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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’ glengarry badge, 62nd (The Wiltshire) Regiment of Foot, c1874

62nd (Wiltshire) Regiment of Foot

This unit was formed in 1756. It served with the British Army until the 1881 reforms, when it became part of The Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment).

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Glengarry badge, other ranks, 99th (Duke of Edinburgh's) Regiment of Foot, c1875

99th Duke of Edinburgh’s (Lanarkshire) Regiment of Foot

This unit was formed in 1824. It served with the British Army until the 1881 reforms, when it became part of The Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment).

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The King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

This unit was formed in 1881 and recruited in Shropshire, Herefordshire and Radnorshire. It served with the British Army until 1968, when it was merged into The Light Infantry.

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Glengarry badge, other ranks, 53rd (Shropshire) Regiment, c1874

53rd (Shropshire) Regiment of Foot

This regiment was raised in 1755. It served in many British Army campaigns until 1881, when it was merged into The King’s Light Infantry (Shropshire Regiment).

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Glengarry badge, 85th (Bucks Volunteers) King's Regiment of Light Infantry, c1874

85th, or The King’s Regiment of Light Infantry (Bucks Volunteers)

This unit was raised in 1793. It served with the British Army until the 1881 reforms, when it was merged into The King’s Light Infantry (Shropshire Regiment).

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Other ranks' cap badge, Royal Army Veterinary Corps, c1965

The Royal Army Veterinary Corps

This corps is responsible for the provision, training and care of animals in the British Army. With origins dating back to the 1790s, it has served in many campaigns, including the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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The King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry

This infantry unit was formed in 1881. It served in many British Army campaigns until 1968, when it became part of The Light Infantry.

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Glengarry badge, 51st (2nd Yorkshire West Riding) or The King's Own Light Infantry, c1874

51st (2nd Yorkshire West Riding), or The King’s Own Light Infantry Regiment

This infantry unit was raised in 1755. It served until the 1881 Army reforms, when it became part of The King’s Own Light Infantry (South Yorkshire Regiment).

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105th Regiment of Foot (Madras Light Infantry)

This infantry unit was originally part of the army of the East India Company, but transferred to the British Army in 1862. It became part of The King’s Own Light Infantry during the 1881 reforms.

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Cap badge, other ranks, The Royal Irish Rangers, c1970

The Royal Irish Rangers (27th (Inniskilling), 83rd and 87th)

This infantry unit was established in 1968 and recruited in Northern Ireland. It served with the British Army until 1992, when it was merged into The Royal Irish Regiment.

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Cap badge, Princess Victoria’s (Royal Irish Fusiliers), c1914

The Royal Irish Fusiliers (Princess Victoria’s)

This infantry unit was formed in 1881 and recruited in the Irish province of Ulster. It continued in British Army service until 1968, when it was merged into The Royal Irish Rangers.

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Glengarry badge, other ranks, 87th (Royal Irish Fusiliers) Regiment, c1874

87th (Royal Irish Fusiliers) Regiment of Foot

This Irish infantry unit was raised in 1793. It served with the British Army until the 1881 reforms, when it was merged into The Royal Irish Fusiliers.

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