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Unit Catch-Phrase: "Ee by gum."
Unit History:
Grenadier and light infantry units provide specialist shock troops or skirmishers for their
affiliated regiments. Our particular rendition of the 15th of Foot portrays that of the "hat men" who
formed eight out of ten regimental companies.
On the 8th of June, 1758, the grenadier company of the 15th of
Foot was present with Brigadier General James Wolfe during his initial landing against the defences
of the Fortress of Louisbourg (located on present day Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia). The remaining
companies of the 15th arrived in the second wave of troops under the guidance of Brigadier General Lawrence. July 26,
1758, saw the capitulation of the defending garrison following a bravely conducted defence. The great Atlantic bastion
of the French fell to the British allowing open access to the heart of New France.
The siege of Quebec City felt the presence of the 15th of
Foot. During the battle that took place on the Plains of Abraham (September 13, 1759) the
15th held the left of the line under withering fire placed upon it by native and irregular contingents of French defenders.
Years later the Regiment once again served in North America from 1776-78. This was during
the Revolutionary War (the American War of Independence). At the Battle of Brandywine
the nickname "the Snappers" was bestowed upon the 15th. The men in the line had run critically
short of ball ammunition. The remaining shot was given over to the unit marksmen with the rest of the troops simply
going through the motions and firing only powder charges. Employing this bluff helped win the battle.
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