5th Regiment of Foot

5th Regiment of Foot was a venerable line infantry regiment of the British Army, raised in 1685. It served with distinction for nearly two centuries across major European and colonial conflicts, from the War of the Spanish Succession to the Crimean War. The regiment was amalgamated into the Northumberland Fusiliers in 1881 as part of the Childers Reforms.

History

The regiment was first raised in 1685 by Charles II as the "Princess Anne of Denmark's Regiment of Foot" to help secure the throne for James II during the Monmouth Rebellion. Its early service included the Williamite War in Ireland, fighting at the Battle of the Boyne and the Siege of Limerick (1691). During the War of the Spanish Succession, it fought under the Duke of Marlborough at the Battle of Blenheim and the Battle of Ramillies. The 5th Foot later saw extensive action in the War of the Austrian Succession, including the Battle of Dettingen and the Battle of Fontenoy. In the Seven Years' War, the regiment served in the German campaign, notably at the Battle of Minden in 1759. During the American Revolutionary War, it was deployed to North America, participating in the Battle of Bunker Hill and the New York and New Jersey campaign. The regiment fought throughout the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars, with service in the Peninsular War at battles like Vitoria and the Pyrenees. Its final major action was in the Crimean War, where it endured the Siege of Sevastopol before returning to Britain and eventual amalgamation.

Regimental Colonels

The colonels of the regiment were its titular heads and often influential military figures. The first colonel was the regiment's founder, Sir Robert Peyton. Notable later colonels included Thomas Whetham, who commanded during the War of the Spanish Succession, and John Parslow, who led the unit in the mid-18th century. In the Napoleonic era, Sir Henry Johnson served as colonel, followed by Sir Charles Colville after the Battle of Waterloo. The final colonel before amalgamation was Sir Charles Ash Windham, a veteran of the Crimean War known for his service at the Battle of Inkerman.

Battle Honours

The regiment earned numerous battle honours reflecting its long combat history. Early honours included BLENHEIM, RAMILLIES, and MINDEN. For its service in the Peninsular War, it was awarded VITORIA, PYRENEES, and NIVELLE. Its role in the final defeat of Napoleon was recognized with the honour WATERLOO. Later, its service in the Crimean War added SEVASTOPOL to its colours. These honours were displayed on the regimental colour and later inherited by the Northumberland Fusiliers.

Uniform and Insignia

Throughout its history, the regiment's uniform followed the evolution of British Army uniform. In the 18th century, it wore the standard red coat with distinctive facings; the 5th Foot was notable for its gules (deep red) facings, earning it the informal title "The Old Fives". By the Napoleonic Wars, the uniform included a stovepipe shako and white cross-belts. The regimental badge featured the United Kingdom's royal cipher within a Garter, and the cap badge of the later Victorian period incorporated a Saint George motif. Its buttons were inscribed with the numeral "5".

Notable Members

Several soldiers who served with the regiment achieved significant fame. Sir William Gomm rose to become Field Marshal and served as Commander-in-Chief, India. Sir Henry Havelock gained enduring fame for his leadership during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, particularly the Relief of Lucknow, though his earlier career was with the 5th Foot. The celebrated diarist and cavalry officer William Tomkinson began his military service in the regiment. Additionally, the father of famed novelist Charles Dickens, John Dickens, served as a clerk in the regiment's paymaster department.

Category:Infantry regiments of the British Army Category:Military units and formations established in 1685 Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1881