The regiment formed part of the “Army of Occupation” in France until towards the end of October 1818, when it embarked at Calais for England, and arrived at Dover on the 29th of that month.
After landing, the regiment proceeded immediately to Chelmsford, where it remained for a short time. During its stay at this place the establishment was reduced from 810 to 650 rank and file.
On the 25th of November the regiment marched to Weedon, Derby, and Nottingham, having its head-quarters at the former place.
The regiment was inspected at Weedon on the 1st of May 1819, by Major-General Sir John Byng, who reported most favourably to His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief upon its appearance and discipline. In consequence of this report His Royal Highness was pleased to dispense with any further inspection of the regiment during the year.
On the 21st of June 1819, the regiment marched to Chester, having detachments at Liverpool and the Isle of Man.
In June 1820, the regiment marched to Rochdale, Blackburn, and Burnley. In July following it proceeded to Hertford, Ware, Hoddesdon, and Hatfield; and on the 20th of November it was removed to Canterbury.
Previously to the departure of the regiment from Hertford, it was inspected by the Adjutant-General to the Forces, Major-General Sir Henry Torrens, K.C.B., who communicated to Colonel Sir Thomas Arbuthnot, K.C.B., commanding the SEVENTY-FIRST, the expression of the satisfaction experienced by His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief in perusing the report made on that occasion.
In June 1821, the regiment marched to Chatham, having detachments at Sheerness, Tilbury Fort, and Harwich. Here a further reduction took place of two companies, making the establishment to consist of 576 rank and file.
From Chatham the regiment marched to London, and proceeded by the canal to Liverpool, there to embark for Dublin, where it arrived on the 3d of May 1822; the regiment remained in that city until the beginning of October, when it marched to the south of Ireland. The head-quarters were stationed at Fermoy, and detachments proceeded to the villages of Ballahooly, Castletown Roche, Kilworth, Kildorrory, Wattstown, Glanworth, and Mitchelstown. A subaltern’s party was also encamped at Glennasheen in the county of Limerick, the disturbed state of that part of Ireland requiring detachments in the above posts, and the utmost exertions of every individual for their protection.