American War of Independence....

[James Hoard]

I was told in the mid-'50's by members of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry (32nd Foot) that they earned their red hackle at the Battle of Paoli, which is about 10 miles from where I grew up. We were in Bermuda at the time. Can't remember whether it was 1st Bn or 2nd Bn. If I remember correctly, the other battalion were not authorised the red hackle.

Not really sure about that one, Hugh.

The British units that took part in the Battle of Paoli in 1777 seem to have been:

16th Light Dragoons.

2nd Battalion Light Infantry (made up of the light companies from 13 regiments)

40th Foot, later The Prince of Wales's Volunteers (South Lancashire Regiment).

42nd Foot, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment).

44th Foot, later Essex Regiment.

55th Foot, later Border Regiment.

Cheers,

James

[Hugh]

Not really sure about that one, Hugh.

The British units that took part in the Battle of Paoli in 1777 seem to have been:

16th Light Dragoons.

2nd Battalion Light Infantry (made up of the light companies from 13 regiments)

40th Foot, later The Prince of Wales's Volunteers (South Lancashire Regiment).

42nd Foot, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment).

44th Foot, later Essex Regiment.

55th Foot, later Border Regiment.

Cheers,

James

I was but a lad, and credulous, but they really seemed convinced at the time. They seemed to know the local Pennsylvania geography, and I think they even mentioned sending members of the battalion back to Paoli for a commemoration. Passing strange.

Hugh