The American Legion was a provincial cavalry and infantry corps (regiment) of the British Army in the American War of Independence commanded by Brigadier General Benedict Arnold.

Quick Facts Active, Disbanded ...

American Legion
American Legion reenactors at Colonial Williamsburg
Active	1780–1783
Disbanded	24 October 1783
Country	Great Britain
Allegiance	New York
Branch	British Army
Type	Provincial Troops
Role	Cavalry and infantry
Size	Corps (regiment)
Part of	British American Forces
Facings	Green
Engagements	American War of Independence Raid on Richmond Battle of Blandford Battle of Groton Heights
Commanders
Commanding Officer	Brigadier General Benedict Arnold

Close

The American Legion is notable for the fact that Brigadier General Benedict Arnold, who had previously served the United States and had defected to the British in 1780, was the commanding officer.^[1] It was organised in October 1780 at New York.^[2] The Legion accompanied Arnold in his raid upon Virginia. It was with him in his expedition into Connecticut in September 1781, in which two forts were stormed and dismantled, and the town of New London plundered and burned. The Legion was disbanded on 24 October 1783 at New Brunswick.^[1]

The Legion's uniform consisted of a red coat with green facings.^{[citation needed]} The coat had short tails, as opposed to those worn by British Regulars who wore long tails.

• Military career of Benedict Arnold, 1781