28th (Or the North Gloucestershire) Regiment of FootJ
| Rank in the | |||||
| LIEUT.-COLONEL. | Regiment. | Army. | |||
| 1 | Sir Charles P. Belson, K.C.B. | 23 | Nov. | 1804 | Col., 4 June, 1812 |
| MAJOR. | |||||
| 2 | Robert Nixon, W. | 15 | Dec. | 1804 | Lt.-Col., 30 May, 1811 |
| CAPTAINS. | |||||
| 3 | Wm. Prescott Meacham, K. | 9 | July, | 1803 | Maj., 4 June, 1814 |
| 4 | Wm. Irving, W. | 9 | July, | 1803 | Maj., 4 June, 1814 |
| 5 | Richard Llewellyn, W. | 28 | Feb. | 1805 | Maj., 23 Apr. 1812 |
| 6 | Charles Caddell | 9 | Mar. | 1809 | |
| 7 | Richard Kelly, W. | 13 | Apr. | 1809 | |
| 8 | John Bowles, W. | 28 | July, | 1809 | |
| 9 | Thomas English, W. | 31 | Jan. | 1810 | |
| 10 | Charles Teulon, W. | 27 | Sept. | 1810 | |
| LIEUTENANTS. | |||||
| 11 | Jas. Henry Crummer | 2 | July, | 1807 | |
| 12 | John Fred. Wilkinson, W. | 8 | Sept. | 1808 | |
| 13 | Matthew Semple | 6 | Oct. | 1808 | |
| 14 | Roger P. Gilbert, W. | 27 | Apr. | 1809 | |
| 15 | Robert Prescott Eason, W. | 17 | May, | 1809 | |
| 16 | Wm. Irwin, W. | 20 | July, | 1809 | |
| 17 | Henry Hilliard, W. | 16 | Nov. | 1809 | |
| 18 | Samuel Moore | 28 | Jan. | 1810 | |
| 19 | John Coen, W. | 29 | Jan. | 1810 | |
| 20 | Charles B. Carruthers | 30 | Jan. | 1810 | |
| 21 | J.P. Clarke, K. | 1 | Mar. | 1810 | |
| 22 | J. Wm. Shelton, W. | 22 | Mar. | 1810 | |
| 23 | James Deares | 25 | Apr. | 1811 | |
| 24 | George Ingram, K. | 6 | Aug. | 1812 | |
| 25 | T. Bridgeland, Adjt., W. | 15 | Apr. | 1813 | |
| 26 | Edward Embury Hill | 9 | Sept. | 1813 | |
| 27 | Thos. Wm. Colleton | 25 | Nov. | 1813 | |
| 28 | James Parry | 27 | Jan. | 1814 | |
| ENSIGNS. | |||||
| 29 | Robert Thomson Stuart | 5 | Aug. | 1813 | |
| 30 | Wm. Serjeantson | 26 | Aug. | 1813 | |
| 31 | Richard Martin | 8 | Sept. | 1813 | |
| 32 | James Simkins | 9 | Sept. | 1813 | |
| 33 | Wm. Mountsteven, W. | 25 | Nov. | 1813 | |
| 34 | W. Lynam | 31 | Mar. | 1814 | |
| PAYMASTER. | |||||
| 35 | John Dewes | 20 | June, | 1799 | |
| QUARTERMASTER. | |||||
| 36 | Richard Reynolds | 9 | Mar. | 1809 | |
| ASSISTANT-SURGEON. | |||||
| 37 | Patrick H. Lavens | 24 | Oct. | 1811 | |
| Facings yellow. Lace silver. | |||||
Lieut.-General Prescott’s Orders.
“St. Pierres, 16th June, 1794.
“Whereas Vice-Adm. Sir John Jervis has given orders, I am told, frequently here on shore, and particularly by note dated off Point Petre, June 11th, 1794, which must have arisen from great ignorance or great presumption and arrogance.
“If from ignorance, poor man! he is to be pitied, but if from presumption and arrogance, he is to be checked.
“It is, therefore, Lt.-General Prescott’s orders that in future no attention whatever is to be given to such notes or orders, and his signature to such to be as little regarded as that of John Oakes or Peter Styles.”
A martinet he lived and a martinet he died. His last whisper on his death-bed was an inquiry as to whether there was a Hessian sentry at his door. Although he did not die in harness the veteran “Slasher” died under the colours of the 28th, as on the death of the late Robert Prescott (grandson of the above) the old colours of the 28th were found among his effects and returned to the regt. They had doubtless been worked by the fair fingers of the old general’s wife.
Notes
J. This regt. was for many years known as the “Slashers.” This name is said to have been first given in the early part of the American War, when the regt. had swords, which they used to some purpose. The 28th might have been appropriately called “Prescott’s Own,” as the Col.-in-Chf., Gen. Robert Prescott, had been closely associated with this regt. for 50 years or longer, and was lt.-col. commanding for about 12 years. From 1789 until his death in Dec., 1815, he was col.-in-chf., and took the deepest interest in all that concerned his old corps. He had more than one godson in the regt., whose fathers had fought under him in America, whom he advanced in their military career by his own personal interest. And the 28th were equally attached to their old colonel, who had seen much service in America and the West Indies, where he held high commands. Like many others, before and since, who have filled responsible situations in countries where the native or “barbarian” element is largely represented, Gen. Prescott was fully imbued with the idea of his own great importance. An amusing instance of this is found in an order issued by him when commanding the troops in Canada:—
1. Succeeded to the command of the 8th Brigade after Quatre Bras. Lt.-Col. 56th Regt. 9th May, 1816. Had served throughout the Par. War with above regt., and received the gold cross with two clasps. Maj.-Gen. 1819. D. at Blackheath 5th Nov., 1830, aged 57.
2. 7th son of Alexander Nixon, of Mullynesker, High Sheriff of Fermanagh 1761, by Mary, dau. of Alex. Montgomery. Served in Egypt and in the Pa. C.B. for Waterloo. Quitted the service 1816. D. s. p.
3. This officer had fought in Egypt and in the Pa. His father had been regimental paymaster.
4. Distinguished himself in the Pa., and had a musket-ball through his right arm at Quatre Bras. Bt. lt.-col. for Waterloo. Quitted the service in 1826. Both his arms had been nearly disabled by wounds. D. 14th Jan., 1834.
5. Afterwards Gen. Sir Richard Lluellyn, K.C.B., Col.-in-Chf. 39th Regt. Entered the army with temporary rank as capt. in the 52nd, and served in the Mediterranean. In 1801 was placed on h. p. but when the war recommenced he re-entered the army and purchased a company in the 28th Foot in 1805. Fought at Busaco and Albuera, and other actions in the Pa. Was an excellent horseman, and on one occasion in the Pa., when employed on staff duty, he was galloping after the retreating French when he came on an open portmanteau, in which he espied some silver spoons and forks of an antique pattern. As he galloped past he bent in the saddle and made a grab with his right hand at the glittering contents. His dexterity was rewarded with several specimens of old French plate. This anecdote is given on the authority of a relative of the Editor, who used to meet the old general in society, who told the story himself. Made bt. lt.-col. and C.B. for his gallantry at Waterloo. He was son of Richard Lluellyn, of South Witham, co. Lincoln, by a dau. of Warren Maude, of Sunnyside, Northumberland. M., 1831, Eliz., dau. of Lt.-Gen. Raymond. D. 7th Dec., 1867.
6. 5th son of John Cadell, of Cockenzie and Tranent, co. Haddington. Bn. 1786. M., 1829, Isabella, dau. of Macdonald of Boisdale. K.H. Promoted major 28th Foot, 1826. Author of Narrative of the Campaigns of the 28th Regiment since their Return from Egypt, from which book the Editor has culled several notes. Served throughout the Par. War. At the close of Waterloo Day commanded the 28th. D. s. p. as lt. col. on retd. list, 1866.
7. Quitted the service before 1830, after being a capt. in this regt. for about 20 years.
8. Wounded at Quatre Bras. Placed on h. p. in 1817.
9. Served in the Pa., and was wounded at Waterloo. Quitted the service before 1824. Believed to have belonged to an Armagh family of this surname.
10. Maj. in this regt. 7th Oct., 1819. H. p. 4th Aug., 1825.
11. Was severely wounded in the left leg at Albuera. In 1832, when serving as senior capt. in this regt., the old wound broke out afresh and caused much suffering. Applied for a pension for wounds to which he had been entitled, but it was refused on the ground of the lapse of years since the said wound was received.
12. Out of the regt. before 1824.
13. Capt. 38th Foot, 24th Oct., 1823. Serving in 1830.
14. Distinguished himself at the passage of the Douro. 12th May, 1807, in the brigade under the command of Sir Edward Paget. 5th son of the Rev. Edmund Gilbert, vicar of Constantine, co. Cornwall, by Anne, dau. of Henry Garnett, of Bristol. Bn. 1790. Attained rank of maj. unattached 19th Sept. 1826. Living in 1830.
15. Distinguished himself at the passage of the Douro. Capt. same regt. 1825. Living 1830.
16. “The strongest man in the regt.” Several anecdotes of this officer’s prowess are given in Col. Cadell’s book, referred to above. Wounded at Quatre Bras. Promoted capt. 9th May, 1816. In the regt. 1840, in which year he retd., and d. at Sydney, N.S.W. in 1841.
17. Afterwards Paymaster H. Hilliard, h. p., late lt. 68th Foot. Entered the army 1808, served in the Pa., and was present at several engagements, including Busaco, Albuera, and the 1st siege of Badajoz; was also at Quatre Bras. His commissions are dated: Ensign, Feb. 25th, 1808; lt., Nov. 16th, 1809; paymaster, March 22nd, 1821. Living in 1874.
18. Capt. 14th Dec., 1826. Serving in 1830.
19. Serving as lieut. in 1824. Out of the regt. before 1830.
20. Serving as lieut. in 1830.
21. Had served in the Pa.
22. John Willington Shelton was son and heir of John Shelton, of Rossmore House, Limerick. Served in the Pa. Was four times wounded at Waterloo. Placed on h.p. 1817. M., 14th Aug., 1817, Mary, dau. of John Richards, of Blackdown House, Southampton, and had issue. D. 19th July, 1847.
23. Called “Deans” in Col. Cadell’s book. This zealous officer accompanied the cavalry on foot in the pursuit of the enemy, and attacked every Frenchman who came in his way. He was taken prisoner and stripped of all his clothes except his shirt, in which state he joined the regt. next day, severely wounded into the bargain. Quitted the service before 1824.
24. Distinguished himself at the battle of Albuera. Had his leg amputated after Waterloo; the tourniquet shifted in the night, and he bled to death. M.I. at Waterloo.
25. Had served in the ranks, and was promoted from sergt.-maj. to be adjt. and ensign.
26. Capt. 7th March, 1822. H. p. 17th Aug., 1822.
27. 2nd son of Sir James Nassau Colleton, 6th Bart., of Ash Park, co. Herts, by Susanna, dau. of William Nixon, of Lincoln. Afterwards lt. in Rl. Staff Corps.
28. Living in 1874 as a lt. h. p. 28th Foot.
29. Lieut. 18th July, 1815. H. p. 25th March, 1817. Living in 1846.
30. Afterwards lt. 40th Foot. Capt. 17th Dec., 1829. Of Hanlith, Tasmania. Eldest son of Robert Serjeantson (a blood relative of Gen. Prescott’s wife), by Isabella, dau. of Wm. Dorman, of Harbour Hill, Kinsale. M. Marion, dau. of Richard Willis. Was murdered at Hobart Town, Tasmania, 30th Nov., 1835.
31. Lieut. 4th Oct., 1815. H. p. 25th March, 1817.
32. Serving in 1817.
33. Lieut. 25th Oct., 1820; capt. 25th June, 1835. Paymaster 79th Highlanders 10th June, 1836. H. p. 1847. Attained rank of major-general retd. list. His full name was Thos. Wm. Blewett Mountsteven.
34. Serving in 1817. H. p. 2nd April, 1818.
35. H. p. 22nd Aug., 1816.
36. Placed on h. p as 2nd lt. from 1st W.I.R. 12th Feb., 1824.
37. Surgeon 14th Lt. Dragoons 13th Nov. 1828. Serving in 1842. Out of said regt. 21st July, 1843.