raised in early 1778, the regiment spent some time in training before being sent to the channel islands, where it established its headquarters at fort conway (now fort henry) in the east of jersey, in the parish of grouville. half the regiment were based here, the other half in the neighbouring island of guernsey, the total strength of the regiment at this date being 781. on 6 january 1781 baron philippe de rullecourt landed with a force of french infantry in a bid to capture jersey. leaving a detachment of troops at the landing point of la rocque, jersey, he proceeded to advance on saint helier, where he was eventually defeated at the hands of the 95th regiment of foot and 78th (highland) regiment of foot, together with elements of the jersey militia, under the command of major francis peirson in an action known as the battle of jersey. meanwhile, the grenadier company of the 83rd, led by captain campbell, stormed la rocque battery and recaptured it from the french. seven grenadiers were killed during this action.