The Northamptonshire Regiment

sunray · 09-24-2007, 12:39 PM

Although one of the many County Regiments, the Northamptonshire Regiment had three battalions serving during World War Two.
Two in the Mediterranean and one in the East.
The 2nd was part of 5th Div and was one of the most travelled during WW2. Originally part of the BEF then took part in the landings in Madagascar, then on to India, overland to Iraq then Egypt, Sicily, Italy and finally ending the war as part of 21st Army in Northern Europe.
The 5th were originally the Huntingdon Cyclist Batallion during WW1 of which Charles Laughton, the actor (Hunchback of Notre Dame) was its most famous member. In WW2 they were the first TA unit to come into contact with the Germans as part of BEF. Then joining the 78th Battleaxe Div for Operation Torch, took part in the invasion of Sicily, then advanced up Italy as past of the 8th Army. They finally ended the war in Austria.
Other Northamptonshire Regiment Did you knows...
First Regiment to land in North America
First Infantry Regiment to have a battle honour on its colours
Last Regiment to carry colours into battle
First Regiment to be transported by air.
Plus lots more...

morse1001 · 09-24-2007, 01:22 PM

Very interesting posting about one of the county regiments of the British Army

**Kyt** · 09-24-2007, 01:28 PM

They certainly got around a lot - and not in the most hospitable of climates either. Cheers sunray.

**spidge** · 09-24-2007, 05:44 PM

[QUOTE]

Originally Posted by sunray

Charles Laughton, the actor (Hunchback of Notre Dame) was its most famous member.

One of my favourite actors when I was a lad.

Other Northamptonshire Regiment Did you knows...

I am an inquisitive type of guy so I have to ask! I love these little snippets of information.

First Regiment to land in North America

1750's French and Indian wars?

First Infantry Regiment to have a battle honour on its colours

What for?

Last Regiment to carry colours into battle

When?

First Regiment to be transported by air.

When to where?

Cheers

Geoff

sunray · 09-24-2007, 06:13 PM

Here is all the answers

1750's French and Indian wars? 1755 - At the start of the Seven Year War - They were part of General Braddock march on Fort Du Quesne and ambushed by French and Indians at Monongahela. Incidently they were led out the forest by a Major George Washington (who's family came from Northants) later the first President of the USA.

What for? The 2nd Battalion (58th Foot) part in the Siege of Gibraltar of 1779 to 1782, bestowed in 1784.

When? Battle of Laing's Nek on 28th Jan 1881 during 1st Boer War

When to where? 15 officers and 548 men of B Coy of First Battalion were flown 800 miles from Moascar in Egypt to the outskirts of Bagdad on 22nd June 1938. They were flown in nine Vickers Victoria Aircraft of Nos 70 and 216 Squadrons. This was when Assyrians in the north of Iraq threatened to revolt.

And one more for you - Arthur Wellesley - later Duke of Wellington served as a Captain in the 58th (2nd Bat) from 1791 to 1792.

Best

Mike

**spidge** · 09-24-2007, 06:50 PM

Originally Posted by sunray

Here is all the answers

1750's French and Indian wars? 1755 - At the start of the Seven Year War - They were part of General Braddock march on Fort Du Quesne and ambushed by French and Indians at Monongahela. Incidently they were led out the forest by a Major George Washington (who's family came from Northants) later the first President of the USA.

What for? The 2nd Battalion (58th Foot) part in the Siege of Gibraltar of 1779 to 1782, bestowed in 1784.

When? Battle of Laing's Nek on 28th Jan 1881 during 1st Boer War

When to where? 15 officers and 548 men of B Coy of First Battalion were flown 800 miles from Moascar in Egypt to the outskirts of Bagdad on 22nd June 1938. They were flown in nine Vickers Victoria Aircraft of Nos 70 and 216 Squadrons. This was when Assyrians in the north of Iraq threatened to revolt.

And one more for you - Arthur Wellesley - later Duke of Wellington served as a Captain in the 58th (2nd Bat) from 1791 to 1792.

Best

Mike

Thanks Mike.

I got one right.

Now I know the others.

Cheers

Geoff

**urqh** · 05-01-2009, 06:47 PM

Any one want any pics of the colours or museum pieces, I swan around the Museum in Abington park Northampton on a regular basis. Little gem of a place.