The Highland Regiments
and the Wars with France

1789-1815

71st MacLeod's Highlanders

by Robert A. Mosher

The 71st MacLeod's Highlanders was formed by Lord MacLeod, eldest son of the Earl of Cromartie. Although pardoned for his role in the Rising of 1745, because of his youth, Lord MacLeod nevertheless lost his wealth and ancestral lands. He was thus forced to seek his fortune abroad. He served 27 years in the armies of the King of Sweden, attaining the rank of Lieutenant-General. Upon retirement, he returned to England, where he was graciously received by King George III.

Though still landless, his had remained a name to reckon with in the old family lands, and Lord MacLeod offered to raise a Highland regiment in the territory of his clan. The offer was accepted and in a very short time 840 Highlanders were recruited and marched to Eglin. There the corps was embodied in April, 1778 as the 73rd Regiment MacLeod'd Highlanders - now 1,100 men strong. In 1786, while on service in India, the regiment was renumbered as the 71st.

    1789 India, 800 men strong.
    August, 1797 Flank companies join the expedition to Ceylon.
    October, 1797 All able-bodied men join the 73rd and 74th regiments remaining in India, while the officers and others return to England.
    August, 1798 - June, 1800 Officers and NCOs begin recruitment in Scotland.
    June, 1800 - August, 1805 Ireland, now 800 men strong (of whom 600 are real Highlanders).
    1804 2nd battalion is raised. Recruiting in Glasgow for this corps is so successful that it acquires the nickname "The Glasgow Highland Light Infantry."
    August, 1805 - June, 1806 lst battalion joins the expedition to South Africa.
    June, 1806 - December, 1807 lst battalion joins the expedition to Buenos Aires.
    January - June, 1808 1st battalion in Ireland, reinforced to 920 men. George III confirms the title "Glasgow" to the regiment.
    June, 1808 - January, 1809 1st battalion in Portugal: Rolica - August 17, 1808; Vimiero - August 21, 1808; Corunna - January 16, 1809.
    March, 1809 Designated a light infantry regiment, the 71st ceases to wear the kilt and takes on the light infantry uniform. However, it retains its pipe band and Highland designation, which is clearly indicated in its new uniform.

More Highland Regiments

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