Richard Cannon
Historical Record of the Forty-sixth or South Devonshire Regiment of Foot
Containing an Account of the Formation of the Regiment in 1741 and of Its Subsequent Services to 1851
"Historical Record of the Forty-sixth or South Devonshire Regiment of Foot" by Richard Cannon is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. This publication chronicles the formation and military service of the South Devonshire Regiment, originally the Fifty-seventh Regiment, covering its history from 1741 through 1851. The text aims to document the regiment's significant achievements, battles, and the valor displayed by its soldiers, as well as to inspire contemporary soldiers through these historical narratives. The opening of the work introduces readers to the genesis of the Forty-sixth Regiment, explaining its establishment in the context of 18th-century military conflicts, particularly during the War of the Austrian Succession. It details the regiment's early years, including its formation, initial deployments, and the challenges faced by its soldiers. The narrative sets the stage for an extensive examination of the regiment's history, its engagements in various battles, and the valorous actions of its members, ultimately underlining the importance of recording such histories to honor the regiment's legacy and inspire future generations in military service.