History of the 21st RNBF

 

The 21st Regiment of Foote began as the Earl of Mar's Regiment in 1678.  It served in northern England, Scotland, and Ireland during the English Civil War, and was taken into the British Army as the Scots Fuzileers.  In 1712, after the battle of Blenheim, the Regiment was awarded, for their gallant service, Royal status, and was ordered to wear the Royal Blue facings of honour.  In 1751, they were given a number and renamed, 21^st Regiment of Foote, Royal North British Fusiliers.

During the Seven Years War and the American Revolution, the 21st Regiment saw service in Florida, Canada and western New York, eventually surrendering with Gen. Burgoyne at Saratoga. 

After recovering back in England, the Regiment was sent to Italy to hold the front against Napoleon, making a trek to Egypt in 1806.  Returning, they were involved in other Italian battles, including Genoa.  After Napoleon went to Elba, in 1814, the 1st Battalion of 21st soldiers were shipped to America to quell that war declared by Congress, and initiated by the American Army attacking Canada.  The troops were exhausted (and probably quite seasick) from the voyage, but disembarked and immediately became involved in the action, including the Battle at North Point (MD.).  As part of Gen. Ross' troops, they were assigned to the Third Brigade, which included the Royal Marines and landed sailors.  The Brigade was used to guard the rear of the column moving around the Chesapeake area, and was not involved in much action, except for the Light Company (brigaded with other Lights).  The 3rd, 5th, and 7th companies were detached with several companies of Royal Marines and Sailors to take care of downtown Washington.  They entered town, just as President Madison and many Senators, Representatives, and Generals were leaving.  They were involved in burning the President's House (now known as the White House) and even eating the Victory Dinner, set on table inside.  

Once their presence was made known in the Maryland area, and not much more damage could be done, the 21st was withdrawn to Jamaica to be re-supplied. This being late October, and winter drawing near, the winter issue was made, including the gray wool trousers, and the newly designed Belgic caps.  The Regiment was routed back to the Unites States, to the Territory of Louisiana.  The Battle at New Orleans was a bad time for the Regiment, suffering a loss with the rest of Gen. Packingham's Army.  It was odd that with this battle and the taking if Ft. Bowyer, the treaty had already been signed in December 1814, and the information that the War was over had not reached this part of the World!  The Regiment returned to contenintal Europe, just too late to take part in the Battle of Waterloo.

Once returned to England, the First Battalion was filled from the Second's men, and the Second Battalion was retired.  This Regiment saw much service throughout the World in the almost two centuries that followed, and distinguished itself honourably.  There were many changes and amalgamations, but the Royal North British Fuzileers, then the Royals Scottish Fusiliers, prevailed.