The Family Tree of the Royal Green Jackets

The Storied Lineage of the Royal Green Jackets

The Royal Green Jackets can trace their rich and storied lineage back to some of the most distinguished regiments in British military history. Each of these regiments contributed unique traditions, experiences, and innovations that combined to form the elite identity of the Royal Green Jackets upon their amalgamation in 1966. These predecessor regiments were involved in pivotal moments of British military history, particularly in the development of light infantry tactics, and their legacy has left an indelible mark on the British Army.

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Interactive Family Tree: Tracing the Lineage

Below is an interactive exploration of the key regiments that merged to create the Royal Green Jackets, detailing their formation, evolution, and contributions to British military heritage:

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1. 60th (Royal American) Regiment of Foot

The 60th Regiment of Foot, later known as the King’s Royal Rifle Corps, was one of the earliest examples of a regiment specifically trained in light infantry tactics. Its roots lie in the defense of Britain’s North American colonies during the French and Indian War (1754–1763).

• Formation (1755): The 60th was raised during the height of British involvement in the Seven Years' War. It was unique as it was one of the few regiments at the time to recruit foreign soldiers, particularly Germans, who brought with them valuable expertise in the use of rifles and light infantry tactics. It was originally intended to serve in the rugged terrain of North America, where traditional line infantry tactics were less effective.

• Innovations: The regiment adopted the use of the Baker rifle, one of the first accurate rifled firearms issued to British soldiers. Unlike the smoothbore muskets used by most British infantry, the Baker rifle allowed soldiers to engage the enemy at a greater distance with better accuracy. This innovation reflected the 60th's role as a versatile, mobile force capable of skirmishing and independent action.

• Key Engagements: The 60th saw significant action in North America during the Seven Years' War, as well as in later conflicts such as the American War of Independence, the Napoleonic Wars, and the Indian Mutiny. Over time, it became known as the King's Royal Rifle Corps (KRRC), cementing its place as one of the most innovative regiments in the British Army.

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2. 95th Rifles

The 95th Rifles (later the Rifle Brigade) was arguably the most famous of the regiments that merged to form the Royal Green Jackets, primarily because of its groundbreaking role in the Napoleonic Wars.

• Formation (1800): Raised as the Experimental Corps of Riflemen, the 95th Rifles were a revolutionary force designed to operate as sharpshooters and skirmishers. Like the 60th, the 95th were trained in light infantry tactics, but their mission was focused on individual initiative and marksmanship. They were among the first British soldiers to be issued rifles rather than muskets.

• Distinctive Uniform: The 95th were the first regiment to wear the dark green uniforms that later became synonymous with the Royal Green Jackets. This was a practical innovation for battlefield camouflage, allowing the riflemen to blend into their surroundings, a necessity for soldiers trained in marksmanship and scouting.

• Key Campaigns: The 95th gained legendary status during the Peninsular War (1807–1814), where they served under the Duke of Wellington. They were pivotal in battles such as Vimeiro, Talavera, and Waterloo, where their skirmishing tactics harassed French forces and provided crucial intelligence for Wellington’s regular troops.

• Legacy: The 95th Rifles set a standard for light infantry that was emulated throughout the British Army. Their combination of independent action, marksmanship, and rapid mobility became core tenets of British light infantry tactics.

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3. King’s Royal Rifle Corps (KRRC)

Originally formed from the 60th (Royal American) Regiment, the King’s Royal Rifle Corps continued to evolve, participating in numerous conflicts and refining the role of light infantry.

• Evolution: Following its success in North America, the 60th Regiment was reformed into the King’s Royal Rifle Corps in 1830. The regiment maintained its focus on marksmanship and light infantry tactics while expanding its role in the growing British Empire.

• Service Record: The KRRC saw extensive service in the Crimean War, the Indian Rebellion of 1857, and later, the Boer War. During the Second Boer War, their skill in skirmishing and mobility was invaluable in the open terrain of South Africa.

• World War I: The KRRC distinguished itself on the Western Front, fighting in nearly every major battle, including Ypres, Somme, and Passchendaele. Their tradition of independent action and rapid mobility proved invaluable in the grueling trench warfare of the First World War.

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4. The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort’s Own)

The Rifle Brigade, originally the 95th Rifles, took on the name Prince Consort’s Own in honour of its patron, Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband. Like the KRRC, the Rifle Brigade was famed for its focus on rifles, marksmanship, and light infantry tactics.

• Formation: After the Napoleonic Wars, the 95th Rifles were renamed the Rifle Brigade, but their traditions remained the same. They continued to wear their distinctive green uniforms and were armed with rifles. Their battle honours from the Peninsular War and Waterloo became a source of immense pride.

• Role in Empire: The Rifle Brigade’s light infantry tactics were well-suited to the changing nature of warfare in the 19th century. They served with distinction in India, Sudan, and South Africa, where their marksmanship and mobility were crucial in countering guerilla tactics.

• World War Service: In both World Wars, the Rifle Brigade continued to uphold its tradition of excellence in marksmanship and battlefield versatility. In World War II, they were involved in some of the most crucial engagements, including El Alamein, Normandy, and Arnhem.

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5. The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (Ox and Bucks)

The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry was one of the most famous light infantry regiments in British history, particularly for its role in World War II.

• Formation (1741): Originally raised as the 54th Regiment of Foot, the regiment eventually became the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry in 1881. It carried the light infantry tradition forward, particularly in colonial campaigns and later, in both World Wars.

• World War II: The regiment’s most famous moment came on D-Day, when the 2nd Battalion captured the strategically vital Pegasus Bridge during the Normandy landings in 1944. Their daring airborne assault, one of the first operations of D-Day, is considered one of the most important small-unit actions in British military history.

• Post-War and Amalgamation: After World War II, the regiment continued to serve with distinction before being amalgamated into the Royal Green Jackets in 1966.

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The Royal Green Jackets: The Amalgamation

In 1966, the 60th (Royal American) Regiment, the 95th Rifles, the King’s Royal Rifle Corps, the Rifle Brigade, and the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry came together to form the Royal Green Jackets. The amalgamation brought together centuries of innovation, battlefield prowess, and distinguished service. The newly formed regiment retained the traditions of rapid mobility, marksmanship, and independence, with the green uniform continuing to symbolize its unique place in British military history.

Each of these historic regiments contributed its unique character and experiences, making the Royal Green Jackets one of the most elite and respected units in the British Army.