73rd (Perthshire) Regiment of Foot
The 73rd (Perthshire) Regiment of Foot was a British Army infantry regiment, raised in 1780. Over its history, it saw extensive service in various conflicts, ultimately being amalgamated into another regiment in 1881.
Formation and Early Service
The regiment was originally raised as the 73rd Regiment of Foot (MacLeod's Highlanders) in Stirling by Colonel John MacLeod of MacLeod during the American Revolutionary War. Its initial purpose was to bolster British forces in North America, though it did not see service there. Early service included garrison duty in Ireland and England.
Service in India
The 73rd gained prominence through its long and distinguished service in India. It arrived in India in 1787 and participated in the Third Anglo-Mysore War (1790-1792) against Tipu Sultan. The regiment played a key role in the capture of Bangalore and Seringapatam, earning battle honours for these engagements.
The regiment continued to serve in India throughout the late 18th and early 19th centuries, participating in various campaigns and maintaining peace in the region. It earned further battle honours for its involvement in actions such as the Battle of Assaye (1803) during the Second Anglo-Maratha War, where it distinguished itself under the command of Colonel Arthur Wellesley (later the Duke of Wellington).
Reorganisation and Later Service
In 1809, the regiment was re-designated as the 73rd (Perthshire) Regiment of Foot, reflecting its association with the county of Perthshire in Scotland. The regiment retained its Scottish identity and continued to recruit heavily from the region.
The regiment continued to serve in India for much of the 19th century, with periods of service elsewhere, including the Cape Colony in South Africa. It participated in the Eighth Cape Frontier War (1850-1853).
Amalgamation
Under the Childers Reforms of 1881, the 73rd (Perthshire) Regiment of Foot was amalgamated with the 42nd (Royal Highland) Regiment of Foot (The Black Watch) to form The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders). The 73rd became the 2nd Battalion, The Black Watch. The traditions and battle honours of the 73rd were carried forward by the Black Watch.