103rd Regiment of Foot (1806)

For other units with the same regimental number, see 103rd Regiment of Foot (disambiguation).

9th Garrison Battalion 103rd Regiment of Foot
Active	25 November 1806—24 October 1817
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	British Army
Type	Line Infnatry
Size	Regiment
HQ in Canada	Quebec Citadell
Nickname(s)	"The Boys Regiment" "Worst Regiment in Canada"
Engagements	Napoleonic Wars Home Defence War of 1812 Battle of Lundy's Lane Siege of Fort Erie Niagara Campaign

The 103rd Regiment of Foot was a line infantry unit of the British Army. Though only existing for just over 10 years, the regiment would see more action than most of its 100-series regiments.

Service

Formation

On 25 November 1806, the 9th Garrison Battalion was formed in Enniskillen from limited service men drafted from: 2nd Btn, 28th (North Gloucestershire) Regiment of Foot, 1st Btn, 30th (Cambridgeshire) Regiment of Foot, 2nd Btn, 47th (Lancashire) Regiment of Foot, 2nd Btn, 48th (Northamptonshire) Regiment of Foot, and 2nd Btn, 71st (Glasgow Highland) Regiment of Foot. In 1807, the regiment served in Ireland on garrison duties until December 1808 when it was redesignated as the 103rd Regiment of Foot. The new unit was formed as a converted regular infantry unit after limited service men discharged and others re-enlisted for general service.

War of 1812

In 1813, the regiment shipped overseas to the Canadian Frontier, and garrisoned in Quebec City, where it took part in the War of 1812. During the 1812 war, the flank companies (Grenadier and Light Infantry) saw service at notable battles, included: Patteron's Creek, Battle of Lundy's Lane, Siege of Fort Erie, Niagara Campaign, in addition to gaining the battle honour "Canadian Frontier", and "Niagara".

During its tenure in Canada, the regiment gained the nickname of "The Worst regiment in Canada", mostly due to the regiment's high desertion rate, very young recruits, and poor discipline. The nickname was given by the Governor General of Canada, George Prévost. However, this nickname was not well taken, and the regiment proved this by being granted a battle honour, proving its worth.

Lundy's Lane

During the Battle of Lundy's Lane, the line companies of the regiment formed part of the First Brigade under Colonel Scott, at Twelve Mile Creek, while the flank companies were part of the Third (Light) Brigade under Lieutenant Colonel Person, encamped near Four Mile Creek.

During the battle, the regiment melted away at the sight of just a couple American volleys. However, they were rallied by the extra-ordinary exertions of Major William Smelt. After another desparate assault, the British succeeded in forcing their way into the battery. Fearing the cature of the guns, Major Jacob Hindman spiked two cannons.

Fort Erie

During the Siege of Fort Erie an attack column, lead by Colonel Hercules Scott, of 700 men attached the northern portion of the American Lines. After making several attempts to capture the lines, though suffering heavy casualties and their location being given away by forward pickets, the attack column fell back. After this failed assault, the regiment moved westward to join the third assault column, which was on their right.

During the assault of the third column, the assault was again held off, with many of the remaining men joining Drummond's column, which was in the process of attaching Douglass Battery. Yet another attack was ordered, and the sailors and marines of the column made it past the breastworks, but after a volley and bayonet charge by the 19th US Infantry Regiment, they were yet again forced back and rallied, after just a few minutes.

During the siege, the regiment's commanding officer, Colonel Hercules Scott was killed. In addition, the regiment lost about 424 men, including 14 out of 18 officers. Before the siege, the regiment was in Burlington.

Disbandment

In 1815, the regiment was still in Canada when it was reduced to six companies after personnel were drafted to other regiments. In 1817, the regiment arrived back in the United Kingdom, and on 24 October 1817 was finally disbanded while in Chelmsford.

Uniform

The regiment's uniform consisted of a scarlet jacket with white facings.

Colonels

The regimental colonels included:

• 25 November 1806 – 25 June 1808: General Sir Brent Spencer, GCB (also Colonel of the Rifle Brigade and 2nd West India Regiment)
• 25 June 1808 – 1812: Lieutenant General Sir Samuel Auchmuty, GCB (also Colonel of the 78th (Highlander) Regiment of Foot, and Commander-in-Chief, Madras from 1810–1813)
• 1812–12 January 1814: Gen The Honourable Sir Galbraith Lowry Cole, GCB (also Colonel of the 70th (Surrey) Regiment of Foot)
• 12 January 1814 – 24 October 1817: Lt Gen George Porter

References

• Barbuto, Richard (2014). Staff ride handbook for the Niagara Campaigns, 1812-1814. Fort Leavenworth: Combat Studies Institute Press, US Army Combined Arms Center. ISBN 978-0-9891372-8-7. OCLC 888026080. 
• Crosswell, Daniel K. R. (1979). The American Invasion of the Niagara Peninsula – 1814. Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan.