The 95th Regiment of Foot

The 95th Regiment was raised in 1823 as the 95th Derbyshire Regiment. It was the sixth regiment to bear this number in the British Army. During its first 20 years the 95th saw service in Malta, The Ionian Islands, Ceylon and China.

Crimean War

The 95th was called on active service in 1854 for the Crimean War. It experienced all the hardships of the arduous campaign, and was in the thick of all the heaviest fighting. At the Alma it was in the forefront of the attack across the river and up the heights. Owing to the heavy casualties amongst the officers, the Regimental Colour was finally carried by Pte. Keenan, an event traditionally celebrated by the Regiment handing over one of its Colours to the custody of a private soldier on the anniversary of the battle of Alma - 20th September.

At this time, as a result of heavy casualties that were occurring to Colour Parties, an Army order was issued that Colours would no longer be carried in battle. However at the battle of Inkerman (fought in fog), the Russians 30,000 strong attacked and found the 95th as one of the regiments on outpost duty, fighting stubbornly in small parties to hold on until the repeated British bayonet charges caused the Russians to withdraw. As the Army order concerning Colours had not been received, the 95th Colours were carried and these were the last in the Army to be present in a major battle.

Although the Battalion strength was under 100 as it marched away from Inkerman, it nevertheless continued to serve in the trenches before Sevastopol and the final attack on the fortifications. The saying in the 2nd Division "There may be few of the 95th left but those are as hard as nails" led to the nickname of "The Nails".

Indian Mutiny

The 95th was on its way to the Cape when the Indian Mutiny occurred. The Regiment was diverted to Bombay where it joined the Central Indian Field Force, whose achievements in marching and fighting through jungle and over arid plains under tropical skies still stand as a marvel of military achievement and endurance. It fought at Awah, Kotah, the battle of Kotah-ke-Serai; the siege and capture of the great fortress of Gwalior and Pouree, and the capture of the rebel camp of Koondryee. In sixteen months it marched over 3,000 miles and took part in 14 actions. Pte. McQuirt won for the Regiment its first VC at Rowa. The 95th remained in India until 1870.