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We are a small group of re-enactors who
are branching out on a new venture to represent the 51st (2nd
Yorkshire, West Riding) Light Infantry from 1809 - 1815.
This is a small part in the history of a well established and
honourable Regiment which can trace it roots from 1755, evolving to
become the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI), but was also
a time of great achievement and valiant acts during the struggles
between Napoleon's Grand Armée and Wellington's army.
Proud to represent
red-coated Skirmishers and proud of Brown Bess
We will be involved in researching the
history of the period of 1809-1815, battle re-enactments - both in
this country and abroad - and will be actively participating in
living history displays across the United Kingdom.
We are very keen to hear from individuals who may be able to help
with any of these aspects or who feel that they would like to sample
life as a soldier, woman or child on campaign during this period or
who may be considering taking up re-enactment in the Napoleonic
period and would like to discuss their ideas further.
Who were the 51st?
The 51st Regiment was originally raised in 1754 as the 51st
(American Provincials) and was disbanded in 1755, to be raised as
the 53rd Regiment (Napier's) by the Marquis of Rockingham. In 1757
it was renamed the 51st Regiment (Brudenell's). Raised in the West
Riding of Yorkshire, it has had the strongest possible association
with that area ever since, becoming the 51st (2nd Yorkshire, West
Riding) Regiment in 1782.
It was in the Seven Years’ War (1756-63) that, at the Battle of
Minden (1759), the Regiment gained its first, and perhaps most well
known, battle honour. The victory at Minden is celebrated every year
on 1st August when white roses are worn in the headdress,
symbolising the roses allegedly plucked by soldiers of the Regiment
at Minden.
From 1771 to 1782 the Regiment was in Minorca and it was there in
1777 that the young Ensign John Moore joined the Regiment. After
service in Ireland, Gibraltar and Corsica the 51st returned to
England for a brief stay before embarking for Spain in 1807.
The Regiment distinguished itself at Lugo and Corunna and, in
tribute to their former commander General Sir John Moore, the 51st
was formed into a Light Infantry Corps in 1809. The 51st fought with
distinction in the great battles of the Peninsula War including
Fuentes d’Onor, Salamanca, Vittoria and Badajoz and it was at the
storming of Badajoz in 1811 that Ensign Joseph Dyas won instant
glory for himself and the Regiment by twice leading the storming
party on the San Christoval Fort. 'The Stormers' - refers to the
gallantry of the 'forlorn hope' led by Ensign Dyas and and
originally it was the custom to toast 'Ensign Dyas' throughout the
Peninsula Army, but in later years the practice has been restricted
to the KOYLI to toast 'Ensign Dyas and the Stormers' in silence.
In 1815 the Regiment was in Portsmouth and sailed to join the allied
army near Brussels. The Commanding Officer, Colonel Mitchell, was
appointed to command the 4th Brigade in which the 51st was destined
to fight at the Battle of Waterloo. The 51st was on the extreme
right of the line and was engaged early in the battle when the
French attacked Hougoumont Farm and were responsible for preventing
100 French cuirassiers from escaping the field along the Nivelles
Road.
The 51st returned to England in January 1816 for a period of 5 years
home service and in 1821 became the 51st (2nd Yorkshire West Riding)
or "The King's Own" Light Infantry.
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