American Legion (Great Britain)

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American Legion
Benedict Arnold at Colonial Williamsburg - Sarah Stierch.jpg
American Legion reenactors at Colonial Williamsburg
Active1780–1783
Disbanded24 October 1783
CountryUnion flag 1606 (Kings Colors).svg  Great Britain
Allegiance New York
Branch British Army
TypeProvincial Troops
Role Cavalry and infantry
Size Corps (regiment)
Part ofBritish American Forces
FacingsGreen
Engagements American War of Independence
Commanders
Commanding Officer Brigadier General Benedict Arnold

The American Legion was a provincial cavalry and infantry corps (regiment) of the British Army in the American War of Independence commanded by Brigadier General Benedict Arnold.

Contents

History

The American Legion is notable for the fact that Brigadier General Benedict Arnold, who had previously served the United States and had defected to the British in 1780, was the commanding officer. [1] It was organised in October 1780 at New York. [2] The Legion accompanied Arnold in his raid upon Virginia. It was with him in his expedition into Connecticut in September 1781, in which two forts were stormed and dismantled, and the town of New London plundered and burned. The Legion was disbanded on 24 October 1783 at New Brunswick. [1]

Uniform

The Legion's uniform consisted of a red coat with green facings.[ citation needed ] The coat had short tails, as opposed to those worn by British Regulars who wore long tails.

See also

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References

  1. 1 2 Collections of the New Brunswick Historical Society. Volume I. Saint John, N. B.: The Daily Telegraph Steam Book and Job Print. 1894. pp.  210-211. OL   7199069M via Internet Archive.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain .
  2. Katcher, Philip R. N. (1973). Encyclopedia of British, Provincial, and German Army Units—1775–1783. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: Stackpole Books. pp. 82, 138. ISBN   0-8117-0542-0. OCLC   514627. OL   5291651M.

Further reading