86th Regiment of Foot (Rutland Regiment) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 86th Regiment of Foot (Rutland Regiment) |
|
|---|---|
| Active | 1779–1783 |
| Country |  Kingdom of Great Britain (1707–1800) |
| Branch |  British Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Commanders | |
| Colonel of the Regiment |
Anthony St Leger |
The 86th Regiment of Foot (Rutland Regiment) was a special group of British soldiers. They were formed to help fight in the American Revolutionary War. This war was a big conflict between Great Britain and its colonies in America.
Contents
What Was the 86th Regiment?
A regiment is a large group of soldiers, like a team, that works together. The 86th Regiment was an Infantry unit. This means their soldiers fought on foot. They were part of the British Army.
Starting Up: How the Regiment Was Formed
This regiment was created in England in July 1779. It was put together by Charles Manners, 4th Duke of Rutland. He was a very important person at the time. The soldiers were recruited from areas like Newark, Nottinghamshire and Grantham, Lincolnshire.
Their Uniforms and Leaders
The soldiers of the 86th Regiment wore bright red coats. These coats had special yellow parts called "facings." Facings are the colored parts on the collar, cuffs, and lapels of a military uniform. The main leader of the regiment was a man named Anthony St Leger. He was their colonel, which is a high-ranking officer.
Adventures in the Caribbean
In January 1780, the regiment was sent far away. They traveled to the Leeward Islands. These islands are in the Caribbean Sea. Soldiers were sent there to protect British interests.
A Tough Time in Tobago
While in the Caribbean, the regiment faced challenges. In June 1781, five of their companies were on the island of Tobago. A company is a smaller group of soldiers within a regiment. Sadly, these five companies were captured during a battle there.
The End of the Regiment
After their time overseas, the regiment returned to England. They were officially "disbanded" in 1783. Disbanding means the regiment was broken up, and the soldiers went home. This happened in the city of York.
