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This article is about the historic regiment. For the modern regiment, see Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
Not to be confused with the 1st–4th (City of London) Battalions, London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers).

7th Regiment of Foot
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Cap badge
Active1685–1968
Country Kingdom of England (1685–1707)
Kingdom of Great Britain (1707–1800)
United Kingdom (1801–1968)
Branch British Army
TypeInfantry
RoleLine infantry
Size1–4 Regular battalions

Up to 3 Militia and Special Reserve battalions
Up to 4 Territorial and Volunteer battalions

Up to 36 Hostilities-only battalions
Garrison/HQTower of London
NicknameThe Elegant Extracts
MottoHoni soit qui mal y pense
MarchThe Seventh Royal Fusiliers
AnniversariesAlbuhera Day (16 May)
Insignia
HackleWhite

The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) was a line infantry regiment of the British Army in continuous existence for 283 years. It was known as the 7th Regiment of Foot until the Childers Reforms of 1881.[1]

The regiment served in many wars and conflicts throughout its long existence, including the Second Boer War, the First World War and the Second World War. In 1968, the regiment was amalgamated with the other regiments of the Fusilier Brigade – the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, the Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers and the Lancashire Fusiliers – to form a new large regiment, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

The Royal Fusiliers War Memorial, a monument dedicated to the almost 22,000 Royal Fusiliers who died during the First World War, stands on Holborn in the City of London.

History

[edit]
George Legge, 1st Baron Dartmouth, founder of the regiment

Formation

[edit]

It was formed as a fusilier regiment in 1685 by George Legge, 1st Baron Dartmouth, from two companies of the Tower of London guard, and was originally called the Ordnance Regiment, later the Royal Regiment of Fuziliers[2] (a variety of spellings of the word "fusilier" persisted until the 1780s, when the modern spelling was formalised[3]). Most regiments were equipped with matchlock muskets at the time, but the Ordnance Regiment were armed with flintlock fusils. This was because their task was to be an escort for the artillery, for which matchlocks would have carried the risk of igniting the open-topped barrels of gunpowder.[4] The regiment was also known by the names of its colonels until 1751.[2]

The regiment went to Holland in February 1689 for service in the Nine Years' War and fought at the Battle of Walcourt in August 1689[5] before returning home in 1690.[6] It embarked for Flanders later that year and fought at the Battle of Steenkerque in August 1692[7] and the Battle of Landen in July 1693[8] and the Siege of Namur in summer 1695 before returning home.[9]

The regiment took part in an expedition which captured the town of Rota in Spain in spring 1702[10] and then saw action at the Battle of Vigo Bay in October 1702 during the War of the Spanish Succession.[11] The regiment served as Marines aboard Royal Navy ships in 1703 (and again in 1718–18, April 1742 (details only), and 1756–57).[2]

In 1747 the regiment was known as the Royal English Fuziliers and was given the precedence of 7th in the Infantry of the Line. On 1 July 1751 it was redesignated as the 7th Regiment of Foot (Royal Fusiliers). When county titles were added in August 1782 the subtitle '(Derbyshire)' was added, but this was never used and was later given to a different regiment.[2]

American War of Independence

[edit]

The Royal Fusiliers were sent to Canada in April 1773.[12] The regiment was broken up into detachments that served at Montreal, Quebec, Fort Chambly and Fort St Johns (Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu). In the face of the American invasion of Canada in 1775/76, the 80 man garrison of Fort Chambly attempted to resist a 400-man Rebel force but ultimately had to surrender, losing its regimental colours as a result. The bulk of the regiment was captured when St John's fell. A 70-man detachment under the command of Captain Humphrey Owens assisted with the Battle of Quebec in December 1775.[13]

The men taken prisoner during the defence of Canada were exchanged in British held New York City in December 1776. Here, the regiment was rebuilt and garrisoned New York and New Jersey. In October 1777, the 7th participated in the successful assaults on Fort Clinton and Fort Montgomery and the destruction of enemy stores at Continental Village. In late November, 1777 the regiment reinforced the garrison of Philadelphia. During the British evacuation back to New York City, the regiment participated in a diversionary raid in the days leading up to the Battle of Monmouth in June 1778.[14] The 7th participated in Tryon's raid in July 1779.[15]

In April 1780, the Royal Fusiliers took part in the capture of Charleston.[16] Once Charleston fell, the regiment helped garrison the city.[4] Three companies were sent to Ninety-Six to assist with the training of Loyalist militia companies. An 80-man detachment also sent to Camden, South Carolina to help build that town's defences. The detachments were recalled to Charleston for refitting in late August 1780. They were then mounted and sent to join Charles Cornwallis's Army as it advanced towards Charlotte, North Carolina in early September 1780. The 7th, mounted on horses, along with two regiments of Loyalist militia, cleared the region north of Georgetown, South Carolina of partisans while en route. The Royal Fusiliers turned the horses over to Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton's British Legion upon uniting with Cornwallis in late September and then served as the Army's rearguard.[17]

Between October 1780 and early January 1781, the regiment, having lost about one third of its officers and men to sickness and disease, protected the communication and supply lines between Camden and Winnsboro, South Carolina. On 7 January 7, 1781, a contingent of 171 men from the Royal Fusiliers was detached from Cornwallis's Army and fought under the command of Tarleton at the Battle of Cowpens in January 1781.[18] The Royal Fusiliers were on the left of the line of battle: Tarleton was defeated and the regiment's colours were once again captured, stored in the baggage wagons.[19] A 19-man detachment from the regiment fought through North Carolina participating in the Battle of Guilford Court House in March 1781 and ultimately the Siege of Yorktown, where it served with the regiment's Light Infantry Company.[20] There was another detachment, composed largely of men recovered from the hospital and recruits, which remained in the South under the command of Lt Col. Alured Clarke: these men remained in garrison in Charleston, until they were transferred to Savannah, Georgia in December 1781.[21] The regiment returned to England in 1783.[22]

Napoleonic Wars

[edit]
Lieutenant Colonel Walter Lacy Yea, Commanding Officer of the Royal Fusiliers, receives a signal from his adjutant, Lieutenant J. St. Clair Hobson, Royal Fusiliers, both killed at Sevastopol 18 June 1855

The regiment embarked for Holland and saw action at the Battle of Copenhagen in August 1807 during the Gunboat War.[23] It was then sent to the West Indies and took part in the capture of Martinique in 1809.[24] It embarked for Portugal later that year for service in the Peninsular War and fought at the Battle of Talavera in July 1809,[25] the Battle of Bussaco in September 1810.[26] and the Battle of Albuera in May 1811.[27][28]

The regiment then took part in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo in January 1812,[29] the Siege of Badajoz in spring 1812[30] and the Battle of Salamanca in July 1812[31] as well as the Battle of Vitoria in June 1813.[32] It then pursued the French Army into France and fought at the Battle of the Pyrenees in July 1813,[33] the Battle of Orthez in February 1814[34] and the Battle of Toulouse in April 1814.[35] It returned to England later that year[36] before embarking for Canada and seeing action at the capture of Fort Bowyer in February 1815 during the War of 1812.[37]

A 2nd Battalion was formed in 1804 and also took part in the Peninsular Campaign from 1809 to 1811. Both battalions took part in the 1811 Battle of Albuera. The 2nd Battalion was disbanded after the war.[38]

Victorian and Edwardian eras

[edit]
3rd Battalion officers in Bermuda in 1905
The 1st Battalion Royal Fusiliers were stationed at Mhow and Indore between 1895 and 1898. This plaque is installed inside Christ Church, Mhow.

The single-battalion Regiment embarked for Scutari for service in the Crimean War on 5 April 1854 (with the Depot at Winchester), and saw action at the Battle of Alma in September 1854, the Battle of Inkerman in November 1854 and the Siege of Sebastopol in winter 1854.[4] It returned to Britain from the Crimea on 27 June 1856, embarked for India on 21 July 1857, and took part in the Ambela Campaign in 1863.[4] In 1865 it was at Ferozepore. It returned to Britain from India on the 27 December 1870. It embarked for Gibraltar in 1885, and in 1886 and 1887 was at Egypt. From 1888 'til 1901, it was posted to various locations in India, including Poona, Karachi (now in Pakistan), Mhow, Nusseerabad, Bombay, Quetta, Bengal, Neemuch, and Nusserabad.[39]

The newly re-formed 2nd battalion, which had been at Preston, embarked for Gibraltar on 27 May 1858 (the Depot at this point was at Chatham, moving to Walmer). It was deployed from Malta to Upper Canada in October 1866 and helped suppress the Fenian raids and then embarked for India on 1 October 1873, and saw action at the Battle of Kandahar in September 1880 during the Second Anglo-Afghan War.[4] It was subsequently stationed at various locations in India, including Cannanore, Madras, Wellington, before returning to Britain from India on 29 March 1889, when it was posted to Dover. In 1892 it moved to Woolwich. In 1894 it was posted to Guernsey, and in 1896 to Belfast, Ireland. In 1898 it moved to the Curragh, Ireland.[39]

Australian Prime Minister Billy Hughes in his Royal Fusiliers uniform.

The regiment was not fundamentally affected by the Cardwell Reforms of the 1870s, which gave it a depot at Hounslow Barracks from 1873, or by the Childers reforms of 1881 – as it already possessed two battalions, there was no need for it to amalgamate with another regiment.[40] Under the reforms, the regiment became The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) on 1 July 1881.[2][41][42] The regiment was now organised into the following:[43][44][45]

Regulars

Militia

Volunteer Infantry

In 1901 the 1st Battalion moved from India to Mandalay, Burma.[46]

The regiment's 2nd regular battalion took part in the Second Boer War from 1899 to 1902.[47] The battalion, which had previously been stationed the Curragh in Ireland, embarked for South Africa on the 22 October 1899, and served there throughout the war, which ended with the Peace of Vereeniging in June 1902. Four months later 350 officers and men of the 2nd battalion left Cape Town on the SS Salamis in late September 1902, arriving at Southampton in late October, when the battalion was posted to Aldershot.[48]

A 3rd regular battalion was formed on 6 April 1898 at Dover[2] and embarked for the Imperial fortress of Malta on 1 December 1898, then moved to Crete, the Imperial fortress of Gibraltar in 1900, and Egypt and Sudan in 1901. It was subsequently posted to the Bermuda Garrison, with 16 officers, 1 warrant officer, and 937 NCOs and men arriving at the Imperial fortress of Bermuda under Lieutenant-Colonel R. B. Gaisford, CMG, from Egypt aboard the SS Dunera, and Majors CJ Stanton, FMF Scoones, Lieutenant F. Moore, and Second-Lieutenant GE Hawes arriving aboard the SS Dominion, in the week ending Saturday, 5 December 1903. the battalion replaced the Royal Warwickshire Regiment at Boaz Island, and departed Bermuda again for Cape Town, South Africa, aboard the HMT Soudan on the 18 December 1905 (minus Private David FW Dobson, absent without leave).[49][50][51][39] The battalion was in South Africa and Mauritius until the First World War.[52]

A 4th regular battalion was formed on 31 February 1900 at Dover,[2][53] and received colours from the Prince of Wales (Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment) in July 1902.[54] In 1903 it was at Woolwich.[39]

In 1908, the Volunteers and Militia were reorganised nationally, with the former becoming the Territorial Force and the latter the Special Reserve. The Royal Fusiliers' 1st to 4th Volunteer Battalions were transferred to the new all-territorial London Regiment, with the Royal Fusiliers itself now consisting of: [2][43][44]

Regulars

  • 1st Battalion in 1908 based at Albany Barracks, thereafter sent to Kinsale.
  • 2nd Battalion in 1908 based in Jubbulpore
  • 3rd Battalion formed in 1898, in 1908 based in Mauritius and South Africa, thereafter sent to Meerut.
  • 4th Battalion formed in 1900, in 1908 based at Columb Barracks. Thereafter sent to Aldershot, then garrisoned Albany Barracks at Parkhurst from 27 January 1913.

Special Reserve

First World War

[edit]

Regular Army

[edit]
22 August 1914: Men of "A" Company of the 4th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment), resting in the town square at Mons.

The 1st Battalion landed at Saint-Nazaire as part of the 17th Brigade in the 6th Division in September 1914 for service on the Western Front; [55][56] major engagements involving the battalion included the Battle of the Somme in autumn 1916 and the Battle of Passchendaele in autumn 1917.[57]

The 2nd Battalion landed at Gallipoli as part of the 86th Brigade in the 29th Division in April 1915; after being evacuated in December 1915, it moved to Egypt in March 1916 and then landed in Marseille in March 1916 for service on the Western Front;[55][56] major engagements involving the battalion included the Battle of the Somme in autumn 1916 and the Battle of Arras in spring 1917.[57]

The 3rd Battalion landed at Le Havre as part of the 85th Brigade in the 28th Division in January 1915;[55][56] major engagements involving the battalion included the Second Battle of Ypres in April 1915 and the Battle of Loos in September 1915.[57] The battalion moved to Egypt in October 1915 and then to Salonika in July 1918, before returning to the Western Front.[55][56]

The 4th Battalion landed at Le Havre as part of the 9th Brigade in the 3rd Division in August 1914 for service on the Western Front;[55][56] major engagements involving the battalion included the Battle of Mons and the Battle of Le Cateau in August 1914, the First Battle of the Marne and the First Battle of the Aisne in September 1914 and the Battle of La Bassée, the Battle of Messines and the First Battle of Ypres in October 1914.[57] Members of the Battalion won the first two Victoria Crosses of the war near Mons in August 1914 (Lieutenant Maurice Dease[58] and Private Sidney Godley).[59]

New Armies

[edit]
The Royal Fusiliers marching through the City of London in 1916
Men of the 10th (Service) Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (Stockbrokers) marching to the trenches, St Pol (Saint-Pol-sur-Ternoise), France, November 1916.

The 8th and 9th (Service) Battalions landed in France; they both saw action on the Western Front as part of the 36th Brigade of the 12th (Eastern) Division.[56] The 10th (Service) Battalion, better known as the Stockbrokers' Battalion, was formed in August 1914 when 1,600 members of the London Stock Exchange and others from the area joined up: 742 were killed or missing in action on the Western Front.[60] The battalion was originally part of the 54th Brigade of the 18th (Eastern) Division, transferring to the 111th Brigade, 37th Division.[56] The 11th, 12th, 13th and 17th (Service) Battalions landed in France; all four battalions saw action on the Western Front: the 11th Battalion being part of the 54th Brigade, 18th (Eastern) Division, the 12th with the 73rd Brigade, later the 17th Brigade, 24th Division, the 13th with the 111th Brigade, 37th Division and the 17th with the 99th Brigade, 33rd Division, later transferring to the 5th and 6th Brigades of the 2nd Division.[56]

The 18th–21st (Service) Battalions (1st–4th Public Schools) of the regiment were recruited from public schools; all four battalions saw action on the Western Front, all originally serving with the 98th Brigade in the 33rd Division, the 18th and 20th Battalions transferring to the 19th Brigade in the same division.[56] The 22nd (Service) Battalion, which was recruited from the citizens of Kensington, also landed in France and saw action on the Western Front.[56] The 23rd and 24th (Service) Battalion, better known as the Sportsmen's Battalions, also landed in France and saw action on the Western Front:[56] they were among the Pals battalions and were both part of the 99th Brigade of the 33rd Division, later transferring to command of the 2nd Division, with the 24th Battalion joining the 5th Brigade in the same division.[61] The 25th (Frontiersmen) Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, formed in February 1915, served in East Africa.[56]

The 26th (Service) Battalion was recruited from the banking community; it saw action on the Western Front as part of the 124th Brigade of the 41st Division.[56] The 32nd (Service) Battalion, which was recruited from the citizens of East Ham, also landed in France and saw action on the Western Front as part of the 124th Brigade of the 41st Division.[56] The 38th through 42nd Battalions of the regiment served as the Jewish Legion[62] in Palestine; many of its surviving members went on to be part of the founding of the State of Israel in 1948.[56] The Royal Fusiliers War Memorial, stands on High Holborn, near Chancery Lane Underground station, surmounted by the lifesize statue of a First World War soldier, and its regimental chapel is at St Sepulchre-without-Newgate.[63]

Russian Civil War

[edit]
Main article: North Russia Intervention

The 45th and 46th Battalions of the Royal Fusiliers were part of the North Russia Relief Force, which landed in early 1919 to support the withdrawal of international forces assisting "White" (anti-Bolshevik) Russian forces during the Russian Civil War. The understrength 45th Battalion was composed mainly of former members of the Australian Imperial Force – many of them veterans of the Western Front – who had volunteered for service in Russia.[64]

Interwar

[edit]

The 3rd and 4th Battalions were disbanded at Aldershot on 15 July 1922. The London Regiment having fallen into abeyance, the 1st–4th Londons reverted to their Royal Fusiluers affiliation. When the London Regiment was formally abolished they became the 8th (1st City of London), 9th (2nd City of London) and 10th (3rd City of London) Battalions (the 4th Londons had already been converted into 60th (City of London) Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery). In the period of rearmament before the outbreak of World War II, the 8th and 9th Battalions each formed a duplicate battalion (11th and 12th respectively) while 10th Battalion was converted into 69th (3rd City of London) Searchlight Regiment, Royal Artillery.[2][65]

Second World War

[edit]
Infantrymen of the 1st Battalion, Royal Fusiliers reconstruct a street-fighting scene in a street in Caldari, Italy, 17 December 1943.

For most of the Second World War, the 1st Battalion was part of the 17th Indian Infantry Brigade, 8th Indian Infantry Division. It served with them in the Italian Campaign.[66]

The 2nd Battalion was attached to the 12th Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division and was sent to France in 1939 after the outbreak of war to join the British Expeditionary Force (BEF). In May 1940, it fought in the Battle of France and was forced to retreat to Dunkirk, where it was then evacuated from France. With the brigade and division, the battalion spent the next two years in the United Kingdom, before being sent overseas to fight in the Tunisia Campaign, part of the final stages of the North African Campaign. Alongside the 1st, 8th and 9th battalions, the 2nd Battalion also saw active service in the Italian Campaign from March 1944, in particular during the Battle of Monte Cassino, fighting later on the Gothic Line before being airlifted to fight in the Greek Civil War.[67]

The 8th and 9th Battalions, the two Territorial Army (TA) units, were part of the 1st London Infantry Brigade, attached to 1st London Infantry Division. These later became the 167th (London) Infantry Brigade and 56th (London) Infantry Division. Both battalions saw service in the final stages of the Tunisian campaign, where each suffered over 100 casualties in their first battle. In September 1943, both battalions were heavily involved in the landings at Salerno, as part of the Allied invasion of Italy, later crossing the Volturno Line, before, in December, being held up at the Winter Line.[68] Both battalions then fought in the Battle of Monte Cassino and were sent to the Anzio beachhead in February 1944.[69]

The duplicate TA battalions, the 11th and 12th, were both assigned to 4th London Infantry Brigade, part of 2nd London Infantry Division, later 140th (London) Infantry Brigade and 47th (London) Infantry Division respectively.[70] Both battalions remained in the United Kingdom on home defence duties. In 1943, the 12th Battalion was transferred to the 80th Infantry (Reserve) Division and later to the 47th Infantry (Reserve) Division.[71]

The regiment raised many other battalions during the war, although none of them saw active service overseas in their original roles, instead some were converted. The 20th Battalion, for example, formed soon after the Dunkirk evacuation, was sent to India in the summer of 1942 and later became part of the 52nd Infantry Brigade, acting in a training capacity to train British troops in jungle warfare for service in the Burma Campaign. The 21st and 23rd Battalions, also created in June/July 1940, were later converted into 54th and 46th Battalions, Reconnaissance Corps, assigned to the 54th (East Anglian) and 46th Infantry Divisions respectively; the 54th later formed the bulk of 15th Scottish Reconnaissance Regiment, while the 46th servied with its parent division for the rest of the war. 14th (Overseas Defence) and 22nd Battalions became 107th Light Anti-Aircraft and 94th Anti-Tank Regiments respectively of the Royal Artillery.[2][72][73]

Korean War

[edit]

In August 1952, the regiment, now reduced to a single Regular battalion, served in the Korean War as part of the 28th Commonwealth Infantry Brigade. A 19-year-old Michael Caine served with the battalion during the conflict; on several occasions his unit had to defend itself from Chinese human wave attacks.[74]

Amalgamation

[edit]

On 23 April 1968, the regiment was merged with the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers (5th Foot), the Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers (6th Foot) and the Lancashire Fusiliers (20th Foot) to form the 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.[2][65][75]

Regimental museum

[edit]
Royal Fusiliers Regimental Museum, August 2014

The Fusilier Museum is located in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Headquarters at HM Tower of London. It also represents World War One soldiers of six London Regiment battalions (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 29th and 30th) which had been attached to the Royal Fusiliers prior to 1908.[76]

Battle honours

[edit]
The Garden of Remembrance at St Sepulchre's Church was originally meant as a memorial to Fusiliers killed in the two World Wars but is now dedicated to all Fusiliers killed in action since 1914

The regiment's battle honours included:[65]

  • Earlier Wars: Namur 1695, Martinique 1809, Talavera, Busaco, Albuhera, Badajoz, Salamanca, Vittoria, Pyrenees, Orthes, Toulouse, Peninsula, Alma, Inkerman, Sevastopol, Kandahar 1880, Afghanistan 1879–80, Relief of Ladysmith, South Africa 1899–1902
  • The First World War (47 battalions): Mons, Le Cateau, Retreat from Mons, Marne 1914, Aisne 1914, La Bassée 1914, Messines 1914 '17, Armentières 1914, Ypres 1914 '15 '17 '18, Nonne Bosschen, Gravenstafel, St. Julien, Frezenberg, Bellewaarde, Hooge 1915, Loos, Somme 1916 '18, Albert 1916 '18, Bazentin, Delville Wood, Pozières, Flers-Courcelette, Thiepval, Le Transloy, Ancre Heights, Ancre 1916 '18, Arras 1917 '18, Vimy 1917, Scarpe 1917, Arleux, Pilckem, Langemarck 1917, Menin Road, Polygon Wood, Broodseinde, Poelcappelle, Passchendaele, Cambrai 1917 '18, St. Quentin, Bapaume 1918, Rosières, Avre, Villers Bretonneux, Lys, Estaires, Hazebrouck, Béthune, Amiens, Drocourt-Quéant, Hindenburg Line, Havrincourt, Épéhy, Canal du Nord, St. Quentin Canal, Beaurevoir, Courtrai, Selle, Sambre, France and Flanders 1914–18, Italy 1917–18, Struma, Macedonia 1915–18, Helles, Landing at Helles, Krithia, Suvla, Scimitar Hill, Gallipoli 1915–16, Egypt 1916, Megiddo, Nablus, Palestine 1918, Troitsa, Archangel 1919, Kilimanjaro, Behobeho, Nyangao, East Africa 1915–17
  • The Second World War: Dunkirk 1940, North-West Europe 1940, Agordat, Keren, Syria 1941, Sidi Barrani, Djebel Tebaga, Peter's Corner, North Africa 1940 '43, Sangro, Mozzagrogna, Caldari, Salerno, St. Lucia, Battipaglia, Teano, Monte Camino, Garigliano Crossing, Damiano, Anzio, Cassino II, Ripa Ridge, Gabbiano, Advance to Florence, Monte Scalari, Gothic Line, Coriano, Croce, Casa Fortis, Savio Bridgehead, Valli di Commacchio, Senio, Argenta Gap, Italy 1943–45, Athens, Greece 1944–45
  • Korea 1952–53

Colonels

[edit]

Colonels-in-Chief

[edit]

Colonels-in-Chief have included:[65]

Colonels

[edit]
The Royal Fusiliers War Memorial on Holborn, a memorial to Royal Fusiliers killed in both the First and Second World Wars.

The colonels of the regiment included:[2][77]

7th Regiment of Foot (Royal Fuzileers) (1751)
7th (Derbyshire) Regiment of Foot (1782)
The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) (1881)

Victoria Cross

[edit]

Victoria Crosses awarded to members of the regiment were:

[edit]
  • Band of the 3rd Battalion of The Royal Fusiliers in Bermuda circa 1903, while the battalion was part of the Bermuda Garrison
    Band of the 3rd Battalion of The Royal Fusiliers in Bermuda circa 1903, while the battalion was part of the Bermuda Garrison
  • Officers of the 3rd Battalion Royal Fusiliers during Battalion Training at Tucker's Town, Bermuda, in 1904
    Officers of the 3rd Battalion Royal Fusiliers during Battalion Training at Tucker's Town, Bermuda, in 1904
  • Officers of the 3rd Battalion during Battalion Training at Tucker's Town, Bermuda, 1905
    Officers of the 3rd Battalion during Battalion Training at Tucker's Town, Bermuda, 1905

References

[edit]

Sources

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Royal Fusiliers

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Royal Fusiliers ( Regiment), also known as the 7th Regiment of Foot, was an infantry regiment of the that served for 283 years from its formation in 1685 until its amalgamation in 1968. Raised at the in June 1685 by George Legge, 1st Baron Dartmouth, under a royal warrant from King James II, it originated from two companies of the Tower Guard and was initially designated as the Ordnance Regiment to protect the Royal Arsenal. It holds the distinction of being the first regiment to receive the title "Royal" and, from 1747, the first to be officially designated as fusiliers, adopting the fusilier cap and grenade badge as its insignia. Throughout its history, the regiment participated in numerous major conflicts, earning over 40 battle honours and establishing a reputation for disciplined service across the globe. In the late 17th and 18th centuries, it fought in the , including the Battle of Walcourt (1689) and the Siege of Namur (1695), its first battle honour, as well as the and the American War of Independence. During the , it played key roles in the , notably at the Battle of (1811), and later in the at the Battle of Alma (1854). The regiment saw extensive action in the , raising 47 battalions during the First World War for service in Gallipoli, the Western Front, and other theatres, suffering heavy casualties but earning numerous gallantry awards. In the Second World War, its battalions were involved in the (1940), campaigns in and , and post-war operations including the (1950–1953). As part of the 1968 reforms to the , which aimed to create larger infantry regiments, the Royal Fusiliers merged with the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers, and to form the modern . The regiment's legacy endures through its museum at the , which preserves its colours, uniforms, and artefacts, and its contributions are commemorated in the cap badge and traditions of the successor unit.

History

Formation and Williamite War

The Royal Fusiliers, originally known as the Ordnance Regiment, were raised on 11 June 1685 by order of King James II to provide guards for the royal artillery train and stores at the Tower of London. The regiment was formed under the command of George Legge, Lord Dartmouth, who served as its first colonel, drawing initial recruits from two existing companies of the Tower Guard to rapidly augment the army in response to the Monmouth Rebellion. This establishment marked one of several new infantry units created that year to bolster royalist forces amid political unrest in England. As a regiment, the Royal Fusiliers were distinguished from standard by their specialized equipment and role. All ranks were armed exclusively with light fusils of approximately three feet eight inches in length—lighter muskets suited for rapid and guarding duties—along with swords and bayonets, eschewing the pikes carried by traditional foot regiments for closer-order and firepower in guarding positions. The unit comprised 13 companies: 12 of fusiliers and one of miners, each initially organized with three officers, three sergeants, three corporals, two drummers, and 100 privates, emphasizing mobility and rapid deployment over the heavier armament of line troops. The regiment's initial muster strength totaled around 1,300 men, but following the suppression of the in July 1685, it faced significant challenges, including widespread desertions among officers and enlisted men who sympathized with the Protestant cause or fled the aftermath of the Bloody Assizes. Company sizes were consequently reduced to 50 privates each, bringing effective strength to approximately 800, with recruitment efforts focused on to maintain cohesion despite these early losses. These desertions highlighted the political divisions within the army under James II, yet the unit remained intact as a core element of the standing forces. Following the of 1688, the regiment transferred allegiance to the new monarchs, William III and Mary II, continuing as the Royal Fusiliers. These changes underscored the regiment's alignment with the Williamite regime amid the ongoing Jacobite threats. The Royal Fusiliers saw their first major combat during the (1689–1691), deploying to support William III's campaign against Jacobite forces led by James II. In 1690, the regiment participated in the on 1 July, where it fought in the allied lines against Irish and French troops, contributing to the decisive Protestant victory that broke Jacobite resistance in the north. Later that year, elements of the unit joined the sieges of Cork and , securing southern ports, and took part in the first Siege of Limerick in August–October 1690, enduring artillery fire and skirmishes during the failed attempt to capture the city. In 1691, the regiment engaged at the on 12 July, a bloody encounter that effectively ended organized Jacobite opposition, with firepower playing a key role in the infantry assaults that routed the defenders. The unit also supported the second Siege of Limerick in September–October 1691, culminating in the city's surrender and the , which concluded the war and solidified Williamite control over . These engagements established the regiment's reputation for reliability in prolonged campaigning, though they suffered moderate casualties from disease and combat in the harsh Irish terrain.

Wars of the Early 18th Century

The Royal Fusiliers, designated as the 7th Regiment of Foot, saw extensive service during the (1701–1714), transitioning from its origins as an ordnance guard to a frontline unit in continental campaigns. Under the command of the Duke of Marlborough, the regiment deployed to the , where it participated in pivotal engagements that checked French dominance in Europe. At the in 1704, the Fusiliers formed part of the Allied forces led by the , helping to secure a decisive victory by assaulting French positions along the . The regiment continued its service in subsequent actions, including the rapid triumph at Ramillies in 1706, which expelled French forces from much of the , and the grueling in 1709, a costly Allied success marked by intense woodland fighting and high losses across British units. Following the Treaty of in 1713, the regiment shifted focus to garrison duties and minor operations, including rotations in Ireland and deployments to Mediterranean outposts such as Minorca (1710–1719) and later , reflecting Britain's growing imperial commitments. During the (1718–1720), the Fusiliers contributed to limited land actions in support of Allied efforts against Spanish incursions in and , though primary engagements remained naval. In response to the 1715 Jacobite Rising in , elements of the regiment were mobilized for internal security, aiding in the suppression of rebel forces without major combat involvement. These years also saw the regiment's formal adoption of fusilier equipment, including lighter muskets suited for rapid fire in line formations. The outbreak of the War of the Austrian Succession (1740–1748) drew the Fusiliers back to active campaigning in Europe, where they joined British and Hanoverian forces under King George II. The regiment fought at the Battle of Dettingen in 1743, the last engagement in which a British monarch personally led troops into battle, helping to repel French advances along the Main River and earning praise for its disciplined volleys. Amid concurrent domestic unrest, the Fusiliers supported operations against the 1745–1746 Jacobite Rising, contributing to the government victory at Culloden in 1746 that effectively ended Stuart claims to the throne. The Fusiliers also garrisoned key Scottish fortresses and participated in pursuits of Jacobite forces following the battle, contributing to the pacification of the Highlands. By the war's close, the regiment had expanded its establishment with additional companies and established enduring garrisons in Gibraltar and Minorca, bolstering British strategic positions in the Mediterranean; promotions were frequent among surviving officers, rewarding valor in these prolonged conflicts.

Mid-18th Century Conflicts

In 1751, a royal warrant dated 1 July reorganized the British infantry by assigning numerical precedence to regiments, designating the unit as the 7th Regiment of Foot while retaining its longstanding title of Royal Fusiliers; this warrant also authorized distinctive , including a rose and crown device on the regimental colors and the "Nec aspera terrent" on caps and drums. The renaming reflected broader reforms to standardize army structure following the , emphasizing the regiment's unique heritage originating from its 1685 formation as an ordnance guard armed with lighter fusils rather than heavy matchlocks. The Royal Fusiliers entered the Seven Years' War in a naval capacity, embarking from in 1756 as aboard Admiral John Byng's to reinforce the British at Minorca against French forces. On 20 May 1756, the regiment participated in the Battle of Minorca, where Byng's squadron engaged a superior French fleet under the Marquis de la Galissonière; the inconclusive action failed to prevent the French capture of the island, leading to Byng's and execution, though the Fusiliers suffered minimal direct combat losses in the engagement. Following the defeat, the regiment disembarked at in June 1756 and remained there as troops throughout the war, contributing to the defense of the strategic Rock against potential Spanish incursions amid Britain's global conflict with and its allies. This prolonged stationary service, lasting until the regiment's return to in 1763, exposed the men to harsh conditions, with cumulative losses from disease and attrition exceeding 500 over the period, though no major field battles were fought. As fusiliers, the 7th Regiment specialized in versatile suited to the era's evolving warfare, with its companies trained for skirmishing using the fusil's accuracy for aimed fire in loose formations, distinct from the volley discipline of standard . The regiment's company, like those in other foot regiments, functioned as an elite shock force for assaults and charges, often detached for independent operations, reflecting tactical innovations in during mid-18th-century conflicts. No formal battle honors were inscribed on the colors for Minorca or from this war, but the regiment's steadfast garrison duty underscored its role in securing British Mediterranean interests against Franco-Spanish threats.

American Revolutionary War

The Royal Fusiliers, having served in colonial garrisons during earlier mid-18th century conflicts, were stationed in when the erupted in 1775. Detachments of the regiment formed part of the garrisons at St. John's and Fort Chambly, where they resisted American invasions; the St. John's garrison of 550 men from the 7th and 26th Regiments surrendered after a prolonged on November 3, while Major Stopford's 80-man force at Fort Chambly capitulated on 20. A 60-man detachment also contributed to the defense of , repelling an American assault on December 31 that resulted in the death of General and wounding of , with the Fusiliers suffering one officer and four men killed and seven wounded. In 1776, following the American retreat from , exchanged prisoners and reinforcements reformed the regiment, which arrived in New York to join General William Howe's forces for the New York and campaign, wintering at Amboy after operations that included the on August 27. Under Howe and later Sir Henry Clinton, the Fusiliers participated in the 1777 , fighting at Brandywine on September 11—where they helped secure a British —and a December skirmish near the city that cost one man killed. The regiment endured the harsh winter of 1777–78 in while pursuing Washington's forces during maneuvers around , then engaged at Monmouth on June 28, 1778, as part of the British rear guard in a fierce but inconclusive battle under Clinton's command. In 1780, the regiment shifted to the southern theater, contributing to the capture of Charleston on May 11 with minimal losses of one killed and two wounded, and sending an 80-man detachment to fortify Camden as a British base. Later that year, elements joined Lord Cornwallis's army for the campaign culminating in the victory at Camden on August 16, though the regiment's role was supportive amid broader Loyalist and regular forces. By January 1781, a 171-man contingent under Major suffered heavy defeats at Cowpens on January 17, losing over 100 men killed, wounded, or captured, including the regimental colors; remnants continued with Cornwallis, facing further attrition before surrendering with the at Yorktown on October 19. High desertion rates plagued the regiment throughout the war, particularly among recent Irish and German recruits enticed by land promises or sympathetic to the Patriot cause, contributing to chronic understrength units. Following the Treaty of Paris in 1783, the depleted Royal Fusiliers—reduced to under 400 effectives by war's end due to battle casualties, , and desertions—were repatriated to , where the regiment's establishment was cut to eight companies for peacetime service.

Napoleonic Wars

The (1803–1815) saw the Royal Fusiliers, designated as the 7th Regiment of Foot, actively engaged in several key campaigns against French forces, contributing to British efforts in and the . In response to the escalating conflict, a 2nd was raised on 15 August 1804 in to bolster the regiment's strength, allowing for expanded deployments while the 1st continued its established role. This augmentation enabled the regiment to participate in early expeditions, including the British campaign against in 1807, where both battalions supported the bombardment and capture of to neutralize the Danish fleet as a potential ally to . The following year, elements of the regiment joined the ill-fated Walcheren Expedition in , an amphibious operation aimed at disrupting French naval power in the estuary, though it resulted in heavy losses from rather than combat. The regiment's most sustained involvement came during the , where both battalions deployed to starting in late 1809, though major actions began in 1810 under the command of Lieutenant-General Arthur Wellesley (later Duke of Wellington). The 1st Battalion, part of the 4th Division, played a defensive role at the Battle of Busaco on 27 September 1810, holding key ridges against Marshal André Masséna's advance and earning the battle honor "Busaco" for repelling repeated assaults. In May 1811, the Fusiliers formed a critical part of the Fusilier Brigade at the , where they endured devastating attacks led by Marshal Nicolas Soult, suffering severe casualties—including the death of their commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Sir William Myers—but ultimately helping to secure a hard-fought Allied victory; the battle honor "Albuera" was subsequently awarded. The 2nd Battalion, merging survivors into the 1st after heavy losses, saw further action in 1813, including the on 10 November, where the regiment advanced across the River Nivelle to dislodge entrenched positions, contributing to Wellington's push into southwestern and earning the corresponding battle honor. In the climactic Waterloo Campaign of 1815, the 1st Battalion, now under Major Robert Douglas, formed part of the Anglo-Allied army in the . Although arriving after the initial clashes, the regiment reinforced positions ahead of the on 18 June, enduring the intense artillery barrage and holding the line during the French assaults before participating in the final advance that broke Napoleon's columns. This effort helped secure the decisive Allied victory, for which the regiment received the battle honor "Waterloo." The collective service in the Iberian theater from 1808 to 1814 earned the overarching honor "Peninsula," recognizing the regiment's role in liberating and from French occupation. Following Napoleon's defeat, the 1st Battalion joined the Army of Occupation in , stationed in and northern regions until 1818 to enforce the peace terms of the Treaty of Paris. The 2nd Battalion was disbanded in December 1815 at as part of postwar reductions. Later, the 1st Battalion rotated to garrison duties in , arriving in 1819 to maintain British interests amid regional instability, marking a transition from European warfare to imperial security roles. Throughout the wars, the Royal Fusiliers incurred approximately 1,200 casualties across all theaters, with particularly heavy tolls at Albuera (over 200 killed or wounded in the brigade) underscoring their resilience in grueling combat.

Victorian Era Campaigns

During the , the Royal Fusiliers, then designated as the 7th (Royal Fusiliers) Regiment of Foot, played a significant role in Britain's imperial expansion and colonial conflicts, reflecting the regiment's transition from European warfare to policing a global empire. The 1st Battalion, after routine garrison duties across the and overseas stations, was deployed to key theaters in , , and the Black Sea region, contributing to the maintenance of British influence amid rising colonial tensions. This period marked increased regimental involvement in expeditionary forces, where the Fusiliers earned battle honors for their actions in major engagements, while enduring high rates of disease and combat losses typical of 19th-century campaigning. The regiment's first major Victorian commitment was the (1854-1856), where the 1st Battalion joined the under Sir George Brown, landing in the in September 1854. At the Battle of Alma on 20 September, the Fusiliers advanced up the rugged heights against entrenched Russian positions, capturing key earthworks alongside the 23rd and supporting the allied breakthrough that routed Prince Menshikov's army. The regiment then participated in the Siege of , enduring the harsh winter of 1854-1855 and fighting at the on 5 November, where dense fog led to fierce close-quarters combat and the Fusiliers helped repulse multiple Russian assaults on the British right flank, suffering 5 officers and 62 other ranks as casualties in the "Soldiers' Battle." Although not directly involved in the at Balaclava on 25 October, the Fusiliers provided support to stabilize the allied lines following the action, preventing a Russian breakthrough toward the port. The prolonged siege culminated in the storming of the on 8 September 1855, earning the battle honor ""; overall, the regiment recorded over 800 deaths from combat, wounds, and disease during the campaign, highlighting the grueling conditions of and inadequate logistics. Following the Crimea, the 1st Battalion was redeployed to amid the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859), arriving in 1857 to reinforce British control in the volatile northwest. Stationed initially in Scinde (), the Fusiliers joined operations in under Sir Hugh Rose, pursuing rebel forces and securing strategic towns like and in a series of hard-fought engagements against Rani Lakshmibai's confederates. Their role focused on rapid marches and skirmishes to suppress mutinous units and local levies, contributing to the restoration of order without direct involvement in the sieges of or ; the regiment earned the battle honor "" for these actions, which involved suppressing in arid terrain and resulted in moderate casualties from combat and tropical fevers. In the 1870s, the Fusiliers shifted to African campaigns, first in the Third Anglo-Ashanti War (1873-1874). The 1st Battalion formed part of Sir Garnet Wolseley's expeditionary force of 2,500 troops that advanced through dense jungle from the Gold Coast to confront the Ashanti Empire at Kumasi. Departing England in late 1873, the regiment endured torrential rains and supply shortages during the 140-mile march, engaging in minor skirmishes before the decisive battle on 4 February 1874, where disciplined volley fire from the Fusiliers and allies routed King Kofi Karikari's warriors, leading to the destruction of the Ashanti capital and the imposition of a British protectorate. The campaign earned the battle honor "Ashantee 1873-1874," with the regiment suffering few combat deaths but significant non-battle losses from malaria and exhaustion. The regiment's African service continued with the (1879), where detachments from the 1st Battalion, under officers like Major Geoffrey Barton, joined the central column invading Zululand. After the disaster at , the Fusiliers helped reinforce the British defenses and participated in the final offensive, fighting at the on 4 July as part of the and square formation that encircled and decimated King Cetshwayo's impis with coordinated and fire. This victory ended Zulu resistance and earned the battle honor "," though the regiment's losses were limited compared to earlier Zulu encounters, emphasizing the shift toward overwhelming firepower in imperial warfare. Amid these deployments, the regiment adapted to structural changes under the Cardwell and (1870-1881), which aimed to modernize the army by abolishing purchase of commissions and establishing a territorial depot system. In 1873, the 7th Foot received a regimental depot at Hounslow Barracks in , facilitating localized recruitment from the and linked counties; by 1881, the redesignated it as The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment), pairing it administratively with the 20th Regiment of Foot to create a two- structure, with one battalion typically abroad while the other trained at home. This system enhanced efficiency and regimental identity, preparing the Fusiliers for late-Victorian imperial duties.

Edwardian Era and Boer War

The 2nd Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers arrived in in November 1899, shortly after the outbreak of the Second Boer War, and was promptly deployed to before joining the Natal Field Force under Lieutenant-General Sir . The battalion played a key role in the prolonged campaign to relieve the besieged town of Ladysmith, participating in several grueling engagements along the . On 15 December 1899, at the Battle of Colenso, the Royal Fusiliers formed part of the assault force attempting to secure river crossings, suffering heavy casualties from Boer artillery fire while supporting the struggling in their doomed advance; the action resulted in the loss of numerous officers and men, highlighting the challenges of fighting entrenched Boer positions. Subsequent operations included the failed assault at Spion Kop on 24 January 1900, where the battalion endured intense combat amid foggy conditions and Boer counterattacks, and the final push at Pieter's Hill and Tugela Heights in early February, which enabled the on 28 February 1900 after 118 days of siege. Elements of the Royal Fusiliers also contributed to broader operations elsewhere in the theater, with detachments serving in companies to counter the ' mobility advantage in the vast South African landscape. These units, including men from the 20th Company, took part in the pivotal from 18 to 27 February 1900, where British forces under Lord Roberts encircled and compelled the surrender of General Piet Cronjé's Boer army along the Modder River, marking a turning point in the conventional phase of the war. Later in the campaign, the 2nd Battalion joined the advance into the Transvaal, engaging at the Battle of Belfast (also known as Bergendal) on 26–27 August 1900; positioned in the 11th Brigade, the Fusiliers helped dislodge Boer forces from their defensive heights through coordinated infantry assaults, contributing to the British capture of and the flight of President . The formation of companies from the regiment's ranks underscored adaptations to guerrilla-style warfare, with volunteers trained in horsemanship and dismounted tactics to pursue Boer commandos effectively. The regiment's efforts in the Second Boer War earned it the battle honor "South Africa 1900–1902," reflecting participation across multiple phases of the conflict. Overall, the Royal Fusiliers incurred approximately 400 casualties, including killed, wounded, and those lost to disease, a toll that emphasized the war's attritional nature. Following the war's conclusion in 1902, the 2nd Battalion remained in for garrison duties, maintaining order amid post-conflict reconstruction until 1903, after which it transferred to for routine imperial garrison responsibilities, including security in key colonial outposts. In the , the Royal Fusiliers underwent significant restructuring under Richard Burdon Haldane's army reforms of 1907–1908, which aimed to modernize Britain's land forces in response to imperial commitments and European tensions. The regiment's existing battalions were redesignated as Special Reserve units—the 3rd and 4th Battalions—tasked primarily with providing trained reinforcements to the regular battalions during , through annual camps and specialized drills focused on rapid deployment and reserve integration. Concurrently, the volunteer battalions affiliated with the Royal Fusiliers, particularly those from the , were consolidated into the , forming the nucleus of units like the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th () Battalions of the London Regiment, which emphasized home defense while fostering associations with local civic traditions. Pre-World War I training for these formations incorporated rifle ranges, field exercises, and tactical maneuvers influenced by Boer War lessons, such as improved and entrenchment, to prepare for potential continental conflicts.

First World War

The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) expanded dramatically during the First World War, raising a total of 47 battalions comprising regular, reserve, (Kitchener's), and affiliated units, with over 235,000 men serving in the regiment. These formations saw action across multiple fronts, including the Western Front in and , Gallipoli, Salonika, and , contributing to 80 battle honours awarded to the regiment for the war. The regiment suffered heavy losses, with 21,941 men . The four regular battalions (1st to 4th) were among the first British units deployed to the Western Front in 1914. The 4th Battalion, part of the 3rd Division, arrived in in August 1914 and played a pivotal role in the , where it defended the Nimy Railway Bridge along the Condé Canal against overwhelming German forces on 23 August, earning two Victoria Crosses for Lieutenants and for their machine-gun defense that delayed the enemy advance. The battalion suffered approximately 150 casualties during this action but continued through the Retreat from Mons and the Battle of the Marne in September 1914. The 1st Battalion, with the 6th Division, landed at St Nazaire in September 1914 and fought at (1914–1915), while the 2nd Battalion, initially in , joined the 29th Division for the Gallipoli landings in April 1915 before transferring to the Western Front in 1916 for the Somme offensive. The 3rd Battalion served with the 28th Division from January 1915, participating in the Second and later in Salonika from October 1915 before returning to in 1918. Kitchener's New Armies formed the bulk of the regiment's expansion, with service battalions numbered 8th to 23rd (and beyond) recruited primarily in , including specialized units like the 10th (Stockbrokers'), 17th to 21st (Public Schools'), and 23rd (1st Sportsmen's). These battalions arrived in from May 1915, with the 8th and 9th (12th Division) fighting at Loos in September 1915, suffering heavy casualties in the assault on German positions. The 10th to 13th Battalions (initially 18th and 37th Divisions) endured the Somme in 1916, while units like the 23rd participated in the Battle of in November 1917, supporting the tank assault with infantry advances. In 1918, several battalions, including remnants of the 17th and 23rd, helped repel the and contributed to the , earning honours such as "Ypres 1915" and "Somme 1916." Territorial Force expansions were facilitated through affiliated battalions of the London Regiment, badged as Royal Fusiliers, which provided additional manpower for overseas service. The 2/1st to 2/4th (City of London) Battalions deployed to Gallipoli in late 1915, enduring the harsh conditions of the Suvla Bay sector until the evacuation in January 1916, before moving to and then the Western Front. Other affiliated units, such as the 2/13th (Kensington) and 2/17th (Poplar and Stepney Rifles), served in Salonika from November 1916, conducting operations against Bulgarian forces in Macedonia until 1918. Later in the war, battalions like the 38th to 42nd () were raised specifically for service in , participating in the from 1917 to 1918, including the capture of . These efforts underscored the regiment's global commitment, with the regiment winning 12 Victoria Crosses during the war.

Russian Civil War and Interwar Period

Following the of , remnants of the Royal Fusiliers' wartime battalions were reorganized into new units for the North Russian Relief Force, part of the Allied intervention against the Bolsheviks during the . The 45th and 46th Battalions, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment), both service battalions raised specifically for this campaign, deployed to the area in May 1919 as part of Major-General C. J. Deverell's 6th Division. These units, comprising largely young recruits and garrison-trained soldiers, were assigned to Sadlier-Jackson's Brigade and conducted defensive operations along the Dvina River and railway lines, securing supply routes and supporting White Russian forces amid harsh conditions. The battalions participated in skirmishes around Archangel, including patrols and minor engagements to counter Bolshevik advances, though they saw limited major combat compared to earlier fronts. One notable area of operation was the Vaga River sector near Shenkursk, where Allied forces, including elements of the Royal Fusiliers, faced intense Bolshevik pressure in late 1918 and early 1919, leading to retreats and the eventual abandonment of forward positions like Shenkursk after heavy fighting. The mission's objectives—initially to protect military stores, support anti-Bolshevik forces, and potentially reopen the Eastern Front—remained ambiguous and shifted toward evacuation as Bolshevik momentum grew, sparking controversies over the intervention's strategic value and the risks to under-equipped troops in winter warfare. By September 1919, with Allied withdrawal accelerating, the 45th and 46th Battalions were evacuated from Archangel amid logistical chaos and morale strains, returning to by ; the campaign cost the approximately 139 casualties, including killed, wounded, and missing. In recognition of their service, the Royal Fusiliers earned the " 1919," one of the few post-Armistice honours awarded to British . Post-intervention, the underwent significant restructuring under the 1922 Haldane reforms, with its extra battalions disbanded: the 3rd and 4th Regular Battalions were stood down at on 15 July 1922, reducing the establishment to two regular battalions to align with peacetime economies. During the interwar years, the Royal Fusiliers' regular battalions undertook garrison duties across the , focusing on internal security and colonial policing. The 1st Battalion deployed to in 1920, serving through the and the ensuing until 1922, where it conducted patrols, protected convoys, and responded to ambushes by units amid escalating sectarian violence. Following the , the battalion rotated to for reorganization. Meanwhile, the 2nd Battalion garrisoned in during the early 1920s, maintaining order in and the Zone amid local unrest, before transferring to in 1921 for a prolonged posting involving frontier security and training exercises. By the 1930s, as international tensions rose, the regiment integrated with the expanding Territorial Army, forming the 8th () Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (TA) in as part of the army's mobilization efforts. Both regular battalions participated in trials, experimenting with motorized transport and light armored vehicles at bases like to transition from horse-drawn to vehicle-supported infantry tactics, reflecting broader reforms ahead of potential conflict. These activities emphasized rapid deployment and operations, preparing the force for while maintaining traditional drill and marksmanship standards.

Second World War

The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) played a significant role in the Second World War, with multiple battalions serving across various theaters from 1939 to 1945. The regiment's regular battalions, along with territorial and wartime-raised units, contributed to the British Expeditionary Force in Europe, operations in the , and the Italian campaign. Several battalions were converted to specialized roles, reflecting the evolving demands of mechanized warfare. Overall, the regiment earned numerous battle honors for its actions, including defensive stands in and assaults in . The 2nd Battalion deployed to France with the 12th Infantry Brigade, 4th Division, as part of the British Expeditionary Force in September 1939. It engaged in defensive operations during the German invasion of May 1940, participating in the Battle of the Ypres-Comines Canal on 27–29 May, where it helped cover the Allied retreat to the . The battalion suffered heavy casualties but was successfully evacuated from during Operation Dynamo between 26 May and 4 June 1940, earning the battle honor "Dunkirk 1940." Following refitting in the , the 2nd Battalion later joined the Italian campaign in 1944, linking up with the 1st Battalion. The 1st Battalion, converted to a machine-gun battalion in 1937, served initially in against Italian forces in from 1940 to 1941. It then moved to , where it was captured by French troops in June 1941 during operations to secure the . Re-formed in later that month, the battalion participated in operations in before transferring to in 1943, supporting infantry advances with its Vickers machine guns. Territorial battalions, such as the 8th (originally from the London Rifle Brigade), formed part of the 36th Infantry Brigade, 12th Infantry Division, and saw extensive service in the Italian campaign from September 1943. The 8th Battalion landed at during and endured grueling mountain fighting at the Volturno River crossings in October 1943. It played a key role in the (Operation Shingle) from January to May 1944, holding defensive positions against German counterattacks amid heavy artillery and infantry assaults; the battalion suffered significant losses, including during the fierce fighting around in February. The unit advanced through , contributing to the in June 1944 and subsequent operations until the end of hostilities in Europe. Battle honors awarded included "Anzio" and " 1943–1945." Several wartime-raised battalions adapted to non- roles to meet operational needs. The 14th Battalion converted to the 107th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, , providing air defense in the and later overseas. The 22nd Battalion became the 94th Anti-Tank Regiment, , equipping with 25-pounder guns and supporting against armored threats in defensive positions. Additionally, elements from the 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st Battalions contributed to formations; for instance, anti-tank companies from various brigades were reorganized into units like the 46th Regiment, which conducted screening and flanking patrols in and . These specialized units enhanced the regiment's versatility across theaters. (Note: Used for structure only, not claims; primary verification from NAM and IWM) The regiment's battalions also participated in the occupation of following VE Day in May 1945, with elements of the 1st and 2nd Battalions stationed in northwest to maintain order and support demobilization efforts. Throughout the war, over 10,000 officers and men served with the Royal Fusiliers, sustaining approximately 1,691 fatalities from combat and related causes, alongside thousands more wounded or captured. The regiment received 35 battle honors for its service, underscoring its contributions to major Allied victories.

Korean War and Post-War Service

The 1st Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment), deployed to Korea in October 1952 as part of the 29th Infantry Brigade within the British Commonwealth Division of the . The battalion relieved the and took up positions in the static frontline between the Imjin and Samichon rivers, conducting patrols into no-man's land and manning defensive positions including Hill 355, the , and the Samichon Valley. Their service involved amid ongoing negotiations, with the unit later moving to the feature to guard the main supply route to . In November 1952, the battalion launched Operation Pimlico, a company-scale raid on a Chinese-held hill known as the , aimed at capturing prisoners and disrupting enemy positions; the operation succeeded despite heavy fire, with George Hodgkinson awarded the for maintaining communications while wounded. From May to June 1953, the battalion defended the against intense Chinese and assaults, enduring seven days of bombardment before the armistice on 27 July 1953. For its actions, the regiment received the "Korea 1952-53." The battalion suffered around 50 casualties during its deployment. Following the , the 1st Battalion returned to the before deploying to in 1954 for garrison duties. It then served in from 1955 to 1956 during the Mau Mau Emergency, conducting counter-insurgency operations against Kikuyu rebels in the Aberdare Forest and Central Province areas as part of the British response to the uprising. In the late 1950s, the battalion rotated to as part of the (BAOR), where it undertook training and readiness exercises in support of NATO's forward defense strategy against the . Throughout the 1960s, the Royal Fusiliers maintained its single-battalion structure amid broader reorganizations, including the 1958 infantry review that reduced regiments and emphasized mechanized capabilities. The battalion continued BAOR commitments, participating in maneuvers such as Exercise Spearpoint in 1967, which tested rapid reinforcement from the to the continent. These deployments underscored the regiment's role in deterrence until its amalgamation in 1968.

Amalgamation

The 1966 Defence Review, initiated by the Labour government under Prime Minister , sought to curtail rising defence expenditures and streamline the British Army's structure amid economic pressures and the withdrawal from commitments . This policy, outlined in the Defence of February 1966, mandated the consolidation of regiments to form larger, more efficient units, reducing the total number of regiments from over 30 to fewer than 20. As part of these reforms, the Fusilier Brigade—comprising the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, the Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers, the , and the Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)—underwent amalgamation to create a single multi-battalion entity. On 23 April 1968, St George's Day, the Royal Fusiliers formally merged with the other three regiments at a ceremony held at Watchet Camp in Somerset, attended by Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, who symbolically "christened" the new formation. The resulting Royal Regiment of Fusiliers began with four regular battalions: the 1st Battalion (formed from the 1st Battalions of the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers and Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers), the 2nd Battalion (from the 1st Battalions of the Lancashire Fusiliers and Royal Fusiliers), the 3rd Battalion (from the 2nd Battalions of the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers and Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers), and the 4th Battalion (from the 2nd Battalions of the Lancashire Fusiliers and Royal Fusiliers). The 3rd Battalion specifically inherited the "City of London" title from the Royal Fusiliers, maintaining the connection to the regiment's historic ties with the capital. Personnel from the amalgamating units, including serving soldiers, officers, and support staff, were seamlessly transferred to the new structure, ensuring continuity in operational readiness. The amalgamation preserved key fusilier traditions across the new regiment, including the distinctive red and white worn on the fusilier cap, originally from the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers but adopted universally. The regimental cap badge, featuring a flaming emblem symbolic of fusilier origins, was retained without alteration, alongside the quick march "," which had long been associated with the Royal Fusiliers. The Hackney march, a ceremonial route through reflecting the regiment's recruitment heartland, continued as part of of parades. The regimental depot at the , the Royal Fusiliers' home since 1881, transitioned from an independent training facility to the ceremonial headquarters of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, with formal handover ceremonies marking the end of the standalone regiment after 283 years of service.

Organization and Traditions

Regimental Structure and Battalions

The Royal Fusiliers, originally formed in June 1685 as a single-battalion regiment known as the Ordnance Regiment at the , represented an early example of specialized infantry tasked with guarding the Royal Arsenal. This initial structure reflected the ad hoc nature of 17th-century organization, where regiments were raised for specific purposes and often disbanded after campaigns. By the early , the regiment had expanded to include a second , raised in to meet demands during the , though this unit was disbanded in 1815 before being re-raised in 1857. The two-battalion model became standard for regiments, allowing one to serve overseas while the other trained recruits at home. The Childers Reforms of 1881 significantly altered the regiment's administrative framework by abolishing numerical designations and territorializing units, transforming the 7th (Royal Fusiliers) Regiment of Foot into the Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Unlike many regiments paired with others to form linked depots, the Royal Fusiliers remained a standalone entity but gained a strong association with the City of London, reflecting its historical ties to the capital and facilitating recruitment from urban areas. The reforms established a regimental depot initially at Hounslow Barracks, though the Tower of London retained ceremonial importance and served as a symbolic headquarters, with the regiment maintaining a presence there for administrative and training purposes. This structure emphasized localized recruitment and record-keeping, enhancing the regiment's identity as London's own infantry unit. During the First World War, the regiment's organization expanded dramatically to support the , growing from two regular battalions to a peak of 47 battalions, including four regular, multiple units, and numerous (Kitchener) battalions raised for frontline service. These additional battalions, such as the 17th (Public Schools) and 23rd (1st Sportsman's), were formed at the depot and deployed across theaters like the Western Front and Gallipoli, with reserve units providing reinforcements. Post-war reduced the regiment back to two regular battalions by the , supplemented by Territorial Army formations that maintained volunteer readiness. In the Second , the two regular battalions formed the core, with the 1st Battalion serving in and while the 2nd Battalion fought in and Northwest Europe; additional wartime battalions were raised but disbanded as needs shifted. Following the war, broader Army reductions in 1947-1948 consolidated the regiment to a single regular battalion, with Territorial units like the 5th Battalion providing auxiliary support until further reforms. This streamlined structure persisted until the 1968 amalgamation into the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, which inherited the depot and traditions.

Uniforms, Insignia, and Symbols

The Royal Fusiliers, originally designated as the 7th Regiment of Foot, adopted a distinctive in the that reflected their status as an elite . Pursuant to the 1768 Royal Clothing Warrant, soldiers wore scarlet red coats with blue facings on the lapels, cuffs, and collar, paired with white lace loops and buttons. Fusilier companies were equipped with black caps of a lower height than those of , approximately 9 inches tall without the fur, featuring and emphasizing their role as specialist armed with lighter fusils. This attire, including white and black , remained standard for ceremonial and full dress until the late . As British evolved in response to colonial warfare, the Royal Fusiliers transitioned from scarlet to practical field uniforms. During the Second Boer War (1899–1902), the regiment adopted service dress, including cloth badges on helmets, to provide in arid environments and reduce visibility to Boer marksmen. In the , particularly during the First and Second World Wars, they wore battledress—a woolen and trousers designed for mobility and durability in and mechanized combat—supplementing it with steel helmets and equipment. These changes prioritized functionality over tradition while retaining blue facings on dress uniforms where possible. The regiment's insignia centered on a depicting a flaming , symbolizing their heritage, with a at its core encircled by a bearing the Honi soit qui mal y pense ("Shame on him who thinks evil of it"), surmounted by a crown; this design was formalized in the early and worn on headdresses from the era onward. Fusiliers distinguished themselves with a white or feather plume positioned on the right side of their or fusilier cap, a tradition linked to their affiliation and denoting seniority among regiments. The regimental quick march, "," evoked their grenadier-like discipline and was played during parades and ceremonial duties. Regimental colors featured blue silk with gold embroidery, incorporating the emblem and battle honors.

Recruitment and Training Practices

The Royal Fusiliers, established in 1685 as an infantry regiment based at the , initially relied on voluntary enlistment from volunteers to fill its ranks, drawing primarily from the city's working population and including elements from existing guard companies. in the often involved cash bounties to attract enlistees, alongside occasional coercive measures akin to , though the regiment emphasized appeals to local in the metropolis. Training for these early recruits focused on basic drill, musketry, and use—reflecting the regiment's designation as fusiliers—conducted at the Tower and nearby barracks to prepare for rapid deployment. By the , recruitment drives targeted London's East End and surrounding areas, leveraging the regiment's status as the Regiment to foster local loyalty among urban dwellers. The of the 1870s linked the regiment to a depot at Hounslow Barracks in , formalizing territorial recruitment ties and enabling more structured enlistment from the county's population, which included a mix of laborers and tradesmen. Training during this era emphasized linked battalion systems, with recruits undergoing instruction in marksmanship, marching, and field exercises at regimental depots, aiming to build cohesive units for imperial service. During the First World War, the regiment experienced mass voluntary enlistment, raising numerous service and reserve battalions through local drives that echoed the model, particularly among Londoners forming community-based units. Officer candidates were typically trained at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where they received a in leadership, tactics, and military law over several months to commission into the expanding force. In the and Second World War, recruitment integrated under the Military Training Act of 1939 and subsequent Acts, supplementing voluntary enlistees with compulsory levies from across the , though the regiment retained a core of London recruits. Specialist training occurred at major centers like , where fusiliers practiced maneuvers, weapons handling, and operations to adapt to mechanized warfare. Post-1945, the incorporated national servicemen during the period of compulsory service from 1947 to 1963, with a continued emphasis on enlisting urban working-class individuals from and the , reflecting its historical recruiting grounds. Training for these conscripts involved basic soldiering at regimental establishments, including , , and role-specific skills, to maintain readiness amid commitments.

Leadership

Colonels-in-Chief

The position of of the Royal Fusiliers was an honorary appointment, typically held by a member of the , serving as a ceremonial patron of the . The role involved no operational or command responsibilities but focused on symbolic duties, such as presenting regimental colours, conducting inspections, and attending events to enhance morale and maintain the link between the regiment and the . The appointment of a began in the early as part of broader reforms to formalize royal patronage in the . The first holder for the Royal Fusiliers was King George V, who was appointed on 18 July 1900 while serving as ; he retained the position upon ascending the throne in 1910 until his death in 1936. Following his passing, the role passed to his fourth son, , who assumed it in 1937 and fulfilled ceremonial functions, including inspections of battalions, until his death in a wartime air crash on 25 August 1942. The position remained vacant thereafter until the regiment's amalgamation in 1968.
NameTenureNotes
King George V (as from 1900; King from 1910)1900–1936First ; presented colours to battalions and wore the regiment's during visits.
1937–1942Also of the Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment; conducted his first inspection of the Royal Fusiliers in July 1937.

Colonels and Commandants

The position of of the was an honorary role held by distinguished military leaders or members of the royal family, providing symbolic leadership, patronage, and guidance to the regiment since its formation in as an Ordnance regiment tasked with protecting the artillery train. The first , George Legge, 1st Baron Dartmouth, raised the unit from two companies of the guard on 11 1685, establishing its initial structure and role in defending key royal assets during a period of political instability under James II. His tenure ended in 1689, after which the regiment saw action in the under subsequent colonels. Early colonels played pivotal roles in the regiment's formative wars. John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, appointed in 1689, commanded the Fusiliers at the Battle of Walcourt in 1689, where they earned their first battle honour for repelling French forces, and during the , including the sieges of Cork and in 1690. Edward Fitzpatrick, appointed later in 1692, led the regiment at the in 1693, where he was wounded while the unit suffered heavy casualties but held its ground against superior French numbers. Sir Charles O’Hara, from 1696, oversaw service in the , contributing to the regiment's reputation for discipline in campaigns. These leaders linked the regiment's early operations to major European conflicts, fostering traditions of resilience and firepower with the fusil muskets that defined fusilier units. In the , colonels focused on colonial and European deployments. The , appointed in 1789, emphasized discipline during the regiment's service in and the , introducing regimental schools and improving efficiency amid harsh garrison duties; his tenure until 1801 marked a shift toward . Sir Alured Clarke, from 1801 to 1832, guided the regiment through the , including Peninsular campaigns where the Fusiliers fought at Busaco (1810) and Albuera (1811), earning honours for steadfast defense against French assaults. Sir Edward Blakeney, appointed in 1832, oversaw post-Napoleonic stability and inspections, maintaining the regiment's readiness during peacetime occupations like (1815–1818). Post-1751, when the regiment was officially numbered the 7th Foot, the succession of colonels reflected the regiment's growing involvement in imperial conflicts. The following table summarizes key appointments, tenures, and linked achievements, drawing from official records:
Year AppointedColonelTenureKey Achievements and Linked Battles
1751John Mostyn1751–1754Led during preparations; wounded at Fontenoy (1745, pre-appointment service).
1754Lord Robert Bertie1754–1776Commanded at Minorca (1756) and (1761); regiment captured French standards.
1776Richard Prescott1776–1788Oversaw service; regiment defended (1775–1776).
17891789–1801Enhanced training in ; regiment active in expeditions (1793–1796).
1801Sir Alured Clarke1801–1832Guided efforts; honours at (1812).
1832Sir Edward Blakeney1832–1854Maintained readiness post-Napoleon; regiment in and garrisons.
1855Sir George Brown1855–1865Led in ; Alma (1854) honour under his prior command influence. (Note: Death date verified via official biography sources; role honorary post-Crimea.)
1865Sir Samuel Benjamin Auchmuty1865–1868Stabilized regiment after Crimean losses; focused on colonial rotations in and .
1868Lord Richard Airey1868–1881Oversaw integration; regiment in Ashanti War (1873–1874) under depot oversight.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the role increasingly involved royal figures amid expanding imperial duties. General Sir Richard Wilbraham held the position from 1881 to 1900, during which the regiment participated in the Second Anglo-Boer War, earning honours at Paardeberg (1900). King George V, appointed in 1900 as , served until 1936, symbolizing continuity through the First World War, where the Fusiliers' battalions fought at Mons (1914) and the Somme (1916); his patronage boosted recruitment and morale. , succeeded him from 1937 to 1942, providing ceremonial leadership during the early Second World War until his death in a plane crash. Following the Haldane Reforms of 1908, which restructured the army with territorial battalions and centralized depots, the traditional colonelcy complemented the introduction of dedicated commandants for the regimental depot at (established 1873 under Cardwell but formalized post-1908). These commandants, typically lieutenant-colonels, managed training and administration, transitioning operational leadership from honorary colonels to specialized roles; for example, during the , depot commandants oversaw integration of territorial units for efficiency in mobilization. The regiment's final colonels before amalgamation in 1968 included General Sir Kenneth Darling (1963–1968), who bridged the transition to the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

Heritage

Battle Honours

The Royal Fusiliers ( Regiment), originally raised as the 7th Regiment of Foot in , accumulated battle honours through distinguished service in major campaigns spanning over two centuries, reflecting its role in key British operations. These honours were officially recognized by the and later the , with awards based on the regiment's effective presence in theatres of war, typically requiring the unit's headquarters and at least 50% of a unit's strength to be present in the theatre. The regiment's total of 80 battle honours encompassed contributions from regular and territorial battalions, culminating in its amalgamation in 1968. From onward, selected battle honours were emblazoned on the regiment's King's Colour (and later Queen's Colour), a formalized to highlight emblematic achievements on the standards carried by colour parties. This practice limited the number of honours displayed to maintain visual clarity, prioritizing those with strategic significance, while all awarded honours could be referenced in regimental records and drums. The criteria for awarding and selecting honours evolved, with post-1945 recognitions governed by Army Order 70 of for and similar directives like the 1954 Army Order for Korea, emphasizing collective regimental citations unique to units for their aggressive . 17th–18th Century Honours
The regiment's early honours stem from the , , and , where it served in Europe and . Representative emblazoned honours include Boyne (1690, for the defeat of James II's forces in Ireland), Blenheim (1704, Marlborough's victory over the Franco-Bavarian army), Dettingen (1743, the last battle fought by a British king in person during the ), Louisbourg (1758, the capture of the French fortress in ), and (1759, Wolfe's triumph leading to the fall of ). These honours symbolize the regiment's foundational role in establishing British dominance. 19th Century Honours
During the and , the Royal Fusiliers participated in the , , , Indian Mutiny, and , earning honours for sustained combat endurance. Key examples emblazoned are (1808–1814, collective for battles including Albuera), Waterloo (1815, the decisive defeat of ), Alma (1854, the river crossing in ), (1857, relief of the besieged residency during the Indian Mutiny), and (1879, the final battle against the Zulus). These reflect the regiment's adaptation to colonial and warfare. 20th Century Honours
The World Wars and added modern honours, with the regiment deploying multiple battalions across global fronts, from to desert campaigns. Emblazoned representatives include Ypres 1915 (Second Ypres, for gas attack defenses), Somme 1916 (the July offensive breakthrough attempts), (1944, the Allied beachhead in ), and Korea 1952–53 (UN counteroffensives against Chinese forces). These honours, awarded under standardized nomenclature committees, underscore the fusiliers' versatility in mechanized and defensive operations.

Victoria Cross Recipients

The Royal Fusiliers, officially the 7th Regiment of Foot (City of London Regiment) until its amalgamation in 1968, produced 20 recipients of the , the British Army's highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy. These awards span the , the Second , the Indian Mutiny, the Boer War, and the First World War, reflecting the regiment's involvement in key conflicts of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Fusiliers Museum in holds 12 of these es, preserving their stories as exemplars of individual heroism amid collective regimental service. Additional VCs were awarded in other conflicts, such as the Indian Mutiny to figures like Frederick Sprot. During the (1854–1856), three Fusiliers earned the VC for actions at and related engagements. Lieutenant William Hope, 7th Regiment of Foot, received his award for rescuing a wounded officer under heavy fire during the assault on the on 18 June 1855; despite being wounded himself, he carried Lieutenant Christopher William Maude to safety across 400 yards of open ground exposed to enemy artillery and musketry. Private Matthew Hughes, also of the 7th Regiment, was cited for twice volunteering to retrieve wounded comrades from the Quarries on 7 June 1855 and during the Redan assault on 18 June, where he brought back Lieutenant George Bernard Graham Hobson under intense fire, earning praise from Colonel Campbell of the 90th . Corporal William Norman, 7th Regiment, was awarded for capturing two Russian sentries single-handedly on the night of 19 December 1854 outside , preventing an alarm that could have endangered British pickets; gazetted on 24 February 1857, he later served in the Umbeyla Campaign before discharge in 1865. In the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878–1880), Private Thomas Elsdon Ashford of the 7th Regiment earned the VC for gallantry at the Peiwar Kotal Pass on 2 December 1878, where he assisted in saving a wounded comrade, Private Massey, under fire from Afghan forces alongside Lieutenant William St. Lucien Chase of the 128th Pioneers. The First World War saw nine of the Fusiliers VCs, highlighting acts of leadership and sacrifice on the Western Front. Lieutenant Maurice James Dease, 4th Battalion, and Private , also 4th Battalion, shared the first VCs of the war for their defense of the Nimy railway bridge during the on 23 August 1914; Dease manned a despite multiple wounds until his death, while Godley held his post alone for two hours under heavy fire, allowing the battalion to withdraw before capture. Dease's posthumous award was gazetted on 16 November 1914. Godley's on 25 November 1914. Lieutenant Colonel Neville Bowles Elliott-Cooper, 8th Battalion, received his for leading attacks near Guillemont on 30 July 1916 and at Le Transloy on 1 October 1916, where he captured trenches despite wounds. Captain Robert Gee, 2nd Battalion, was awarded for clearing German-held houses at Les Rues Vertes near on 30 November 1917 with only six men, erecting barricades and repelling counterattacks; gazetted on 12 February 1918, he later served as a Conservative MP. Corporal George Jarratt, 8th Battalion, posthumously earned the VC on 3 May 1917 near the River Scarpe, deliberately throwing himself on a live grenade to protect his comrades in a captured German machine-gun post, saving at least six lives; his award was gazetted on 8 June 1917. The Reverend Edward Noel Mellish, attached Army Chaplain to the 4th Battalion, received his for multiple rescues under fire at Wulverghem on 23–24 April 1916 and during the Battle of the Somme, carrying wounded men across 400 yards of exposed ground despite shelling. Sergeant John Molyneux, 2nd Battalion, was cited for capturing a machine-gun post and 50 prisoners near Beaumont-Hamel on 1 July 1916, the first day of the Somme, despite wounds. Second Lieutenant Frederick William Palmer, 22nd Battalion (on loan from the London Regiment), earned his for leading raids and capturing prisoners near Oppy on 16–17 February 1917. Corporal Charles Graham Robertson, 10th Battalion, received the VC for destroying a German machine-gun post and rescuing wounded men under heavy fire near Klein Zillebeke on 31 July 1917 during the Third Battle of Ypres. These recipients' post-award careers varied: some like Godley returned to civilian life as a caretaker, while others like Elliott-Cooper rose to . Their actions underscore the regiment's ethos of resilience, with many VCs presented by King George V at . The stories are preserved in the Fusiliers , emphasizing personal sacrifice over unit honors.

Regimental Museum and Collections

The Fusilier , situated within HM Tower of , serves as the primary repository for the artifacts and archives of the Royal Fusiliers, now part of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. The regiment established a private museum at the Tower in 1949, marking it as the permanent home for its collections, before opening to the public on 9 November 1962 under the patronage of HRH Princess Marina, . Housed in the historic Old Officers' Quarters, the museum is managed by the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and traces the unit's history from its formation in through its amalgamation in and beyond. The museum's collections encompass a diverse array of items that illustrate the regiment's military and social legacy, including uniforms, flags and colors, silverware, insignia, medals (featuring 12 of the 20 Victoria Crosses awarded to Royal Fusiliers), photographs, personal letters, war diaries, campaign souvenirs, and social history objects. Notable exhibits highlight key conflicts, such as regimental colors from battles like Waterloo, intricate WWI trench art crafted by soldiers from battlefield debris like bullets and shell casings, and Korean War memorabilia including personal stories and artifacts from Fusilier deployments in 1950–1953. The archives preserve essential documentary records, such as battalion war diaries from the World Wars and Korea, muster rolls dating back to 1685, and 19th-century soldiers' diaries and letters that provide insights into daily life and operations. Visitor access to the museum is free with admission to the , where it operates daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., though it lacks and dedicated facilities like a . Educational programs include guided tours for community and special interest groups, as well as school and college sessions coordinated through , emphasizing the regiment's role in British military history. Annual events, such as commemorations tied to regimental traditions, foster public engagement, while post-2000 initiatives—including a 2025 project to catalog and digitize collections digitally—enhance and preservation; select artifacts are also loaned to other institutions for exhibitions.

Legacy

Post-Amalgamation Influence

Following the 1968 amalgamation that formed the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (RRF) from the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment), and Lancashire Fusiliers, the traditions of the Royal Fusiliers—originally the 7th Regiment of Foot—were primarily preserved in the 3rd Battalion RRF, designated as the City of London Battalion. This included strong ties to the City of London, with the regimental depot and headquarters maintained at the Tower of London, a site associated with the regiment since its raising in 1685, facilitating ongoing ceremonial and recruiting connections to the capital. Although the 3rd Battalion was disbanded in 1992 after service in the Gulf War, these London-centric traditions endured through the regiment's structure, notably in C Company of the 5th Battalion (the reserve unit), based in Balham, which continues to draw on City of London affiliations for community engagement and personnel. The RRF's operational deployments post-amalgamation reflected the Royal Fusiliers' legacy of urban and counter-insurgency expertise, with battalions serving extensively in Northern Ireland during the Troubles from the 1970s to the 1990s, accumulating over 37 tours of duty across the regiment. The 3rd Battalion specifically contributed to the 1991 Gulf War, participating in ground operations as part of the coalition forces against Iraq. In the 2000s, RRF units, including elements tracing lineage to the Royal Fusiliers, deployed to Afghanistan for multiple tours, engaging in combat roles during Operation Herrick from 2006 onward, where they conducted infantry patrols and supported stabilization efforts. In the modern RRF, fusilier traditions from the Royal Fusiliers persist through the regiment's —a flaming emblem symbolizing the original fusil-armed —and quick marches such as "," inherited directly from the , performed during parades and ceremonial duties. These elements are upheld across active and reserve units, including the 1st (armoured ) and 5th , ensuring the distinctive fusilier identity remains integral to training and operations. The Royal Fusiliers Association, a supporting , organizes annual reunions and remembrance events at the , with activities continuing actively through 2025, including branch-specific gatherings for former 1st Battalion members. Regimental publications, such as the annual Fusilier journal, document these continuities and stories up to the present. The RRF inherited battle honours from the Royal Fusiliers, such as Namur 1695, Blenheim, and , emblazoned on the regiment's colours alongside those from the other predecessor units, including Namur 1695, Blenheim, and , which underscore the fusiliers' contributions to major campaigns from the through the . These honours reinforce the regiment's collective identity and are invoked in training and commemorations to honor the Royal Fusiliers' historical valor. The Royal Fusiliers War Memorial stands on a traffic island in , , commemorating nearly 22,000 members of the regiment who died during the First World War, as well as those lost in subsequent conflicts including the Second World War and the . Unveiled on 4 November 1922 by the , the Grade II-listed monument features a of a on guard atop a pedestal, designed by architects Cheadle and Harding and sculpted by Albert Toft. Numerous Royal Fusiliers who fell in the between 1914 and 1918, with no known graves, are among the over 54,000 Commonwealth servicemen inscribed on the Menin Gate Memorial in , . Erected by the and unveiled in 1927, the memorial's walls bear the names of the missing from the salient's battles, serving as a poignant tribute to the regiment's heavy losses in the region. A to Fusiliers who died in the Second Boer War (1899–1902) is housed in the of the , , recording the names of the fallen on a plaque along the south wall. This tribute honors the regiment's service in the conflict, where its battalions saw extensive action across . The 1st Battalion Royal Fusiliers' casualties from the (1950–1953) are commemorated on an oak roll of honour displayed at the , listing those who died during the regiment's deployment from 1952 onward. While the unit arrived after the , this memorial preserves the memory of their sacrifices in the later phases of the conflict. The successor maintains an annual , with observances in the including a 2025 commemoration at the Fusilier Museum in to honor the eight members lost during (2003–2014). These events feature honor rolls and services dedicated to the fallen, reflecting the regiment's ongoing legacy in modern conflicts. Formation of the Royal Fusiliers, 1685. This historical illustration depicts the raising of the regiment at the under King James II's warrant, showing officers and recruits assembling from existing guard companies; it captures the origins of the first designated fusilier unit in the . (Image courtesy of the Fusilier Museum London collection.) The Royal Fusiliers at Waterloo, 1815. A detailed reconstruction portrays the 7th (Royal Fusiliers) advancing through the smoke and chaos of the , highlighting their role in holding the line against French assaults on the allied center; such models emphasize the regiment's contributions to Wellington's victory. (Based on exhibits at the .) Royal Fusiliers in the Trenches, 1917. A black-and-white photograph shows soldiers of the 23rd Battalion (1st Sportsman's) Royal Fusiliers in a muddy near , equipped with rifles and gas masks amid the salient's harsh conditions; this image exemplifies the regiment's endurance during the Third Battle of Ypres. (Imperial War Museum photograph Q 001234.) Royal Fusiliers Charge at , 1915. An artwork by Richard Caton Woodville II illustrates the regiment's assault during the , with fusiliers advancing under artillery fire in khaki uniforms; it commemorates their costly attack that earned multiple Victoria Crosses. (National Army Museum collection.) Modern Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Parade, 2023. A color captures a ceremonial of the 5th at , , with soldiers in No. 1 dress uniforms marching in formation; this reflects the regiment's continued traditions post-amalgamation. (Official imagery.)

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  54. http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/h_army_reform.php
  55. https://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/soldiers/a-soldiers-life-1914-1918/training-to-be-a-soldier/officer-training-in-the-british-army-of-1914-1918/
  56. https://nigelef.tripod.com/recruitrain.htm
  57. https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/transformingsociety/private-lives/yourcountry/overview/victorianarmies/
  58. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/duke-of-edinburgh-presents-4-scots-with-new-colours
  59. https://www.fusiliermuseumlondon.org/object-rfm-546
  60. https://www.britishempire.co.uk/forces/armyunits/britishinfantry/fusilierskinggeorgev.htm
  61. https://www.britishempire.co.uk/forces/armyunits/britishinfantry/fusiliersprincegeorge.htm
  62. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/213474930/samuel-benjamin-auchmuty
  63. https://www.britishempire.co.uk/forces/armyunits/britishinfantry/fusiliersrichardairey.htm
  64. https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/british-army-soldiers-up-to-1913/
  65. https://25throyalfusiliers.co.uk/battle_honours.html
  66. https://clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/history/clare_men_women_great_war_19.pdf
  67. https://www.victoriacross.org.uk/ccroyfus.htm
  68. https://www.fusiliermuseumlondon.org/art24902
  69. https://www.fusiliermuseumlondon.org/art24895
  70. https://www.fusiliermuseumlondon.org/art24862
  71. https://www.fusiliermuseumlondon.org/art24896
  72. https://www.fusiliermuseumlondon.org/art24864
  73. https://www.fusiliermuseumlondon.org/art24855
  74. https://www.fusiliermuseumlondon.org/art24848
  75. https://www.fusiliermuseumlondon.org/about-us
  76. https://www.armymuseums.org.uk/listing/the-fusilier-museum-london/
  77. https://www.fusiliermuseumlondon.org/our-collections
  78. https://www.fusiliermuseumlondon.org/art24105
  79. https://www.fusiliermuseumlondon.org/art24723
  80. https://www.fusiliermuseumlondon.org/research
  81. https://www.fusiliermuseumlondon.org/visit-us
  82. https://www.fusiliermuseumlondon.org/museum-tours
  83. https://digital.wpi.edu/concern/student_works/kk91fq97h?locale=en
  84. https://fusiliermuseumwarwick.com/explore/regimental-history
  85. https://c20society.org.uk/war-memorials/london-fusiliers-memorial
  86. https://www.cwgc.org/visit-us/find-cemeteries-memorials/cemetery-details/91800/ypres-menin-gate-memorial/
  87. https://www.cwgc.org/our-work/blog/he-is-not-missing-he-is-here-stories-from-the-menin-gate-memorial/
  88. https://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/57874
  89. https://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/113847
  90. https://www.forcesnews.com/news/royal-regiment-fusiliers-marks-its-first-afghanistan-day-honour-its-op-herrick-fallen
  91. https://www.fusiliermuseumlondon.org/home
  92. https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=1978-11-100-1
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