List of British Army regiments that served in Australia between 1810 and 1870 facts for kids

The following is a list of British Army regiments that served in Australia between 1810 and 1870.

When the First Fleet arrived in 1788, the new colony of New South Wales was first protected by Royal Marines. These were soldiers who served on ships. In 1790, a special group called the New South Wales Corps took over. They were the main protectors until 1810. This changed after an event called the Rum Rebellion, which led to them being sent back to England.

After 1810, regular British Army regiments were sent to Australia. They came for a few years, then new ones would arrive. This continued for 60 years. The first British Army regiment to arrive was the 73rd Regiment. They came with Governor Lachlan Macquarie to replace the New South Wales Corps.

British soldiers storming the Eureka stockade in 1854

The number of soldiers changed over time. They were spread out across many places. These included Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania), Port Phillip District (now Victoria), and the Swan River Colony (now Western Australia). They also served in South Australia, Moreton Bay and Cape York (now Queensland), and Melville Island in the Northern Territory.

At first, only one regiment (like a large group of soldiers) was in Australia. By 1824, there were three. In the 1840s, there were between four and six regiments. This number dropped to two in the early 1850s and then to one by 1860. In the 1860s, most British forces were artillery (soldiers who use cannons). However, 15 companies of British foot soldiers stayed until 1870. That's when the last British regiment left.

Between 1810 and 1870, 24 different British Army foot soldier regiments served in Australia. There were also smaller groups from the Royal Engineers (who built things) and the Royal Artillery (who used cannons). No cavalry (soldiers on horses) were sent. But sometimes, foot soldiers acted as mounted units when needed. Royal Marines also visited Australia many times.

How long each regiment stayed varied. On average, they served for about seven years. Some, like the 73rd and 46th, stayed for only three or four years. Others, like the 99th, served for 13 years. Two regiments, the 40th and the 50th, served two separate times. The last regiment to leave was the 18th. They had the shortest stay, less than a year, leaving in 1870.

However, these were not the very last British troops in Australia. Royal Marines stayed until 1913. They served on ships of the Royal Navy's Australia Squadron. This squadron was based in Sydney. The Marines stayed until the Royal Australian Navy was strong enough to protect Australian waters on its own.

While in Australia, British Army regiments had many jobs. They guarded convict settlements. They hunted down bushrangers (outlaws). They also helped stop armed resistance by Indigenous Australians. They provided security in the goldfields. They helped local police keep public order. They also performed ceremonial duties and helped build Australia's military defences.

British Army Regiments in Australia

See also

• Colonial forces of Australia