Regimental History

The 64th Regiment of Foot, later to be known as the Black Knots was formed in 1758, and arrived in the colonies in 1768. It is credited with drawing the first blood of the American Revolution in Salem, Mass. - two months prior to the "shot heard round the world" at Lexington and Concord. The 64th never lost a battle, never lost its colours, and probably saw more action than any other British regiment during the war.

From Boston to Eutaw Springs - a history of the Regiment by Greg Urwin, former member of the recreated regiment

Extracts from Purdon's "Memoirs of the Service of the 64th Regiment"

Extracts from Purdon's "Historical Sketch of the 64th Regiment" (200kB)

• Timetable
  • August 25, 1756
    • 2nd Battalion, 11th Regiment of Foot created.

  • April 21, 1758
    • 2nd Battalion, 11th Foot transformed into the 64th Regiment of Foot.

  • November 12, 1758
    • Regiment embarks for the West Indies

  • January 16th, 1759
    • Martinique captured.

  • January 24th, 1759
    • Guadeloupe captured (Regiment earns it first battle honour, awarded in 1909).

  • June 1759
    • Regiment returns to England.

  • 1760-63
    • Stationed in Highlands of Scotland.

  • 1763-68
    • Stationed in Ireland.

  • November 16th, 1768
    • Regiment arrives in Boston as part of troop build-up, due to disturbed state of colonies.

  • July 4th, 1769
    • Sailed for Halifax.

  • July 1772
    • Return to Boston, garrisoned at Castle William

  • Salem, Massachusetts (February 1775)
  • Long Island, New York (August 1776)
  • Peekskill, Danbury Raids (March 1777 - April 1777)
  • Brandywine (September 1777)
  • Germantown (October, 1777)
  • Monmouth (June 1778)
  • Old Tappan (September 1778)
  • Paulus Hook (May 1779)
  • Stony Point (July 1779)
  • Charleston (May 1780)
  • Eutaw Springs (September 1781)
  • Combahee River (August 1782)
  • August 31st, 1782
    • Regiment receives the county title "2nd Staffordshire Regiment."

  • December 14th, 1783
    • Regiment sails for Jamaica.

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