Part 5

The Corps can trace its history back as a distinct organization to 1717, but Engineers or artificers were known before that. In 1722 the Corps was known as "The Soldier Artificier Corps," and later as "The Corps of Military Artificers." In 1788, under Master-General the Duke of Richmond, the Officers were constituted "The Corps of Royal Engineers," the other ranks being "The Royal Line Artificers." The title of "The Royal Sappers and Miners" replaced them in 1813, and for their distinguished service in the Crimea all ranks were united under the title of "The Corps of Royal Engineers." Of the services, individual and collective, of the Corps during its history it would be impossible to treat in detail, for they have served with distinction in every battle and in all parts of the Empire, and have a glorious history of unusual valour.

Nicknames: "The Sappers"; "The Mudlarks"; "The Measurers"; and "The Mounted Bricklayers."

(_Regimental Headquarters_, Buckingham Gate, S.W.)

"Tangier, 1680," "Namur, 1695," "Gibraltar, 1704-5," "Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Dettingen," "Lincelles," "Egmont-op-Zee," "Corunna," "Barrosa," "Nive," "Peninsula," "Waterloo," "Alma," "Inkerman," "Sevastopol," "Tel-el-Kebir," "Egypt, 1882," "Suakin, 1885," "Khartoum," "Modder River," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Bearskin cap with white plume worn on left side.

_Forage cap_, Blue with scarlet band.

_Regimental March_, "British Grenadiers."

Buttons on the tunic are placed at equal distance apart.

GRENADIER GUARDS

The Grenadier Guards were raised in the year 1657, when the loyal English who shared King Charles's exile were formed into six regiments, the first of which was called the "Royal Regiment of Guards."

For the first seventy years of its existence it saw much and varied service, and won fame on many fields, and also served on board the fleet. During the Peninsular War its good order and steady discipline were conspicuous. Its conduct at Waterloo is a matter of history, and its heroic bearing during the Crimean War is well known.

The title of "Grenadiers" was given to the first Regiment of Foot Guards in 1815, in recognition of their having defeated the French Grenadier Guards at Waterloo.

The Grenadier Guards have the nicknames of the "Sand-bags," the "Coalheavers," and "Old Eyes," and the 3rd Battalion "The Bill Browns."

(_Regimental Headquarters_, Buckingham Gate, S.W.)

"Tangier, 1680," "Namur, 1695," "Gibraltar, 1704-5," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Dettingen," "Lincelles," "Talavera," "Barrosa," "Fuentes d'Onor," "Nive," "Peninsula," "Waterloo," "Alma," "Inkerman," "Sevastopol," "Tel-el-Kebir," "Egypt, 1882," "Suakin, 1885," "Modder River," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

Motto: _Nulli Secundus_ (Second to none).

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Bearskin cap with red plume on right side.

_Forage cap_, Blue, with white band.

_Regimental March_, "Milanello."

Buttons on the Tunic are placed in twos.

COLDSTREAM GUARDS

The Coldstream Guards was originally formed from Sir A. Hesselrig's and Colonel Fenwick's Regiments of Foot, and obtained its title from Monck's celebrated march from Coldstream in January, 1660, to restore King Charles II. The regiment was also known as the "Nulli Secundus Club," and "The Coldstreamers." This is the only regiment of the Parliamentary Army that was not disbanded at the Restoration in 1660. Under Marlborough it shared in the great victories of Oudenarde and Malplaquet, and at many sieges and encounters down to the peace of 1713. It took part in most of the great battles of the Peninsular War. At Waterloo it was posted on the ridge above Hougoumont, and to it fell the honour of defending the Chateau of Hougoumont--the key of the British position--throughout that memorable day, and nobly was that duty performed. During the Crimean War the regiment fought splendidly, as it has on every subsequent occasion, and has worthily upheld its motto of _Nulli Secundus_.

(_Regimental Headquarters_: Buckingham Gate, S.W.)

"Namur, 1695," "Dettingen," "Lincelles," "Talavera," "Barrosa," "Fuentes d'Onor," "Nive," "Peninsula," "Waterloo," "Alma," "Inkerman," "Sevastopol," "Tel-el-Kebir," "Egypt, 1882," "Suakin, 1885," "Modder River," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

Motto: _Nemo me impune lacessit_ (No one provokes me with impunity).

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Bearskin cap.

_Forage cap_, Blue, diced border.

_Regimental March_, "Highland Laddie."

Buttons on the tunic are placed in threes.

SCOTS GUARDS

The origin of this distinguished corps is uncertain, the regimental papers having been destroyed by fire in 1841; but it was raised about 1639, and was originally called by the same name it now bears, which, however, had been for a long time in disuse, and was only in 1877 restored to the corps by the late Queen Victoria. Previously it had been styled "The Scots Fusilier Guards" and the "3rd Foot Guards." Throughout its long career it has ever been distinguished for its valour and discipline. At Namur it advanced without firing a shot, but exposed to the murderous fire of the enemy from the ramparts, close up to the palisades, when they poured in their volleys and put the enemy to confusion. It distinguished itself at Lincelles for its coolness, steady fire and gallant bayonet charge. During the Peninsular War it was constantly engaged, and there and at subsequent battles not only upheld the traditions of the regiment, but gained a reputation no troops could surpass.

Nicknamed "The Jocks."

(_Regimental Headquarters_, Buckingham Gate, S.W.)

Motto: _Quis separabit?_ (Who shall separate?)

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Bearskin cap with blue plume on right side.

_Forage cap_, Blue, with green band.

_Regimental March_, "St. Patrick's Day."

The Buttons on the Tunic are placed in fours.

IRISH GUARDS

Raised in 1900 by the late Queen Victoria to commemorate the bravery of the Irish Regiments in the South African War. All ranks have worthily upheld the high traditions of the Brigade of Guards in their first campaign, being distinguished for conspicuous bravery in many of the frequent actions against the overwhelming German forces in France and Belgium. Many decorations have been won, among them being the Victoria Cross awarded to Sergeant Michael O'Leary whose great bravery has been widely extolled among the Allies.

Nicknamed "Bob's Own," from the fact that the late Lord Roberts was the first Colonel of the regiment.

(_Regimental Headquarters_, Buckingham Gate, S.W.)

Motto: _Cymru am Byth_ (Wales for Ever!)

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Bearskin cap with white, green, and white plume.

_Badge_, The Leek. The Red Dragon of Wales is emblazoned on the King's Colour.

_Regimental March_, "Men of Harlech."

Buttons on tunics are placed in sets of five.

WELSH GUARDS

This regiment was raised in London in 1915 by the Royal Warrant of King George V, during the progress of the War with Germany, and the first Battalion of 1,100 of all ranks, under Lieut.-Col. W. Murray Threipland, was quickly completed, a second Battalion being then authorised. Major-General Sir Francis Lloyd was the first Colonel of the regiment, and Col. Lord Harlech, who commenced his military career in the Coldstream Guards, was appointed to command the regiment and the regimental district. His Majesty in authorising the raising of the regiment directed that the leading company of the 1st Battalion should be denominated "The Prince of Wales's Company," in the same way as the leading company of the 1st Grenadier Guards is known as the "King's Company."

(_Depot_, Glencorse.)

(_Record Office_, Hamilton.)

The Sphinx, superscribed "Egypt."

"Tangier, 1680," "Namur, 1695," "Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Louisburg," "Havannah," "Egmont-op-Zee," "St. Lucia, 1803," "Corunna," "Busaco," "Salamanca," "Vittoria," "St. Sebastian," "Nive," "Niagara," "Peninsula," "Waterloo," "Nagpore," "Maheidpoor," "Ava," "Alma," "Inkerman," "Sevastopol," "Taku Forts," "Pekin, 1860," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

Motto: _Nemo me impune lacessit_ (No one provokes me with impunity).

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Kilmarnock bonnet, with plume.

_Cap_, Glengarry, with scarlet, white and green diced border.

_Regimental March_, "Dumbarton's Drums."

Only the pipers wear the kilt of Royal Stewart tartan. The regiment wears the doublet, and trews of Hunting Stewart tartan.

THE ROYAL SCOTS

The Royal Scots have the proud distinction of being the oldest regiment in the British Army, dating its present existence from 1633. It was organised by Sir John Hepburn, and on his death 37 years later the command was given to Lord James Douglas and became known as "Douglas's Regiment." Nobly has it sustained its reputation, and in every quarter of the globe, the roll of "Dumbarton's Drums" has been heard.

"Pontius Pilate's Bodyguard" is the extraordinary nickname given to the regiment. This was on account of a dispute between the regiment (then the "Regiment de Douglas," or "Douglas Ecossais") when in the French service, and the Picardy Regiment, as to the antiquity of the two corps. The Picardy Regiment laid claim to having been on duty on the night after the Crucifixion. To this the 1st Foot wittily rejoined: "Had we been on duty, we should not have slept at our post."

(_Depot_, Guildford.)

(_Record Office_, Hounslow.)

A Naval Crown, superscribed "1st June, 1794." The Sphinx, superscribed "Egypt."

"Tangier, 1662-80," "Namur, 1695," "Vimiera," "Corunna," "Salamanca," "Vittoria," "Pyrenees," "Nivelle," "Toulouse," "Peninsula," "Ghuznee, 1839," "Khelat," "Affghanistan, 1839," "South Africa, 1851-2-3," "Taku Forts," "Pekin, 1860," "Burma, 1885-87," "Tirah," "Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

Mottoes: _Pristinæ virtutis memor_ (Mindful of its ancient valour). _Vel exuviæ triumphant_ (Even the remnant triumph).

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Helmet.

_Cap_, Blue, with scarlet band.

_Regimental March_, "We'll gang nae mair."

The Regiment has a third Colour, carried on State occasions.

THE QUEEN'S (Royal West Surrey Regiment)

The regiment is the oldest English infantry unit, having been raised in 1661 by the Earl of Peterborough. Nicknamed "Kirke's Lambs," from its Colonel and badge in 1682. Was raised to garrison Tangier, and received then the badge of the "Paschal Lamb," the crest of the House of Braganza. Was known when raised as the "1st Tangerines." The title "Royal" and motto, _Pristinæ virtutis memor_, was conferred for its brilliant conduct at Tongres in 1685, where for 28 hours it gallantly maintained itself against 40,000 of the enemy, and by its heroism saved the rest of the army from being taken by surprise.

A detachment was on board the "Birkenhead" when that transport was wrecked, and in order to allow the women and children to be saved, stood firm in their ranks on the deck of the doomed ship, until the waves swallowed all but the deathless glory of their deed.

(_Depot_, Canterbury.)

(_Record Office_, Hounslow.)

"Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Dettingen," "Guadaloupe, 1759," "Douro," "Talavera," "Albuhera," "Vittoria," "Pyrenees," "Nivelle," "Nive," "Orthes," "Toulouse," "Peninsula," "Punniar," "Sevastopol," "Taku Forts," "South Africa, 1879," "Chitral," "Relief of Kimberley," "Paardeberg," "South Africa, 1900-02."

Motto: _Veteri frondescit honore_ (May it flourish by its ancient honors).

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Buff.

_Head-dress_, Helmet.

_Cap_, Blue.

_Regimental March_, "The Buffs."

Allied Regiment, 2nd Queen's Own Rifles of Canada, Toronto.

THE BUFFS (East Kent Regiment)

The 3rd Foot (The Buffs) was so called first in 1708. Its previous title was "The Holland Regiment," having been in the Dutch Service from the time of Queen Elizabeth. It was raised in 1572 to the number of 3000 men by London Guilds, when the Dutch were in revolt against Spain. To this circumstance, the regiment owes the time-honoured privilege it enjoys of marching through the City of London with drums beating and colours flying without let or hindrance, the custom being derived from the privileges of the Train Bands of Elizabethan days. It was nicknamed the "Buff Howards" from the colour of its facings and Colonel's name, 1737 to 1749; also the "Old Buffs," to distinguish it from the 31st Regiment, which was the "Young Buffs." Other nicknames given were "The Nutcrackers," on account of its prowess in cracking the heads of the enemy, and "The Resurrectionists," which was obtained at Albuhera where the regiment was dispersed by the Polish Lancers, and reappeared shortly after.

(_Depot_, Lancaster.)

(_Record Office_, Preston.)

"Namur, 1695," "Gibraltar, 1704-5," "Guadaloupe, 1759," "St. Lucia, 1778," "Corunna," "Badajoz," "Salamanca," "Vittoria," "St. Sebastian," "Nive," "Peninsula," "Bladensburg," "Waterloo," "Alma," "Inkerman," "Sevastopol," "Abyssinia," "South Africa, 1879," "Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Helmet.

_Cap_, Blue with scarlet band.

_Regimental March_, "Corn rigs are bonnie."

THE KING'S OWN (Royal Lancaster Regiment)

The regiment was raised in 1680 by the Earl of Plymouth. It gained great distinction at the siege of Namur, 1695, and while serving as Marines in 1704 it shared in the capture of Gibraltar. It has fought with distinction in all parts of the world, and has ever acquitted itself with credit to England and glory to itself. It was one of the few British regiments to make the famous desert march across Abyssinia, to the capture of Magdala. It also fought in the Zulu War and was one of the devoted battalions to climb and capture Spion Kop, holding that awful position throughout a day of dire disaster with unflinching courage.

Nicknames: The "Lions," from its ancient badge, the Lion of England, given to it by the Prince of Orange, the regiment being the first to join his Standard after landing at Torbay in 1688. "Barrell's Blues," from William Barrell, Colonel of the regiment in 1740, and its facings. The title of "The King's Own" was conferred by George I in 1715.

(_Depot_, Newcastle-on-Tyne.)

(_Record Office_, York.)

"Wilhelmstahl," "St. Lucia, 1778," "Roliça," "Vimiera," "Corunna," "Busaco," "Ciudad Rodrigo," "Badajoz," "Salamanca," "Vittoria," "Nivelle," "Orthes," "Toulouse," "Peninsula," "Lucknow," "Afghanistan, 1878-80," "Khartoum," "Modder River," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

Motto: _Quo fata vocant_ (Whither the fates call).

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Gosling green.

_Head-dress_, Racoon-skin cap.

_Plume_, Scarlet, with white base, worn on left side.

_Cap_, Blue.

_Regimental March_, "British Grenadiers."

A third Colour is carried on ceremonial occasions by the drummers to commemorate the capture of a colour at Wilhelmstahl.

THE NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS

Raised in 1674 the regiment was in 1764 nicknamed the "Shiners" from its smart and clean appearance; and whilst in the Peninsula was called the "Old and Bold," "The Fighting Fifth," and also "Lord Wellington's Bodyguard." It formed part of a small force which beat off an overwhelming body of the enemy at El Boden in 1811, a performance which Wellington notified to the Army as "a memorable example of what can be done by steadiness, discipline, and confidence." A custom, which has long prevailed in this regiment, is for all ranks to wear roses in their caps on St. George's Day. Among the "men" who have served in the ranks was Phœbe Hassell, the famous female soldier, afterwards pensioned by George IV, and to whose memory there is a stone in the churchyard at Hove, Brighton.

(_Depot_, Warwick.)

(_Record Office_, Warwick.)

"Namur, 1695," "Martinique, 1794," "Roliça," "Vimiera," "Corunna," "Vittoria," "Pyrenees," "Nivelle," "Orthes," "Peninsula," "Niagara," "South Africa, 1846-7, 1851-2-3," "Atbara," "Khartoum," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Helmet.

_Cap_, Blue with scarlet band.

_Regimental March_, "Warwickshire Lads."

The regiment is one of the very few bearing a battle honour won in Canada, that of "Niagara."

THE ROYAL WARWICKSHIRE REGIMENT

The regiment has a very ancient history, having existed for some time before being brought on the British establishment in 1688. It fought at Namur in 1695, and in 1707 was one of the regiments cut up at the fierce battle of Almanza. It won much distinction at the battle of Saragossa, and Colonel Harrison, who then commanded, was, as a mark of honour to the regiment, sent home with thirty standards, taken that day, to lay before the Sovereign. Tradition has it that one was the standard belonging to a Moorish Regiment in the Spanish pay, bearing an Antelope, and that that badge was forthwith conferred on the regiment. It won great fame during the Peninsular War. In the action at Echalar, 2nd August, 1813, its conduct was described by Wellington as "the most gallant and the finest thing he had ever witnessed." The title "Royal" was conferred in 1832.

It was nicknamed "Guise's Geese," also "The Warwickshire Lads," and "The Saucy Sixth."

(_Depot_, Hounslow.)

(_Record Office_, Hounslow.)

"Namur, 1695," "Martinique, 1809," "Talavera," "Busaco," "Albuhera," "Badajoz," "Salamanca," "Vittoria," "Pyrenees," "Orthes," "Toulouse," "Peninsula," "Alma," "Inkerman," "Sevastopol," "Kandahar, 1880," "Afghanistan, 1879-80," "Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Racoon-skin cap, with white plume on right side.

_Cap_, Blue, with scarlet band.

_Regimental March_, "British Grenadiers."

Until after the Crimean War there were no 2nd Lieutenants or Ensigns in this regiment. The regiment has the privilege of marching through the City of London with fixed bayonets, drums beating, and colours flying.

THE ROYAL FUSILIERS (City of London Regiment)

Raised in 1685. In the Peninsular War it took a glorious part, and no troops hazarded their lives more freely for their country's cause, than the Royal Fusiliers. At Talavera they met the storm of war with unshaken firmness, and captured seven of the enemy's guns, but the undying lustre of the glory they won at Albuhera, almost overshadows their other gallant exploits at this time. They had marched from Badajos at 2 a.m. the same day, and the night march of 20 miles, followed by the supreme effort which regained the lost heights of Albuhera, must rank as an unsurpassed feat of arms. During the Crimean War the conduct of the Royal Fusiliers won further glory.

It was once known as "The Hanoverian White Horse," and also as the "Elegant Extracts" from the fact that the officers were selected from other corps.

(_Depot_, Seaforth.)

(_Record Office_, Preston.)

The Sphinx, superscribed "Egypt."

"Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Dettingen," "Martinique, 1809," "Niagara," "Delhi, 1857," "Lucknow," "Peiwar Kotal," "Afghanistan, 1878-80," "Burma, 1885-87," "Defence of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

Motto: _Nec aspera terrent_ (Nor do difficulties deter).

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Helmet.

_Cap_, Blue with red band.

_Regimental March_, "Here's to the maiden of bashful fifteen."

Allied Regiment, 8th Australian Infantry Regiment.

THE KING'S (LIVERPOOL REGIMENT)

Raised in 1685. It gained considerable reputation during Marlborough's campaign when it was known as the "Queen's," but on George I's accession it became "The King's," a proud title which it still keeps and by which it is known. It fought at Dettingen in 1743, memorable as being the last battle in which a British King led his army in person. It was stationed at Jullundur on the outbreak of the Indian Mutiny. A detachment of the regiment performed an important service by securing the fort and magazine at Phillour. They marched from Jullundur to Delhi, in fourteen days, and with bayonet and rifle helped to clear the city of the mutineers. They took part in the relief of Agra, where they defeated 8,000 mutineers and captured all their guns. They then proceeded to the relief of Lucknow and took part in other operations.

Nickname: "The Leather Hats."

(_Depot_, Norwich.)

(_Record Office_, Warley.)

"Havannah," "Martinique, 1794," "Roliça," "Vimiera," "Corunna," "Busaco," "Salamanca," "Vittoria," "St. Sebastian," "Nive," "Peninsula," "Cabool, 1842," "Moodkee," "Ferozeshah," "Sobraon," "Sevastopol," "Kabul, 1879," "Afghanistan, 1879-80," "Paardeberg," "South Africa, 1900-02."

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Yellow.

_Head-dress_, Helmet.

_Cap_, Blue.

_Regimental March_, "Rule Britannia."

Allied Regiment: 9th Australian Infantry Regiment.

THE NORFOLK REGIMENT

Formed in 1695. The "Figure of Britannia" was awarded as a regimental badge to commemorate its heroic struggle against overwhelming numbers at the battle of Almanza. It won much glory during the Peninsular War. At Roleia it bore the brunt of the enemy's attack, and at Corunna, where the gallant Sir John Moore met a soldier's death, to the regiment fell the melancholy honour of placing him in a soldier's grave. In the Afghan War of 1842, and in the Sikh War of 1845 its bravery was conspicuous. At Ferozeshah the Sikhs had 100 guns, which they served with great effect, repulsing the first attack; but the Ninth restored the day, bayoneting the Sikhs at their guns, and driving the enemy before them.

Nicknames: "The Holy Boys," a name given them by the Spanish during the Peninsular War, from the fact that they wore the figure of Britannia on their cross-belts, which the Spaniards took to represent the Virgin Mary; also "The Fighting Ninth," and "The Norfolk Howards."

(_Depot_, Lincoln.)

(_Record Office_, Lichfield.)

The Sphinx, superscribed "Egypt."

"Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Peninsula," "Sobraon," "Mooltan," "Goojerat," "Punjaub," "Lucknow," "Atbara," "Khartoum," "Paardeberg," "South Africa, 1900-02."

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, White.

_Head-dress_, Helmet.

_Cap_, Blue.

_Regimental March_, "The Lincolnshire Poacher."

When first raised was the only blue coated infantry regiment.

Allied Regiment: 19th "Lincoln" Regiment of Canada.

THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT

Formed from an Independent Company in 1685. It fought with distinction during Marlborough's campaign. Of its conduct in the Sikh War the Brigadier said, "The glorious conduct of the regiment at Sobraon is beyond any praise I could give--it was the corner stone of the victory."

During the Indian Mutiny it assisted to save Benares and Dinapore from the Sepoys and to bring the final rescue to the heroic defenders of Lucknow. The regiment took part in the famous march on Khartoum and in the battle of Atbara and Omdurman which broke the power of the Mahdi and placed Soudan under British control. It was also in the South African War, and again added to its fine reputation.

It was (with the 62nd) nicknamed "The Springers," during the American War, from their readiness for action. "The Poachers" in allusion to the famous old ballad, which is played as the Regimental March.

(_Depot_, Exeter.)

(_Record Office_, Exeter.)