31st May 1783
The 95th Regiment of Foot is disbanded
The 95th Regiment of Foot was founded on 23 July 1779 when France entered the American War of Independence on America’s side. This left Britain feeling vulnerable to invasion, and considering how it could bolster its defences. The 95th was raised by John Reid, a British army general who was also the founder of the chair of music at the University of Edinburgh, where Reid had been educated. Reid was colonel of the 95th Regiment of Foot from 7 April 1780 until its abolition, and he remained active in the military until his death in 1807.
Ultimately, France didn’t invade the British mainland but, like Germany 150 years later, it did invade Jersey. That invasion, which occurred in 1781, came to be known as the Battle of Jersey and it was fought in part by the 95th Regiment of Foot.
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Other events that occured in May
Jersey’s British and French populations riot
- British and French people resident in Jersey rioted in 1900 in response to a war taking place in South Africa.
- Read more…
A new type of aircraft debuts on Jersey route
- The Handley Page Dart Herald was a short-range regional airline for developing countries, but it was also used on the Jersey route.
- Read more…
Daniel Brevint, Dean of Lincoln, is born in Jersey
- Daniel Brevint was son and grandson of Channel Islands clergymen (his father in Jersey and his grandfather in Sark) and became Dean of Lincoln.
- Read more…
US mayor John Bailhache is born in Jersey
- Although John Bailhache was born in Jersey, at St Ouen, he’ll be better remembered as the Mayor of Columbus after his appointment in 1835.
- Read more…
