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King's Own Royal Regiment Museum Lancaster |
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REGIMENTAL HISTORY |
REGIMENTAL HISTORY - 18TH CENTURY In 1703 the regiment was placed on the Marine establishment, and took part in the capture of Gibraltar and the defence of the colony from October 1704 to May 1705. In 1710 the Regiment returned to the Army establishment. In 1715 the Regiment received the distinctive title The King's Own Regiment of Foot. As its name suggests, this was a regiment of foot soldiers - an infantry regiment. The Regiment was to see further changes in its title over the centuries. The Regiment was involved in the actions against the Jacobite rising under 'Bonnie Prince Charlie' 1745-46, and fought in the Battle of Culloden of April 1746. Indeed, the King's Own suffered more casualties on that day than any other Regiment. Lieutenant Colonel Robert Rich, commanding the battalion, lost his left hand and nearly lost his right arm in the battle. Between 1753 and 1756 the King's Own were stationed on the Mediterranean island of Minorca. A pay document exists in the museum's collection with details the 'charge of the Garrison of Minorca' which also details the daily rates of pay for the officers and soldiers of the regiment. In the second half of the 18th Century the King's Own saw active service in the West Indies and later in North America. Their first actions were against the French. This was part of continuing conflicts as European powers fought for control of the West Indian islands. The islands produced valuable goods for import - like rum and sugar. The American War of Independence, on the other hand, saw the struggle of thirteen North American colonies to win their independence from Britain. |