Historical Records of the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders, now the 2nd Battalion Princess Louise's Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders

Description:

First edition. The attractive chromolithographic plates illustrate the colours of the regiment and officers and soldiers in dress uniform. A substantial and remarkable Victorian-era regimental history of the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders from its formation in 1799 through its incorporation into the newly formed Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders following the British army reforms of 1881.

This regiment was one of the most famous in the British Army, especially remembered for tis role in the Battle of New Orleans (1815), service in the West Indies, the Crimean War and the 'Thin Red Line' at the Battle of Balaklava, and the Indian Mutiny of 1857. The phrase 'Thin Red Line' originated from war correspondent William Howard Russell describing the 93rd standing against Russian cavalry at Balaklava in 1854. Burgoyne’s history gives extensive coverage to that campaign and helped cement the regiment’s heroic reputation in late Victorian Britain.

The Preface states that the author planned to include 'notice of every officer and of his services so far as could be ascertained ..., likewise the names of killed and wounded of all ranks … I also proposed to invite officers to contribute their own experiences of certain actions or other services in which they may have taken part with the regiment.' A final section also includes musical scores for Parade Tunes, etc.

Condition

8vo, orig red cloth, rebacked, original boards with gilt crest of 93rd Sutherland Highlanders to front board, wear to corners. Numerical ink stamp to endpaper. Light water stain to top edge of text block adjacent to spine, internally affecting only inner corner of the uncoloured plate. Regimental compliments slip enclosed. Good.