History

The regiment was raised in 1741 as the 54th or Fowkes Regiment. In 1748 the army was reduced in size and the 54th became the 43rd. In 1782 it became the 43rd Monmouthshire Regiment of Foot.

From 1803 to 1815 is the period we're really interested in

1803 - Conversion to Light Infantry

In 1803 the 43rd were assigned to become Light Infantry. In 1804, together with the 52nd regiment, were sent to Shorncliffe Barracks to begin their training as light troops. Unlike other regiments, the officers were expected to complete 6 months of training with the "other ranks" before being able to take their place.

1807 - Copenhagen

This was the first time the troops trained at shorncliff acted together as light troops.

1808 to 1814 - Peninsula War

1808 - Vimiero - The 2nd Battalion of the 43rd covered the landing of Troops

1809 - Corunna - The 2nd battalion fought at Corunna whilst the 1st batallion went to Vigo with the rest of the Light Brigade

1809 - Walcheren - The 2nd Battalion

1810 - The Coa & Busaco - With the Light Division

1811 - Sabugal -

1811 - Fuentes d'Onor -

1812 - Ciudad Rodrigo - The death of General "Black Bob" Craufurd, who was buried in the breach.

1812 - Badajoz -

1812 - Salamanca -

1813 - Vittoria -

1813 - San Sebastian -

1813 - Nivelle -

1813 - Nive -

1814 - Orthes -

1814 - Toulouse -

1815 - The Battle of New Orleans and the War of 1812

We lost - our illustrious leader is writing a few words for this space!!!.

1815 - Waterloo and the Occupation of Paris

Due to storms and the high amount of traffic at Oostend harbour, the 43rd along with several other regiments, were unable to disembark as quickly as they would have liked and arrived at Waterloo in time to miss the battle. They had to be content with the pursuit of the French to Paris and it's occupation.