Historical Record of the Thirty-fourth, or the Cumberland Regiment of Foot
by Richard Cannon
A Detailed Military History of a Distinguished British Regiment
Historical Record of the Thirty-fourth, or the Cumberland Regiment of Foot by Richard Cannon is an official regimental history tracing the formation, campaigns, and achievements of the 34th Regiment of Foot from its establishment in 1702 through the mid-nineteenth century. Compiled as part of Cannon's extensive series documenting British Army regiments, the work provides a thorough account of military service, battlefield actions, and the evolution of one of Britain's notable infantry units.
The Purpose of Cannon's Regimental Histories
Richard Cannon prepared a large collection of official military histories under government authority to preserve the records and traditions of British regiments. These volumes documented the formation of units, their commanders, campaigns, and notable service, ensuring that their achievements would remain part of the historical record.
The series became one of the most important sources for studying the history of the British Army.
Major Subjects Covered
- Formation of the Regiment: Its establishment during the War of the Spanish Succession.
- European Campaigns: Participation in military operations across Europe.
- Service in Britain: Duties involving national defense and internal security.
- Colonial Deployments: Assignments throughout the expanding British Empire.
- Regimental Leadership: Successions of officers and commanding figures.
The Origins of the Cumberland Regiment
The regiment was raised in 1702 during a period of major European conflict. As Britain became increasingly involved in continental warfare, new military units were organized to strengthen the army. The 34th Regiment developed its identity through active service and participation in a variety of campaigns over the following decades.
Its long history reflects the changing military priorities of Britain during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Campaigns and Military Service
Throughout its existence, the regiment served in numerous locations and under varying conditions. Cannon records deployments, battlefield actions, and periods of garrison duty, illustrating how soldiers adapted to different forms of military service. The regiment's experiences reveal both the challenges and responsibilities associated with maintaining a global military presence.
The narrative demonstrates how military units were shaped by continuous service across generations.
Life Within the Regiment
Beyond campaigns and battles, the book provides insight into the structure and organization of a British infantry regiment. Leadership, discipline, recruitment, and training all played important roles in maintaining effectiveness. These details help readers understand the everyday realities of military life during the period.
The regiment's history becomes not only a record of warfare but also a portrait of institutional development.
Richard Cannon's Historical Method
Cannon relied heavily on official records and military documentation when compiling his regimental histories. His work emphasizes accuracy, chronology, and detailed reporting of service. Although written in the formal style of nineteenth-century military history, the volumes remain valuable resources for researchers and historians. His efforts preserved important information that might otherwise have been lost.
Historical Importance of the Volume
The book remains significant because it documents more than a century of British military activity through the experiences of a single regiment. It provides insight into warfare, imperial expansion, military organization, and the careers of officers and soldiers who served during a transformative period in British history.
Why the Work Continues to Interest Readers
Military historians, genealogists, and students of British history continue to consult regimental histories for their detailed accounts of service and organization. The volume offers valuable information about campaigns, military traditions, and the development of one of the British Army's historic regiments.
Its detailed documentation gives it enduring scholarly and historical value.
A Valuable Record of Regimental Tradition and Service
Historical Record of the Thirty-fourth, or the Cumberland Regiment of Foot preserves the story of a regiment that served Britain through numerous conflicts and changing historical circumstances. Through official records, campaign narratives, and accounts of military organization, Richard Cannon created an important historical resource that continues to illuminate the experiences and achievements of the 34th Regiment of Foot.
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About the Author
Richard Cannon was a British military historian and compiler whose meticulous research preserved the histories of many distinguished regiments of the British Army. Born in the late eighteenth century, Cannon dedicated much of his career to documenting the origins, campaigns, and traditions of Britain's military forces. Explore Richard Cannon books to discover the author's life, literary career, and access notable works, including Historical record of the Twenty-second, or the Cheshire Regiment of Foot, Historical record of the Thirteenth, First Somerset, History of the Cape Mounted Riflemen , and more.
