78th Fraser Highlanders facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 78th Regiment of Foot |
|
|---|---|
| Active | 1757–1763 |
| Country |  Kingdom of Great Britain |
| Branch |  British Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Nickname(s) | Fraser's Highlanders |
| Motto(s) | Je suis prest |
| Colors | White or Buff facings |
| Engagements | French and Indian War |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Simon Fraser of Lovat |
The 78th Regiment, (Highland) Regiment of Foot was also known as the 78th Fraser Highlanders. It was a British army group formed in Scotland in 1757. Their main job was to fight in the Seven Years' War. This war was also called the French and Indian War in North America. The 78th Regiment was one of the first Highland groups to serve there.
Contents
History of the Fraser Highlanders
Forming the Regiment
The 78th Regiment started in Inverness, Scotland. It was formed by Lieutenant-Colonel Simon Fraser of Lovat in 1757. At first, it was called the 2nd Highland Battalion. It was ranked as the 62nd Regiment of Foot. Later that same year, its rank changed to the 63rd Regiment of Foot.
Journey to North America
In July 1757, the regiment sailed to Halifax, Nova Scotia. They went there to join the Seven Years' War. In June 1758, the group got a new name. They became the 78th (Highland) Regiment of Foot, or Fraser's Highlanders.
Key Battles and Campaigns
The 78th Regiment took part in several important battles:
- The Siege of Louisbourg in June 1758. This was a big fight for a fort in Canada.
- The Battle of the Plains of Abraham in September 1759. This battle was very important for control of Quebec.
- The Montreal Campaign in August 1760. This led to the capture of Montreal.
During these battles, the regiment lost 103 soldiers. Another 383 soldiers were hurt.
End of the Regiment
The 78th Regiment was officially ended in Quebec in December 1763. Each soldier was offered land if they chose to stay in Canada. Many soldiers accepted this offer. Over 300 of them later joined a new group. This was the 84th Royal Highland Emigrants, formed in 1775.
Leaders of the Regiment
The main leaders, called Colonels, of the regiment were:
- 1757–1761: Lieutenant-Colonel Simon Fraser of Lovat
- 1761–1763: Major John Campbell of Ballimore
See also
- 78th Fraser Highlanders Pipe Band, a music band from Canada with the same name. They are not connected to the old regiment.
- 71st Regiment of Foot, Fraser's Highlanders, a later regiment also started by Simon Fraser of Lovat. This group fought in the American Revolutionary War.
