The History of the First West India Regiment By: A. B. (Alfred Burdon) Ellis (1852-1894)
"The History of the First West India Regiment" by A. B. Ellis provides a comprehensive examination of the renowned regiment's formation and evolution. Ellis, known for his meticulous research, presents a compelling narrative that sheds light on the challenges faced by these soldiers in the West Indies during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. One of the book's strengths lies in Ellis's ability to weave historical accounts with personal anecdotes from soldiers who served in the regiment. By including these firsthand testimonies, he humanizes the experiences of these forgotten heroes, allowing readers to empathize with their struggles and triumphs. Such accounts provide valuable insights into the social dynamics, racial tensions, and the regiment's role in colonial governance. Ellis delves into the historical context in which the First West India Regiment was established, exploring the British Empire's need for a military force in the Caribbean, primarily tasked with defending the colonies against foreign invasions and slave insurrections. Ellis's research exposes the intricacies of this unique unit, which was comprised primarily of soldiers of African descent and formed a crucial link between the British Empire, plantation owners, and the enslaved population. Moreover, Ellis's attention to detail is commendable. He describes in vivid detail the varied and challenging environments in which the regiment operated, from bloody battles against rival European powers to suppressing uprisings on plantations. Through extensive research, Ellis illuminates the personal sacrifices of these soldiers: their arduous training, the discrimination they faced from both the British Army and their colonial counterparts, and the ever-present threat of tropical diseases. While Ellis's scholarly approach might deter casual readers, his meticulous documentation of historical records ensures that this regiment's story is not reduced to mere folklore. At times, the abundance of facts and figures can become overwhelming. However, for those who enjoy delving into the historical minutiae, this thoroughly researched narrative becomes a treasure trove of information, painting a comprehensive picture of a unique military institution. "The History of the First West India Regiment" is an important addition to the field of military history, specifically shedding light on the experiences and contributions of soldiers of African descent in the British Empire. Ellis's work is an invaluable resource for scholars and researchers interested in colonial history, military studies, and the complex dynamics of race and power during the era of European imperialism. First Page: THE HISTORY OF THE FIRST WEST INDIA REGIMENT. THE HISTORY OF THE FIRST WEST INDIA REGIMENT. BY A.B. ELLIS, Major, First West India Regiment. AUTHOR OF "WEST AFRICAN ISLANDS" AND "THE LAND OF FETISH". London: CHAPMAN AND HALL, LIMITED, HENRIETTA STREET, COVENT GARDEN. 1885. CHARLES DICKENS AND EVANS, CRYSTAL PALACE PRESS. I beg to return my best thanks to A.E. HAVELOCK, Esq., C.M.G. Administrator in Chief of the West African Settlements; Lieutenant Colonel F.B.P. WHITE, of the 1st West India Regiment; V.S. GOULDSBURY, Esq., Administrator of the Gambia Settlements; A. YOUNG, Esq., Lieutenant Governor of Demerara; F. EVANS, Esq., C.M.G., Assistant Colonial Secretary of the Gold Coast Colony; ALFRED KINGSTON, Esq., of the Record Office; and RICHARD GARNETT, Esq., of the British Museum, for the very valuable assistance which they have rendered me in the collection of materials for this Work. CONTENTS. PAGE INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER 1 CHAPTER I. THE ACTION AT BRIAR CREEK, 1779 THE ACTION AT STONO FERRY, 1779 26 CHAPTER II. THE SIEGE OF SAVANNAH, 1779 THE SIEGE OF CHARLESTOWN, 1780 THE BATTLE OF HOBKERK'S HILL, 1781 33 CHAPTER III... Continue reading book >>

The History of the First West India Regiment By: A. B. (Alfred Burdon) Ellis (1852-1894)

"The History of the First West India Regiment" by A. B. Ellis provides a comprehensive examination of the renowned regiment's formation and evolution. Ellis, known for his meticulous research, presents a compelling narrative that sheds light on the challenges faced by these soldiers in the West Indies during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

One of the book's strengths lies in Ellis's ability to weave historical accounts with personal anecdotes from soldiers who served in the regiment. By including these firsthand testimonies, he humanizes the experiences of these forgotten heroes, allowing readers to empathize with their struggles and triumphs. Such accounts provide valuable insights into the social dynamics, racial tensions, and the regiment's role in colonial governance.

Ellis delves into the historical context in which the First West India Regiment was established, exploring the British Empire's need for a military force in the Caribbean, primarily tasked with defending the colonies against foreign invasions and slave insurrections. Ellis's research exposes the intricacies of this unique unit, which was comprised primarily of soldiers of African descent and formed a crucial link between the British Empire, plantation owners, and the enslaved population.

Moreover, Ellis's attention to detail is commendable. He describes in vivid detail the varied and challenging environments in which the regiment operated, from bloody battles against rival European powers to suppressing uprisings on plantations. Through extensive research, Ellis illuminates the personal sacrifices of these soldiers: their arduous training, the discrimination they faced from both the British Army and their colonial counterparts, and the ever-present threat of tropical diseases.

While Ellis's scholarly approach might deter casual readers, his meticulous documentation of historical records ensures that this regiment's story is not reduced to mere folklore. At times, the abundance of facts and figures can become overwhelming. However, for those who enjoy delving into the historical minutiae, this thoroughly researched narrative becomes a treasure trove of information, painting a comprehensive picture of a unique military institution.

"The History of the First West India Regiment" is an important addition to the field of military history, specifically shedding light on the experiences and contributions of soldiers of African descent in the British Empire. Ellis's work is an invaluable resource for scholars and researchers interested in colonial history, military studies, and the complex dynamics of race and power during the era of European imperialism.

First Page:

THE HISTORY

OF THE

FIRST WEST INDIA REGIMENT.

THE HISTORY

OF THE

FIRST WEST INDIA REGIMENT.

A.B. ELLIS,

Major, First West India Regiment.

AUTHOR OF "WEST AFRICAN ISLANDS" AND "THE LAND OF FETISH".

London:

CHAPMAN AND HALL, LIMITED,

HENRIETTA STREET, COVENT GARDEN.

1885.

CHARLES DICKENS AND EVANS,

CRYSTAL PALACE PRESS.

I beg to return my best thanks to A.E. HAVELOCK, Esq., C.M.G. Administrator in Chief of the West African Settlements; Lieutenant Colonel F.B.P. WHITE, of the 1st West India Regiment; V.S. GOULDSBURY, Esq., Administrator of the Gambia Settlements; A. YOUNG, Esq., Lieutenant Governor of Demerara; F. EVANS, Esq., C.M.G., Assistant Colonial Secretary of the Gold Coast Colony; ALFRED KINGSTON, Esq., of the Record Office; and RICHARD GARNETT, Esq., of the British Museum, for the very valuable assistance which they have rendered me in the collection of materials for this Work.

CONTENTS.

PAGE INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER I.

THE ACTION AT BRIAR CREEK, 1779 THE ACTION AT STONO FERRY, 1779 26

CHAPTER II.

THE SIEGE OF SAVANNAH, 1779 THE SIEGE OF CHARLESTOWN, 1780 THE BATTLE OF HOBKERK'S HILL, 1781 33

CHAPTER III... Continue reading book >>

This book is in genre
War stories

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