The79th Regiment of Foot (Royal Liverpool Volunteers) was an infantry regiment of theBritish Army, also known as theLiverpool Blues, which served in theAmericas during theAmerican War of Independence.
In common with other volunteer regiments formed elsewhere in Britain during the conflict,[1] the 79th was raised at the expense of the port ofLiverpool, with the town'scorporation contributing£2000. On the 79th's creation in 1778,[2] Major Pole assumed command as its lieutenant-colonel.[3]
The regiment arrived in Jamaica in March 1779 and had detachments assigned the role ofmarines.[4] In February 1780, the regiment took part in anexpedition against the Spanish colony ofNicaragua, ferried by young CaptainHoratio Nelson. An evacuation was carried out later in the year because of disease which had become rife in the inhospitable climate, decimating the expedition.[5]
In 1781,Banastre Tarleton became the lieutenant-colonel of the Liverpool Volunteers, though remained in command of the 5th American Regiment (British Legion). An infamous cavalry officer during the American Revolution, Tarleton was the son of a former Mayor of Liverpool.[6]
The regiment returned to Liverpool in early 1784 and disbanded after the war ended.[2] On 4 February 1784, a contingent of seven officers received the freedom of the borough while the regiment's colours were laid up atLiverpool Town Hall.[7]
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