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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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Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps

This medical unit provides nursing services to British Army soldiers. Although formed in 1902, it traces its origins back to Florence Nightingale's pioneering nursing work during the Crimean War.

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Women’s Royal Army Corps

Formed in 1949, this corps was the women’s branch of the British Army. Its members undertook a variety of important roles until 1992, when its remaining personnel were integrated into the Adjutant General's Corps.

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Auxiliary Territorial Service

Formed in 1938, the Auxiliary Territorial Service tasked women with a range of vital roles during the Second World War. In 1949, its remaining troops transferred to the newly formed Women’s Royal Army Corps.

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Queen Mary’s Army Auxiliary Corps

This unit was formed as the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps in 1917 to free up more men to fight in the First World War. It was the first time women had served in the British Army other than as nurses.

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Corps of Royal Engineers

Formed in 1716, this corps helps keep the British Army in the field by providing engineering and technical support. Known as ‘Sappers’, Royal Engineers have served in all of the Army’s campaigns.

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The Somerset Light Infantry (Prince Albert’s)

This infantry unit was raised in 1685 and served in many British Army campaigns during its long history. In 1959, it was merged into The Somerset and Cornwall Light Infantry.

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The Somerset and Cornwall Light Infantry

This short-lived infantry unit was formed in 1959. It served with the British Army until 1968, when it was merged into The Light Infantry.

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The Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry

This infantry regiment was formed in 1881. It continued in British Army service until 1959, when it merged with The Somerset Light Infantry to form The Somerset and Cornwall Light Infantry.

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Glengarry badge, 32nd (Cornwall) Light Infantry, c1874

32nd (Cornwall Light Infantry) Regiment of Foot

This infantry regiment was raised in 1702. It served with the British Army until 1881, when it was merged into The Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry.

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Glengarry badge, 46th (South Devonshire) Regiment, c1874

46th (South Devonshire) Regiment of Foot

This infantry regiment was raised in 1741. It served with the British Army until 1881, when it was merged into The Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry.

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The Queen’s Royal Surrey Regiment

This short-lived infantry regiment was formed in 1959. It served with the British Army until 1966, when it was merged into The Queen’s Regiment.

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The Gloucestershire Regiment

This infantry unit was raised in 1881. It served with the British Army until 1994, when it was merged into The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment.

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