79th Regiment of Foot (Royal Liverpool Volunteers) facts for kids

The 79th Regiment of Foot (Royal Liverpool Volunteers) was a special group of soldiers in the British Army. They were also known as the Liverpool Blues. This regiment was an infantry unit, meaning they were soldiers who fought on foot. They served in the Americas during the American War of Independence.

This regiment was formed in 1778, like many other volunteer groups in Britain during that war. The city of Liverpool paid for the regiment themselves, with the city's government (called the corporation back then) giving £2000. When the 79th Regiment was created, Major Pole became its leader, known as the lieutenant-colonel.

Where Did They Serve?

Fighting in Jamaica and Nicaragua

The 79th Regiment arrived in Jamaica in March 1779. Some of their soldiers were even assigned to act as marines, helping out on ships.

In February 1780, the regiment took part in an important journey. They went on an expedition to fight against the Spanish in Nicaragua. A young naval captain named Horatio Nelson helped transport them by ship.

Challenges with Disease

However, this expedition faced a big problem. Many soldiers became very sick because of the difficult climate. The disease spread quickly and caused many deaths among the troops. Because of this, the expedition had to leave later that year.

A New Leader: Banastre Tarleton

In 1781, Banastre Tarleton became the lieutenant-colonel of the Liverpool Volunteers. He was a famous cavalry officer (meaning he fought on horseback) during the American Revolution. Even though he was the leader of the Liverpool Volunteers, he continued to command another group called the 5th American Regiment (British Legion). Tarleton's father had even been a mayor of Liverpool.

The End of the Regiment

The war ended, and the regiment returned to Liverpool in early 1784. They were then officially disbanded, meaning the regiment was broken up and the soldiers went home.

On February 4, 1784, seven of the regiment's officers were given a special honor called "the freedom of the borough." This was a way for the city to thank them. The regiment's special flags, called colours, were placed in Liverpool Town Hall as a symbol of their service.