were brought up and breached the outer walls of the garden. The 93rd Highlanders and 4th Punjab Infantry Regiment assaulted the gap. Meanwhile, the 53rd found a window and entered the compound through it. The Regiment was led by its Grenadier Company, under Lieutenant Alfred Ffrench, who was “one of the first to enter the buildings, and his conduct was highly praised by the whole company”. His Company later voted that he be recommended for the VC.

Alongside Ffrench was Private Charles Irwin. Despite being shot through the shoulder during the initial attack, he was nevertheless one of the first men into compound, charging through a hail of fire. He too was elected by his comrades to be put forward for the VC.

Another soldier of the 53rd who distinguished himself was Private James Kenny. As the fighting in Secundra Bagh intensified, many men of Kenny’s Company found themselves running low on am******on. Kenny volunteered to bring up supplies, exposing himself to severe crossfire, both leaving and returning to his unit. He was one of the soldiers elected by his fellows to be recommended for the VC.

Secundra Bagh was taken following brutal close quarters fighting, with most of the defenders killed. The next objective was Shah Najaf, which also fell after multiple assaults were driven off with heavy losses. The following day, 17th November 1857, Campbell’s forces began the final push to link up with the defender of the Residency.

The strongpoint of Moti Mahal was taken by an Anglo-Indian force, while a simultaneous attack on the mess house was led by a detachment from the 53rd Foot, under Captain George Hopkins. During the assault, Serjeant-Major Charles Pye, a veteran of the Battles of Ferozeshah, Aliwal and Sobraon, displayed “steadiness and fearless conduct under fire…when bringing up am******on to the Mess House, and on every occasion when the Regiment has been engaged. Elected by the non-commissioned officers of the Regiment”.

By the end of the 17th November, Campbell’s forces had reached the Residency and relieved the siege. During the relief, the 53rd lost 10 men killed and 66 wounded. The Lucknow garrison was evacuated. The city would be recaptured in March 1858.

To learn more about the 53rd Foot, visit the Soldiers of Shropshire Museum, Shrewsbury. For the current Regiment, come to The Ri**es Museum, Wi******er.

Pictured: The Relief of Lucknow, 1857, by Thomas Barker – collections of the National Portrait Gallery

11/11/2023

RI**ES Heritage:

This month is the 109th anniversary of the Battle of Basra (1914), fought during the Mesopotamian campaign of the First World War. One RIFES antecedent, the 2nd Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, played a key part in the action.

After the entry of the Ottoman Empire into the War on the 29th October 1914, a British Empire task force, the Indian Expeditionary Force D (IEF D), was despatched to capture southern Mesopotamia (today, Kuwait and Iraq).

The Anglo-Indian force, under the command of General Sir John Nixon, included 2/DORSETS, forming part of the 6th (Poona) Division. The Battalion had been deployed to India in 1906. Following the outbreak of the First World War, it had originally been planned that the Poona Division would be sent to the Western Front. However, it was instead decided that it would go to Mesopotamia.

Sailing from Bombay (today, Mumbai) on the 18th October 1914, the 6th Division arrived off the port of Fao (Al-Fāw) on the 6th November. After a naval bombardment of an Ottoman fort, British and Indian forces made an amphibious landing. Due to the low tide, 2/DORSETS were forced to disembark some distance from the land and wade ashore through knee-high water and soft sand. Crossing difficult terrain, the Battalion participated in the capture of the village of Fao, and both a mudbrick and stone fort. All were taken with limited resistance.

The capture of Fao was a significant victory as, although the town was small, it was the home of the telegraph hub between India, Persia, and Upper Mesopotamia. An Ottoman counterattack was beaten back the following day.

On the 7th November, the IEF D began to march north towards Basra. Ottoman forces launched another counterattack on the 11th November, which was again defeated. The Turks then attempted to hold Saihan, which the Anglo-Indian forces captured on 15th, and before falling back to Sahil – 30 miles south of Basra.

The Ottoman position was a strong one, with around 4,500 troops defending a line centred around an old mudbrick fort and reinforced with trenches. They were also supported by artillery, although these were mostly obsolete guns. British and Indian forces numbered around 6,000 men. On the day of the attack, 19th November, the area was deluged by torrential rain and blasted by driving winds. The ground quickly turned to thick mud.

In an exchange of artillery fire, Ottoman shells mostly exploded too early and too high, while British guns inflicted significant losses and destroyed the fort. 2/DORSETS moved into position around 0915-hrs and began to advance at 1100-hrs. The Battalion came under heavy r***e fire, from both the front and the flanks, sustaining many casualties. However, it continued to advance, utilizing the experience it had gained during the Second Boer War, with men making short rushes, alternated with covering fire.

Upon reaching the fort, 2/DORSETS found that its defenders had already retreated. Charging the Ottoman trenches, they were cleared after short, but bloody hand-to-hand battle. Turkish forces retreated, with the Battalion occupying the enemy camp and capturing significant quantities of r***es and am******on.

Ottoman losses were heavy, between 1,300-1,500 killed or wounded. British and Indian casualties were around 500. 2/DORSETS lost 21 killed and 141 wounded.

The Ottomans decided not to defend Basra itself, retreating north. The city quickly descended into anarchy, with rampant looting and arson. A delegation of Basra’s leading citizens was despatched to meet the Anglo-Indian forces, asking them to occupy the city and restore order. The IEF D finally entered Basra and took possession of it on the 22nd November.

Shortly afterwards, on the 26th November, the IEF D was reinforced by another antecedent of The Ri**es – 1st Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry.

Almost 90-years later, in 2003, during the Iraq War, Basra was again captured by British and Coalition forces, following a hard-fought battle. Troops from 1st Battalion, The Light Infantry, one of The Ri**es forming regiments, took part.

To learn more about the Dorsetshire Regiment, go to The Keep Military Museum, Dorchester. For the current Regiment, visit The Ri**es Museum, Wi******er.

Pictured: 2/DORSETS charge Ottoman positions in Mesopotamia

04/11/2023

Treasures of the RHQ:

There are many portraits displayed in the RHQ RI**ES, many depicting prominent individuals such as former and serving Royal Colonels and Colonel Commandants. However, this week we are looking at a painting of one of the lesser-known figures on display – an officer of the R***e Brigade in the 1840s.

The oil on canvas painting shows a young officer in the uniform of the R***e Brigade in, according to the plaque ‘c.1845’. The uniform and equipment are well depicted, including the crossbelt, whistle and chain, sash, and pelisse (hussar-style jacket), worn over one shoulder. Also visible is the hilt of his 1827 Pattern R***e Officer’s Sword. The painting itself is in a gilt frame, measuring 56x68 cm. At the bottom of the frame is a plaque, which reads “Lieut. Colonel A. J. Nixon (1826-1875), The Prince Consort’s Own R***e Brigade, c.1845, English School”.

Arthur James Nixon was commissioned into the R***e Brigade as a Second Lieutenant in 1847. The Regiment was given the title ‘The Prince Consort’s Own R***e Brigade’ in 1862. The ‘English School’ refers to the art style, which was common in England, or more generally in Britain, during the 18-19th centuries. Some prominent artists of the English school include Thomas Gainsborough, Sir Joshua Reynolds, and John Constable. Unfortunately, the artist who painted Nixon’s portrait is unknown.

After joining the R***e Brigade in 1847, Nixon remained with the Regiment, rising to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, until his death 1875. During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, Nixon was promoted to Brevet-Major and commanded a company of the 2nd Battalion R***e Brigade, which formed part of the Camel Corps. Consisting of volunteers from 2 & 3/RB and 200 Sikh soldiers, the Corps operated as elite mounted infantry. The unit was disbanded in 1860.

To learn more about the R***e Brigade, go to the Royal Green Jackets Museum, Wi******er. For the current Regiment, visit The Ri**es Museum, Wi******er.

Pictured: Painting of Lieutenant-Colonel A. J. Nixon – RHQ RI**ES

28/10/2023

RI**ES Heritage:

Today is the 247th anniversary of the Battle of White Plains (1776), fought during the American Revolutionary War. A British army under General William Howe defeated the Continental Army of General George Washington. Four RI**ES antecedents took part in the battle. The actions of one Regiment would contribute to its nickname – ‘The Slashers’.

Following the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War in April 1775 and the evacuation of Boston in March 1776, General George Washington focused on strengthening the Patriot defences around New York. Rather than moving against the key city immediately, British forces, under withdrew to Halifax, Nova Scotia. After a period of regrouping and receiving reinforcements, Howe sailed south in June, landing on an undefended area of Staten Island in July.

During the subsequent New York and New Jersey campaign, Howe’s forces won a series of victories – notably the Battle of Long Island (26th August) and the capture of New York (15th September). The Battle of Pell's Point (18th October) threatened to cut of the Continental Army on Manhattan Island, forcing Washington to withdraw to the village of White Plains in Westchester County.

In the area of White Plains, Patriot forces numbered around 14,500 men, while the British were 13,000-strong. However, only around 4,000 American and an equal number of British troops were engaged in the battle. Washington’s army occupied a strong defensive position along a line of hills, which were further reinforced by stonewalls, lines of trenches and earthworks. The right flank was secured by an area of marshy ground.

Howe’s forces were composed of British regulars and Hessian troops. The latter were disciplined professionals, hired by Britain from various German states, mainly the Principality of Hesse-Kassel. They would play a prominent part in the coming battle. Among the British regiments were four RI**ES antecedents: the 28th, 43rd, 49th and 52nd Regiments of Foot. The 28th and 49th Foot formed part of the Second Brigade and both took part in the action, whereas 43rd and 52nd Foot were in the reserve and may not have been actively engaged.

On the 28th October, the British advanced, in face of fire from skirmishers, on the American lines. Chatterton Hill on the left flank of Washington’s forces became the focus of the battle. Although well defended, it was potentially isolated from the rest of the Continental Army. Artillery bombarded the position, before Howe ordered the Second Brigade and two battalions of Hessian infantry to take the hill.

The Second Brigade, under Major General Leslie, was tasked with making a frontal assault, while the Hessians moved against the flank. The 28th and 35th Foot were in the first line of the attack, while the 5th and 49th Foot were in the second line. Before evening reaching the hill, the British had to ford the Bronx River.

The British attack was launched prematurely, before the Hessians were in position. Consequently, the Second Brigade faced significant fire from the American defenders and casualties were heavy.

It was now that the incident occurred that is one of the possible origins of the ‘The Slashers’ nickname . As the 28th Foot advanced up the slope, the men were hampered by thick, long grass. Using swords and bayonets like machetes, they slashed and hacked their way up the hill. Upon reaching the top, the Regiment charged American trenches. Following in the rear rank, the 49th joined the fray, losing 7 men killed and 20 wounded.

Together with the Hessians attacking from the flank, the American defenders were eventually driven from their defences on Chatterton Hill. With the loss of the key position, Washington ordered a general withdrawal. However, heavy rain and winds prevented Howe following up on his victory.

British and Hessian losses were around 200 killed, wounded and missing, with estimates of American casualties ranging from 200-500.

An alternative, or supplementary, origin story for ‘The Slashers’ nickname dates from 1764 and the incident of ‘Walker’s Ear’. Whilst the 28th were garrisoning Montreal, Thomas Walker, a magistrate, repeatedly harassed the Regiment. One night he was attacked by disguised men, who slashed off half of one of his ears! Although much circumstantial evidence pointed towards the 28th Foot, nothing was ever proven.

To learn more about the antecedents in today’s post, visit the Soldiers of Gloucestershire, The Ri**es Berkshire and Wiltshire, Soldiers of Oxfordshire, and Royal Green Jackets Museums. For the current Regiment, come to The Ri**es Museum.

Pictured: General William Howe, 5th Viscount Howe – from the Anne S.K. Brown Military Collection

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Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 5pm
Saturday	10am - 4pm