Gooch's American Regiment

61st Foot (Gooch's American Regiment)
Active1739–1742
Country Great Britain
Allegiance Great Britain
Branch British Army
TypeMarines
Size4 battalions
Engagements
Commanders
Notable
commanders
Sir William Gooch

Gooch's American Regiment was a British Army regiment raised in the Thirteen Colonies in 1739 for service during the War of Jenkins' Ear. Formed from colonists recruited in British North America, the regiment, consisting of four battalions, sailed to Jamaica before proceeding to the Viceroyalty of New Granada to take part in the Battle of Cartagena de Indias in 1741. Intended to serve as marines, the regiment had a poor reputation in the British military and was widely regarded as undicisplined, being responsible for the failure of a British attack during the battle. After suffering heavy casualties, mostly from disease, the regiment was sent back to North America and disbanded in October 1742.