Raised in 1685 by King James 11, the Ninth was originally named Colonel Henry Cornwall’s Regiment of Foote. The 9Th. Regiment, has a well-deserved reputation for overcoming the odds in trying situations. Being both reliable and steadfast was a quality this regiment possessed and was much desired by Commanders who wished for victories and successful campaigns. Much like other Regiments who helped to defend the Empire, their history is varying, colorful and spanned the far parts of the globe. The Mediterranean, Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar and Havana just to list a few. The Regiment was involved in the siege of Havana Cuba in 1762. Some idea of how the Regiment fared against disease there can be gleaned from the head count when they arrived at St. Augustine off the coast of Florida where they spent the remainder of the Seven Years War--16 Officers, 16 Sergeants, 9 drummers and 234 rank and file. Although it had arrived in Havana nearly 1000 strong, only 20 were killed in battle and five died of wounds. They returned to Ireland in 1770. In 1776 during the Great rebellion, or as the American’s called it, The American War for Independence they went to the relief of Canada. Then, in the 1777 Campaign, was part of General John Burgoyne’s expedition of 7500 men to Albany, New York to split the Colonies in half and hasten the suppression of the rebellion. Cut to 4000 half starved men short on ammunition and completely surrounded by 16,000 Americans, they were forced to capitulate. With Burgoyne’s defeat at Saratoga and the surrender of his army, the Ninth faced a long internment in Boston. When they arrived back in England in 1781 the regimental colors that had been hidden from the Americans by the commanding officer arrived with them! They were presented to the King. The regiment was re-formed and re-named the East Norfolk Regiment in 1782 and then the Royal Norfolk Regiment. It was amalgamated with another regiment in 1959 to found the 1st East Anglian Regiment. They amalgamated again in 1964 into the Royal Anglains that survives to this day.
The re-created IX of Foote is a British Revolutionary War living history and reenactment group based in the Eastern Connecticut area. We participate in living history events, battle reenactments and tacticals. Much like our forbears, the Ninth of Foote, our company's members include men-at-arms, musicians (fifers and drummers welcome) and women and children who serve as camp followers.
