The New South Wales Corps ( The Rum Corps) was formed in England in 1789 as permanent regiment to relieve the marines who had accompanied the First Fleet. The regiment, led by Major Francis Grose consisted of three companies to begin with and due to the remoteness and unpopularity of the posting they were comprised of officers on half pay, troublemakers, soldiers paroled from military prisons , soldiers enlisted from general prisons such as Savoy Prison, ex convicts in New South Wales and Marines (who wished to remain) commanded by Captain George Johnston ,Governor Phillip's aide-de-camp. The regiment began arriving as guards on the Second Fleet in 1790. Major Grose arrived in Sydney in 1792 to take command and assume role of Lieutenant-Governor of the Colony.
The Corps only saw action once in NSW at the Battle of Vinegar Hill. Late on the 4th of March 1804, 266 Irish rebels revolted on a government farm at Castle Hill, armed themselves with muskets and pikes, and planned to sack Parramatta. Major Johnston led 29 soldiers of the NSW Corps on a forced march overnight to Parramatta and then the following day, with 50 militia, they pursued the rebels who were now heading to Windsor. After catching the rebels, Johnston took the ringleaders hostage when they refused to surrender and the troops quickly put down the revolt. Major Johnston was highly commended for his actions by Governor King..
Known as (nickname)........................Rum Corps, Botany Bay rangers, Rum Puncheon Corps, Condemned Regiment
Facings............................................... Yellow
Braided Lace..................................... White
Button Loops .................................... Square Pairs.
Service in Australia .......................... Sydney , Newcastle & Tasmania ..
Commanding Officer. New South Wales Corps....... Maj. Francis Grose 1798-1794., Lt Col William Paterson 1794-1809
Commanding Officer. 102nd Regiment .. Lt Col William Paterson 1809-1810, Major George Johnston 1810-1811