New South Wales Corps
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The New South Wales Corps (also known as the Rum Corps and the Botany Bay Rangers) were the first foot soldiers to serve in Australia, in the then colony of New South Wales. They were comprised of four companies - a regiment made expressly to serve in Australia in 1789 (although they didn't arrive in the colony until 1792) made up of five hundred men and officers. They were forcibly deported in 1810 by Governor Lachlan Macquarie and the 73rd regiment following their arrest and deposition by the then Governor William Bligh for their mutinous running of the country for two years, an incident known as the Rum Rebellion.
The soldiers of the Corps were in a privileged position in the new colony, receiving generous land grants of pristine land from the government; an initial 30 acres (121,000 m²) after the end of their term of duty, as well as an additional 20 acres (81,000 m²) if the soldier was married. They also received convicts fed and clothed by the government to work their land.
The Officers of the Corps, of who John Macarthur was the most famous, made quick fortunes through their social status and patronage, as well as their monopoly over the rum trade.Template:Australia-stub