The 47th Regiment of Foot

Feb 15, 2015

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The 47th Regiment of Foot were involved in both the American War of Independence and the French & Indian War.

American War of Independence

The 47th Regiment of Foot arrived in North America in 1773 in New Jersey, a colony of the Great Britain. And which would be one of the Thirteen Colonies that would soon revolt against British rule. In late 1774 the regiment deployed to Boston and the following year the regiment saw action against rebels at Lexington and Concord and in the Battle of Bunker Hill.

In 1776 the regiment returned to Quebec to assist in its defence against American rebels. 1777 the regiment was part of the disastrous expedition to Saratoga where it took part in a number of major engagements. Much of the 47th Regiment of Foot became internees after the surrender of British forces on 17 October. These men not return home from their enforced stay until 1783 and the conclusion of the American War of Independence. On 24th Sept 1777, two companies of the 47th Regiment of Foot under command of Capt. Thomas Aubrey defeated a much larger colonial force at the Battle of Diamond Island.

In 1782 the regiment given a county distinction. Given the title the 47th (The Lancashire) Regiment of Foot.

French & Indian War

Under the command of Peregrine Lascelles, in 1750 the regiment deployed to Nova Scotia, Canada. And the following year, numbered the 47th Regiment of Foot. The regiment served at both Fort Vieux Logis and Fort Edward. It participated in the Bay of Fundy Campaign (1755), Battle of Fort Beausejour and the Siege of Louisbourg (1758). The following year the 47th took part in the legendary Battle of Quebec which saw British forces. Under the command of General James Wolfe, prevail against French forces in a battle that concluded a 3 month siege of Quebec.

Wolfe was well respected by his men, to such an extent that to commemorate the death of Wolfe in the battle the 47th Regiment of Foot began wearing a black line in their lace and also gained the nickname “Wolfe’s Own”. In 1760 the 47th Regiment of Foot took part in the Battle of Sainte-Foy, a British defeat against the French during the British defence of Quebec though despite the defeat the British held onto it.

In 1763 the regiment returned home from its long deployment in North America with the conclusion of Britain’s war with France.