Richard Cannon's 'Historical Record of the First, or Royal Regiment of Foot' is a meticulously detailed account of the history and exploits of one of the oldest regiments in the British Army. Written in a straightforward and factual style, the book provides an in-depth exploration of the regiment's participation in major historical events, including wars and battles. Cannon's narrative is filled with firsthand accounts, official records, and strategic analysis, making it a valuable resource for military historians and enthusiasts alike. The book's thorough examination of military tactics and strategies adds depth to the understanding of the regiment's contributions to British military history, placing it within the broader context of the era's conflicts and alliances. Richard Cannon's dedication to preserving the historical legacy of the First Regiment shines through in this comprehensive work, showcasing his expertise in military history and archival research. Readers interested in British military history and the evolution of regimental warfare will find 'Historical Record of the First, or Royal Regiment of Foot' a compelling and informative read.

The Royal Scots, one of the earliest and most distinguished names in the British Army, have an unequalled record of service to the Crown and country. This huge history covers the entire early years of the regiment from their garrisoning of Tangier in 1680 down to the Boer War in 1899-1902. Between these deployments, they fought in the Duke of Marlborough's four great victories at Blenheim, Ramillies, Oudenarde and Malplaquet, the expedition to Louisburg, the retreat to Corunna, the Peninsular war battles of Busaco, Vittoria Salamanca, San Sebastian, and the NIve; the Waterloo campaign, the Crimean War. This book contains all you would expect in such a record: not only detailed accounts of all the campaigns and actions, but officers' roils, marching songs, regimental crests and insignia, uniform illustrations, and portraits of the regiment's colonels.

The character and credit of the British Army must chiefly depend upon the zeal and ardour, by which all who enter into its service are animated, and consequently it is of the highest importance that any measure calculated to excite the spirit of emulation, by which alone great and gallant actions are achieved, should be adopted. Nothing can more fully tend to the accomplishment of this desirable object, than a full display of the noble deeds with which the Military History of our country abounds. To hold forth these bright examples to the imitation of the youthful soldier, and thus to incite him to emulate the meritorious conduct of those who have preceded him in their honourable career, are among the motives that have given rise to the present publication. The operations of the British Troops are, indeed, announced in the 'London Gazette,' from whence they are transferred into the public prints: the achievements of our armies are thus made known at the time of their occurrence, and receive the tribute of praise and admiration to which they are entitled. On extraordinary occasions, the Houses of Parliament have been in the habit of conferring on the Commanders, and the Officers and Troops acting under their orders, expressions of approbation and of thanks for their skill and bravery, and these testimonials, confirmed by the high honour of their Sovereign's Approbation, constitute the reward which the soldier most highly prizes. It has not, however, until late years, been the practice (which appears to have long prevailed in some of the Continental armies) for British Regiments to keep regular records of their services and achievements. Hence some difficulty has been experienced in obtaining, particularly from the old Regiments, an authentic account of their origin and subsequent services. This defect will now be remedied, in consequence of His Majesty having been pleased to command, that every Regiment shall in future keep a full and ample record of its services at home and abroad. From the materials thus collected, the country will henceforth derive information as to the difficulties and privations which chequer the career of those who embrace the military profession. In Great Britain, where so large a number of persons are devoted to the active concerns of agriculture, manufactures, and commerce, and where these pursuits have, for so long a period, been undisturbed by the presence of war, which few other countries have escaped, comparatively little is known of the vicissitudes of active service, and of the casualties of climate, to which, even during peace, the British Troops are exposed in every part of the globe, with little or no interval of repose. In their tranquil enjoyment of the blessings which the country derives from the industry and the enterprise of the agriculturist and the trader, its happy inhabitants may be supposed not often to reflect on the perilous duties of the soldier and the sailor,—on their sufferings,—and on the sacrifice of valuable life, by which so many national benefits are obtained and preserved. The conduct of the British Troops, their valour, and endurance, have shone conspicuously under great and trying difficulties; and their character has been established in Continental warfare by the irresistible spirit with which they have effected debarkations in spite of the most formidable opposition, and by the gallantry and steadiness with which they have maintained their advantages against superior numbers. In the official Reports made by the respective Commanders, ample justice has generally been done to the gallant exertions of the Corps employed; but the details of their services, and of acts of individual bravery, can only be fully given in the Annals of the various Regiments. To be continue in this ebook...

Reproduction of the original: Historical Record of the First Regiment of Foot - The Origins of the Regiment by Richard Cannon