87th Regiment of Foot (1779) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 87th Regiment of Foot |
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|---|---|
| Active | 1779–1783 |
| Country |  Kingdom of Great Britain (1707–1800) |
| Branch |  British Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Engagements | American Revolutionary War |
| Commanders | |
| Lt. Col. | George Finch, 9th Earl of Winchilsea |
The 87th Regiment of Foot was a special group of soldiers in the British Army. They were a type of line infantry regiment. This means they were trained to fight in lines on a battlefield. The regiment was created to help protect British islands in the West Indies during the American Revolutionary War.
The Regiment's Story
Forming the Regiment
This regiment was started in July 1779 in a town called Bromsgrove in England. A person named George Waldegrave, 4th Earl Waldegrave helped create it. The main goal of the 87th Regiment was to act as a "garrison." This means they would be stationed in a place to defend it. Their job was to protect the British islands in the Leeward Islands, which are in the Caribbean Sea.
Serving in the West Indies
The soldiers of the 87th Regiment traveled to the Leeward Islands. They arrived there in January 1780. Their commander was Lieutenant-colonel George Finch, 9th Earl of Winchilsea. The regiment stayed there for a few years. Their presence helped keep these important British colonies safe during the war.
End of Service
The American Revolutionary War ended in 1783. Once the fighting stopped, the 87th Regiment was no longer needed. They returned home to England. The regiment was officially disbanded, or broken up, in April 1783. This happened in a city called Coventry.
