HER MAJESTY'S 57th REGIMENT.
The head-quarters of this' fine old regiment having left us, we are now at liberty to say a word regarding the only regiment in the service that can lay claim to having been, during their long and active period of service, amphibious, pedestrian, equestrian, and pedestrian again. In the 17th century the regiment was raised and served as marines, and in that amphibious capacity performed good service to their country. They were subsequently transferred to 'the line, forming the 57th Rtgular Kegitnent. During the Peninsula war, at the battle of Albuera, whilst commanded by the late Sir William Inglis, they obtained the soubriquet of "Die-hards." They carryon their colours the following distinction!: — "Albaera," ('-Vittoria," "Pyrenees," "Nivelle;" "Niv'e," "Peninsula," "Jnkermau,"' and " Sebastopol v " After their return from the Crime*, reduced to the mere skeleton of a regiment by hard fighting and hard service, they had hardly been recruited and put once more in fighting order when news reached England of the Indian mutiny. The " Die-hards" were immediately ordered to embark for India by the overland route, and on their arrival in Egypt were mounted to cross the desert, and thus for the nonce became a horse-regiment. On the suppression of the Indian mutiny the regiment was ordered- from India to New Zealand, and they arrived here at the commencement «f the war in 1860. Had Colonel Warre, C.8., of that regiment, wielded the power unfortunately placed in the hands of General Cameron, he would have made short and ■harp work of it, and saved to this colony and the mother country many preciousjliyes, and a large anjl worse than useloas expenditure of public money. Whether under General Cameron, General Chute, ,or their own commanders, the old "Die hards," whenever they had an opportunity, chowed what British soldiers could do amongst the Maori race if fairly fes loose on them. During General Chute's shojcj; campaign, the "Die-hards," with the 2nd Battalion 14th Kegiment and 18 th Royal Irish, proved that they could send out a few mep. from each' regi^ nient who, with a few of our colonial forces, could sweep every pa .from north to louth of this island, caring but little how many Maoris defended^.it. Well may the British soldier be proud, as he always is, of being led by a brave commander. There' are yet about 180 men of the 57th amongst us awaiting a steamer to convey them to join their headquarters in Auckland. We believe the regiment will leave for England in July or August next ; and whenever they do, the old " Die-hards" will carry with them the best thanks and wishes of the people of 2Jew Zealand. — Wanganui Times, April 27. , \
HER MAJESTY'S 57th REGIMENT.
Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXII, Issue 2735, 30 April 1866, Page 6
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