85th Regiment of Foot

85th Regiment of Foot was an infantry regiment raised in the mid-18th century that served in major conflicts across Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia before being amalgamated in the late 19th century. The regiment participated in campaigns during the Seven Years' War, the American Revolutionary War, the Napoleonic Wars, and the Crimean War, and underwent organizational and uniform changes reflecting reforms by figures such as Henry Paget, 1st Marquess of Anglesey, Sir John Moore, and Sir Garnet Wolseley. Its legacy influenced reforms associated with the Cardwell Reforms and the Childers Reforms.

Formation and Early History

The unit was formed amid the expansion of the British Army during the Seven Years' War under commissions issued by the War Office (British Army), drawing recruits from counties influenced by patrons like the Earl of Bute and the Duke of Cumberland. Early deployments saw detachments serve alongside formations such as the Coldstream Guards, Royal Scots Greys, and regiments raised by the East India Company during global operations in theaters that included engagements influenced by the Treaty of Paris (1763). The regiment's lineage intersected with contemporaneous units like the 43rd Regiment of Foot and the 52nd Regiment of Foot during light infantry experiments promoted by proponents such as John Burgoyne and William Pitt the Elder. Administrative changes recorded at the Horse Guards and by the Adjutant General altered its establishment, pay, and recruiting districts through the 18th century.

Service and Campaigns

Elements of the regiment fought in North American expeditions connected to the French and Indian War and later in garrison duties during the American Revolutionary War where detachments faced Continental forces commanded by figures like George Washington and Benedict Arnold. During the Napoleonic Wars the regiment served in campaigns paralleling actions by the Duke of Wellington and formations such as the Peninsular Army, engaging in skirmishes reminiscent of battles like Badajoz and operations influenced by the Lines of Torres Vedras. In the mid-19th century, it mobilized for the Crimean War, seeing service in the same theatre as the Crimean War contemporaries Florence Nightingale-associated hospitals and units under commanders including Lord Raglan and Lord Cardigan. Colonial deployments placed battalions on garrison duty in India, where the unit operated during events connected to the Indian Rebellion of 1857 alongside forces led by Hugh Gough, 1st Viscount Gough and Charles Canning, 1st Earl Canning, and in West Africa during clashes tied to anti-slave trade patrols and expeditions involving the Royal Navy.

Organization and Uniforms

The regiment's organization evolved from single-battalion establishment to multiple-battalion structures in response to demands seen across regiments like the 24th Regiment of Foot and the 95th (Rifle) Regiment of Foot. Drill and light infantry tactics adopted influences from Sir John Moore and the tactical writings of Michel Ney-era doctrines observed in continental service. Uniforms transitioned from 18th-century redcoats with regimental facing colors to 19th-century undress and full dress variations reflecting supply from the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich and tailoring standards linked to the Clothing Board. Equipment changes followed innovations such as the replacement of muskets with rifled percussion arms similar to those issued to the 95th Rifles and the eventual adoption of bayonets and accoutrements standardized under regulations overseen by the Master-General of the Ordnance. Insignia and colours carried battle honours paralleling practices used by regiments like the 7th (The Queen's Own) Regiment of Foot and the 23rd Regiment of Foot.

Notable Officers and Soldiers

Officers who served in or commanded the regiment included individuals who later served in higher commands or civil office comparable to careers of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, Sir John Moore, and Edward Paget. Distinguished soldiers received recognition similar to awards presented by the Order of the Bath and commendations associated with campaigns where figures such as James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan and Sir Colin Campbell, 1st Baron Clyde became prominent. Several officers were involved in reforms and staff appointments at institutions like the Staff College, Camberley and at the War Office (United Kingdom), contributing to doctrine that influenced regiments including the 52nd (Oxfordshire) Regiment of Foot and the 95th Rifles.

Amalgamation and Legacy

Reforms initiated by the Cardwell Reforms and the Childers Reforms led to the regiment's amalgamation into a county regiment structure akin to processes that created units such as the The King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment) and the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment. The regiment's lineage and battle honours were perpetuated within successor formations that later served in conflicts including the Second Boer War and the First World War, linking its tradition to the histories of regiments like the Royal Irish Regiment and the Connaught Rangers. Regimental museums, archival collections at the National Army Museum, and medal rolls preserved its artifacts and honours alongside collections from the Imperial War Museum and county archives managed by bodies such as the Historic England and local record offices. Its absorption reflected broader professionalization trends influenced by proponents like Frederick Roberts, 1st Earl Roberts and helped shape the structure of the British Army into the 20th century.

Category:Infantry regiments of the British Army