History

The 82nd Prince of Wales Volunteers is a regiment that participated in both the Napoloenic Wars and the American Wars of 1812.

The regiment was first raised in September 1793 as the British Army expanded to face the armies of hostile, revolutionary France. It's first commanding officer was Major General Charles Leigh, who was a former Foot Guards officer.

The 82nd traditionally recruited from Wales, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Worcestershire and Staffordshire. The regiment participated in many of the opening battles, and the later more famous battles of the Peninsular War, Including; Rollica, Vimeiro, Talevera, Malaga, Barrosa, Vittoria and the Pyreneese. It also took part in the infamous British invasion of Denmark near the beginning of the war.

The regiment then fought briefly in Canada & America during the American Wars of 1812 and were then shipped to Paris to join with the occupying army. They returned home in 1815, just in-time for the Christmas where 2nd Battalion was disbanded.



82nd Regiment Official Website[82nd.eu]