The regiment was raised at Winchester by Colonel Thomas Fowke as Thomas Fowke's Regiment of Foot in 1741. The regiment's first deployment was on garrison duties at Menorca in 1742. The regiment was numbered 54th Regiment of Foot from 1747 until 1751 when it became the 43rd Regiment of Foot. The regiment returned to North America in 1774 and remained there throughout the American War of Independence. At the Battle of Bunker Hill, the regiment formed part of the 'Assault Force', which had the unfortunate job of assaulting the heavily defended Breeds Hill. Following the Siege of Boston, the regiment was evacuated to Halifax in Nova Scotia. One year later, the regiment sailed for Long Island and took part in the Battle of Long Island. Between 16 and 18 November 1776, the regiment took part in the Battle of Rhode Island, and shortly thereafter was withdrawn back to New York where it took part in the Battle of Fort Washington and Battle of Fort Lee. In 1782, regimental county titles were granted and the 43rd became the 43rd Regiment of Foot. The regiment returned to the West Indies in January 1794.