1758. Seven Years’ War.
After a two-week siege, the massive and very gallantly defended French fortress of Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, surrenders. The 40th and 47th Regiments gain their earliest Battle Honours, although these are not awarded until 1882, by which time they had become the 1st South Lancashires and 1st Loyals respectively. The St Lawrence seaway, key to the heart of French Canada, lies open to the British. PICTURE SHOWS: The French surrender. Having fought a spirited defence, they expected to be accorded the honours of war. However, the British General Amherst refused, tales of recent atrocities reported to have been committed by France’s native allies probably fresh in his mind. The defenders of Louisbourg were ordered to surrender all of their arms, equipment and flags. The Cambis regiment refused to honour the surrender terms, breaking its muskets and burning its regimental flags rather than hand them over to the British victors.
