Post
by wdrenth » Wed Jun 26, 2013 7:58 am
hello Redmist,
As for the troops as Tangier:
In 1661 and early 1662, four regiments of foot were shipped to Tangier, together with a troop of horse. Three of the regiment came from the Dunkirk garrison: one was an old Protectorate regiment and two were Royalist regiments, predominantly Irish. The other regiment was the Earl of Peterborough's Foot and was newly raised, and the troop of horse was also new.
In April 1663 the foot was reduced to two regiments: one English with fifteen and one Irish with five companies. In 1664 this was altered, with the national differences removed, and one regiment at nine and one with eight companies. Note that by this time most of the original garrison (Royalist, Irish, English, Protectorate) was not there anymore. In 1668 the two regiments were united into one of twelve companies. This is basically when the future Queen's Regiment (2nd Foot) came into existence.
As to the horse, there were three troops in 1663, but only one remained in 1664. This was also a half-troop of 30 troopers commanded by a lieutenant.
In 1679 four companies were added to the regiment, bringing it to sixteen companies. These four companies originate from one of the regiments raised in 1678.
In 1680 another regiment for Tangier was raised: the 2nd Tangier Regiment, the future 4th Foot. Also sixteen companies. Furthermore, sixteen companies from the Earl of Dumbarton's regiment were shipped to Tangier from Ireland in two installments: first four companies followed by a further twelve later. Five companies of the regiment remained in Ireland. Four independent companies from Ireland were sent as well.
Other reinforcements from England included a composite battalion called the King's Battalion. This was composed of levies from the four standing regiments in England: the 1st Foot Guards, the Coldstream Guards, the Duke of York's Regiment, and the Holland Regiment. It numbered five companies, the 1st Foot Guards providing two companies. Also sent was a company of miners, probably intended for construction work on the mole (and later destruction).
As to the horse, it was intended to ship six more troops to Tangier but only three were actually sent. This brought the total to four troops. There were also three Spanish troops.
Upon evacuation in 1684, the four Irish companies returned to Ireland, and Dumbarton's came to England and became ranked as the 1st regiment of foot. Of the (future) 2nd Foot, five companies were reduced of which four were transferred to Ireland. The (future) 4th Foot lost four companies, but don't yet know what happened to them (disbanded or sent to Ireland). The King's Battalion was dissolved with the men and officers returning to their regiments, and the company of miners was disbanded.
The four troops of horse were converted/downgraded to dragoons, and united to two troops/companies of dragoons raised in 1683. Together they formed the Royal Regiment of Dragoons.
Hope this helps a bit.
cheers,
Wienand
Michael
