Manchester Regiment Archives

The Manchester Regiment Archive is one of the largest collections held on deposit at Tameside Local Studies and Archives Centre.

The Manchester Regiment was formed in 1883 by the merger of the 63rd and 96th Regiments of Foot. The 63rd was originally raised in 1758 and became the 1st Battalion; the 96th which became the 2nd Battalion was raised in 1824.  Many other battalions came and went during the Regiment's history, and most of these are represented in the records. The Manchester Regiment merged with the King's Regiment in 1958.

The archive does not contain a series of service records, for more information on tracing individual soldiers please go to our military sources webpage.

A copy of the catalogue for the Manchester Regiment Archive is available via the A2A website.

The following list is an outline of the classes of records we hold. The Public Record Office still holds most War Diaries and trench maps.

1. Records of Services and Historical Records of the Regiment, 1758-1945
   Digests of services for 1st and 2nd Battalions and some War Diaries.
2. Operational Records, 1883-1962
   Orders, reports and maps.
3. Histories of the Regiment, 1884-1974
   Official histories, diaries and personal accounts
4. Addresses and Messages of Appreciation, 1833-1962
5. Honours and Casualties of War, 1845-1957
   Rolls of honour, casualty lists, lists of POWs and medal rolls
6. Records of Appointments, Commissions and Promotions, 1760-1967
   Records of Officers' services, Army lists, Commissions and Attestations
7. General Returns, 1771-1847
8. Rolls of Companies and Officers, 1809-1945
9. Miscellaneous Reports, 1814-1950
10. Accounts and Pay Lists, 1782-1915
11. Records of Arrests and Illegal Absences, 1920-1940 (closed for 100 years)
12. Standing Orders, 1804-1958
13. Papers relating to Organisation and Training, 1798-1946
14. Papers relating to Dress, Clothing and Equipment, 1930-1979
15. Papers relating to the Band, 1904-1951
16. Correspondence, 1854-1979
17. Personal Documents, 1798-1990
18. Parades and Ceremonies, 1903-1994
19. Messes, Clubs and Associations, 1864-1988
20. Regimental and Battalion Newspapers and Gazettes, 1883-1993
21. Catalogues and Registers of the Regimental Museum, 1956-1971
22. Maps and Plans, 1903-1953
23. Photograph Albums, 1845-1971
24. Non manuscript items, 1735-1954
25. Biographical and Historical Notes, 1869-1984
26. Illustrations and Printed Material, 1776-1993
27. Ephemera, 1886-1976
28. Newspaper Cuttings, 1887-1990

Photographs

The Manchester Regiment archives contain a wide range of photographs and photograph albums. Most photographs of individuals are of officers or have been donated by members of the public - in which case they are often identified.  The group photographs are usually of platoons or sports teams, and unfortunately individuals are usually unidentified.  There is a very good selection for the Boer War. Visit Manchester Regiment Archives on the Boer War for a display of examples from the collection.

Important: Please include your name and postal address when you send us a message as this will help us provide a full response to your enquiry.

Contact Information
Send us a Message	Tameside Local Studies and Archives Centre Central Library Old Street Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 7SG View local map
0161 342 4242
0161 342 4245