Historical Record of the Thirty-ninth, or the Dorsetshire Regiment of Foot: containing an account of the formation of the regiment in 1702, and of its subsequent services to 1853.

This volume offers a clear, grounded account of one of Britain’s longstanding foot regiments, tracing its birth in 1702 through the first half of the 19th century. The narrative begins with the regiment’s early organization, the political backdrop of its creation, and its initial deployments, giving listeners a sense of the military climate that shaped its identity. It then moves into the campaigns that defined the unit’s early reputation, from colonial outposts to European battlefields, highlighting the everyday experience of soldiers and officers alike.

Structured around official orders and contemporary reports, the work records each engagement, the honours earned, and the individuals whose bravery stood out. Detailed lists of officers, casualty figures, and the evolution of the regiment’s colours and badges provide a vivid portrait of its evolving character. For anyone fascinated by British military heritage, the book blends factual rigor with engaging storytelling, making the regiment’s first century of service both informative and memorable.