Early History
The history of The Sherwood Foresters goes back to 1741, when England was committed to War
against France in Europe and later in Asia and America. In this year a new Regiment was raised and
commanded by a Colonel Houghton. By 1745 the Regiment was in Gibraltar and under the command
of a Colonel Warburton, while two years later it was serving in Nova Scotia. In 1751 numerical titles
were introduced and the Regiment became the 45th. The aggressive actions of the French against
the English in Canada resulted in the 45th being called out on active service. It was one of the
regiments that won undying fame in storming and capturing from the French the Naval Arsenal of
Louisburg, a stronghold that had been heavily and extensively fortified.
The 45th Regiment served for twenty years in Canada, and for its gallantry at Louisburg was later
awarded the first of the long roll of battle honours that now adorn the Colours. Although not present
as a unit, the 45th was represented by its grenadier company in the British force that the gallant
Wolfe led up the St. Lawrence River to capture Quebec and thus seal the doom of French rule in
Canada.
The Regiment Returns Home
On returning home the Regiment served for some years in Ireland and when the American War Of
Independence broke out, was among the reinforcements sent to New York in 1776. It fought at Long
Island, Philadelphia, Brandywine, Germantown, and in other places, suffering losses but always
exhibiting a high degree of courage and fortitude. After the War, the 45th reduced to less than 100
all ranks, returned home to Nottingham. The citizens of Nottingham requested that the Regiment
should be called "The Nottinghamshire Regiment" and His Majesty agreed, providing 300 men were
recruited in the county.
With volunteers from the Nottinghamshire Militia and the influence of local landowners, the
stipulated number was soon obtained. Between 1786-1794 and 1795-1802, the 45th was in the
West Indies almost constantly engaged in fighting the French for possession of those islands -
Martinique, Dominica and Les Saints being captured. Unfortunately yellow fever took a far heavier
toll of the Regiment than did the enemy. After a brief period at home the 45th was soon on active
service again.
The Regiment was despatched to South America in 1807, where it took part in
the attack on Buenos Aires, when every man of the small British force had to fight for his life in the
street fighting that followed the capture of the town. After this action the Regiment embarked for
home. | |
The Peninsular War
The following year the 45th Regiment became part of the Peninsular Army, under Sir Arthur
Wellesley, the future Duke of Wellington. The 45th was present at the opening battle, at Rolica in
1808, and served without a break in all Wellington's famous battles until the siege of Toulouse in
1814, winning no less than thirteen battle honours. The nickname, "The Old Stubborns", was
bestowed on the regiment for its conspicuous bravery at the battle of Talavera. In that battle the
French flung themselves in dense masses upon the advanced posts of the British Army, which were
held by the 45th, who opposed the enemy with such firmness and courage that the enemy troops
were first checked and then brought to a standstill. Retiring slowly, the 45th held up the enemy
attack so completely that the entire sting was taken out of it, and the British were able to win a
great victory. Wellington, describing the battle in his official report said: "Upon this occasion the
steadiness and discipline of the 45th Regiment were conspicuous".
In the Battle of Busaco, the 45th Regiment again distinguished itself leading the attack on a dense
column of the enemy troops, which had reached the crest of the hill. The attack, made with the
bayonet, was so fierce that the enemy was driven pell-mell down the slopes, leaving some
hundreds on the ground killed and wounded. "1 can assure you 1 never witnessed a more gallant
charge", wrote Wellington in his despatches. In the siege of Badajoz, a detachment of the 45th
succeeded in getting into the Castle first and the red coat of an officer of the 45th was hoisted in
place of the French flag to indicate the fall of the Castle. This feat is commemorated on the 6th
April each year when red jackets are flown on Regimental flag staffs and at Nottingham Castle.
Change in Title
The secondary title 'The Sherwood Foresters' was granted to the 45th in 1866 by Queen Victoria;
the Nottinghamshire Militia having previously been granted the title of "The Royal Sherwood
Foresters" in 1813.
In 1867, the 45th formed part of the British force that, under General Sir Robert Napier
(afterwards Lord Napier of Magdala), fought in the Abyssinian campaign. This was one of the
most remarkable exploits in the history of the British Army. Magdala, the capital, was a
fortified city perched on the summit of a huge rock with almost perpendicular sides, and
approachable on one side only. It was situated four hundred road less miles from the coast in
the midst of a great range of mountains, over which the troops had to climb, and in some
places had to haul their guns and limbers up by ropes. The 45th marched 300 miles in 24
days and actually covered 70 miles in 4 days over a mountain pass 10,000 feet high to be
present at the capture of Magdala. |
