Regimental History

Summary

The full history of the 9th, its predecessor and antecedents would, and does, fill sizeable books.  We can only give you an insight in the space available.

James II founded the regiment in 1685, in response to the threat posed by the Monmouth rebellion.  The regiment was subsequently involved in the wars in Ireland.  It fought with the Duke of Marlborough in the Low Countries, the Spanish war of Succession and the American

Revolution.

The first battalion of the regiment landed in the Iberian Peninsula in August 1808 and distinguished itself throughout the war, gaining the following battle honours: Rolica, Vimeiro, Corunna, Busaco, Salamanca, Vittoria, San Sebastian, Nive and Peninsula. It fought at every stage of the war, was the last off Spanish soil after Corunna and the first to fight in France. 

It was particularly noted for its performance at Busaco and Salamanca under Lt. Colonel Cameron (known to the men as “the devil”). It gained the nickname, “ The Fighting Ninth” among the army or alternatively “ The Holy Boys”, (because of Britannia on the breastplate was interpreted by locals as the Virgin Mary).

The regiment was sent to Canada in 1814, along with most veteran battalions, to curb the growing threat from the Americans.  It arrived back in Europe too late for Waterloo, but formed part of the army of occupation in Paris until 1818.  

If you are interested in further details of our Regimental history please click on the buttons below which will take you to more extensive articles outlining our history.

In 1826 James Hale, a veteran of the 9th Regiment who served in the Peninsula published a Journal. In 1998 the Regiment republished this important historical record. Details of the Journal are available. Click on the button below:

Please note some of these pages are still under development and may not yet be available. Come back soon to see them!