77th Regiment of Foot (Montgomerie's Highlanders) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 77th Regiment of Foot |
|
|---|---|
| Active | 1757–1763 |
| Country |  Kingdom of Great Britain |
| Branch |  British Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | two battalions |
| Nickname(s) | Montgomerie's Highlanders |
| Colors | Green facings and white lace. |
| Engagements | Seven Years' War Pontiac's War |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Archibald Montgomerie |
The 77th Regiment of Foot (Montgomerie's Highlanders) was a special group of soldiers from the Scottish Highlands. They were formed in 1757. This regiment was one of the first three Highland groups to fight in North America. During a big conflict called the Seven Years' War, the regiment faced many challenges. They lost 110 soldiers and 259 more were hurt.
Contents
History of the Montgomerie's Highlanders
Forming a New Regiment in Scotland
This regiment started in Stirling, Scotland, in 1757. A leader named Major Archibald Montgomerie created it. It was first called the 1st Highland Battalion. The goal was to send 2,000 Highlanders to North America. This helped show their loyalty to the King.
The battalion grew to include thirteen companies. Each company had 105 soldiers. In total, there were 1,460 men, plus 65 sergeants and 30 pipers and drummers. Many of these soldiers came from famous Scottish families, or "clans." These included the Montgomery, Stuart, Fraser, MacDonald, Cameron, Maclean, and MacPherson clans.
Major Montgomerie gathered the first ten companies in 1756. He added three more companies in 1757.
Journey to North America
The first ten companies left Cork, Ireland, on June 30, 1757. They sailed to Charleston to help protect the city. They arrived there on September 3. About 200 soldiers from other parts of Scotland joined a different regiment there.
The three new companies went to Philadelphia, arriving on April 22, 1758. They then moved to Carlisle in May. The rest of the battalion also traveled to Philadelphia, arriving on June 8. In June 1758, the group officially became the 77th Regiment of Foot (Montgomery's Highlanders).
Battles and Campaigns
The regiment took part in the Battle of Fort Duquesne on September 14, 1758. This was a tough fight. They lost 231 men, and their leader, Major James Grant, was captured. About 150 survivors later joined another British force. This group, led by Colonel Henry Bouquet, helped capture Fort Duquesne on November 24, 1758.
In 1760, six companies of the regiment fought against the Cherokee people. Their own colonel led this campaign. The regiment then sailed to the West Indies in June 1761. They fought in the Invasion of Martinique in January 1762. They also took part in the siege of Havana in June 1762.
After these battles, the regiment went to New York City in October 1762. They saw action one last time at the Battle of Bushy Run in August 1763. Later that year, the 77th Regiment was officially ended.
