Although Britain had the largest navy in the world during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, it had an army that was one of the smallest. It was constantly overstretched trying to meet all the commitments demanded of it by the Government. One method used in some parts of the world to help alleviate this constant manpower shortage problem was to raise and recruit regiments locally. The largest of these forces in British service were the armies of the Honourable East India Company.

This force was both unique and unusual in that it was not actually under the immediate control of Horse Guards but was paid for and controlled by the Board of the East India Company. In fact it consisted of three armies, one for each of the Presidencies of Bengal, Madras and Bombay, and a navy, the Bombay Marine. It saw much service during this period not only on the Indian sub-continent but also in Egypt, South Africa, Ceylon, south-east Asia and Nepal. Sometimes it acted in partnership with British regiments and sometimes with only its own forces.

The aim of this Study Group is to carry out research into all aspects of the HEIC from 1791 to 1816. Special emphasis will be paid to its armies and navy, and the campaigns and battles in which they were involved.

If you would like more information please contact Peter Williams, 31 Pembroks Road, Basingstoke, Hants, RG23 8QH.

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