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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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Other ranks’ cap badge, worn by Sergeant R Williams, The Welsh Regiment, c1900

The Welch Regiment

This infantry unit was created in 1881 and recruited in Camarthenshire, Glamorganshire and Pembrokeshire. It served with the British Army until 1969, when it became part of The Royal Regiment of Wales.

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The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)

The Royal Fusiliers was an infantry regiment dating back to 1685. It was the first British Army regiment to be designated as fusiliers and later became the city regiment for London.

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Royal Artillery

The Royal Regiment of Artillery is the artillery arm of the British Army and has been in official service since 1716. It has participated in every campaign in which the Army has been involved.

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Other ranks’ glengarry badge, The Highland Light Infantry, c1900

The Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)

This infantry regiment was formed in 1881 and drew its recruits mainly from Glasgow and the Scottish Lowlands. It merged with The Royal Scots Fusiliers in 1959 to become The Royal Highland Fusiliers.

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The Middlesex Regiment (Duke of Cambridge’s Own)

The Middlesex Regiment was an infantry regiment of the British Army, created in 1881 and amalgamated in 1966 into The Queen's Regiment.

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Royal Army Ordnance Corps

The Royal Army Ordnance Corps was the body charged with supplying weapons, ammunition and equipment to the British Army.

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The Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment)

This infantry regiment was formed in 1881. After nearly 90 years of British Army service, it merged with The Worcestershire Regiment in 1970. Its traditions are now continued by The Mercian Regiment.

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Royal Army Service Corps

The Royal Army Service Corps was the unit responsible for keeping the British Army supplied with provisions.

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Battle of Balaklava

The Battle of Balaklava in 1854 witnessed one of the most famous acts of battlefield bravery and one of the most infamous blunders in military history.

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Second World War

The Second World War (1939-45) was the bloodiest conflict in human history. It split the world's nations into two opposing military alliances - the Allies and the Axis Powers.

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