This corps originated in England in 1789, and was raised for the sole purpose of being the military presence with the first fleet as they made their way to the New South Wales colony. In 1809 it became the 102nd regiment of the Line, and served in the colony from 1790 until replaced by Governor Lachlan Macquarie's 73rd regiment in 1810.

The original squad had four companies comprising 316 men in all, by 1807 the corps had grown to include 516 men and had gained a great deal of wealth through land grants and the spirits trade, especially during the period 1792 to 1794. Succeeding Governors attempted to curb the power of the corps, and this resulted in the Rum Rebellion(PEP) of 1808 and the deposition of Governor William Bligh.

The officers during the rebellion were ordered home, and the option was given to the rank and file, most of whom decided to stay and form the Royal Veteran Corps which was disbanded in September 1823. 22 officers and 345 rank and file soldiers returned to England.

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