Name : 93rd (Sutherland Highlanders) Regiment of Foot Started : 1861 Ended : 1881 Previous Regiment Lineage(s) : ---------------------------------------- 93rd (Highland) Regiment of Foot (1799 - 1861)
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Subsequent Regiment Lineage : ---------------------------------------- Princess Louise's (Sutherland and Argyll Highlanders) (1881 - 1882) Royal Regiment of Scotland (2006 - Present)
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Before the 2nd battalion, formerly known as the 93rd or Sutherland Highlanders, was called into being, a regiment of "Sutherland Fencibles" had appeared, to be disbanded in 1798. It was not until 1800 that "Major General Wemyss' regiment of Infantry was formed". Neither battalion of the regiment seems to have been much favoured by the sea, for in the first expedition of the 93rd to the Cape, in 1805, it lost thirty five men by the upsetting of a boat in Lospard bay. For the battle of Blauwe Mountains and the surrender of the colony it earned the first name for the regimental list of honours, viz., "Cape of Good Hope, 1806". Its career in South Africa was uneventful until 1814, when it returned to England, to proceed at once with the expedition to New Orleans, where, in the attempt to storm the works, it lost 584 men, and the attack failed. A second battalion was raised in the same year, but disappeared after less than two years' life.
Little of military interest occurred until the outbreak of the Crimean War, when the 93rd formed part of Sir Colin Campbell's Highland Brigade. Sir Colin's order to the brigade before going into action shows the discipline of the regiments at that time, and still more the value of localisation.To none would the threat used by the General appeal more directly than to a Scotsman, when he was told that if any soldier attempted to carry off wounded men "his name shall be stuck up in the parish church". It was the fact that these men were localised to a great extent, that made such a threat serious. They behaved with admirable gallantry everywhere. When they met the charge of the Russian cavalry in line it was an act of desperate boldness, considering the slow loading arms of that time. But to Sir Colin's brief address, "There is no retreat from here, men! You must die where you stand", came the ready, cheery answer, "Ay! Ay! Sir Colin, and needs be we will do that!"
The 93rd shared in the occupation of Kertch, and saw the fall of Sebastopol; and in 1857, when on its way to China, was diverted at the Cape to the more serious work of the Mutiny in India, where it again fell under its old general's command, and saw practically continuous arduous and active service until 1859. It was engaged at Kudjwa, where some of its wounded and some wounded sappers beat off a body of rebels; in the first advance on Lucknow (which name is borne on the colours); at Secundrabagh; at Cawnpore; at Kala Nuddee; the second and successful advance on Lucknow, when Lieutenant and Adjutant Macbean killed eleven men with his own hand, and where the regimental piper, among the first to crown the breach, remained there, cheering his comrades on with the pipes, at Fort Rayah, where Adrian Hope was slain; at Bareilly, Pusgaon, Russulpore, and Fort Mussowli. During the campaign seven Victoria Crosses had been won, and three other officers were recommended, but though the cases were most meritous, the applications were not granted. Crosses were bestowed upon Captain Stewart, who was elected to the honour by the officers of the regiment; Lieutenant Macbean (or McBen), for the exploit referred to above; Sergeant Paton, chosen by the non-commissioned officers of the regiment for reconnoitring for a breach under a heavy fire; Sergeant Munro, for saving Captain Walsh when wounded; and Privates Mackay and Grant, both selected by the privates of the regiment for their distinguished bravery. This regiment's last active service was in the Umbeyla campaign.
The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders is the only infantry regiment of the Line that bears "Balaklava" on its colours. Their gallantry in the battle when the "thin red line" received the charge of the Russian cavalry – a formation to meet the mounted arm unprecedented up to that time in the annals of war – has been already referred to, and the name of "the thin red line" is the only recorded nickname – save probably the "Rory's" – the old 93rd have had. It is also stated, that though the first "king's colour" is retained, framed and glazed, the regimental colour carried with it has disappeared. Tradition explains this by asserting that when Colonel Dale of the regiment was mortally wounded before Orleans in 1814 he made the request that he should be buried wrapped in one of the colours, and his wish was complied with.
