The formation of the regiment was prompted by the expansion of the army as a result of the commencement of the Seven Years' War. On 25 August 1756 it was ordered that a number of existing regiments should raise a second battalion; among those chosen was the 19th Regiment of Foot.
The creation of the regiment was triggered by the growth of the military forces due to the start of the Seven Years' War, which led to a surge in recruitment and expansion. As a result, orders were given for certain regiments to create new units, such as the 19th Regiment of Foot's second battalion.