The History of the 2nd Dragoons: "Royal Scots Greys"Almack, Edward
History
The History of the 2nd Dragoons: "Royal Scots Greys"
Almack, Edward
Great Britain. Army. Dragoons, 2nd (Royal Scots Greys)
In the summer of 1755 the Greys occupied quarters in Herefordshire and
in the winter months were dispersed in cantonments in Kent. In the next
spring they marched into Surrey, and afterwards into Dorsetshire, and
in June encamped with several other corps near Blandford.
In April, 1757, they went into cantonments in Essex, staying there four
months, and then going into Suffolk. In October four troops proceeded
to Newmarket.
An expedition was now made ready for a descent on the coast of France,
and the "light troop," commanded by Captain Francis Lindsay, was
ordered on this service.
The following is from the "Weekly Journal," 23 May, 1758:--
"The nine troops of Hussars (Light Dragoons) belonging to the nine
regiments of cavalry, are now preparing to go upon this expedition.
The flower of these Hussars is the troop commanded by Captain
Lindsay, quartered at Maidenhead, where they have been practising
the Prussian exercise, and for some days have been digging large
trenches and leaping over them, also leaping high hedges with broad
ditches on the other side. Their Captain on Saturday last, swam
with his horse over the Thames and back again; and the whole troop
were yesterday to swim the river."
On June 5th, 1758, the Brigade landed on the coast of France about nine
miles from St. Malo, and on the 7th set fire to the shipping in St.
Malo.
The troops having succeeded in this, now came home again.
In August the Greys light troop formed part of another expedition which
captured Cherbourg. After returning to England the light troop was
quartered in towns on the coast of Sussex.
The Greys were among the troops sent to Germany under the command of
Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick in the year 1758, at which time the Duke
of Argyle commanded the Regiment. These troops landed at Embden on the
20th of July and were headed by the Duke of Marlborough and the Lord
George Sackville.
Still did their gallantry and good conduct preserve to them the high
opinion which the Regiment had so justly merited in every conflict to
which its squadrons were exposed.
The following notes are from a volume (belonging to the Regiment)
lettered outside
"+Regimental Orders+, 1759."
Inside:--
"Copied from an old Regimental Order Book in possession of R. B.
Wardlaw Ramsay, Esqre., of Whitehill, Laeswale.
"+Piershill Barracks.+
"+Edinburgh+
"+1873.+
"+Tule+, 8 January 1759
"+Weaver+ 12 January
"+Wever+ 19 January
"The Major recommends it to the commanding officers of Troops,
that before they clear their men, they will stop from each man
for a pair of new shoes to carry into the field with them, as he
apprehends those they have will be wore out before that time.
"+Wever+, 22ⁿᵈ January
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account