95th Rifles A March Through Time: 1800 to 1816

95th Rifles A March Through Time: 1800 to 1816©

Memorial at Peninsula are pleased to introduce Phillip Eyden who has complied this latest article for our website. Phillip is an Author, Archaeologist and a Historian. He has researched Military history and ancestry, Phillip was awarded a people’s award in 2016 from his local community, he is also a Volunteer trustee of the Drop Redoubt Fort in the Western Heights Dover Kent, which is managed by Western Heights Preservation Society. The Drop Redoubt Fort is  an English Heritage property. Phillip also helps promote the Grand Shaft Staircase. He has also compiled some interesting articles of research which evidence that the 95th Rifles were at the Western Heights, thus keeping the presence of our illustrious history alive using unseen newspaper articles of military history and ancestry. The Drop Redoubt Fort is an English Heritage site. These recently researched historical facts, give evidence that the 95th Rifles were at the Western Heights before going to the Battle field during the Peninsula campaign one such battlefield was Waterloo. These findings give more credence to the illustrious Regiments of a bygone era, thus keeping reality whilst weaving a fine tapestry of our Military history. A Sharpe insight to our illustrious Historical Regiments’ finest, these articles are quite unique.

by Phillip Eyden

Author Name Phil Eyden

Archaeologist, Military Historian and Author 

The British Libraries Local Newspaper Archive has opened up a fascinating world to local historians. Local newspapers can be accessed from the living room, something that was unthinkable a few years ago. This has proven a treasure trove of information for researchers and genealogists. Here is a compilation of extracts that shed a little light on the earliest days of the 95th Rifles.

4^th January 1800 – London Gazette

“Three regiments of Riflemen are immediately to be formed out of our army. Colonel Macdonald of the 55^th is to have one of them, and Lord Craven another.”

This was reported in half a dozen local papers, the Sussex Advertiser being the first on the 6^th January. This is the earliest reference to the 95th Rifles.

14^th January 1800 – Chester Courant

Clearly the decision to raise the regiments met approval with the editors. They added:

“We are glad to hear that three regiments of riflemen are to be raised. The want of a sufficient quantity of ‘sharp shooters’ was sensibly felt during the late expedition to Holland. The Hessian troops have hitherto been considered as exceeding all others in this species of service.”

14^th January 1800 – Kentish Weekly Post

The same day the Kentish Weekly Post added:

“The Corps of riflemen which are about to be formed, are to be selected from the flank companies of the different regiments of the line.”

10^th March 1800 – Hampshire Telegraph

There are no references to the Rifles during February but by March it appears that the units were beginning to form. The paper reported:

“Detachments have been sent from different regiments to Horsham, in Sussex, in order to be trained as Riflemen”.

28^th March 1800 – Kentish Gazette

Training was clearly underway by late March.

“Two battalions of riflemen, selected from different corps of infantry, are at present stationed at Horsham. They are under arms six hours every day, practicing their manoeuvers and firing at targets.”

21^st April 1800 – Sussex Advertiser

A disturbance broke out at Horsham on 20^th April:

“…a dispute arose in Horsham barracks between some soldiers of the 13^th regiment of foot, and an equal number of the rifle corps, which produced a rencontre with bayonets, that threatened serious consequences; but it happily terminated without the loss of lives, though several were wounded, and two so desperately, that they laid for some time apparently dead. Such as were most materially hurt, were taken to Hospital, where they now remain under the care of the Surgeon. Tranquillity was more effectively restored by the march of the former regiment (which is in the most part Irish) the next morning for Silver Hill.”

5^th May 1800 – Sussex Advertiser

A report from Lewes referring to the 28^th and 29^th April records:

“…the Rifle Corps, under the command of Colonel Manningham, arrived here from the barracks at Horsham”

1st May 1800 – Bath Chronicle

The Bath Chronicle of 1^st May added that the regiment at Horsham comprised of 800 men and was under the command of the Hon. Col. Stewart.

12^th May 1800 – The Sussex Advertiser

A report from Horsham of an early move of the new Rifles on the 12th and 13th:

“This morning the First division of the Rifle Corps stationed in our town and barracks, and under marching orders for Bagshot, proceeded on their march by the following route, viz. Today Horsham, Tuesday Guildford, Stoke, Stratford, and St. Catherine’s Mill. Wednesday, Bagshot to pitch their camp in the high ground allotted to them. The Second Division will follow by the same route tomorrow morning.”

A week later the paper added:

“On Tuesday and Wednesday last the Corps of Riflemen stationed here, marched in two divisions, for Bagshot, there to be encamped”. 

12^th June 1800 – Caledonian Mercury

On the 28^th May, in reference to a review of the Colonel Scott’s Dumbartonshire Militia by General Champagny at Antrim, the new Rifles received a batch of new recruits:

“A considerable number of fine fellows were selected by him for the corps of riflemen, about to be embodied for general service.” 

14^th July 1800  – Reading Mercury.

A small number of Riflemen were reported to have assisted in defusing an unpleasant incident at Brimscombe, near Stroud in Gloucestershire at the hub of the Thames and Severn Canal on the 7^th July. A barge carrying wheat down the canal to Brimscombe was halted by a group of people who had planned to steal the cargo. As the wheat was being offloaded onto a waggon the local magistrate J. Hollings and the Stroud Volunteer Infantry arrived, read the Riot Act and arrested the ringleaders. The thieves abandoned the attack, the barge was then reloaded and its trip resumed. Early in the evening the rioters reassembled, threw stones at the infantry and fired pistols at them, to which the infantry replied with a musket volley. In the exchange three persons were wounded. Again the rioters retreated and the infantry continued to escort the barge. A detachment of Yeomanry scouted ahead, checking bridges and roads ahead. At Brimscombe Captain Wathen attended with a party of Riflemen to escort the barge on the last part of its journey. A large group of people gathered at the port in the morning to protest, at the head of which was a woman who swore at Hollings. He had her committed to prison. Peace was restored shortly after.

9^th August 1800 – Oxford Journal

A number of Riflemen were sent abroad for the first time on the 4^th and 5^th August, although the details were kept from the papers.

“On Monday and Tuesday 3000 men embarked on Southsea Beach, Portsmouth, with a number of Riflemen; these with the troops from Netley, make about 12,000 including the Horse Artillery, which embarked on Tuesday last. The expedition was expected to fall immediately under convoy of the Eurydice and Termagant frigates.”

The departure was for a landing at Ferol in Spain where three companies under the command of Lt. Col. William Stewart landed to dislodge Spanish defenders on the 25^th. The expedition was a failure and Stewart was wounded.

5^th September 1800 – Kentish Weekly Post

A report from Canterbury records the allocations of winter stations for many regiments:

“The Rifle Corps to march from Swinley Camp to Blatchington, where they will arrive on Wednesday 3^rd September.” 

15^th September 1800 – Hampshire Telegraph.

Further recruits arrived at Portsmouth.

“On Tuesday about 300 Riflemen, commanded by Major Callander of the 62^nd Regiment, disembarked here from the Modeste, Captain Hinton, from Cork. They were all selected from the Highland Fencible Regiments in Ireland, and are the finest body of young men we have seen this War.“ 

6^th October 1800 – Sussex Advertiser

The Fencibles only lasted a fortnight in service with the Rifles:

“The Rifle Corps at Bletchington, having lately received a very considerable augmentation from the Scottish Fencibles, many of the men having been detached from different regiments to be instructed in the rifle exercise, have, by choice (though a bounty would have been the reward of their continuance) been dismissed from service, to return to their respective corps. A division of eighty on Friday passed through this town on their route to Ireland.” 

7^th October 1800 – London Gazette

Officer appointments were announced to the new Corps.

Colonel Coote Manningham from the 41^st Foot to be colonel.

Lieutenant-Colonel the Honourable William Stewart, from the 67^th Foot, to be lieutenant-colonel.

Major George Callander, from the 62^nd Foot, to be major.

Captain Hamlet Wade, from the 25^th Foot, to be major.

21^st October 1800 – London Gazette

More officers:

Lieut. Alexander D. Cameron, from the 21^st Foot, to be captain-lieutenant.

To be lieutenants – Lieuts Blois Lynch, from the 29^th, J.A. Grant from the 25^th, John Stuart from the 79^th, Peter O’Hare from the 69^th, T. Stirling Edmonston, from the 2^nd Bat. Royals, Alex. Clarke, from the 92^nd, Neil Campbell from the 57^th, John Ross from the 72^nd, Second Lieutenant Edw. Bedwell Law, from the 21^st. Ensign H. Powell from the 2^nd Bat. Royals, W. Cotter, from the 79^th, John Cameron from the 92^nd, Douglas from the 29^th, L.H. Bennet from the 68^th, To be adjutant, Lieut J.A. Grant. To be quarter-master, serjeant-major Donald Mackay.

4^th November 1800 – London Gazette

James Innes to be pay-master.

2^nd December 1800 – London Gazette.

To be Second Lieutenants: Lieutenant Henry Goode from the 62^nd foot. Second Lieutenant James Macdonald from the 21^st Foot. Ensign Thomas Brereton from the 46^th Foot, Loftus Gray from ditto, John Jenkins from ditto, Patrick Turner from the 62^nd Foot, Samuel Mitchel from the 71^st Foot; George Elender from the 46^th Foot; James Prendergast from the 56^th Foot, John Burton from ditto.

20^th December 1800 – London Gazette

To be 1^st Lieutenant – Lieut. C. Napier. 

6^th January 1801 – London Gazette

Colonel Manningham, late Aide-de-Camp to the King, is to have command of the Rifle Corps.

To be surgeon – John Robb

To be assistant surgeons – G. Rowe, Henry Messiter. 

28^th February 1801 – Various

Multiple papers then record Col. Stewart’s Corps of Riflemen along with the 49^th Regiment embarking on a fleet of ships at Portsmouth onto ships of the North Sea Fleet. They were bound for Denmark.

5^th March 1801 – London Courier and Evening Gazette

Lewes on March 2^nd:

“Last Tuesday one hundred of the Rifle Regiment, commanded by Col. Manningham, marched from Bletchington Barracks, on their rout to Portsmouth, to embark for service in Egypt.” 

11^th March 1801 – Courier

In reference to the North Sea Fleet:

“The rifle troops, commanded by Colonel Manningham, are on board Lord Nelson’s ship The George.” 

25^th March 1801 –London Courier and Evening Gazette

A case of forgery…

“Corporal Gordon, of the rifle regiment, commanded by Colonel Manningham, now stationed at Blatchington Barracks, at Seaford, Sussex, charged with forgery. On his examination it appeared, on the information of George Stone, apprentice to Mr. J Brooker, at Seaford, that soon after noon on the above day, the prisoner came to his master’s shop, with an order for stationary, purporting to be the handwriting of Lieut. P. O’Hare, acting Adjutant of the said regiment; which order he said he received from the prisoner, and in consequence delivered to him goods to the amount of £1 1s 8d and in cash £1 1s 7d, making altogether £2 3s 3d including 2 quire of paper had by the orderly man; after which he put the order on the file, and proved it to be the same as then produced. The prisoner said nothing in his defence, but begged for mercy; upon which T. Harben, Esq. one of the Magistrates, addressed him in a pathetic strain, and told him, from the nature of the offence, he feared he could have no reasonable hope for mercy from any earthly tribunal, and therefore advised him to prepare for the worst. He was committed to the gaol at Seaford, where, from its peculiar jurisdiction, he will in all probability take his trial. Gordon, it is said, is from a very respectable and opulent family.”

The Hampshire Chronicle of the 11th May records that Gordon was tried at the sessions at Seaford on the 4^th for obtaining money and goods under false pretences. Found guilty, he was sentenced to seven years Transportation.

4^th April 1801 – London Gazette

“Lieutenant Peter O’Hare to be Adjutant, vice Grant, who resigns.”

18^th April 1801 – Various

The Corps of Riflemen were mentioned in the Houses of Parliament for assisting in the destruction of the Danish fleet on the 2^nd April. Admiral Nelson, Rear Admiral Graves and Col. Stewart of the Corps of Riflemen were singled out.  This was the Battle of Copenhagen.

The 22^nd April London Courier and others recorded how:

“Captain Grant, of the rifle regiment, who volunteered his services in the above expedition, and numbered with the killed, had his head taken off by a cannon ball, as effectively as it had been severed from his body by a scymeter. Captain Grant had been peculiarly unfortunate in battle, having received three wounds in one day in Holland.”

21^st April 1801 – London Courier and Evening Gazette

Ooops!

“Lieut. Col. Stewart, in passing through the City yesterday in a post-chaise and four, from Yarmouth, was mistaken for a Russian officer, from the circumstance of his uniform being faced with green. He belongs to the Rifle Corps.”

Stewart was probably on his way to the Admiralty at the War Office to present despatches from Admiral Sir Hyde Parker and Admiral Nelson that an armistice had been concluded with Denmark. Stewart was shortly to be promoted to Colonel. Eight Riflemen had been killed in the action of the 2^nd April.

19^th May 1801 – London Gazette

Promotions

“Second Lieutenant James Macdonald to be First Lieutenant.

Second lieutenant James Prendergast to be First Lieutenant.”

8^th June 1801 – Hampshire Chronicle

Referring to the 29^th and 30^th May:

“On Friday and Saturday last the rifle regiment, commanded by Colonel Manningham, marched in two divisions, from the barracks at Bletchington, on their route for Weymouth, where it is expected they will be camped.”

15^th June 1801 – London Gazette

Promotion

“Lieut. Neill Campbell to be Captain, by purchase, vice Shepherd who retires.”

8^th July 1801 – Morning Post

With reference to a display in front of the King at Weymouth:

“Colonel Manningham’s sharp-shooters were drawn out this morning to shoot at two targets. This Corps shew a wonderful dexterity and skill as they fire at the mark in the different attitudes of standing, sitting, kneeling and lying on their backs.”

18^th July 1801 – London Gazette

Promotion

“Second Lieut. Sam Mitchell to be First Lieutenant by purchase, vie Campbell, promoted.”

18^th August 1801 – Kentish Gazette

A reference in Weymouth on August 14^th:

“We have a fine body of men here, called Riflemen, of the sharp shooters; they are well disciplined, and go through their manoeuvres with astonishing alertness.”

14^th September 1801 – Morning Chronicle

They were still at Weymouth on September 12^th and put on a display for the Royal Family.

“After breakfast Their Majesties and the princesses, with a number of their Nobility, rode in their carriages to Chickerell Common, where His Majesty reviewed Colonel Manningham’s corps of Riflemen, and the York Hussars, and also a detachment from other regiments. They went through their evolutions with great credit, particularly in repulsing the opposite party stationed for the defence of Portland Island. The whole of the manoeuvres were under the command of Colonels Stewart and Manningham, who have taken infinite pains to complete their regiments in the useful skill of military tactics. The bayonet charge was well supported; the assailing party being compelled to seek shelter in boats stationed in the water, produced a grand effect, and gave great satisfaction to the Royal Family and the spectators. After the review Their Majesties and Company were invited to partake of an elegant breakfast, provided by Colonel Manningham.”

5^th October 1801 – London Courier and Evening Gazette

With reference to a report from Weymouth from October 2^nd:

“The following is the destination of the troops that have been guarding His Majesty here this summer: The Rifle Corps struck their tents yesterday morning, and marched in two divisions, the one under Col. Manningham, the other under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart, to Bletchington Barracks, where they are to remain the winter.” 

6^th October 1801 – London Gazette

Promotion

Lieut. McDonald, from the Glengary Fencibles, to be second lieutenant. Vice Burton, who is superceded, being absent without leave.

14^th October 1801 – London Courier

A report from Lewes was printed referring to October 10th:

“On Saturday between three and four hundred of the Rifle Regiment, commanded by Col. Manningham, marched into Brighton, on their route from Weymouth to Bletchington Barracks.”

The movement of four companies had completed their move back to Bletchington on Wednesday 14^th according to the London Courier.

15^th January 1802 – London Courier

A report of death from exposure.

“One day last week a soldier, belonging to the Rifle Regiment stationed at Bletchington Barracks, was found a little distance from the main road between that place and Newhaven, lying on his face dead, with his nose frozen to the ground, and a hole in one of his cheeks, which had evidently been pecked by crows.  The deceased had, the day before his body was found, been sent to Lewes on errands, and having drank too freely, on his return, become exposed to the above fatal accident.” 

1^st March 1802 – Sussex Advertiser

A report from Lewes

“The Rifle Regiment whose present station is Bletchington Barracks, it is expected, when the general removal of troops takes place, will be ordered to march for Stirling Castle, in Scotland.” 

16^th March 1802 – London Gazette

Promotions

“Lieutenant John Stewart to be captain by purchase; vice Beckwith, promoted in the 15^th Foot. Ensign Richard Green, from the 9^th Foot, to be second lieutenant, by purchase, vice Mitchell, promoted.” 

20^th March 1802 – London Gazette

Appointment

“Lieutenant J. Crampton, from the 68^th Foot, to be Lieutenant, vice Prendergast, who exchanges.”

7^th March 1802 – London Gazette

Promotion

“Second lieutenant T. Brereton to be first lieutenant by purchase, vice Stewart, promoted”. 

6^th April 1802 – London Gazette

Promotion

“Major G. Callendar to be lieut-col by purchase, vice McLeroth who retires.” 

27^th April 1802 – London Gazette

Appointment

“Captain Amos Godfil Norcott from 33^rd to be Captain, vice Cuyler, who exchanges.” 

4^th May 1802 – London Gazette

Promoted

“Major T. Sidney Beckwith, from 15^th, to be major, by purchase, vice Callender, promoted.” 

20^th August 1802 – Kentish Weekly Post

A report from Canterbury of Tuesday August 18^th notes a move from Bletchington:

“Last week marched through Maidstone, in different divisions, on route to Chatham barracks, the whole of the rifle corps, who have lately been in different detachments on foreign service; and, it is said, they will shortly embark for the East Indies.” 

12^th October 1802 – Kentish Weekly Post

From a despatch dated 7^th October 1802. This is the first reference to Shorncliffe:

“The Rifle Corps have marched from Chatham Barracks to Shornecliffe, and the batteries along the coast from Hythe to Dungeness, the respective barracks of which, we understand, are made permanent.”

25^th January 1803 – Kentish Weekly Post

From London 25^th January:

“The Light Infantry Corps of the several regiments of the line are about to be furnished with rifle-barrels, and are in future to act as Riflemen. The Rifle Corps is to constitute the 95^th Regiment and in future to be so termed.”

18^th March 1803 – Kentish Weekly Post

The earliest mention of the signature green uniform comes at this point. It was taken from the 1pm Courier Office despatch from London of the same day. This was reported in many newspapers.

“Companies of Riflemen are to be formed, composed of the best marksman of every regiment of Militia, and to be brigaded together in battalions, to acquire the necessary evolutions; their uniform to be green.”

24^th May 1803 – Kentish Weekly Post

“This day five companies of the 95^th, or Rifle Corps, move from Shorncliffe and Hythe, for Bletchington, in Sussex.”

 6^th June 1803 – Hampshire Chronicle

A Portsmouth despatch of June 4^th relating to the 2^nd:

“Arrived the Warrior transport, Capt. Dodd from Ireland; she landed 28 recruits at Cowes and 18 riflemen sailed in her on Thursday for Dover.”

7^th June 1803 – Kentish Weekly Post

“Major General Moore has taken his residence at Sandgate; as soon as the encampments are formed, his brigade consisting of the 4^th, 52^nd, 59^th 70^th, and five companies of the 95^th, or rifle corps will be assembled. Part of them are to encamp near Shornecliffe, and the residue will guard the line of batteries along the coast from Shornecliffe to Dungeness.” 

1^st August 1803 – Hampshire Telegraph.

A report from Sussex dated 30^th July indicates the regiment had moved:

“The 95^th, or Rifle Regiment, now quartered at Seaford, are 800 strong, under the command of Colonel Manningham, Lieutenant Colonel Stewart, and Majors Wade and Stewart. They are in such a complete state of discipline, and such excellent marksmen, that they are sure to hit a target at 150 yards distance. 

29^th August 1803 – Evening Mail

A despatch from Brighton from Friday 26^th describes a Militia drill camp at North Parade and an inspection by the Prince.

“This evening the Corps of Riflemen, attached to the Sussex Regiment, consisting of one hundred men, were drawn up on the Cliff of the Marine Parade, in front of the camp to practice firing at a mark. The object was a ball of wood, the size of a man’s head, moored about three hundred yards from the shore and floating in the water. The emulation of marksmanship was excited by small wagers amongst the men; and so keen was their avidity, and so true their aim, that most of the shots struck the mark. The Corps is principally composed of Gamekeepers and experienced Shots. Their uniform is a dark green jacket, and white pantaloons with beaver hat and black plume. Their belts are of black leather. They take their aim when lying flat on their bellies, using their hats as rests for their rifles.” 

6^th September 1803 – Evening Mail

“General Moore’s Brigade, consisting of the 4^th or King’s Own Regiment, 52^nd Light Infantry, 59^th, 70^th and Rifle Corps, which has been encamped at Shorn Cliff for some time embarked, on Sunday and Monday, on board transports and armed vessels, assembled for the purpose in the Downs. The expedition is said to have sailed on Tuesday, steering a westerly course.”

12^th September 1803 – Saunder’s News-letter

A military publication was now available to buy from J. Stewart, Military Stationer at No.1 King’s Inn Quay, Dublin, and other booksellers:

“Regulations for the Exercise of Riflemen and Light Infantry, and instructions for their Conduct in the Field – 9 Plates  – 3s 9 1/2d.” 

1^st October 1803 – Cobbett’s Weekly Political Register

This records that:

“Troops in the Brighton Camp, the Gloucester and Sussex Militia, together with some Corps of Riflemen are to be immediately employed in cutting sluices at Pevensey Level, near Hastings, in order that the whole of that part of the country may be inundated in case of invasion.” 

27^th October 1803 – Morning Chronicle

A further move on the 24^th:

“The Rifle Corps stationed at Bletchington Barracks late on Saturday night received a route for their removal from that place to Chelmsford, in Essex, and on Monday they commenced their March accordingly.” 

27^th October 1803 – Morning Chronicle (and many local newspapers)

The following editorial comment was made which was reprinted in many papers nationally during the following week:

“The public will rejoice to hear that the Corps of Riflemen are daily augmenting, and as the principles and objects of this species of warfare come to be more known, there is little doubt but that similar bodies will be formed all over the country. It is true that a rifleman fights always in an ambush, instead of presenting himself openly to his adversary, he seeks shelter behind every bush, hillock and tree – but his adversary does the same, and it is an inefficient trial of skill, vigilance and activity between them. No man is so obnoxious to danger, for an unguarded exposure of the person for a single instant is almost certain death. It is, therefore, a gallant and hazardous, as well as a most useful service. Since it is admitted into legitimate war, we must report to it; and certainly no country is so peculiarly adapted to this species of annoyance as Great Britain, where every hedge, ditch, bush, and briar, will be the means of stopping the progress of an invading enemy.” 

20^th December 1803 – Kentish Weekly Post

An inspection somewhere in London was recorded:

“Wednesday morning the Hon. Artillery Company were inspected by Lieutenant Colonel Harnage, who was highly pleased with the manoeuvres and appearance of the regiment, particularly so of a company of riflemen, which has lately been picked from the line, and appeared in uniform for the first time; their clothing is dark green, and black worsted twist in front, with black belts, black powder horns, black feathers, and rifle pieces, bronzed, forming altogether a sable appearance, but adapted for the purpose intended. The whole muster was 1024 men under arms.” 

13^th January 1804 – Kentish Gazette

“Brigadier General Manningham has been appointed to succeed Sir Charles Green in command of the Militia at Dover, and Captain Cameron of the Rifle Regiment, his Major of Brigade.”

A follow up on the 17^th:

“Brigadier General Manningham has arrived in Dover, and takes charge of the brigade, lately under General Greene, who sets off for the West Indies.”

His command included the Canterbury Volunteer Infantry and Cinque Ports Volunteer Infantry. 

30^th April 1804 – Morning Post

Funeral of the aforementioned Captain Cameron.

“On the 9^th instant, at Shorncliffe Barracks, in the 22^nd year of his age, extremely regretted, Captain Alexander Duncan Cameron, of the 95^th (Rifle) Regiment. The internment took place yesterday, with military honours, and was attended by his regiment, Major-General Moore, Brigadier-General Manningham, and all the Officers of the Brigade, thus playing a melancholy tribute of respect to the memory of a brother officer, who (to quote Major-General Moore’s order on the occasion), from the worth of his character, his honourable and upright conduct, was in every respect entitled to it.” 

A monument was set up in the Parish church at Cheriton by his fellow officers. Designed by Spratt and Jones, it was a dove-coloured marble tablet representing an Egyptian sarcophagus surmounted by a crown and bugle. It was inscribed as follows:

Alexander Duncan Cameron, Captain to H.M. 95^th, or Rifle Regt.

Son of Captain Charles Cameron, of Callart, Lochaber, N.E.

Who died at Shorncliff on the 8^th day of April 1804 aged 22 years.

As a tribute of respect

To his many amiable qualities,

To commemorate the sense of his worth,

As a gentleman and a scholar,

This stone has been erected

By his brother officers.

He had been born on 14^th January 1782 in Edinburgh, son of Captain Charles Cameron and Elizabeth Jean Mckenzie (source: Ancestry).

7^th August 1804 – Kentish Weekly Post

“Saturday the brigade at Shorncliffe camp under Major-General Moore, consisting of the 43^rd and 52^nd Light Infantry, the 95^th, or rifle corps, marched from camp to Swinfield Minnis where they performed several field evolutions in the presence of a large assemblage of spectators, a great part of them military, went from this city to Barhams Down Camp.” 

23^rd August 1804

An inspection of the Shorncliffe Garrison by the Duke of York took place at Sandgate. Several companies took part and a mock skirmish was carried out.

3^rd September 1804 – Morning Chronicle

A Chosen duel! The Morning Chronicle revealed a duel that took place on Sunday 26^th August 1804 at Shorncliffe between two officers of the 95th. Captain Campbell fought a duel with Lieutenant Travers, Lieutenant De Jersey seconded Campbell and Captain Gordon seconded Travers. Straight after the duel Travers and Gordon immediately absconded from the camp. Campbell was rushed to hospital and the pistol ball was removed from his thigh, however he died four days later of his wounds. Campbell was buried with full military honours on the Friday attended by officers and other several regiments. He was, according to the papers, ‘a most worthy man, a good soldier, and his loss of life is universally regretted’. Some papers refer to Campbell as Captain Cameron.

Travers did return, was promoted to Captain by 1805 and Major by 1807. He led the 2^nd Battalion on the attack on Buenos Aires in 1807 and was badly injured.

15^th September 1804 – Norfolk Chronicle

Bugle-Major John Kelly of the 95^th published “The Bugle Horn Sounds”. This consisted of sixty field sounds with explanatory notes, seventeen regimental or duty sounds, a selection of quick and slow marches adapted for the use of Riflemen or Light Infantry. Cost 7s 6d, available at Messrs. Stevenson and Matchett, Market-Place, Norfolk and other booksellers.

17^th November 1804 – Caledonian Mercury.

“It was on Tuesday strongly reported, that the brigade under the command of General Moore is to be employed to the Cape of Good Hope. It consists of the 4^th, or King’s Own, the 43^rd and 52^nd light infantry, the 59^th and 95^th rifle regiment, five companies, which is to have a second battalion immediately.”

This means that we can trace the earliest home movements of the Rifle Corps as follows:

1800 March – formation at Horsham at barracks.

1800 May (first week) – march to Bagshot under canvas. On 25th August three Companies took part in a failed amphibious landing at Ferrol, Spain to dislodge the defenders.

1800 September 3^rd – march from Bagshot to Bletchington barracks at Seaford. In April 1801 one Company took part in Battle of Copenhagen.

1801 May 29/30th – march to Weymouth to protect the King throughout the summer.

1801 October 10^th – march from Weymouth back to Bletchington Barracks.

1802 August (mid) – march from Bletchington Barracks to Chatham.

1802 October (first week) – march from Chatham to Shorncliffe. Green uniforms and rifles received in the spring of 1803.

1803 May 24th – march back to Bletchington Barracks at Seaford.

1803 June (mid) – march of five companies to Shorncliffe to patrol the defences.

1803 August (early) – temporary camp at Brighton.

1803 September (first week) – a number of companies embarked with the fleet for an attack on Cherbourg.

1803 October 24 – march from Bletchington to Chelmsford.

1804 winter – return to Shorncliffe by March. 

95th Rifles: A March Through Time Part 2: 1805 to 1807

Continuing directly on from Part 1, the extracts below are all taken from local newspapers during the years 1805 to 1807 in relation to the 95^th Rifles. During this period the Rifles were engaged in Denmark and South America, as well as elsewhere. As these major campaigns were widely covered in the newspapers and have had modern volumes published on them, I have instead concentrated on some of the more obscure and forgotten reports during their period of service at Home, some of these details may not be in recent published histories.

I have added in explanatory text to attempt to explain the context of some of the reports. Admittedly a few of the reports concerning embarkation for foreign service are a little confusing and occasionally contradictory, but one has to remember that military expeditions were clothed in secrecy two hundred years or more ago just as they are now, and the papers were most unlikely to have been in full possession of the facts when going to print.

Any spelling mistakes were just as reported at the time so I have copied them directly as published.

1^st January 1805 – London Gazette

To be Lieutenant-General in the Army.

“Colonel Coote Manningham of the 95^th Foot.”

9^th January 1805 – Bury and Norwich Post

A case of suicide:

“Saturday last a Coroner’s Inquest was held on the body of a Serjeant of the 95^th Rifle Regiment, quartered at the Lower Barracks, Woodbridge, who, in a fit of lunacy, shot himself with his musket. The deceased had formerly been an officer in the Scotch Militia.”

Further details and a name were carried by The Ipswich Journal on the 12^th January:

“Another inquest was taken by the same Gentleman on Saturday last at Woodbridge , on the view of Serjeant Tate, of the 95^th regt, or rifle corps, who in a fit of lunacy shot himself with his rifle piece, by putting the muzzle in his mouth, and striking down the trigger with his foot, the ball of which went through his head and rebounding against the wall, was found lying near him, with the rifle held fast in his hand.”

25^th April 1805 – Caledonian Mercury

“The reduction of the militia regiments to their original establishments has already commenced; and parties from the 14^th, 43^rd, 52^nd 56^th and 95^th regiments, and the Royal Staff Corps are arrived in Canterbury, which is to be the general depot, for the purpose of receiving those men who may volunteer from the regiments stationed in the eastern part of Kent, the recruiting parties not being permitted to approach the quarters of the respective regiment.”

3^rd May 1805 Saunder’s News-Letter (a publication in Dublin)

Recruiting in Ireland.

“Recruiting parties from the 95^th, or Rifle Regiment, under the command of Captain Travers, arrived on Wednesday morning at the Pigeon House from England, to receive such men as may volunteer from the militia regiments of this country or that regiment. This regiment, which composed part of Gen. Moore’s Brigade is now stationed at Shorn Cliff in Kent”

28^th May 1805 Kentish Weekly Post

A despatch from Canterbury:

“This morning the remainder of the Royal Surrey Militia marched from the barrack, in this city, to Dover; and three companies of the 95^thRifle regiment are expected from Faversham, where they have been halted a few days, on their route from Essex.”

The Canterbury garrison was under the command of Major-General Manningham at this point.

7^th June 1805 – Kentish Weekly Post

A further despatch from Canterbury

“In consequence of the appointment of Major-General Manningham to the command at Brabourn Leese, the 95^th, or rifle regiment, will march from this city on Monday next to that place. General Manningham wishing to have this regiment (of which he is the Colonel) under his own command.”

21^st June 1805 – Kentish Weekly Post

A number of recruits had been sourced in Ireland.

“Maidstone, June 18^th: Yesterday marched into this town, upwards of 200 recruits from the Galway, Dublin, and other militia regiments in Ireland – the same marched out this morning for Brabourn Lees. Upwards of 500 more are expected in today, and will proceed, by the same route, for the 95^th regiment, lying at the above place.”

8^th October 1805 Kentish Weekly Post

Military movements

“The following movements of regiments will take place in the Southern district this week…. The two battalions of the 95^th rifle regiment remove from Branbourn Leese to be stationed in equal proportions at Hythe, Winchester, Chelmsford, and Bristol. The King’s German Legion will arrive at Deal and Canterbury, the first divisions at each place on Friday next, and will be followed successively by the remainder, where they will be stationed till further orders.”

22^nd October 1805 – London Courier

Referencing  a movement on the 21^st October:

“Dover. The first battalion of the 95^th Regiment of Foot marched through here early this morning from Shorncliff, the rest of the Hanoverian cavalry, from Bexhill, both for embarkation at Ramsgate.”

21st October 1805 – Hampshire Chronicle

The 95^th arrived in Winchester on the 24^th and 25^th October. This appears to be the first association with the town in the local papers.

“Thursday and Friday the 95^th rifle regiment of foot marched into our barracks”.

It may have been a few companies only as on the 28^th the paper reported:

“Part of the 95^th regiment of foot this week went into barracks here.”

It appears that the rest of the regiment may have remained at Hythe as according to the next reference:

2^nd November 1805 – Lancaster Gazette

Referring to October 22^rd, the 95^th embarked for an expedition, speculated as against Boulogne. This was deemed a target due to the withdrawal of most of the French Forces from the Channel Ports during July to attack Austria:

“Ramsgate. Yesterday, in the afternoon, four hundred and eighty of the first battalion of the 95^th rifle regiment marched in from Hythe, and were embarked in the evening. Owing to the lateness of highwater, the transports remained inside the pier till eleven o’clock this morning, when they sailed with this fine corps for the Downs, having a brisk wind at South East and a heavy swell. “

More detail from The Globe of 25th October:

“Ramsgate (24^th). Yesterday, the first battalion of the Coldstream Guards, and the first battalion of the 3^rd Guards marched in here from Deal. On arrival at Ramsgate Barrack, they were refreshed with several butts of good strong beer, given to them by William Curtis, and other Gentlemen. After being handsomely regaled, both battalions marched to the Pier, and immediately went on board their respective transports, in the highest spirits, singing ‘God Save the King’, ‘Rule Britannia’ etc, their number probably exceeding 2000. And this morning they, together with five companies of the 95^th Rifle Regiment, which embarked the day before, set sail for the Downs where they joined the German Legion, which went from this harbour in the beginning of the week.”

4^th November 1805 – Hampshire Telegraph

More movements:

“On Wednesday a division of the 95^th Rifle Regiment marched through Chichester to Arundel, on their way to Lewes Barracks.”

7^th November 1805 – Morning Post 

The expedition finally got underway against the enemy:

“The wind having changed on Tuesday to a favourable point, the expedition, consisting of the Coldstream, the 3^rd guards, the 4^th, or King’s own, the 14^th and 23^rd regiments, the 95^th rifle corps, the German Legion, and the artillery, sailed from the Downs on Tuesday afternoon. It is currently reported that an expedition is immediately to sail, under the command of Sir Sidney Smith, to attempt the destruction of the enemy’s flotilla at Boulogne.”

11^th November 1805 –  Hampshire Telegraph.

Referring to the 9^th November

“The second battalion of the 95^th or Rifle Regiment, have marched into Lewes Barracks”

28^th November 1805 – Derby Mercury

A fatal accident:

“Friday fe’nnight, Mr George Bailey, son of Samuel Bailey of King Street, Manchester, deeply lamented by his family and friends. Being a serjeant in the Rifle Regiment, he was buried with military honours. We are sorry to add, that the death of this young man was occasioned by a squib being thrown at him, in what was fatally thought a joke! It exploded in his face, and, after dreadful suffering, produced a brain fever, affording another melancholy instance of the impropriety of using these dangerous compositions.”

12^th December 1805 – Morning Post

“The second expedition sailed from the Downs for the Wezer on Tuesday, under convoy of the Leopold, of 50 guns, the Fury bomb, the Furious gun-brig. It consists of the 3^rd, 7^th, 8^th, 9^th, 26^th, 28^th, 36^th and 89^th regiments. A third embarkation is immediately to take place. In this (ILLEGIBLE) we understand will be comprised the (ILLEGIBLE), 17^th dragoons, the 4^th, 34^th, 35^th (ILLEGIBLE), 87^th, 88^th, 91^st and 95^th regiments of foot. The 1^st and 2^nd dragoons, it is added, will embark at Hull, and the Royal Horse Guards Blue are also spoken of for foreign service. – The Commander in Chief, Lord Cathcart, sailed from Yarmouth on Tuesday on Tuesday in the Vestal frigate. The Duke of Cambridge embarks at the same place in a few days on board the Orpheus frigate.”

The 15,000 strong army had been sent to Hanover under General William Cathcart with the intention of linking with Russian forces and attacking the French flank whilst the bulk of the French army was engaged in fighting in Austria.

23^rd December 1805 – Public Ledger and Daily Advertiser

“Our army in Hanover has not made any movement of moment. A detachment of 400 men from the 95^th regiment, has entered Delmonhorst, and another Corps has entered Osnaburgh – they were everywhere received by the inhabitants with kindness and hospitality.”

No major battle was fought by the British and the forces were withdrawn following the signing of a Franco-Prussian agreement which handed Hanover to Prussia.

25^th December 1805 – Globe

“Assistant Surgeon Joseph Reid of the 95^th Regiment of Foot, is superseded for being absent without leave.”

22^nd February 1806 – The Ipswich Journal

The gallant expedition returns.

“Thursday 400 of the 1^st battalion of the 95^th, or Rifle Corps, marched into Lowestoft, on their route to Woodbridge. They landed at Yarmouth from the Continent.”

The 95^th at Woodbridge shared their barracks with the 4^th, 23^rd and 25^th Regiments of Foot.

18^th June 1806 – Saunder’s News-Letter (a paper from Dublin)

A report from Dublin from the 12^th June notes further attempts to recruit in Ireland:

“A number of officers have arrived from the 95^th regiment in this city, for the purpose of enlisting volunteers from the militia. They are a fine regiment, and a rifle corps. Uniform very dark green, trimmed with black lace, a helmet, and green feather.”

On the same day the Belfast Chronicle reported:

“Besides part of the 95^th, or Rifle Corps, Earl Harrington brings to Ireland with him the 1^st battalion of Sir John Moore’s regiment, the renowned 52^nd”

The second battalion of the 52^nd remained in Kent.

18^th July 1806 – The Lincoln, Rutland and Stamford Mercury

Referencing a despatch from London on the 17^th July, another despatch of troops for foreign service was underway. Although not reported in the papers during July or August, the destination was Buenos Aires:

“The expedition is to rendezvous at Portsmouth immediately. Eight companies of the 95^th rifle regiment; the brigade of guards, the 14^th, 45^th, 62^nd and 91^st regiments are to march to that place.”

A despatch from Chelmsford of the same day in The Ipswich Journal revealed that they were now barracked there:

“Yesterday morning the 95^th, or Rifle Corps, marched from this town on their return to Colchester; their orders to proceed to Faversham, to embark for foreign service, having been countermanded.”

The Caledonian Mercury of the 19^th added:

“Eight companies of the 95^th rifle regiment, have begun their march from Ospringe; three marched on Monday morning for Portsmouth, and five to embark at Ramsgate.”

The Ramsgate companies were commanded by Brigadier-General William Stewart. A despatch from Canterbury in the Kentish Weekly Post from the 19^th marked a slight change in orders:

“The Brigade of Guards stationed at Chatham, which had received orders to march to Ramsgate for embarkation, has received a counter-order and is to remain at Chatham for the present – A detachment of the 95^th rifle regiment which was to have marched to Ramsgate yesterday for embarkation, has also received a similar order.”

The reason for the change was provided in the Oxford Journal of the 26^th:

“The march and embarkation of the 95^th Rifle Regiment, from Ospringe, and the Brigade of Guards from Chatham, is, for the present, suspended; solely, it is said, on account of the transports destined for their reception not being arrived at Ramsgate.”

Embarkation took place at Gravesend, not Ramsgate as intended. The Kentish Weekly Post of the 25th July reported:

“The four companies of the 95^th Rifle Regiment which were to have embarked at Ramsgate, marched from Ospringe on Wednesday, and embarked at Gravesend yesterday.”

The Caledonian Mercury reported on the 28^th July:

“Most of the troops for both Sicily, and for remote service, are now shipboard. The 62^nd regiment was embarked on Thursday in the Downs as was part of the Staff Corps, two companies of artillery, and five companies of the 95^th regiment, or rifle corps…..On Tuesday, three companies of the rifle corps were embarked at Portsmouth…”

The five companies that had embarked at Gravesend were under the command of Major Macleod according to The London Courier. Although arriving at Gravesend on the Thursday, they were unable to embark until the Saturday as the transports were not yet ready. The 95^th caused no trouble as they waited, for, according to the Morning Post:

“It is justice to say, that during their stay here, their conduct was exemplary; and that we never witnessed any Corps embark in such high order.”

The expedition arrived off Deal on the 31^st, the four hundred men of the 95^th aboard the Chapman, according to the Morning Post. This part of the force was bound for Sicily. The expedition failed to make progress against the wind and was blown back twice. A third attempt on the 17^th August could not get any further than Beachyhead before being blown back to the Downs by a strong South Westerly wind.  This was mentioned in the Caledonian Mercury. A fourth attempt to reach Portsmouth and rendezvous with the rest of the expedition was made on the 18^th.

5^th September 1806 – Kentish Weekly Post

Things did not go according to plan for the expedition from Plymouth either. In an extract from a letter of an officer of the 52^nd to a gentleman in Plymouth:

“The troops which were embarked at Ramsgate for the expedition, are ordered to disembark tomorrow and to encamp at Buckland (Downs), about four miles from Plymouth. The regiments to be encamped are the Dragoons, the Guards, the 45^th, 52^nd, 62^nd, 87^th, and eight companies of the 95^th Rifle Regiment. The 13^th and 40^th are expected to join the camp. The artillery are gone into barracks. All the heavy baggage is left on board the transports; and it is uncertain if we are to proceed or not.”

Orders to re-embark were given on the 16^th September at Plymouth according to the Morning Chronicle on the 19^th:

“Orders are said to be received for this day, for the transports that have the following troops on board, to go immediately to the Sound, viz. The Guards, 52^nd and 62^nd Regiments of Foot, six companies of the Rifle Corps, and a detachment of artillery; the further report is, that they are bound for Sicily; the Royal George, of 110 Guns, is to escort them, and that they will sail in a day or two; the 45^th and 87^th Regiments, with the remainder of the Rifle Corps, are said to be, as was first intended for the remote expedition, and to await further orders.”

The Sicily-bound fleet was under the command of Vice-Admiral Duckworth.

1^st October 1806 – Public Ledger and Daily Advertiser

Finally after two and a half months of delays and bad weather the expedition sailed.  Plymouth September 28^th:

“Sailed this morning, under convoy of the Plover sloop of war, and a gun-brig, the transports having on board the 45^th and 87^th regiments of Foot, and the 95^th Rifle Corps, bound to Buenos Ayres; they are to touch at Falmouth to wait convoy.”

The expedition then ground to a halt again. It was still waiting on the 2^nd October in the Falmouth Roads for Colonel Crauford, according to the Bury and Norwich Post. The total force was over 5,000 men.

29^th October 1806 – Public Ledger.

The force was now halted at Falmouth. The paper was not amused:

“At Falmouth the troops remain tossing about in their transports, and when they are to sail, no man knows. They consist of the 9^th Dragoons, five companies of the 95^th Rifle Corps, the 5^th, 36^th, 45^th and 88^th regiments. We believe that the 45^th Regiment and the Rifle Corps have been embarked for 13 weeks, and have now got to the astonishing distance, from their place of embarkation, of Falmouth! Whence this system of vacillation and indecision? Whence these orders and counter-orders? Whence the changes and exchanges of ships, collecting ships from port to port to convey the troops no further than Falmouth in 13 weeks?” 

20^th November 1806 – Caledonian Mercury

A report from Falmouth from November 8^th:

“It is reported and generally believed here, that the expedition is detained, as has been so for many days past, owing to its having accidently, but very providentially, discovered that the ball cartridges which were provided for the 95^th Regiment, or rifle corps, were the common musquet ball cartridges, which could never have been used by the rifle corps, as the calibre and make of their musquets are so very different from the common ones; so that if this valuable regiment of men had been brought into action, they would have been exposed to the enemy’s fire, and probably destroyed, as it would not have been in their power to have fired a single shot at the enemy. This looks something like Prussian treason, and should be most diligently enquired into, and the delinquent out to be most severely punished.”

It thereby appears that the 95^th had been supplied with no ammunition whatsoever that they could use for a major military expedition.

17^th November 1806 – Public Ledger

It was clear to not only the papers but so senior military staff that the situation was becoming utterly untenable:

“Saturday (see our Falmouth letter) accounts reached town of the sailing of the fleet which had been so long and so unaccountably delayed at Falmouth. It put to sea on Wednesday, with a fine breeze at North-East, and comprised thirty-five vessels….We are concerned to state (says a Sunday paper)that, notwithstanding the length of time which had consumed in the equipment of the expedition, our troops have been sent out nearly destitute of common necessaries. It is a notorious and a lamentable fact that there is not only a general deficiency of stores, but there is not in the fleet a pair of shoes beyond what the people are wearing. General Craufurd, on his arrival  at Falmouth, announced to the Government this extraordinary and criminal neglect; orders were in consequence given for the necessary supplies being forwarded, and a transport was appointed for the conveyance, but this vessel still continues in the River. The detachment from the Rifle Corps too, although it had been aboard for three months, had nearly failed, without being provided with a single cartridge they could use. A like degree of readiness appears to have been manifested in every other department connected with this expedition, but we spare ourselves from the unpleasantness of particularizing I, in the expectation that it will become the subject of enquiry elsewhere.”

The fleet finally sailed for South America on the 12^th November. It arrived at St. Jago in Jamaica on the 14^th December. After a brief stop and encountering bad weather, a landing was made on the 16^th January at Carattas Bay, nine miles to east of Monte Video. On the 20^th January the siege commenced and on the 3^rd February the assault on the city started, resulting in the surrender of the city at 5:00am, just three hours after the assault begun.  Captain Dickinson of the 95^th was killed in the attack.

The capture of Monte Video on the 3^rd February was extensively covered in the papers. Typical is this extract (Public Ledger 16^th April):

“After the breach was entered, the troops had to leap down 15 or 16 feet. However, part of the 95^th, or Rifle Regiment, took possession of the church, mounted on the roof, and annoyed the citadel. In the church there was great slaughter, as a number of Spaniards had taken refuge there, after firing on our troops.” 

27^th January 1807 – Morning Advertiser

A contradictory, and probably incorrect, date for departure was reported:

“The troops which will arrive in the river Plate, to assist our brave little army there, sailed from Falmouth on the 10^th October, under the command of Brigadier-General Sir Samuel Achmuty, and consist of eight troops of the 17^th Regiment of Dragoons, three companies of the 95^th Regiment (2^nd battalion), 40^th and 87^th Regiments, making together 2700 men. The Ardent, of 64 guns, Captain Donnelly, Resistance and Unicorn frigate, and the Charwell sloop sailed with them.”

3^rd March 1807 – Kentish Gazette

An advert was placed in the paper:

By Desire of the Officers of the 95^th Regiment

THEATRE, HYTHE

On Tuesday Evening, March 3, 1807, the much admired comedy of

THE HEIR IN LAW

A song by Miss BARRY,- A Pas Seul by Miss JOHNSTONE

And a Comic Song by Mr. KERBY.

After which the Farce of RAISING THE WIND.

Days of performing till further notice: Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

10^th March 1807 – Kentish Weekly Post

A despatch from Canterbury dated March 7^th:

“A company of the 95^th rifle regiment has lately marched from Hythe for Portsmouth, to embark for service in South America, where four companies of that corps have been for some time stationed on duty.”

The fleet now arrived at St. Simon’s Bay at the Cape of Good Hope on the morning of the 20^th March. Brigadier-General Craufurd’s expedition disembarked after a 68 day journey from St. Jago in Jamaica at Table Bay. Most of the men had been about ships between seven to nine months by this point. Craufurd’s troops joined General Whiteloke’s forces at Monte Video on the 15^th June. They sailed immediately and on the 28^th June landed thirty miles east of Buenos Aires.

13^th June 1807 – Public Ledger

Back in Kent, more troops were being prepared for embarkation, but the destination was not made clear in the papers:

“Ramsgate, June 11^th: Four transports, containing part of the 5^th battalion King’s German Legion, and the Rifle regiment of ditto, have put into the harbour on account of leaks. They will sail again as soon as repaired.”

Re-embarkation was marked for the 23^rd, according to the Kentish Weekly Post.

24^th July 1807 – Kentish Weekly Post

Meanwhile, back in England a further wave of 7,000 troops was being prepared, this time the destination in the papers was announced as the Baltic:

“The troops will chiefly be drawn from this district (Worcester) and will be embarked immediately that the transports arrive for their reception, 40 of which have been ordered from Portsmouth, and are hourly expected to join others already assembled in the Downs. The regiments destined for this service are, the brigade of Guards from Chatham, which is to be embarked there, or in that vicinity; the 5^th battalion of the 60^th regiment from Brabourn Lees; the 43^rd Light Infantry, and five companies of the 95^th Rifle Corps, from Hythe and Shorncliffe; the 32^nd, 50^th and 82^nd regiments from Deal; all of which are expected to embark at Ramsgate. They are also to be accompanied by a detachment of Royal Artillery, which will be embarked in the River.”

Part of the 95^th embarked at Harwich (Dublin Evening Post 30^th July.)

30^th July 1807 – Dublin Evening Post

The 95^th marched to Deal rather than Ramsgate:

“The 1^st battalion of the 43^rd regiment of foot, about 1,000 strong, five companies of the 95^th rifle corps, each consisting of 80 men, and the 2^nd battalion of the 52^nd regiment, about 700 strong, which are all on the march to Ramsgate, arrived at Deal from Hythe on Saturday night.”

29^th July 1807 – Morning Advertiser

Referring to July 27^th, the 95^th embarked at Deal where they had been temporarily quartered:

“On Monday morning, the 52^nd regiment, and the 95^th rifle corps, embarked on board transports lying in the Downs. They were taken on board by the Deal boatmen, who volunteered to perform this service, which they executed with great adroitness in about an hour. The sight was grand and interesting, but it was accompanied with a scene distressing to the feeling mind – Women and children taking leave of their husbands and fathers, whom they were not permitted to accompany. On one hand weeping and wailing, on the other the big tear stealing down the manly cheek of the warrior, who endeavoured, in silence, to repress the expression of his grief.”

The force of 25,000 men sailed forth for Copenhagen on the 30^th and 31^st July, with horses for the staff officers following on the 12^th and 13^th August on transport 126 at Ramsgate. The plan was to capture or destroy the Dano-Norwegian fleet and lay siege to the city. The British set fire to Copenhagen using Congrieve rockets and the city capitulated on the 7^th September. Brigadier-General Stewart under Sir Arthur Wellesley led the 95^th.  

Meanwhile the 95^th in South America embarked in transports on 9^th and the 12th August from Monte Video under escort of the warships Unicorn and Thisbe. An armistice had been signed by Whitelocke in early August following an unsuccessful, and very costly, attempt to take Buenos Aires during the first few days of July. A great many of the 95^th had been taken prisoner during the battle for the city but were released in early August.

25^th August 1807 – Kentish Weekly Post

“On Saturday, the Flintshire regiment of Militia in barracks at Fort Pitt, volunteered 20 men more than their compliment, for the 95^th Rifle regiment. The Merioneth began to volunteer yesterday.”

14^th September 1807 – Morning Advertiser

A list of wounded officers from the battle of Buenos Aires:

“95^th Regiment.- Majors McCleod, slightly; Travers, ditto; Captain O’Hare, severely; Lieutenants Cardoux, ditto; McLead, ditto; Scott, ditto; Turner, ditto; McCullock, slightly.”  

16^th November 1807 – Caledonian Mercury

Return of the South American expedition in early November. The first transport to arrive in Portsmouth was the Alexander (transport number 220) containing part of the 95^th, other transports returned the rest over the next few days following encountering a gale at sea which had dispersed the convoy. The 2^nd Battalion were briefly placed into Hilsea barracks at Portsmouth upon arrival.

“As it must afford great satisfaction to those who have friends on board ships returning from South America, we have authority to state, that the Hero transport, No.294, having on board three companies of the 95^th (rifle ) regiment, under the command of Major Macleod, arrived at Falmouth on Friday 6^th instant – The names of the officers on board are: Major MacLeod Commanding:- Major Norcott, Captains O’Hare, and Elder; Lieutenants Ward, Smith, Come, McLeod, McCulloch, and Erles; – Surgeon Robb and Quarter Master McDonald.”

Five days earlier, on the 11^th, the Morning Post reported on the state of the returning soldiers:

“Last Saturday a division of the 95^th regiment, or rifle corps, who lately landed at Portsmouth from Buenos Ayres, marched into Lewes, on its route to Hythe, in Kent. The men bear evident marks of the service they have been engaged in, and are but sorrily clothed, many being without stockings, and with their caps made up of old garments, that do not more than half cover their heads. They speak very freely of the system of warfare pursued at Buenos Ayres.”

Strangely, the Sunday Post carried exactly the same wording but exchanged Lewes for Canterbury. The Kentish Gazette also published the description. However on the 20^th November they retracted the earlier report somewhat:

“The men comprising the 1^st Division of the 95^th Rifle Regiment, were not so sorrily clad, as report had taught us to believe. The men, considering the hardships they had endured, were in appearance both cleanly and light, and their caps, nearly new, and worn instead of their regimental ones, which were lost with their arms when prisoners of war at Buenos Ayres. Their packs and necessaries they had brought them home, but, as they could not conveniently get them delivered from the ship, at landing, they consequently lost the benefit of them on the march.”

8^th December 1807 – Morning Advertiser

Report from Deal from the 5^th:

“Two detachments of the 52^nd regiment marched into these barracks to join the battalion; and a party of the 95^th rifle regiment from Buenos Ayres disembarked here and proceeded to Dover.”

95th Rifles: A March through Time Part 3: 1808 to 1811

Marching directly on from Part 2, below is a summary of the activities of the 95th Rifles from 1808-1811 as reported in the local newspapers of the era. For space requirements I have reluctantly had to leave out details of the major battles, but these have been published in great detail elsewhere. As with parts One and Two, covering 1800-07, I have concentrated on the more obscure events at home that tend to receive less academic attention.

5th March 1808 – Hull Advertiser

“Captain Thompson, of the Rifle Corps of the 95th foot, son of T. Thompson, Esq, of this place, is appointed Deputy Governor of Sierra Leone.”

26th April 1808 – Kentish Gazette

Despatch from Canterbury April 26th regarding a new expedition to destroy the enemy preparing at Flushing, Sir John Moore was in charge:

“The preparations for the Expedition, which we announced in our last, continue with unabated activity…four Companies of the 95th Rifle Corps, are drawn from the Eastern district and are on their march to embark at Harwich.”

28th April 1808 – Derby Mercury

“Committed to county gaol since our last, Joseph March, a soldier in the 95th Rifle Corps, charged with feloniously stealing fourteen watches of the value of 501, the property of Richard Blood, of Chesterfield.”

On the same day the Morning Post reported the Paymaster of the 95th had published a book:

“Defence of the Nation – This Day is published, price 2s. 6d.

SUGGESTIONS for ENROLLING and TRAINING 500,000 MEN,

For rendering the Militia constantly complete, providing an annual Augmentation of 20,000 Men for the Line, and raising the Supplies for the total Expenditure, with a comparative view of the existing Systems of our Military Establishment.

By SAMUEL BRIDGE

On the Half-pay as Captain of the 82nd Regiment, and Paymaster of the 95th Rifle Regiment.

Printed for Kerby, Bowdery, and Barber, Booksellers, No.190, Oxford Street; and may be had as of H.D. Symonds, Paternoster-row.

30th April 1808 – The Ipswich Journal

Harwich: April 29th:

“Thursday morning a duel was fought near this place, between Captain G-t, and Lieut. L-n, two Officers of the Rifle corps, when Capt.G. received a shot in his side, and we are concerned to add, was found dead.”

4th May 1808 – Aberdeen Press and Journal

Despatch from London, April 30th:

“Troops continue to embark at Ramsgate daily with the greatest activity. Those which have embarked have sailed for the Downs;  – the whole will be embarked by Sunday. Three companies of the 95th (rifle) regiment, the 4th and 28th regiments, embarked at Harwich on Thursday- the 79th and 92nd regiments embarked yesterday. The Victory of 100 guns, Sir James Saumarez, was off the Buoy of the Ruff, near Harwich, on Thursday, being unable to get into Yarmouth.”

In total 4,300 men embarked at Harwich and proceeded to the Yarmouth Roads where they waited to be joined by the Ramsgate division.

10th May 1808 – Kentish Gazette

A despatch from Dover from the previous day:

“A detachment of the 95th Rifle Regiment, about 200 men, under the command of Major Travers, marched in here this morning from Hythe, and were immediately embarked on board the transport A.J. – They are destined for Cork.”

10th June 1808 – Morning Chronicle

A further departure of troops for Ireland. This was under the command of Hon. Captain Packenham.

“Dover, June 1: Two companies of the 95th or Rifle Corps, marched into town this morning, and immediately embarked on board the Agincourt transport ship, No.210. She is a very fine ship, 337 tons, copper bottomed, said to be bound to Cork; another transport ship is also due to come in this tide, No. 191, coppered, named Columbine. Part of the 9th Regiment is expected here from Canterbury tomorrow to embark in her.”

23rd July 1808 – The Ipswich Journal.

“Harwich June 22. Sunday arrived here Le’Amiable frigate, Lord C. Stewart, and ten sail of transports. On Monday the 2nd and 20th regiments embarked from Landguard Fort, and on Tuesday, part of the 95th, or Rifle Corps, embarked from this place. The whole sailed on Wednesday to join the division under Sir John Moore at Spithead.”

15th July 1808 – Kentish Gazette

Despatch from Cork from the 7th July:

“At an early hour this morning, Sir A. Wellesley arrived here from Dublin, to assume command of the expedition at this port. The 45th regiment embarked yesterday, and the 36th wait for the arrival of the transports, which are expected each hour. The force which is to sail from this harbour, now amounts to above 9,000 men, and consists of the 5th, 9th, 36th, 38th, 40th, 45th, 60th (5th battalion), 71st, and 91st Regiments of Foot; with the 4th Veteran Battalion, four companies of the 95th, or Rifle Regiment, and two troops of the Commissariat Horse. In addition to these, the 20th Light Dragoons are hourly expected from Portsmouth.”

23rd August 1808 – Kentish Gazette

“The Jamaica Fleet, consisting of about ninety sail, passed through the Downs on Friday for the River. The embarkation of the Brigades of Guards at Deal and Chatham, which was daily expected to take place, is for the present countermanded, as is that of six companies of the 95th, rifle Regiment, stationed at Hythe; the attention of the Transport Board being solely directed to the providing of transports for cavalry.”

The troops were then ordered to embark at Ramsgate a couple of days later. On September 8th the 95th passed through Canterbury (Kentish Weekly Post) under the command of Major Stewart.:

“A large detachment of the 9th Rifle regiment arrived in this city yesterday, on its route to Ramsgate, to which place they were to have marched early this morning, but received instructions yesterday evening to remain here until further orders.”

Transport vessels were assembling at Ramsgate. According to Bell’s Weekly Messenger

“The detachment of the Rifle Corps, now ordered for this service, is composed in great part of those men who were in the attack on Monte Video, and at Buenos Ayres, where their conduct was most admirable.”

Embarkation of the 500 men of the 95th took place at Ramsgate on the 10th September (Kentish Weekly Post). A further section of the 95th embarked at Harwich on transports escorted by the gun-brig Rolla on the 12th (Aberdeen Press). It passed through the Downs on the 23rd. (Oxford Journal) and arrived at Falmouth on the 29th (Exeter Flying Post) .

The expedition was, of course, bound for Spain and Portugal.

10th September 1808 – Belfast Commercial Chronicle

“The Hon. Captain Pakenham, of the second battalion 95th (or Rifle) regiment, who was wounded in the first engagement with the French in Portugal, is brother-in-law of Sir A. Wellesley, and brother of the present Earl of Longford, of the county Westmeath. Bunbury, of the same regiment, who was unfortunately killed, was a gallant young Officer, and of a very ancient and respectable family in Tipperary.”

11th September 1808 – Bell’s Weekly Messenger

An anecdote from Spain:

“An instance of the awkwardness of one of the Portuguese privates, met with a severe punishment from one of the English on the 21st. Having fired a little at random, the Portuguese shot an English rifleman. The companion of the latter (our readers perhaps do not know that the rifleman always act in files) immediately beckoned the unfortunate Portuguese towards him, and thus addressed him: “Hark ye, friend, whenever anyone shoots my comrade, I always blow his brains out; – and was instantly as good as his word.”

5th November 1808 – Morning Advertiser –

The papers record that further companies of the Rifle Corps were about to be embarked for Ireland.

There was very little activity relating to the Rifles in December but many papers covered the action at Corunna on the 16th January at which Sir John Moore was killed. The Leeds Mercury on the 11th February carried this tribute to another officer:

“On the 16th ult, in the battle of Corunna, in the 22nd year of his age, much and deservedly regretted by his friends and brother officers, Lieut. Noble, of the 95th rifle regiment, only son of the late Mr. Noble of Wakefield. He was bravely animating his men in the heat of the battle, when he received a shot through the head, and instantly expired.”

8th February 1809 – Morning Post

“Portsmouth February 6 – The 95th Rifle regiment (both battalions) have been disembarked. They were going to the Downs, but they became very sickly on board the transports, and were therefore landed here.”

Major-General Coote Manningham, who had led the Brigade at Corunna, also returned to Britain.

28th April 1809 – Kentish Gazette

“The 2nd battalion of the 95th Rifle Regiment, left Hythe on Monday last, for Reading-street barracks”.

9th May 1809 – Kentish Gazette

A return to Spain.

“Orders were received at Deal on Saturday last for the 1st battalion of the 52nd regiment to be completed immediately for service from the 2nd battalion of the same regiment, and to be in readiness to embark at Ramsgate on the 21st inst. Similar orders have also been sent to the 95th Rifle Corps at Hythe, which with some other light regiments are to form party of the brigade.”

According to the Morning Advertiser, by May 25th the following transport vessels had arrived at Dover for transportation of the 95th and 52nd: Osborn, Leader, Larel, Malaba, Britannia, Fortune and Enterprise. The ten companies of the 95th were under the command of Colonel Robert Crawford.

The boarding certainly had its drama! (Saunders News-Letter, 30th May, narrating a despatch from Dover on the 25th):

“…this morning early, the first battalion of the 95th rifle corps, marched in from Hythe. Immediately on their arrival they were embarked. Without the least incident to the troops; but one of the ships, the Britannia, in getting her anchor, dropt foul of two other ships, by which means she sprang the main mast of one, carried away the jib-boom and sprang the bowsprit of another; consequently two more ships must be provided. An express is gone to the Admiral at Deal, for orders, but we are informed there are no ships in the Downs fit for purpose.”

The Kentish Gazette reported that the force sailed from Dover on the 28th to Portsmouth under escort of the Nymph frigate and Kangaroo sloop. The strength of the Rifles was 1200, and that of the 1st battalion of the 52nd regiment which accompanied them, 1,100. At the same time the 2nd battalion of the 95th marched into their barracks at Hythe (Kentish Weekly Post).

25th July 1809 – Kentish Gazette (and many others)

A new expedition was being assembled of over 30,000 men. This included the 95th. On the same day the 3rd battalion of the 95th marched from Brabourn Lees to Shorncliffe.

30th August 1809 – Derby Mercury

An obituary.

“Lately, at Hythe, in Kent, Mr Robert Turner, formerly of this town. – He with several other young men, accompanied Major Grose to the Government of New South Wales, resided some years near the Hawkesbury river., and transmitted to this country a very accurate and complete account of that Colony. On his return to England, he engaged in the 95th Rifle Regiment, was at the siege of Copenhagen, and served under Sir A. Wellesley (Lord Wellington), in the two actions in Portugal in August 1808, where he was wounded, and so disabled, as occasioned his death.”

1st September 1809 – London Courier

Loss of the commanding officer who had formed the 95th back in 1800. He was 44 years old and was commemorated on a memorial at Westminster Abbey. He was succeeded by David Dundas as Colonel.

Died on August 26th “…at Maidstone, in Kent, after a severe illness, since his return from Spain, Major General Manningham, Equerry to the King, and Colonel of the 95th or Rifle Regiment”

21st September 1809 – Perthshire Courier

“Dover, Sept.15. – The Sceptre, 74, has anchored in our Roads and has landed five companies of the Rifle Corps.”

The Hull Packet of the 19th September added:

“Yesterday his Majesty’s ships Sceptre and Ganges arrived off Dover from the Downs. From the former ship about 500 of the 2nd battalion 95th (rifle) regiment landed, and from the latter between 2 and 300 of the 2nd battalion 52nd regiment; they were brought on shore by the Dover boatmen, in their large boats; there are several sick men among them.”

19th December 1809 – Kentish Weekly Post

“A poor man of the name of Green, late a journeyman hair-dresser at Folkestone, on his return from Dymchurch, about a month since, was unfortunately drowned in the military canal, near Hythe, and not heard of until the body was washed up upon the beach at Sandgate, on Wednesday last, the 13th instant, in consequence of the canal sluice having been opened the preceding day. This dreadful calamity has involved a wife and four young and helpless children, and near her confinement of the fifth, in the greatest distress. The bodies of two soldiers of the 95th (rifle) regiment disputed the passage of the sluice, and were found entangled in it.”

16th January 1810 – Kentish Weekly Post

A presentation:

“At Hythe barracks, the 4th January, a very rich silver-mounted sword, with belt and sabertash, with a suitable inscription, value one hundred guineas, was presented to Lieut.-Colonel Norman MacLeod, led by the Non-commissioned Officers of the 3rd battalion 95th (Rifle) Regiment. The battalion being drawn up in line, the Non-commissioned Officers moved to the front, when the Sergeant-Major of the Battalion presented the sword, and spoke to the following effect:-

Sir – In the name of the Non-commissioned Officers of the 3rd battalion 95th (Rifle) Regiment, I have the honour to present you with this sword, as a small testimony of high respect and esteem to you as their Commanding Officer.

To which the Colonel made a suitable reply; when the Non-commissioned Officers gave three cheers, which was repeated by the battalion in line.”

5th March 1810 – London Courier

A report from Portsmouth:

“A further embarkation for Portugal commenced this day, when three companies of the 95th Regiment (3rd battalion) and one company of the Royal Staff Corps embarked. Three companies of the 95th regiment (2nd battalion), and 80 men of the 7th foot, will follow them.”

12th March 1810 – Public Ledger and Daily Advertiser

“The Expedition assembling at Portsmouth was on Friday joined by a large detachment from the 2nd battalion of the 95th, or rifle regiment”.

They sailed for Portugal on the 15th March along with a division of Guards and two companies of artillery. (London Courier).

12th April 1810 – Public Ledger and Daily Advertiser

“Among the troops which have arrived in the vicinity and suburbs of London….part of the 95th rifle corps.”

13th April 1810 – London Courier

Despatch from Guarda dated March 13th:

“A skirmish took place at a village called Barba de Porca, between 200 French and 20 of the 95th regiment; the enemy were repulsed by this small party, and had six killed on the spot; they returned to St. Felices, at which place they have an advanced corps of 3000 men, as an army of observation.”

Another despatch from Guarda. This time dated the 22nd March:

“On the 19th inst. At nine o’clock at night, 600 French entered the village of Barba de Porco, where they were received by four companies of the 95th regiment, and completely defeated, two officers and 120 men killed and taken prisoner; an officer and 8 men of the 95th were killed.”

13th April 1810 – Public Ledger and Daily Advertiser

“Government yesterday received dispatches from Lord Wellington, brought by Lisbon Mail, which left that city on the 3rd inst. They announce, that a division of the French army had made its appearance at St. Felices, to the northward of Almeida, with a determination of driving in the advanced post of the British army. In this attempt they were strongly opposed by Lt. Gen. Beckwith, at the head of the 95th rifle regiment, who attacked the enemy with great gallantry, and drove them back. In the pursuit, several Officers and men were killed, and a considerable number taken prisoners. The enemy’s force amounted to about 600. The British lost a Lieutenant, who was killed, and one or two other Officers wounded; a trifling number of British troops were also wounded. It is stated, that this small hostile detachment afterwards fell back on the main body of the enemy’s army, and that the sole object of the enterprise was to discover the exact situation of the British forces in that quarter, previous to any grand attempt being made to enter the north of Portugal.”

17th April 1810 – Chester Courant

Further details of the skirmish relayed from a despatch from London on April 14th:

“The French attacked the post at Barba del Puerco, which was occupied by four companies of the 95th regiment under Lieut.-Colonel Beckwith, on the right of the 19th instant.

Immediately opposite Barba del Puerco, on the other side of the river, is St. Felices, and between these two villages the only bridge on the Agueda below Ciudad Roderigo; and the recent fall of rain had filled the river, which was nowhere fordable.

The enemy had collected a brigade of infantry at St. Felices, and crossed the bridge with 600 men after dark; keeping the remainder on the other side. These followed the picket of the 95th up from the bridge, and immediately made their attack; but were repulsed with the loss of two officers and seven men killed, and six prisoners and thirty firelocks.

I am sorry to add, that Lieutenant Mercer of the 95th, and three men, were killed, and ten were wounded in this affair; which was highly creditable to Colonel Beckwith, and displayed the gallantry and discipline of the officers and troops under his command. The Adjutant Lieutenant Stewart distinguished himself.”

27th April 1810 – Chester Chronicle

“At the late affair at Barba de Porca, in which part of the 95th rifle corps were engaged, one of the enemy fired at Colonel Beckwith, at the distance of six yards, and shot through his hat. The Colonel knocked him down, and made him a prisoner. He begged the Colonel to spare his life, as he had given an English soldier a shirt at Corunna! Attached to the three companies of the 95th were 100 Spaniards; the captain and thirty men fought well; the other officers and seventy men ran away the moment they heard that the enemy had crossed the bridge! Another instance of Spanish bravery.”

8th May 1810 – Kentish Gazette

A despatch from London from the previous day:

“The officers and privates of the 95th regiment have, through the medium of Brigadier-General Craufurd, received the thanks of the Commander-in-Chief, for their gallant conduct at Barba de Porco. Brig. General Craufurd, in the general order issued on the occasion, remarks –

“That British troops should defeat a superior number of French is nothing new; but this action reflects honour on Colonel Beckwith and the regiment, inasmuch as it was of a sort which the riflemen of other countries never shew. The rifle is considered as little calculated for close action with an enemy armed with musket and bayonet; but the 95th regiment, under the gallant example of Lieut. Colonel Beckwith, has proved that the rifle in the Lands of Englishmen is a perfectly sufficient weapon to enable them to defeat the French in the closest fight, in whatever manner they may be armed.””

12th May 1810 – Caledonian Mercury

“Wednesday, Allan Hart, an American seaman, was committed to jail by the magistrates of Glasgow, charged with attempting to seduce several recruits of the 95th regiment from His Majesty’s service, into a merchant ship belonging to the United States. The prisoner says, that his real name is Thomas Walker, that he was born at Leith, and belongs to the Count Wellington, an American ship, but with Spanish papers, now at Greenock. He is a lad about twenty, middle sized, dark complexion, and his face marked with gun-powder.”

This Irishman, masquerading as an American, was tried at Edinburgh Court and committed to Bridewell Prison on the banks of the Fleet in London. He was charged with ‘endeavouring to cause desertion from a recruiting party’.

25th June 1810 – Salisbury and Winchester Journal

“Died. On the 14th inst. At Clifton, Major O’Neale, late of the 95th regiment.”

10th July 1810 – London Courier

Referring to the 6th:

“On Friday last a part of the 95th Rifle Regiment arrived at Brighton.”

16th July 1810 – Hampshire Telegraph

“On Wednesday, 200 of the 95th (Rifle) regiment, with Colonel Barnard, embarked on board the Mercury, armed en flute, Captain Tancock, for Cadiz. Contrary wind prevents her sailing. The Defender gun-brig, Lt. Nops, is under orders for the same station.”

10th August 1810 – Chester Chronicle

In relation to troop movements in North America, the 95th, then in Quebec, are reported as moving to Halifax in Nova Scotia to replace the 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers who had been despatched to Cadiz.

13th August 1810 – Public Ledger and Daily Advertiser

Following the action at the fort of La Conception and withdrawal of the troops from Coa, Craufurd wrote on the 11th :

“I am sorry to say with considerable loss, by the 43rd and part of the 95th regiment”

Lt. J. G. McCulloch of the 1st battalion of the 95th was taken prisoner.

7th September 1810 – Kentish Weekly Post

“A letter has been received from Captain Mitchell, of the 95th Regiment, who was stated in the Gazette to have been killed in General Craufurd’s affair on the banks of the Coa. He was only shot through the arm and is likely to do well.”

On September 4th a further 110 men sailed from Portsmouth bound for Portugal (Aberdeen Press).

11th September 1810 – Public Ledger

“On Monday, August 27th, between five and six o’clock, Capt.V-, and Lieut.- belonging to the 95th regiment, fought a duel at Violet hill near Newbury. The former received his antagonist’s ball in the groin, which caused his immediate death.”

8th January 1811 – Globe

Extract from a letter from an Officer in the 95th Regiment, dated December 16th from Lisbon:

“The French were never so much at their wits end as at present; whenever they fight in this country they always have the worse. Under Lord Wellington’s command, every one is confident of success. The Portuguese, led on by British Officers, fight like tigers; they have behaved astonishingly well. I have witnessed several regiments of them come on into action with the greatest enthusiasm.”

28th March 1811 – Public Ledger and Daily Advertiser

Battle of Barosa – Despatch from Cadiz

“Marshal Victor had a narrow escape from the 95th Rifle Corps as he was rallying his scattered troops, but escaped by hard riding.”

6th April 1811 – Lancaster Gazette

From Plymouth Dock, the 2nd April, a letter from an officer of the 95th at Cadiz:

“I have been in the hottest action I was ever engaged in; and thank God, have escaped the general carnage, with only a slight wound. Much has been said of the battle of Telavera, but I assure you, it bore no comparison to that of Barrosa; when the two armies came to the charge, it really seemed as if each was determined to extirpate the other.”

26th April 1811 – Public Ledger and Daily Advertiser

War Department despatch of the 18th April (extract):

“A Dispatch was received last night received from Lord Wellington, dated Marmoliero, April 2nd. His Lordship states, that having collected his army near Celorico, on the 23rd March, with a view to dislodge the enemy from the position he seemed inclined to maintain at Guarda, some skirmishes took place at Avelans and Fraxedas, from whence the enemy was driven, with the loss of many prisoners. Brigade Major Stewart, of the 95th, was killed.”

14th May 1811 – Kentish Weekly Post

“The East Kent Militia commenced their march yesterday in three divisions to Pendennis Castle,
Falmouth. It is with no small degree of pride that we state the spirit shewn by the East Kent regiment in volunteering their services to the regiments of the line. On the 1st instant upwards of 150 men offered for that purpose, but the number permitted to volunteer being only eighty-seven, the remainder are for the present prevented from serving their country on that extended scale hey were desirous of. Fifty of those whose offer was accepted have volunteered for the gallant 95th Rifle regiment, now stationed at Ashford.”

10th August 1811 – Caledonian Mercury

A despatch from Lisbon dated July 20th

“His Majesty’s ship Leopold has also arrived from Cadiz, as convoy to a division of transports, carrying detachments of the Chasseurs Britanniques, and 95th regiment.”

13th August 1811 – Kentish Weekly Post

“Three companies of the 3rd battalion of the 95th Rifle regiment at Ashford, are ordered to hold themselves ready for foreign service.”

On October 20th a detachment of seventy men of the 95th along with the 47th and 87th and some artillery landed at Tarrifa Bay from a transport convoy led by the warship Cambrian under the command of Rear-Admiral Legge.

3rd December 1811 – Morning Chronicle

“A large detachment of the 95th Rifle corps, under the command of Captain Glasse, embark this week for Portugal.”

95^th Rifles:  A March through Time Part 4: 1812 to 1816

Marching at the double we move to Part 4, further extracts from local newspapers shed light on the early history of the Rifles:

4^th January 1812 – Belfast Commercial Chronicle and the Globe

Army General Orders issued from Horse Guards on 24th December 1811. Changes in uniform regulations:

“Field Officers

1. All Field Officers (those belonging to rifle corps excepted), whether by brevet or otherwise, are to wear two epaulettes.
2. The epaulettes of a Colonel to have a crown and a star on the strap; a Lieutenant Colonel a crown; and a Major a star; which distinctions are also to be observed by Field Officers of light dragoons.
3. Field Officers of fusiliers and light infantry corps, as likewise the Captains of flank companies, who have the brevet rank of Field Officers, are to wear wings in addition to their epaulettes. The epaulettes of the grenadiers to have a grenade on the strap, and those of the light infantry a bugle-horn, below the device pointed out in the preceding paragraph, No.2.

By command of his Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief.”     

Regulations were also introduced for the common soldier:

“His Royal Highness the Prince Regent having been pleased to command that the caps of the rifle and light infantry corps, and the rifle and light infantry companies of regiments, shall have a bugle horn, with the number of the regiment below it, instead of the brass plate worn by the rest of the infantry, the Commander in Chief has directed that the same shall be established throughout the several companies and corps of riflemen and light infantry in his Majesty’s service.

By command of his Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief.”     

1^st May 1812 – Kentish Gazette

“Last week three soldiers attempted to steal some faggots from a stack belonging to a man named Jones, who keeps the Turnpike-gate at Hythe, on the Ashford Road; the family had just retired to bed, hearing a noise and suspecting the cause from their having received a similar visit the night before; the man, his wife, and son, putting on their great coats, and went out, a scuffle immediately ensued. Jones and his son were knocked down by the soldiers, when the woman attacked one of them and falling with him into a ditch, broke her leg; the man endeavoured to get off, but she held him firm with one hand, and supporting her broken leg with the other, till a traveller passing near, and alarmed by the noise, came to her assistance, when he was secured and taken into custody by the Staff Corps guard, the other two men ran off, and we are sorry to say, have hitherto escaped detection.”

A week later the Rifleman was committed. As reported in the 8^th May edition:

“Wednesday was committed to St. Augustine’s Gaol, Canterbury, by Thomas Papillon esq. Tobias Kinsella, a private in the 95th Rifle Regiment, charged with a violent assault on Edward and William Jones, and also with having attempted to rob the premises of Edmund Jones at Saltwood near Hythe. This prisoner is the soldier who was apprehended by the intrepidity of the wife and mother of the above, at the Turnpike-gate at Hythe, as we stated in Friday last, and has since been confined in the Hospital till he should be sufficiently recovered to return to Gaol.” 

5^th May 1812 – Kentish Gazette

Canterbury May 5^th

“Capt. Drake of the 95^th Rifle Regiment, Assistant Quarter-Master-General of the Kent district, is ordered on the Staff at Manchester.” 

 12^th May 1812 – Kentish Gazette

“Died:- April 6, at storming of Badajoz, by a musket ball through the head, aged 23, Lieut. William Allix, of the 95^th Rifle Regiment, third son of the late J.P. Alliox esq. of Swafham-house, Cambridgeshire” 

25^th May 1812 – Sussex Advertiser

Lewes

“Last Thursday two companies of the 95^th or Rifle Corps (2^nd battalion) marched into this town, on their route from Hythe in Kent to Portsmouth, preparatory to their embarkment for Portugal. They are commanded by Major Wilkins. Two companies of the 3^rd battalion, are in a few days to follow them, on the same destination.” 

1^st June 1812 – Sussex Advertiser

Lewes – June 1^st. With reference to the 25^th May:

“Last Tuesday two companies of the 3^rd battalion of Riflemen, under the command of Captain Smith, marched into the town, on their route from Shorncliff, in Kent, to join the division of the 2d battalion, that passed through the preceding week, to embark at Portsmouth, for Portugal.” 

29^th May 1812 – Kentish Chronicle

Canterbury – May 29^th

“Lieutenant-Colonel Wade, and the Staff of the Rifle Corps, have received orders to hold themselves in readiness for Portugal, expect to leave Hythe the beginning of next week, on their route to Portsmouth for embarkation.” 

1^st June 1812 – Salisbury and Winchester Journal

Portsmouth – May 30^th

“Two companies embarked this morning, and proceeded, with some detachments of artillery, to Lisbon under convoy of the Cossack.” 

12^th June 1812 – Kentish Chronicle

“Lieut. Roderick Mackenzie, of the 1^st batt. 95^th Rifle Corps, highly to the credit of the regiment, has been dismissed (from) the service, for defrauding various tradespeople in the neighbourhood of the depot. “

“The 3^rd batt. Rifle Regiment has been very successful in volunteering from the Militia, nearly 200 fine fellows have already arrived in Shorn Cliff, the headquarters of the 3^rd batt.”

26^th June 1812 – Kentish Gazette

“ESCAPED. This afternoon, about half-past three o’clock, from the ground where he was employed by others, adjourning to St. Augustine’s Gaol, Canterbury – being a prisoner, charged with felony there in sheep-stealing, PHILIP GURRIDGE, who answers the following description, viz., a private in the 95^th rifle corps, five feet seven inches high, 24 years of age, stout made, flat nose, thick lips, frowning ill look, dark brown hair, grey eyes, dark swarthy complexion, born at Kingsnorth in Kent, and has a father and mother living at Oxton near Godstone, Surrey – had on when he escaped, his green undress cap, belonging to his regiment; and a short smock frock or gabardine and trousers belonging to the county, marked in various places, “East Kent Gaol, No.2” – he is a desperate character. Whoever will apprehend the above prisoner, and lodge him in any of his Majesty’s gaols, so he may be delivered to the Keeper of Saint Augustine’s Gaol, near Canterbury, shall immediately receive the sum of THREE GUINEAS, and all reasonable expenses paid.” 

8^th September 1812 – Kentish Weekly Post

“A small detachment of the 2^nd Rifle regiment, under Lieut. Madden, left Hythe a few days since, to embark for Cadiz” 

24^th September 1812 – Morning Chronicle

Extract of killed and wounded during the capture of Seville by troops under Colonel Skerrett on the morning of the 27^th August 1812:

“95^th Rifle Corps, 2^nd Batt – 1 subaltern, 6 rank and file, 1 horse wounded. First Lieut. Llewelyn slightly wounded.”

 25^th September 1812 – Kentish Weekly Post

“Detachments of the following regiments in the Kent District are under orders for Spain: – Seven officers, and 200 rank and file, 2d batt. 71^st Light Infantry, under the command of Captain Reed; 170 men, with a proportion of officers, belonging to the three battalions 95^th Rifle Corps, to be commanded by Captain Gibbons; Capt. Long, two Subalterns, with 60 men, Royal Staff Corps, all from Hythe; and seven Officers with 120 rank and file, 68^th Light Infantry from Brabourne Lees.”

“The 3d batt. 95^th Regiment are expected to march into Hythe from Shorne Cliff in a few days, when the light detachments from Brabourne Lees will occupy the barracks at Shorn Cliffe.”

“We regret to learn that accounts have been received from Spain, announcing the death of that promising young officer Capt. D. Ferguson, 2d Rifle Corps, at Salamanca.” 

16^th October 1812 – Kentish Weekly Post

“Detachments of the following regiments have left Hythe this evening for the Peninsula:- on Monday 150 rank and file 2^d batt. 71^st, under Captain Pigeon; Tuesday 170 men belonging to the 3d Rifle Corps, under Capt. Gibbons: detachments from the 51^st and 68^th regiments at Brabourne Lees, have also marched to Portsmouth, for the same destination.”

“Accounts have been received from Spain, announcing the death of Capt. J. Crampton, of the 1^st Rifle regiment, through excessive fatigue with the army in that country” 

19^th November 1812 – London Courier and Evening Gazette

First published in 1808 by Captain Henry Beaufoy of the Rifles, a second edition was published today:

“Dedicated, by permission, to the Earl of MOIRA,-This day is published, price 9s, in boards, the Second Edition,

SCLOPPETARIA; or, an Essay on the Nature and Use of RIFLED BARREL GUNS; with reference to their forming the Basis of a permanent System of National Defence agreeable to the genius of the Country. With Observations on the present Clothing and Accoutrements of Rifle Corps, and Hints for the improvement of both. – By A RIFLEMAN.

Printed for Egerton Military Library, Whitehall; and may be had at all Booksellers.” 

27^th November 1812 – Kentish Weekly Post

“An unfortunate woman, the wife of a Serjeant of the 2d Rifle Regiment, at Shorncliffe, cut her throat on Tuesday last in a dreadful manner, and is not likely to survive – she had been in a desponding way for nearly a month.”

9^th March 1813 – Kentish Weekly Post

“On Thursday last, the 4^th instant, the officers of the 3^rd batt. 95^th Rifle Regiment, gave an elegant dinner in their mess-room at Shorncliffe, to General McKenzie, and Staff, the officers of the 1^st and 2^nd batt. 95^th, and of the 2d batt. 43d and 52d, in commemoration of the memorable battle of Barossa, being the first time the third battalion of that distinguished regiment was engaged.” 

16^th April 1813 – Kentish Weekly Post

Canterbury, April 16^th.

“The East Kent Militia have received orders to hold themselves in readiness to embark, on their return from Ireland to this Kingdom. The regiment, with its accustomed spirit, furnished the full quota of volunteers for the line on the first instant, chiefly to the third battalion 95^th rifle regiment.” 

11^th May 1813 – Kentish Weekly Post

“Surgeon Scott and Assistant-Surgeon Abel, of the 95^th Rifle Regiment, and Assistant-Surgeon Jerreard, Royal Staff Corps, are ordered to join their respective regiments in Spain.” 

20^th July 1813 – Kentish Weekly Post

“Captain Boyle Travers, 95^th (rifle) regiment is appointed Aide-de-Camp to Major General McKenzie at Hythe, instead of Captain Black, who has embarked with his regiment, the 54^th, at Harwich.” 

24^th September 1813 – Kentish Weekly Post

Canterbury.

“Detachments from most of the regiments in Hythe Garrison, are ordered for immediate service, – two hundred of the Rifle Regiment, are expected to leave Shorncliffe tomorrow, to join the gallant Marshall Wellington.” 

11^th October 1813 – Sussex Advertiser

Lewes.^. Heading off for the Peninsula.

“On Friday a detachment of about two hundred, composed of remarkably fine young men, from the 95^th, or rifle regiment, also marched into this town; and the next morning proceeded on their route for the same destination.” 

24^th November 1813 – London Courier

Expedition to Holland:

“The 2d battalion of the 52^nd light infantry, and left left wing of the 3d battalion of the 95^th rifle, in number 550, received at Hythe their orders on Sunday evening to embark, and is supposed will embark today.” 

31^st January 1814 – Sussex Advertiser

Lewes

“On Friday a detachment of the 95^th or Rifle Corps, marched into this town from Shorn Cliffe, and the next morning proceeded on to Portsmouth, there to embark for France, to join the army serving under the Marquis Wellington.” 

10^th February 1814 – Caledonian Mercury

“A messenger arrived on Monday from Holland, who brings despatches from Sir T(homas). Graham, detailing some skirmishes under the walls of Antwerp, in which British troops greatly distinguished themselves. A party of the 95^th rifle regiment had actually penetrated within the gates of Antwerp, pell mell, with the retreating French, and had killed a French general, whose uniform and decorations of the Legion of Honour, the messenger has brought over to the Prince Regent.” 

14^th February 1814 – Morning Chronicle

A report from commanding officer Sir Thomas Graham in Holland:

“Detachments of the rifle corps did the most advanced duty, under the able direction of Lieut. Colonel Cameron, in a way that gave security to the batteries on Ferdinand’s Dyke, and though this line was infiladed, and every part of the village under the range of shot and shells from the enemy, I am happy to say the casualties, on the whole, have not been numerous.” 

21^st March 1814 – Hampshire Telegraph

Portsmouth – 19^th March.

“The Marine Battalion, lately from Holland, is now formed, and expect to embark for Canada immediately. Various detachments of troops will likewise embark in the course of the next week, including a number of men of the 95^th Rifle Corps.” 

21^st July 1814 – Perthshire Courier

“Died. At Tarbes, in the South of France, on 23^rd March last, in consequence of the wounds he received on the 20^th of that month, Captain John Duncan, of the 95^th regiment, or rifle corps. Captain Duncan had been in the army upwards of 15 years, and had seen a great deal of service.” 

26^th July 1814 – Kentish Gazette.

On the 18^th July the 95^th Rifles held a fete champete at Cherry Gardens at the foot of Caesar’s Camp hill near Shorncliffe. Tables were placed under the shade of the trees and the area commanded a spectacular view including the coast of France. At four o’clock forty ladies and gentlemen sat down for dinner as the regimental band played. Afterwards there was a merry dance on the green and tea was later served.

8^th August 1814 – Sussex Advertiser

Lewes. The troops return. They had been temporarily housed in Hilsea Barracks in Portsmouth following their return from the continent.

“On Friday, the 2d battalion of the 95^th, or Rifle Regiment, who had debarked at Portsmouth from Bordeaux, under the command of Captain Logan, marched into this town (where they would have halted, but for the near approach of the Assizes, which compelled them to go on to Horsebridge) on route to Shorn Cliffe. The first battalion marched coastways, on the same destination.”

The two battalions were reportedly 350 strong each at that time.

13^th August 1814 – Caledonian Mercury

“The 43^rd regiment, and six companies of the 95^th rifle corps, lately arrived from France, are ordered for foreign service – supposed America.”

One week later, the same paper added:

“The 3d battalion of the 95^th rifle corps have received orders to hold themselves in readiness to embark for foreign service. It is only a few days since this fine battalion returned from the south of France, where, as well as in the Peninsula, it was employed on every occasion, and always received the approbation of the Duke of Wellington.” 

24^th September 1814 – Caledonian Mercury

“EXPEDITION TO AMERICA. – The squadron bound to America, which lay in the Plymouth Sound, were on the alert for three or four days previous to starting by hoisting Blue Peters. On Saturday night the squadron loosed their top-sails but did not sail until the following morning, as the 95^th (rifle) did not embark until then. The ships are, the Bedford and Norge, 74 guns each, Bucephalus, Alceste, Bella, Poule, Fox, Gordon, Dover, Portia, and several transports, having on board about 4000 soldiers, besides a detachment of artillery, and 250 dragoons of the 14^th regiment, who arrived dismounted on Saturday morning, at Plymouth Dock, and embarked immediately. The regiments on board are the 28^th, 45^th, 95^th (rifle) and 93^rd (highlanders, 1100), the latter supposed to be the finest regiment in service, having been at the Cape of Good Hope during great part of the late sanguinary campaigns. They embarked at Devil’s Point, near Plymouth Dock, in high spirits, The whole sailed on Sunday morning with a fine breeze. They touch at Cork.”  

30^th September 1814 – Kentish Weekly Post

Canterbury

“…the Freedom of this City was unanimously voted to Captain J.B. Hart of the 95^th Rifle regiment, (a native of this City) for his gallant and distinguished services in the British Army, during the greater part of the late war.” 

11^th November 1814 – Kentish Weekly Post

Canterbury

“A detachment of about 300 of the 2d batt. Of the 91^st regiment, marched from this city on Monday, for Ireland, from whence they will embark for America, to join the 1^st battalion of that fine regiment. A strong detachment of the 95^th rifle regiment marched into Ramsgate on Tuesday on Tuesday, from Hythe, to embark for Brabant.” 

24^th January 1815 – Kentish Weekly Post

Canterbury

“We hear that the Mayor and Commonality of this City, intend at a Court of Burghmote, to be holden on Tuesday next, to present Major Halford of the 59^th regiment, with the sword lately voted him by the Court, as a testimonial of their high sense of his gallant and meritorious service of his country during the late war. At the same time, the freedom of the City, recently voted to Captain Hart, of the 95^th (Rifle) Regiment, will be presented to that gallant Officer. After the ceremony of presentation, (which we learn is to take place in the public Hall) it is intention of the Members of the Corporation, and the many of the principle Inhabitants of the City, and neighbourhood, to celebrate the day by a public dinner at the Fountain Tavern, to which, Major Halford and Captain Hart, have been invited.”

Captain John Blackburn Hart and Major George Halford were rewarded for their service on Tuesday 31^st January at the Guildhall in Canterbury. The doors were opened to the public and the presentations took place in front of the populace. The Mayor addressed Captain Hart with the following words:

“Captain Hart. Being fully aware of the feelings of my fellow Citizens on the previous occasions, I am the more conscious how inadequate I am to express them. That constancy and devotion which you have at all times displayed, under the most trying circumstances of extreme fatigue and privation in the service of your country, have for many years proclaimed your value as an Officer. But, Sir, during the late campaign on the Peninsula your intrepid courage called forth the unanimous applause of all who had the pleasure to know you. It is not in the power of this Court to reward valor like yours; that belongs to the nation at large, for which you have devoted the best portion of your life, of which, the honourable wounds you now labour under, bear ample testimony. Allow me, Sir, in pursuance of the resolution which you have just heard read, to present you with the Freedom of your native City, and, in the only instance I believe on record, unanimously voted in perpetuity.”

The Mayor then presented Captain Hart with a copy of the Freedom inside an ornamented and inscribed silver box. Captain Hart replied:

“I accept with the greatest pleasure the Freedom of my native City, and feel proud at being enrolled amongst its Citizens. Your marked approbation of my conduct as a soldier, calls forth my warmest acknowledgements. Be assured that it excites I me the strongest sensations of gratitude. To express my feelings on an occasion, so liberal on your part, and so highly gratifying to myself, exceeds my power of language. I beg, Mr Mayor, your acceptance of my sincere Thanks for the very handsome and obliging manner in which you have conveyed to me this invaluable token”.

After a chorus of huzzahs and applause, the party retired to The Fountain public house. 

10^th March 1815 – Kentish Weekly Post

Canterbury

“On Wednesday and yesterday the 95^th rifle regiment marched into this city on their route from Dover to Sheerness, the garrison of which place has been ordered to the metropolis.” 

28^th March 1815 – London Courier

Dover – March 26^th.

“Last night about six o’clock the 2d battalion 95^th or rifle regiment, under the command of Colonel Wade, consisting of 600 and upwards, embarked on board the King George packet, Countess of Elgin, British Fair, Favourite, Wennesley Dale, Queen Charlotte, and Nymph passage vessels, which sailed at 11 o’clock; the night being beautifully fine and moonlight 1000 persons were collected from the Pier-heads to witness  their departure and cheer them as they went out; our brave soldiers returned the cheers, huzzaing Vive le Roi! Vive les Bourbons! No accident of any sort occurred in the embarkation, and there is little doubt but they were landed at Ostend before noon this day.” 

31^st March 1815 – Chester Chronicle

“Sunday. Bonaparte stopped all the posts when he entered Paris; he has denounced Marmont, Talleyrand, Augereau, Laine, and proclaimed that any one may quit France who pleases during 15 days. Dunkirk said to be taken by the British. 2d batt. (rifle) embarked Dover for Ostend.” 

25^th April 1815 – Kentish Gazette

Canterbury

“A farther detachment of the Royal Wagon Train marched from this city yesterday morning for embarkation at Ramsgate for Belgium. The 1^st batt. of the 95^th Rifle Regiment will also be embarked this day at Dover for the same destination.”

A despatch from Dover of the 26^th added:

“The first battalion of the 95^th or Rifle Regiment, embarked here last night in several passage vessels for Ostend. The men were in the highest spirits, declaring it the fifth time they had been to meet Bonaparte.” 

16^th May 1815 – Kentish Gazette

Canterbury  

“The Depots of the 1^st and 2^nd Battalions of the 95^th Rifle Regiment, were removed from Dover to Hythe Barracks on Thursday last.” 

1^st June 1815 – Exeter Flying Post

Plymouth – May 30^th

“Thursday. Arrived the Dover frigate and Norfolk transport, from New Orleans, last from the Havannah, having on board the remains of the 95^th rifle regiment; left Havannah three weeks since.”

“Friday. Sailed the Dover frigate and Norfolk transport, for the Downs, having on board the remains of the 95^th rifle regiment”. 

22^nd June 1815 – Dublin Evening Post

“Lord Wellington’s Army…..8^th Brigade – Major-General Sir J. Kempt, K.C.B. – 1^st Battalion 28^th Regiment, 1^st do. 32d do. 1^st do. 79^th do. and 1^st do. 95^th (Rifle) Corps.” 

4^th July 1815 – Hull Packet

With reference to the Battle of Waterloo:

“Extract of a letter from an Officer commanding the 95^th regiment, to his relative in this town;- “I have been in many engagements, both in India and on the continent, but never saw anything equal to that glorious but dreadful day, the 18^th June: such a battle, and such a day, was never witnessed; the French cavalry charged my regiment with the greatest impetuosity five times, without being able to break in upon us – Finding all their efforts with their cavalry in vain, (for my brave fellows stood firm as a wall of iron) they turned their cannon upon us, loaded with canister shot, and cut us up dreadfully, by which I have got badly wounded in the left arm, the bone of which is broken; have also received a severe contusion on the breast, and right hand, but, thank God, I hope am in a fair way of recovery. I am now at Brussels, along with a number of wounded, where we receive every medical aid and attention.”” 

4^th July 1815 – Kentish Weekly Post

Murder

“An Inquest was held at Folkestone, on Thursday last, before Henry Butcher, esq. Mayor and Coroner, on the body of William Dorman, who was killed in a fray which occurred between a part of soldiers and young men, belonging to that town. The Jury, after a patient investigation of the circumstances, returned a verdict of WILFUL MURDER against some person or persons unknown.”

7^th July 1815 – Kentish Gazette

“On Tuesday last, George Dixon and John Bayley, two privates belonging to the Royal Artillery, and John Bathurst, a man of colour, belonging to the band of the 95^th regiment, were fully committed to Folkestone Gaol, to take their trial for the murder of William Dorman.”

25^th July – The trial was held at the Kent Assizes at Maidstone as reported in the Kentish Gazette.

“MURDER. John Bathurst and John Bayley, two soldiers, removed by Habeas Corpus, from the town of Folkestone on the 11^th July, were indicted, the former being charged on the oath of Ann Steady, widow, with feloniously, voluntarily, and with malice afore thought, killing and murdering William Dorman, at Folkestone; the latter being charged by his own confession, of killing and murdering, with malice afore thought, the said William Dorman.

Francis Payne, was at the British Lion, at Folkestone, at the last fair as a waiter. The prisoner, Bathurst, came into the house and asked him whether any of the 95^th were there. Witness said there were some in the dancing room, and the prisoner went in and said to them “95^th turn out.” A scuffle took place, and Bayley and Bathurst went out. A quarter of an hour afterwards Bathurst came in with his back all over dirt, and aid “I have done for three of them.”

Thomas Kemp, lived at Folkestone, and was in the street on the 29^th June last, at one o’clock in the morning. There were soldiers and sailors in the street quarrelling. While he was speaking to Dorman, (the deceased), witness saw sailors running down the street with soldiers after them. Dorman ran with the sailors from the soldiers; and witness ran up a yard. Presently he came from the yard and proceeded down the street where he saw Dorman lying on the ground, with a rifleman by his side, kicking him with his foot, and swearing at him. Witness carried Dorman into the public house. He could distinguish no persons.

William Shaw was a sailor, and was in the street at Folkestone, on the night of 29^th June. As he was coming up the street he saw Bathurst cutting a staff from one of the booths. Witness went afterwards into the British Lion, and saw Bathurst come in to say he had killed three men. 

Ann Steady, was on the 29^th June last at Folkestone, awoke out of her sleep by a great noise; she looked out  of her window and saw some soldiers beating Dorman, but could not distinguish the Black Man (Bathurst).

Mr. Justice Le Blanc addressed the Jury. There was no evidence to identify either of the prisoners, and therefore they must be acquitted.

Verdict: Acquitted.”

John Bathurst is listed in a December 1814 Muster Roll as being with the 3^rd Battalion of the 95^th at Shorncliffe.

8^th July 1815 – London Courier

“The 3d Battalion Rifle Regiment at Shorncliffe, are under orders for embarkation; also detachments from the 1d and 2d Battalions of that distinguished regiment” 

18^th July 1815 – Kentish Weekly Post

Canterbury

“The 3d batt. of the 95^th rifle regiment, with detachments of the 1^st and 2d battalions, were embarked at Dover for Ostend last week, also a detachment of the 52^nd light infantry.” 

29^th January 1816 – Morning

“The three battalions of the 95^th foot are to be formed into a rifle brigade, to which a battalion of the 14^th foot is to be added.”

The changes came into effect on the 23rd February 1816 whilst the 95^th were still in France. A War Office despatch dated that day stated:

“The Prince Regent, in the name and on behalf of his Majesty, has been pleased to direct, that the Battalions of the 95^th Regiment shall in future be styled the Rifle Brigade, and that it shall be taken out of the numbered Regiments of the Line.”

The existing 96^th was then renumbered as the 95^th. The Rifle Brigade had been formed. 

Written by Phillip Eyden

Author Name Phil Eyden

Sourced from The British Libraries Local Newspaper Archive

Pictures from Google