West Yorkshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales's Own)
Encyclopedia
The West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own) (14th Foot) was an infantry
regiment
of the British Army
. In 1958 it amalgamated with The East Yorkshire Regiment
(15th Foot) to form The Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire. On 6 June, 2006 The regiment was amalgamated with the Green Howards and the Duke of Wellington's Regiment (West Riding)
to form the Yorkshire Regiment (14th/15th, 19th and 33rd/76th Foot)
.
. One of the nine new regiments of foot, raised to meet the Monmouth rebellion
it was termed Hales's Regiment. The regiment served in Flanders
between 1693 and 1696 and gained its first battle honour
at Namur in 1695
. In 1694 the regiment took precedence as the 14th Regiment of Foot.
1715 saw the regiment moved to Scotland
to fight the Jacobite Rebellion. In 1727 the regiment played a major part in defending Gibraltar
against the Spanish
, where it remained garrisoned for the next 15 years. 1745 saw the regiment in Flanders fighting at Fontenoy before being recalled to Scotland to fight '45 Rebellion. Fighting at Falkirk
and Culloden
, becoming the 14th of Foot in 1751. The regiment returned to Gibraltar in 1751 for another 8 year stay. In 1759, when stationed at Windsor, it was granted royal permission to wear the White Horse of Hanover signifying the favour of the King.
In 1768, the regiment under Lieutenant Colonel William Dalrymple, arrived in Boston
via Halifax
, during the crisis surrounding the Townshend Acts
. In a show of force, the 14th and 29th were marched though the town to erect a tent city on Boston Common
. Detachments of the two regiments were sent to take possession of Faneuil Hall
, the "unofficial" headquarters of the Sons of Liberty
where they seized all of the firearms stored there.
In 1770 the 14th although at the ready in their barracks did not play a part in the "Boston Massacre
". Captain Thomas (29th Foot) was the officer of the day in charge of the duty detail (29th of Foot) that faced the crowds outside of the Customs House. The crowd that gathered began taunting the detail until a shot, then volley was fired into the crowd, three civilians were killed outright and two more died later. Captain Preston and the detail went to trial and were defended (successfully) by Lawyer John Adams
thus ending tensions between the crown and the citizens of Boston for the time being. The 14th would remain part of the Boston Garrison until 1772.
In 1772, the 14th arrived in St Vincent as part of the force to subjugate the maroons. Due to bush fighting and disease the regiment is depleted in numbers, it stayed for two years and is then scheduled to return to England in 1774.
Due to the rising tensions in the colonies the regiment return is cancelled and instead it is redeployed piecemeal, under Major Jonathan Furlong to St Augustine, Florida and Providence Island, Bahamas
In 1775, General Gage orders the Providence Island, Bahamas company of the 14th along with a detachment of "not less than 60 men" to be drawn from the regiment at St Augustine, Florida to Virginia.
As of 23 Oct, the 14th was represented in Virginia by the following:
Present Sick
Captains 4 Sergeants 9 Corporals 2
Lieutenants 5 Corporals 12 Privates 8
Ensigns 4 Drummer 1
Surgeons Mate 1 Privates 124
(under the command of the most senior officer, Captain Samuel Leslie, light company)
On 6 Nov, a stockade fort (Fort Murray) is finished just northeast of the great bridge on a small island in the marsh.
On 16 Nov, Lord Dunmore marches 350 troops consisting of the 14th of Foote, Royal Marines, Seamen, Queen's Loyal Virginians (Loyalist), Norfolk Militia of Loyalist and Loyal Ethiopians (ex slaves) to Kemp's Landing. A short successful engagement is fought and heartily won.
On 28 Nov, Lt Wallace, one sergeant, one corporal, 25 soldiers, loyalist and loyal Ethiopians defend against the first rebel attack on the fort.
On 9 Dec, the 14th leads the assault, at the bridge they replace the planks that had been previously removed (to keep the rebels from crossing) and cross the bridge. The bridge was no wider than to allow 6 abreast, therefore, a battle line could not be formed until the troops were on the other side. Upon seeing the troops crossing the bridge, rebel sentries fire three rounds alerting the main force. While the bridge planks were being replaced (taking some time) the rebel forces begin a series of heavy volley fire. As the troops filter over the bridge they form a line and begin to advance. At 50 yards the rebels lay down a devastating fire and force the British to falter and fall back. Captain Fordyce rallies the troops and again advances, again there is a devastating fire. Captain Fordyce along with two Lieutenants are killed. At this point the line breaks. There is a general retreat across the bridge to the fort. Men of the Culpepper Minute Battalion follow over the bridge and continue firing on the retreating troops. As the day goes on, the rebels come out to the field of battle and care for the wounded of both sides. Captain Leslie will later come out to the front of the fort and bow to the rebels in thanks for care of the wounded. Lord Dunmore reports only 50 men killed but from the blood and carnage on the field, bridge and fort, the rebels estimates there were many more. That evening the British abandon the stockade and return to Norfolk. Although the town is fortified, it was mostly situated on the sea side, were there is little threat (continental navy?). Because the town is so indefensible, it is soon abandoned. The retreat from the town is so swift that twenty cannons are left and spiked. The town's loyalists are offered a chance to escape, they all board choose to board the ships of the fleet (also known as Dunmore's floating town).
Having so many people on the ships of the fleet, shortages were felt almost immediately and health deteriorated quickly. More time would used in acquiring food and water than were used in service of quelling open rebellion in the colony.
In late Dec, the war ship HMS Liverpool arrives giving the fleet enough firepower for Lord Dunmore make demands on the rebels. Lord Dunmore under a flag of truce reenters Norfolk. He demands food and water or he will use the firepower of the fleet against Norfolk. The rebels refuse.
On 31 Dec, Lord Dunmore warns all women, children and loyalist to evacuate Norfolk as soon as possible. Evacuating troops burn 19 buildings on the wharf were snipers are thought to be. The fire spreads toward the rebels, this emboldens the rebel troops to burn and pillage more.
At dawn on 1 Jan 1776, the fleet opens fire on the town. Between the firing (burning) of the buildings and the fleet firing on the town, Norfolk burns for three days. 863 buildings were destroyed. After the fleet leaves, the rebels reoccupy what remains of the town but soon decide to burn even that to keep Lord Dunmore from using it. After all was said and done, 1,298 buildings were destroyed and the 5th largest city in colonial America ceased to exist.
After Norfolk,the fleet leaves for Turkey Point near Portsmouth were it would base operations. While at Turkey Point there were a series of small raids and skirmishes.
The fleet would stay at Turkey point only until late May when it would leave for Gwynn's Island.
The last gasp of British rule in the Chesapeake is now at hand, following are the final engagements of Colonial Virginia Governor, Lord Dunmore:
1 June
The fleet arrived at Gwynn's Island. Here, more small raids were carried out.
4 July
The colonies make the split with Britain official when they ratify the "Declaration of Independence".
10July
Gwynn’s Island, Cricket Hill
15 July
St. George’s Island
16 July
Potomac River
1 Aug
The Burning of the Fleet
Lord Dunmore finally bows to the inevitable. There would be no reinforcements from New York, (due to politics at the main British Command). Rebel forces had forced his troops and government from Gwynn's Island and famine, decease and battle had taken their toll on the troops. Virginia was lost.
On 9 Aug, the Fleet abandons the Chesapeake Bay and sails for New York
In August, the fleet withdrew from the Chesapeake and headed to New York. The 14th was withdrawn from service, it being severely under strength from its disease and battle in both the Caribbean and Virginia. In New York the remaining men of the regiment where used to supplement other regiments in the area. The officers and music were sent back to Britain to recruit a new regiment.
In 1777, while in training in England, one company of the 14th and one company of the 15th Regiments were placed under the command of Col. Patrick Ferguson and sent to America to test the concept of the rifle company with the Col’s. new rifle. The rifle companies fought well in the battle of Brandywine in Pennsylvania on September 11. After the experimental rifle companies were returned to England they were made the light companies of there respective regiments, thus ended the 14th Regiments participation in the American Revolution.
In 1782 the 14th was named "The 14th (Bedfordshire) Regiment". With the arrival of the French Revolution
and the subsequent French invasion of the Low Countries caused troops to be sent to protect trade interests. The 14th gained its second battle honour around Lille. In 1793 at the battle of Famars
in Flanders the 14th became the only regiment ever to win its regimental march in battle. It is the French revolutionary song “Ca Ira”. They returned to England in 1795, then the Regiment was posted to the West Indies where it was on duty until 1803.
1803 saw the outbreak of the Napoleonic Wars
, the British Army
was expanded and the 14th formed a second battalion in Belfast in 1804. In 1808-9, the 2nd Battalion joined the Peninsular Army
and gained the Battle Honour
"Corunna"
The 2/14th saw service in the Walcheren Campaign
and was disbanded in 1817.
The 1st Battalion spent much of the war on garrison duty in Bengal. In 1809 the Regiment was re-titled "The 14th (Buckinghamshire) Regiment". The 1/14th served in India for 25 years until 1831.
A third battalion was formed in 1813 and fought at the Battle of Waterloo
in 1815. The 3/14th was disbanded in 1816. Apart from taking part in campaigns against the French in Mauritius in 1810 and the Dutch in Java in 1811, the latter adding another Battle Honour.
The 14th then were posted to the West Indies, Canada, Malta and in 1855 the Regiment the served in the Crimean war
. In 1876 the Prince of Wales
, presented new Colours to the 1st Battalion and conferred on the 14th the honoured title of "The Prince of Wales's Own". 1858 saw a second battalion raised once more and took part in the Maori Wars of 1860-6 and the Second Anglo-Afghan War 1879-80
.
During 1880 the British army saw major changes, The "Childers Reforms
". The 14th was given the title "The Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment)". The Depot
of the 14th was established at York
.
1899 saw The 2nd Battalion of The West Yorkshire Regiment sent to Second Boer War 1899-1902
in South Africa and after a number of engagements two members of the Battalion were awarded the Victoria Cross- Captain (later Colonel) Mansel-Jones in February 1900 and Sergeant Traynor in February 1901.
World War I
saw numerous battalions of The Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment) serving at Neuve-Chappelle, Loos, the Somme, Passchendaele, Ypres, Marne, Arras, Cambrai and Gallipoli. At its peak The West Yorkshire Regiment numbered 37 battalions, 66 Battle Honours were bestowed and four Victoria Crosses were awarded.
Interwar years saw the various battalions serving in Germany, India, Kurdistan, Sudan, Palestine, Jamaica and Bermuda. In the Second World War, The 1st Battalion served in the Far East, The 2nd Battalion served in Africa and subsequently in the Far East and the various other battalions served in Iceland, France, Antwerp, the Scilly Isles, the Falkland Islands and as Home Defence.
In 1948 the 1st and 2nd Battalions were amalgamated and were stationed in Austria. They then moved to Egypt and on to Malaya. After a tour of duty in Northern Ireland in 1955-56, the 1st Battalion took part in the Suez Operation and was then stationed in Dover until the amalgamation in July 1958.
Battle honours
:
Infantry
Infantrymen are soldiers who are specifically trained for the role of fighting on foot to engage the enemy face to face and have historically borne the brunt of the casualties of combat in wars. As the oldest branch of combat arms, they are the backbone of armies...
regiment
Regiment
A regiment is a major tactical military unit, composed of variable numbers of batteries, squadrons or battalions, commanded by a colonel or lieutenant colonel...
of the British Army
British Army
The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
. In 1958 it amalgamated with The East Yorkshire Regiment
East Yorkshire Regiment
The East Yorkshire Regiment was an infantry regiment of the line in the British Army, first raised in 1685 as Sir William Clifton's Regiment of Foot. It saw service for three centuries, before being amalgamated with the West Yorkshire Regiment , becoming The Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of...
(15th Foot) to form The Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire. On 6 June, 2006 The regiment was amalgamated with the Green Howards and the Duke of Wellington's Regiment (West Riding)
Duke of Wellington's Regiment
The Duke of Wellington's Regiment was an infantry regiment of the British Army, forming part of the King's Division.In 1702 Colonel George Hastings, 8th Earl of Huntingdon, was authorised to raise a new regiment, which he did in and around the city of Gloucester. As was the custom in those days...
to form the Yorkshire Regiment (14th/15th, 19th and 33rd/76th Foot)
Yorkshire Regiment
The Yorkshire Regiment is one of the largest infantry regiments of the British Army. The regiment is currently the only line infantry or rifles unit to represent a single geographical county in the new infantry structure, serving as the county regiment of Yorkshire covering the historical areas...
.
History
The regiment was raised by Sir Edward Hales in 1685 by order of King James IIJames II of England
James II & VII was King of England and King of Ireland as James II and King of Scotland as James VII, from 6 February 1685. He was the last Catholic monarch to reign over the Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland...
. One of the nine new regiments of foot, raised to meet the Monmouth rebellion
Monmouth Rebellion
The Monmouth Rebellion,The Revolt of the West or The West Country rebellion of 1685, was an attempt to overthrow James II, who had become King of England, King of Scots and King of Ireland at the death of his elder brother Charles II on 6 February 1685. James II was a Roman Catholic, and some...
it was termed Hales's Regiment. The regiment served in Flanders
Flanders
Flanders is the community of the Flemings but also one of the institutions in Belgium, and a geographical region located in parts of present-day Belgium, France and the Netherlands. "Flanders" can also refer to the northern part of Belgium that contains Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp...
between 1693 and 1696 and gained its first battle honour
Battle honour
A battle honour is an award of a right by a government or sovereign to a military unit to emblazon the name of a battle or operation on its flags , uniforms or other accessories where ornamentation is possible....
at Namur in 1695
Siege of Namur (1695)
The Siege of Namur, 2 July–1 September 1695, was the second siege of the city of Namur in the Nine Years' War. The Allied forces of the Grand Alliance retook the city from the French, who had captured it in the first siege in 1692...
. In 1694 the regiment took precedence as the 14th Regiment of Foot.
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
to fight the Jacobite Rebellion. In 1727 the regiment played a major part in defending Gibraltar
Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a British overseas territory located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula at the entrance of the Mediterranean. A peninsula with an area of , it has a northern border with Andalusia, Spain. The Rock of Gibraltar is the major landmark of the region...
against the Spanish
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
, where it remained garrisoned for the next 15 years. 1745 saw the regiment in Flanders fighting at Fontenoy before being recalled to Scotland to fight '45 Rebellion. Fighting at Falkirk
Battle of Falkirk (1746)
During the Second Jacobite Rising, the Battle of Falkirk Muir was the last noteworthy Jacobite success.-Background:...
and Culloden
Battle of Culloden
The Battle of Culloden was the final confrontation of the 1745 Jacobite Rising. Taking place on 16 April 1746, the battle pitted the Jacobite forces of Charles Edward Stuart against an army commanded by William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, loyal to the British government...
, becoming the 14th of Foot in 1751. The regiment returned to Gibraltar in 1751 for another 8 year stay. In 1759, when stationed at Windsor, it was granted royal permission to wear the White Horse of Hanover signifying the favour of the King.
In 1768, the regiment under Lieutenant Colonel William Dalrymple, arrived in Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
via Halifax
Halifax, West Yorkshire
Halifax is a minster town, within the Metropolitan Borough of Calderdale in West Yorkshire, England. It has an urban area population of 82,056 in the 2001 Census. It is well-known as a centre of England's woollen manufacture from the 15th century onward, originally dealing through the Halifax Piece...
, during the crisis surrounding the Townshend Acts
Townshend Acts
The Townshend Acts were a series of laws passed beginning in 1767 by the Parliament of Great Britain relating to the British colonies in North America. The acts are named after Charles Townshend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who proposed the program...
. In a show of force, the 14th and 29th were marched though the town to erect a tent city on Boston Common
Boston Common
Boston Common is a central public park in Boston, Massachusetts. It is sometimes erroneously referred to as the "Boston Commons". Dating from 1634, it is the oldest city park in the United States. The Boston Common consists of of land bounded by Tremont Street, Park Street, Beacon Street,...
. Detachments of the two regiments were sent to take possession of Faneuil Hall
Faneuil Hall
Faneuil Hall , located near the waterfront and today's Government Center, in Boston, Massachusetts, has been a marketplace and a meeting hall since 1742. It was the site of several speeches by Samuel Adams, James Otis, and others encouraging independence from Great Britain, and is now part of...
, the "unofficial" headquarters of the Sons of Liberty
Sons of Liberty
The Sons of Liberty were a political group made up of American patriots that originated in the pre-independence North American British colonies. The group was formed to protect the rights of the colonists from the usurpations by the British government after 1766...
where they seized all of the firearms stored there.
In 1770 the 14th although at the ready in their barracks did not play a part in the "Boston Massacre
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre, called the Boston Riot by the British, was an incident on March 5, 1770, in which British Army soldiers killed five civilian men. British troops had been stationed in Boston, capital of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, since 1768 in order to protect and support...
". Captain Thomas (29th Foot) was the officer of the day in charge of the duty detail (29th of Foot) that faced the crowds outside of the Customs House. The crowd that gathered began taunting the detail until a shot, then volley was fired into the crowd, three civilians were killed outright and two more died later. Captain Preston and the detail went to trial and were defended (successfully) by Lawyer John Adams
John Adams
John Adams was an American lawyer, statesman, diplomat and political theorist. A leading champion of independence in 1776, he was the second President of the United States...
thus ending tensions between the crown and the citizens of Boston for the time being. The 14th would remain part of the Boston Garrison until 1772.
In 1772, the 14th arrived in St Vincent as part of the force to subjugate the maroons. Due to bush fighting and disease the regiment is depleted in numbers, it stayed for two years and is then scheduled to return to England in 1774.
Due to the rising tensions in the colonies the regiment return is cancelled and instead it is redeployed piecemeal, under Major Jonathan Furlong to St Augustine, Florida and Providence Island, Bahamas
In 1775, General Gage orders the Providence Island, Bahamas company of the 14th along with a detachment of "not less than 60 men" to be drawn from the regiment at St Augustine, Florida to Virginia.
As of 23 Oct, the 14th was represented in Virginia by the following:
Present Sick
Captains 4 Sergeants 9 Corporals 2
Lieutenants 5 Corporals 12 Privates 8
Ensigns 4 Drummer 1
Surgeons Mate 1 Privates 124
(under the command of the most senior officer, Captain Samuel Leslie, light company)
On 6 Nov, a stockade fort (Fort Murray) is finished just northeast of the great bridge on a small island in the marsh.
On 16 Nov, Lord Dunmore marches 350 troops consisting of the 14th of Foote, Royal Marines, Seamen, Queen's Loyal Virginians (Loyalist), Norfolk Militia of Loyalist and Loyal Ethiopians (ex slaves) to Kemp's Landing. A short successful engagement is fought and heartily won.
On 28 Nov, Lt Wallace, one sergeant, one corporal, 25 soldiers, loyalist and loyal Ethiopians defend against the first rebel attack on the fort.
On 9 Dec, the 14th leads the assault, at the bridge they replace the planks that had been previously removed (to keep the rebels from crossing) and cross the bridge. The bridge was no wider than to allow 6 abreast, therefore, a battle line could not be formed until the troops were on the other side. Upon seeing the troops crossing the bridge, rebel sentries fire three rounds alerting the main force. While the bridge planks were being replaced (taking some time) the rebel forces begin a series of heavy volley fire. As the troops filter over the bridge they form a line and begin to advance. At 50 yards the rebels lay down a devastating fire and force the British to falter and fall back. Captain Fordyce rallies the troops and again advances, again there is a devastating fire. Captain Fordyce along with two Lieutenants are killed. At this point the line breaks. There is a general retreat across the bridge to the fort. Men of the Culpepper Minute Battalion follow over the bridge and continue firing on the retreating troops. As the day goes on, the rebels come out to the field of battle and care for the wounded of both sides. Captain Leslie will later come out to the front of the fort and bow to the rebels in thanks for care of the wounded. Lord Dunmore reports only 50 men killed but from the blood and carnage on the field, bridge and fort, the rebels estimates there were many more. That evening the British abandon the stockade and return to Norfolk. Although the town is fortified, it was mostly situated on the sea side, were there is little threat (continental navy?). Because the town is so indefensible, it is soon abandoned. The retreat from the town is so swift that twenty cannons are left and spiked. The town's loyalists are offered a chance to escape, they all board choose to board the ships of the fleet (also known as Dunmore's floating town).
Having so many people on the ships of the fleet, shortages were felt almost immediately and health deteriorated quickly. More time would used in acquiring food and water than were used in service of quelling open rebellion in the colony.
In late Dec, the war ship HMS Liverpool arrives giving the fleet enough firepower for Lord Dunmore make demands on the rebels. Lord Dunmore under a flag of truce reenters Norfolk. He demands food and water or he will use the firepower of the fleet against Norfolk. The rebels refuse.
On 31 Dec, Lord Dunmore warns all women, children and loyalist to evacuate Norfolk as soon as possible. Evacuating troops burn 19 buildings on the wharf were snipers are thought to be. The fire spreads toward the rebels, this emboldens the rebel troops to burn and pillage more.
At dawn on 1 Jan 1776, the fleet opens fire on the town. Between the firing (burning) of the buildings and the fleet firing on the town, Norfolk burns for three days. 863 buildings were destroyed. After the fleet leaves, the rebels reoccupy what remains of the town but soon decide to burn even that to keep Lord Dunmore from using it. After all was said and done, 1,298 buildings were destroyed and the 5th largest city in colonial America ceased to exist.
After Norfolk,the fleet leaves for Turkey Point near Portsmouth were it would base operations. While at Turkey Point there were a series of small raids and skirmishes.
The fleet would stay at Turkey point only until late May when it would leave for Gwynn's Island.
The last gasp of British rule in the Chesapeake is now at hand, following are the final engagements of Colonial Virginia Governor, Lord Dunmore:
1 June
The fleet arrived at Gwynn's Island. Here, more small raids were carried out.
4 July
The colonies make the split with Britain official when they ratify the "Declaration of Independence".
10July
Gwynn’s Island, Cricket Hill
15 July
St. George’s Island
16 July
Potomac River
1 Aug
The Burning of the Fleet
Lord Dunmore finally bows to the inevitable. There would be no reinforcements from New York, (due to politics at the main British Command). Rebel forces had forced his troops and government from Gwynn's Island and famine, decease and battle had taken their toll on the troops. Virginia was lost.
On 9 Aug, the Fleet abandons the Chesapeake Bay and sails for New York
In August, the fleet withdrew from the Chesapeake and headed to New York. The 14th was withdrawn from service, it being severely under strength from its disease and battle in both the Caribbean and Virginia. In New York the remaining men of the regiment where used to supplement other regiments in the area. The officers and music were sent back to Britain to recruit a new regiment.
In 1777, while in training in England, one company of the 14th and one company of the 15th Regiments were placed under the command of Col. Patrick Ferguson and sent to America to test the concept of the rifle company with the Col’s. new rifle. The rifle companies fought well in the battle of Brandywine in Pennsylvania on September 11. After the experimental rifle companies were returned to England they were made the light companies of there respective regiments, thus ended the 14th Regiments participation in the American Revolution.
In 1782 the 14th was named "The 14th (Bedfordshire) Regiment". With the arrival of the French Revolution
French Revolution
The French Revolution , sometimes distinguished as the 'Great French Revolution' , was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France and Europe. The absolute monarchy that had ruled France for centuries collapsed in three years...
and the subsequent French invasion of the Low Countries caused troops to be sent to protect trade interests. The 14th gained its second battle honour around Lille. In 1793 at the battle of Famars
Battle of Famars
The Battle of Famars was fought on 23 May 1793 during the Flanders Campaign of the War of the First Coalition. An Allied Austrian, Hanoverian, and British army under Prince Josias of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld defeated the French Army of the North led by General François Joseph Drouet Lamarche...
in Flanders the 14th became the only regiment ever to win its regimental march in battle. It is the French revolutionary song “Ca Ira”. They returned to England in 1795, then the Regiment was posted to the West Indies where it was on duty until 1803.
1803 saw the outbreak of the Napoleonic Wars
Napoleonic Wars
The Napoleonic Wars were a series of wars declared against Napoleon's French Empire by opposing coalitions that ran from 1803 to 1815. As a continuation of the wars sparked by the French Revolution of 1789, they revolutionised European armies and played out on an unprecedented scale, mainly due to...
, the British Army
British Army
The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
was expanded and the 14th formed a second battalion in Belfast in 1804. In 1808-9, the 2nd Battalion joined the Peninsular Army
Peninsular War
The Peninsular War was a war between France and the allied powers of Spain, the United Kingdom, and Portugal for control of the Iberian Peninsula during the Napoleonic Wars. The war began when French and Spanish armies crossed Spain and invaded Portugal in 1807. Then, in 1808, France turned on its...
and gained the Battle Honour
Battle honour
A battle honour is an award of a right by a government or sovereign to a military unit to emblazon the name of a battle or operation on its flags , uniforms or other accessories where ornamentation is possible....
"Corunna"
Battle of Corunna
The Battle of Corunna refers to a battle of the Peninsular War. On January 16, 1809, a French army under Marshal Soult attacked the British under Sir John Moore...
The 2/14th saw service in the Walcheren Campaign
Walcheren Campaign
The Walcheren Campaign was an unsuccessful British expedition to the Netherlands in 1809 intended to open another front in the Austrian Empire's struggle with France during the War of the Fifth Coalition. Around 40,000 soldiers, 15,000 horses together with field artillery and two siege trains...
and was disbanded in 1817.
The 1st Battalion spent much of the war on garrison duty in Bengal. In 1809 the Regiment was re-titled "The 14th (Buckinghamshire) Regiment". The 1/14th served in India for 25 years until 1831.
A third battalion was formed in 1813 and fought at the Battle of Waterloo
Battle of Waterloo
The Battle of Waterloo was fought on Sunday 18 June 1815 near Waterloo in present-day Belgium, then part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands...
in 1815. The 3/14th was disbanded in 1816. Apart from taking part in campaigns against the French in Mauritius in 1810 and the Dutch in Java in 1811, the latter adding another Battle Honour.
The 14th then were posted to the West Indies, Canada, Malta and in 1855 the Regiment the served in the Crimean war
Crimean War
The Crimean War was a conflict fought between the Russian Empire and an alliance of the French Empire, the British Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the Kingdom of Sardinia. The war was part of a long-running contest between the major European powers for influence over territories of the declining...
. In 1876 the Prince of Wales
Prince of Wales
Prince of Wales is a title traditionally granted to the heir apparent to the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the 15 other independent Commonwealth realms...
, presented new Colours to the 1st Battalion and conferred on the 14th the honoured title of "The Prince of Wales's Own". 1858 saw a second battalion raised once more and took part in the Maori Wars of 1860-6 and the Second Anglo-Afghan War 1879-80
European influence in Afghanistan
The European influence in Afghanistan refers to political, social, and sometimes imperialistic influence several European nations have had on this historical development of Afghanistan.-Rise of Dost Mohammad Khan:...
.
During 1880 the British army saw major changes, The "Childers Reforms
Childers Reforms
The Childers Reforms restructured the infantry regiments of the British army. The reforms were undertaken by Secretary of State for War Hugh Childers in 1881, and were a continuation of the earlier Cardwell reforms....
". The 14th was given the title "The Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment)". The Depot
Main Operating Base
Main Operating Base is a term used by the United States military defined as "an overseas, permanently manned, well protected base, used to support permanently deployed forces, and with robust sea and/or air access." This term was used to differentiate major strategic overseas military facilities...
of the 14th was established at York
York
York is a walled city, situated at the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Foss in North Yorkshire, England. The city has a rich heritage and has provided the backdrop to major political events throughout much of its two millennia of existence...
.
1899 saw The 2nd Battalion of The West Yorkshire Regiment sent to Second Boer War 1899-1902
Second Boer War
The Second Boer War was fought from 11 October 1899 until 31 May 1902 between the British Empire and the Afrikaans-speaking Dutch settlers of two independent Boer republics, the South African Republic and the Orange Free State...
in South Africa and after a number of engagements two members of the Battalion were awarded the Victoria Cross- Captain (later Colonel) Mansel-Jones in February 1900 and Sergeant Traynor in February 1901.
World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
saw numerous battalions of The Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment) serving at Neuve-Chappelle, Loos, the Somme, Passchendaele, Ypres, Marne, Arras, Cambrai and Gallipoli. At its peak The West Yorkshire Regiment numbered 37 battalions, 66 Battle Honours were bestowed and four Victoria Crosses were awarded.
Interwar years saw the various battalions serving in Germany, India, Kurdistan, Sudan, Palestine, Jamaica and Bermuda. In the Second World War, The 1st Battalion served in the Far East, The 2nd Battalion served in Africa and subsequently in the Far East and the various other battalions served in Iceland, France, Antwerp, the Scilly Isles, the Falkland Islands and as Home Defence.
In 1948 the 1st and 2nd Battalions were amalgamated and were stationed in Austria. They then moved to Egypt and on to Malaya. After a tour of duty in Northern Ireland in 1955-56, the 1st Battalion took part in the Suez Operation and was then stationed in Dover until the amalgamation in July 1958.
Battle honoursBattle honours of the British and Imperial ArmiesThe following battle honours were awarded to units of the British Army and the armies of British India and the Dominions of the British Empire. From their institution until the end of the Second World War, awards were made by, or in consultation with, the British government, but, since 1945, the...
- Namur 1695, Tournay, Corunna, India, Java, Waterloo, Bhurtpore, Sevastopol, New Zealand, Afghanistan 1879-80, Relief of Ladysmith, South Africa 1899-1902
- The Great War [31 battalions]: Aisne 1914 '18, Armentières 1914, Neuve Chapelle, Aubers, Hooge 1915, Loos, Somme 1916 '18, Albert 1916 '18, Bazentin, Pozières, Flers-Courcelette, Morval, Thiepval, Le Transloy, Ancre Heights, Ancre 1916, Arras 1917 '18, Scarpe 1917 '18, Bullecourt, Hill 70, Messines 1917 '18, Ypres 1917 '18, Pilckem, Langemarck 1917, Menin Road, Polygon Wood, Poelcappelle, Passchendaele, Cambrai 1917 '18, St. Quentin, Rosières, Villers Bretonneux, Lys, Hazebrouck, Bailleul, Kemmel, Marne 1918, Tardenois, Amiens, Bapaume 1918, Drocourt-Quéant, Hindenburg Line, Havrincourt, Épéhy, Canal du Nord, Selle, Valenciennes, Sambre, France and Flanders 1914-18, Piave, Vittorio Veneto, Italy 1917-18, Suvla, Landing at Suvla, Scimitar Hill, Gallipoli 1915, Egypt 1915-16
- The Second World War: North-West Europe 1940, Jebel Dafeis, Keren, Ad Teclesan, Abyssinia 1940-41, Cauldron, Defence of Alamein Line, North Africa 1940-42, Pegu 1942, Yenangyaung 1942, North Arakan, Maungdaw, Defence of Sinzweya, Imphal, Bishenpur, Kanglatongbi, Meiktila, Capture of Meiktila, Defence of Meiktila, Rangoon Road, Pyawbwe, Sittang 1945, Burma 1942-45
Victoria Crosses
The following members of the Regiment were awarded the Victoria CrossVictoria Cross
The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories....
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- Captain (later Colonel) Conwyn Mansel-JonesConwyn Mansel-JonesColonel Conwyn Mansel-Jones VC CMG DSO was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces....
, Second Boer WarSecond Boer WarThe Second Boer War was fought from 11 October 1899 until 31 May 1902 between the British Empire and the Afrikaans-speaking Dutch settlers of two independent Boer republics, the South African Republic and the Orange Free State... - Sergeant William Bernard TraynorWilliam Bernard TraynorWilliam Bernard Traynor VC was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.-Details:...
, Second Boer War - Private William Boynton ButlerWilliam Boynton ButlerWilliam Boynton Butler VC was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces....
, Great War - Corporal (later Major) Samuel MeekoshaSamuel MeekoshaSamuel Meekosha VC , who changed his name by deed poll to Samuel Ingham in 1942, was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.-Details:Samuel Meekosha, born in...
, Great War - Sergeant Albert MountainAlbert MountainAlbert Mountain VC was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross during the First World War, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces....
, Great War - Corporal (later Captain) George SandersGeorge Sanders (VC)George Sanders VC MC was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces....
, Great War - Acting Sergeant Hanson Victor TurnerHanson Victor TurnerHanson Victor Turner VC was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.-Details:...
, Second World War