94th Foot

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Origin and History

The regiment was raised in Wales on January 12, 1760 by Colonel Vaughan. The regiment was also known as the "Royal Welsh Volunteers".

During the Seven Years' War, the regiment was under the command of:

• from January 1760: Colonel Vaughan
• from 1760 to 1763: Dundas

The regiment was disbanded in 1763.

Service during the War

In 1761, the regiment was sent to Guadeloupe where a British expeditionary force was gathering for an expedition against Dominica. On June 6 at 4:00 PM, part of the regiment (probably the grenadiers) landed covered by the men of war. During the landing, the French opened fire on the British infantry and the men of war returned fire. Fearing that the French might be reinforced in the night, Rollo resolved, though it was already late, to storm the entrenchments immediately. The British infantry formed and attacked a battery of two 12-pdrs planted on a steep hill and defended by three lines of entrenchments. These strong entrenchments were out of range of the British fleet. Nevertheless, the British grenadiers ascended a very narrow and steep foot path and assaulted the position. After firing a few shots, the French abandoned their entrenchments and battery which were soon occupied by the British infantry. The French commander and his second were both taken prisoners. After this engagement, resistance ceased.

Uniform

From the few information gathered, the regiment seems to have worn uniforms quite similar to those of the 60th Foot Royal American.

Privates

Uniform in 1760 - Copyright Kronoskaf

Uniform Details

Headgear	Musketeer black tricorne laced white with a black cockade (left side) Grenadier British mitre with: a dark blue front edged white and embroidered with white scroll work and the King's cypher surmounted by a crown (yellow with red cushions, white pearls and ermine headband); a small red front flap with the white horse of Hanover surmounted by the motto "Nec aspera terrent"; red back; a dark blue headband probably wearing the number XCIV in the middle part behind
Neckstock	white
Coat	brick red lined dark blue without lace Collar none Shoulder Straps red fastened with a white button (left shoulder) Lapels dark blue with 7 pewter buttons Pockets horizontal pockets without lace, each with pewter buttons Cuffs blue (slashed in the British pattern) without lace with white buttons on the sleeve Turnbacks dark blue
Waistcoat	brick red without lace
Breeches	dark blue
Gaiters	white with black buttons brown, grey or black during campaigns (black after 1759)
Leather Equipment	Crossbelt natural leather Waistbelt natural leather Cartridge Box black Bayonet Scabbard black Scabbard black Footgear black shoes

Troopers were armed with with a "Brown Bess" muskets, a bayonet and a sword. They also carried a dark brown haversack with a metal canteen on the left hip.

Officers

Officers of the regiment wore the same uniforms as the private soldiers but with the following differences

• silver gorget around the neck
• an aiguilette on the right shoulder
• a crimson sash

Officers wore the same headgear as the private soldiers under their command; however, officers of the grenadier company wore a more decorated mitre cap.

Officers generally carried a spontoon, however, in battle some carried muskets instead.

Musicians

According to the Royal Clothing Warrant of 1751, Royal regiments musicians were dressed as follows:

The drummers of the regiment wore the royal livery. They were clothed in red, lined, faced, and lapelled on the breast with blue, and laced with the royal lace (golden braid with two thin purple central stripes).

The front or fore part of the drums was painted bluem with the king's cypher and crown, and the number “XCIV” under it. The rims were red.

Colours

King's Colour: Union with its centre decorated with a rose wreath around the regiment number "XCIV" in gold Roman numerals.

Regimental Colour: blue field with its centre decorated with a rose wreath around the regiment number "XCIV" in gold Roman numerals. The Union in the upper left corner.

King's Colour - Copyright: Kronoskaf

Regimental Colour - Copyright: Kronoskaf

References

Aylor, Ron: British Regimental Drums and Colours

Fortescue, J. W.: A History of the British Army Vol. II, MacMillan, London, 1899

Mills, T. F.: Land Forces of Britain the Empire and Commonwealth through the Way Back Machine

Schirmer, Friedrich: Die Heere der kriegführenden Staaten 1756 - 1763. Edited and published by KLIO-Landesgruppe Baden-Württemberg e.V., Magstadt, 1989

United Services Magazine 1863, Issue 3

Acknowledgements

Digby Smith for the information provided on this junior regiment.