Napoleonic Era and North America

During the Napoleonic Wars, the 13th Somersetshire Light Infantry served in the West Indies, capturing Martinique and Guadeloupe, before being deployed to Lower Canada (modern-day Quebec) during the War of 1812. They were sent to defend against American invasions aimed at expanding U.S. territory and disrupting British control in southern Lower Canada, with the Richelieu River corridor to Montreal a critical strategic point.

The regiment faced two notable engagements at Lacolle Mills, small fortified settlements along this corridor. The first encounter in November 1812 was part of an early American advance led by General Henry Dearborn. Though a smaller skirmish, it set the stage for the regiment’s role in defending the region.

The second battle in March 1814 was far more decisive. Around 500 men of the 13th held a stone mill against a force of roughly 4,000 Americans under General James Wilkinson. Supported by local militia and Native allies, the 13th — the only professional British regulars present — conducted daring bayonet charges to try and capture American artillery. Their disciplined defense repelled the American advance and secured southern Lower Canada, cementing a reputation for professionalism and resilience that would carry through their later campaigns.

First Anglo-Afghan War (1841–1842)

The regiment’s most celebrated engagement came at the Siege of Jellalabad, from 13 November 1841 to 7 April 1842, during the First Anglo-Afghan War. Encircled by Afghan forces under Akbar Khan, the 13th, commanded by the English officer Sir Robert Henry Sale, held out despite being a “crumbling” regiment, with many men older, sickly, or understrength.

During the siege:

A massive earthquake in February 1842 leveled parts of the town’s defenses, yet the regiment rebuilt the walls under fire, astonishing the besiegers.

Facing near-starvation, the regiment staged a daring bayonet charge to capture a flock of Red Hazaras, a broad-tailed Afghan sheep. The sheep provided vital food, saving the garrison. This story of the “Red Hazaras” became a legendary part of regimental lore, often toasted at regimental dinners for over a century.

The garrison successfully broke the siege in April 1842, earning the nickname “Illustrious Garrison” from the English Governor of India, Edward Law, 1st Earl of Ellenborough.

On their return to India, the regiment received a 21-gun royal salute at every army station, a unique honor normally reserved for royalty or high-ranking generals. Following this recognition, Prince Albert offered his patronage, renaming them Prince Albert’s Light Infantry, changing their facings from yellow to royal blue, and granting a mural crown badge inscribed “Jellalabad” for their colours and uniforms.

Indian Rebellion of 1857

During the rebellion, the 13th was primarily engaged in the Azamgarh sector and the Trans-Gogra campaign. Under Lord Mark Kerr, the regiment famously broke a rebel ambush at Azamgarh, with Kerr wearing a shabby summer suit and pith helmet instead of formal uniform—a legendary display of improvisation and bravery.

Anglo-Zulu War (1879) & Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878–1880)

At the Battle of Ulundi, the regiment’s Light Infantry pace (140 steps per minute) allowed them to transition from a rapid march into a perfectly sealed defensive square when the Zulu “horns of the bull” formation charged. The regiment withstood the assault without a breach, winning two Victoria Crosses. During the Second Anglo-Afghan War, the 13th returned to Afghanistan, reinforcing their historical connection to the region.

Boer War (1899–1902)

The regiment participated in the relief of Ladysmith and fought at Spion Kop, earning a reputation for mountain warfare in harsh South African campaigns.

First World War (1914–1918)

The regiment expanded from 2 to 17 battalions. On 1 July 1916, the 1st Battalion attacked near Albert on the first day of the Somme, suffering catastrophic losses but remaining one of the few units to reach their objectives.

Second World War (1939–1945)

During WWII, the regiment contributed men to the Chindits, special forces operating deep behind Japanese lines in Burma. The 4th and 7th Battalions landed in Normandy in June 1944, fighting through the brutal “Bocage” country, including at Hill 112, often called the “Verdun of Normandy.”

Legacy and Amalgamation

The 13th Somerset Light Infantry eventually amalgamated with the Prince of Wales's (Devonshire Regiment) in 1959, and today their lineage is carried forward by The Rifles. The “Jellalabad” mural crown remains one of the most respected battle honors in British infantry heraldry, symbolizing the regiment’s extraordinary courage and enduring legacy.