Inniskillings form a Light Company

Orders were issued, to take effect on 1 October 1771, for the formation of a light company of Inniskillings. The Regiment then consisted of ten companies, mustering twenty sergeants, thirty corporals, ten drummers, two fifers and three hundred and eighty privates.

Very particular instructions were issued with regard to the discipline and drill of these newly-formed light companies, and are interesting for comparison with the rules made for Rogers' Rangers*, as they both illustrate the tactical ideas of the day.

*
Robert Rogers raised and commanded Rogers' Rangers and fought for the British during the Seven Year's War, also known as the King's War or the French and Indian War (1754-63). The Rangers operated in winter against the French, travelling on snowshoes and crossing frozen rivers. Rogers' Rangers was one of the few colonial forces capable of operating in the harsh winter conditions through difficult mountainous terrain. Rogers commanded his Rangers in conditions where British regular units were unable to operate. He recruited, selected, equipped and commanded the Rangers and wrote the twenty-eight 'Rules of Ranging'.