In 1851, the colony of Victoria was hovering on the verge of complete collapse as gold fever swept the inhabitants. Unable to cope, facing record high levels of inflation and with a famine threatening the colony, Governor La Trobe wrote in desperation to London to ask for a military force to restore order. They responded by sending one of the most famous regiments of their day: the 40th Regiment of Foot.

But why? The 40th were far away, it took almost twelve months from when La Trobe sent his letter for them to arrive in Victoria. What was it about this famous regiment that made them seem like the perfect men to knock a restless colony back into shape?

Listen in and find out.