54th Foot
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Origin and History
The regiment was raised at Salisbury by John Campbell on December 23 1755. It initially ranked as the "56th Regiment of Foot".
On December 25 1756, when the "50th" and "51st" regiments of foot were disbanded. The "56th" officially became the "54th Regiment of Foot".
During the Seven Years' War, the regiment was commanded by:
- since December 23 1755: John Campbell, duke of Argyll
- April 5 1757: general John Grey
- from September 11 1760 to April 30 1770: general John Parslow
Service during the War
As soon as raised in May 1756, the regiment was sent to Gibraltar as reinforcements. It was stationed in this fortress for the entire war and was used as marines on the Mediterranean fleet.
Uniform
Privates
Headgear |
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Neckstock | white | ||||||||||||
Coat | brick red lined green and laced white (unknown lace pattern) with 3 pewter buttons and 3 white buttonholes (same lace as above) under the lapel
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Waistcoat | brick red laced white (same lace as above) | ||||||||||||
Breeches | brick red | ||||||||||||
Gaiters | white with black buttons brown, grey or black during campaigns (black after 1759) | ||||||||||||
Leather Equipment |
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Troopers were armed with a “Brown Bess” muskets, a bayonet and a sword.
Officers
Officers of the regiment wore the same uniforms as the private soldiers but with the following differences:
- a silver gorget around the neck
- a silver aiguillette on the right shoulder
- silver lace instead of the normal white lace
- a crimson sash
Officers wore the same headgear as the private soldiers under their command. However, officers of grenadiers wore a more decorated mitre than the privates.
Officers were usually armed with a spontoon. However, in action, some carried a musket rather than the usual spontoon.
Musicians
not yet available
Colours
King's Colour: Union with its centre decorated with the regiment number "LIV" in gold Roman numerals within a wreath of roses and thistles on the same stalk.
Regimental Colour: Green field, Union in the upper left canton, centre decorated with the regiment number "LIV" in gold Roman numerals within a wreath of roses and thistles on the same stalk.
References
Fortescue, J. W., A History of the British Army Vol. II, MacMillan, London, 1899
George II, The Royal Clothing Warrant, 1751
Mills, T. F., Land Forces of Britain the Empire and Commonwealth through the Way Back Machine