History of the Manchester Regiment Volume I (1758 – 1883)
1758. Britain is locked into the Seven Years War.
A French invasion was feared.
In preparation for this, a request was put forth to the Parliament for the formation of more regiments.
Colonel H. C. Wylly, C.B neatly compiles the history of The Manchester Regiment, from its earliest conception in 1758, through to 1883. The history of this powerful regiment is filled with battles and victories.
The men’s strength, courage and dedication are captured in this monumental piece of work.
Despite the relative infancy of the Regiment, the men were called upon in the battle against France. There was no holding back, the men were fully armed and prepared for the battle that was to come.
Further action came during the American War of Independence including the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Wylly, in this historical account provides the reader with a sense of importance that surrounded the 63rd Regiment, despite having been newly formed. The Regiment’s loses are also meticulously detailed.
However, Wylly also shows the regiment’s darker side. Around 1770, a significant rise in crime saw the expulsion or imprisonment of several men.
In 1798 Britain faced a different war with France, and fresh fears of invasion.
Further regiments were formed. Among them, the 96th Regiment of Foot, which would later be merged with the 63rd to form the Manchester Regiment.
Initially formed as the Minorca Regiment, it consisted of German Speaking Spanish prisoners of war.
Famous for withstanding the powerful French Cavalry at the Battle of Alexandria, the Minorca regiment earned accolade after accolade.
Also included are the actual communications that were sent in relation to the movements of the regiment, instructions and orders from the King, as well as the Court’s opinion on the crimes committed.
Praise for The Manchester Regiment
‘A monumental work’ – Major-General Sir Vere B. Fane
Harold Carmichael Wylly (1859-1932) was a British colonel and military historian.
Colonel Wylly published a number of military-based books, including a biography of Sir Joseph Thackwell. His later works specialised in the First World War. Colonel Wylly served in many wars including the Anglo-Egyptian War and the Second Boer War.
