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Pages from the diary of Captain Philip Townsend

A Soldier's Life

In Their Own Words: Captain Philip Townsend

Philip Townsend was an Irish gentleman. In 1756, he travelled to North America, where he fought against the French in the Seven Years War. His diary provides an insight into frontier warfare and the assault on Louisbourg.

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16th/5th The Queen’s Royal Lancers

This armoured regiment was formed in 1922 by merging two cavalry units. It fought in several campaigns until 1993, when it became part of The Queen’s Royal Lancers.

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5th (Royal Irish) Lancers

This cavalry regiment had an interrupted history. Raised in 1689, disbanded in 1799 and formed again in 1858, it served in several campaigns until 1922, when it was merged into the 16th/5th Lancers.

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Third Afghan War and the Revolt in Waziristan

In May 1919, conflict broke out between British India and Afghanistan. Although peace was quickly agreed, the violence spread to the North West Frontier, challenging British control of that region.

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16th (The Queen’s) Lancers

This cavalry regiment was raised in 1759. It served in many British Army campaigns around the world until 1922, when it was merged into the 16th/5th Lancers.

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Seven Years War

Fought between 1756 and 1763, this conflict can claim to be the original 'world war'. Franco-British fighting in North America and India became part of a general war in Europe with far-reaching consequences.

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17th/21st Lancers

This armoured regiment was raised in 1922. It served in several British Army campaigns until 1993, when it was merged into The Queen’s Royal Lancers.

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Cap badge, 17th (Duke of Cambridge's Own) Lancers, c1900

17th (The Duke of Cambridge’s Own) Lancers

This cavalry regiment was raised in 1759. It served in several British Army campaigns until 1922, when it was merged into the 17th/21st Lancers.

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21st (Empress of India’s) Lancers

This cavalry regiment was raised in 1858 for the East India Company. It soon transferred to the British Army, fighting in several campaigns until 1922, when it was merged into the 17th/21st Lancers.

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The Royal Scots Fusiliers

This infantry regiment was raised in 1678 and recruited in south-west Scotland. It fought in many British Army campaigns until 1959, when it was merged into The Royal Highland Fusiliers.

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