Private of the Light Company, 46th British Regiment

VINTAGE VIEWS OF NEW YORK

Private of the Light Company
46th British Regiment
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The regiment was raised in 1741 as Colonel James Price's Regiment of Foot, and bare the name of successive colonels. In 1748 the regiment became the 46th Regiment of Foot. In 1881 the regiment became the 2nd battalion of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry.

The 46th Regiment of Foot arrived in America in 1757 and had a major role in the British attack on Fort Ticonderoga under General James Abercromby in 1758. The Regiment suffered heavy losses in this disastrous attack though it fought with great bravery and courage. However, the Regiment subsequently took part in other battles and campaigns in the French and Indian Wars.

The 46th Regiment returned to Ireland in 1767 but was ordered to America again in 1776 and took part in several Revolutionary campaigns.

During the Abercromby campaign, the Hon. Thomas Murray was Colonel of the 46th Regiment and in the period 1743-1764, the Regiment was known as "Murray's Bucks" because of its smart appearance in the Scottish Royal Livery when on home duty. During the Revolution the 46th Regiment acquired another nickname "The Surprisers" due to its undiscovered attack on the American forces under General Anthony Wayne at Brandywine in 1777. From this attack came the origin of the Red Feather, worn since that time. The American troops, vowing vengeance, announced that they would give no quarter to the 46th Regiment. The Light Companies of the 46th Regiment declared that they would dye their feathers red in order to prevent other units not engaged in the action suffering on their account. The 46th Regiment became notoriously famous for its gallantry and fighting exploits and out of bravado wore the red feather in battle to make itself more conspicuous to the enemy.

The private of the 46th Regiment Light Company is wearing summer dress with short black gaiters or spatterdashes and white stockings. The facings were yellow; waistcoats, red; breeches and belts, buff. The regimental lace is white with red and purple worms.

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Postcard Era: Souvenir Booklet
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