Part 6

"Dettingen," "Salamanca," "Pyrenees," "Nivelle," "Nive," "Orthes," "Toulouse," "Peninsula," "Afghanistan, 1879-80," "Tirah," "Defence of Ladysmith," "Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

Motto: _Semper Fidelis_ (Ever faithful).

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Lincoln Green.

_Head-dress_, Helmet.

_Cap_, Blue.

_Regimental March_, "We've lived and loved together."

The Regimental March owes its origin to a circumstance prior to the Battle of Salamanca. The 11th found itself marching in close proximity to a French regiment. As no order to attack was given, the officers on either side saluted by lowering their swords, and at parting the British bandsmen struck up, out of compliment to their adversaries, the tune in question.

THE DEVONSHIRE REGIMENT

Formed in 1685. It displayed splendid bravery but was cut to pieces at Almanza in 1707. During the Peninsular War it gained great distinction. At Salamanca, the fierce character of the struggle may be gathered from the fact that only four officers and sixty-seven men of the regiment could be mustered at the close of the action, to hear, however, words of praise seldom addressed to an individual regiment. At Toulouse for the second time during the war it shared in the supreme effort which turned the tide of victory. No record of the Devons would be complete which omitted the supreme gallantry of the regiment in the desperate fighting at Wagon Hill during the South African War.

Nickname: "The Bloody Eleventh," from the number of casualties at the battle of Salamanca.

(_Depot_, Bury St. Edmunds.)

(_Record Office_, Warley.)

The Castle and Key, superscribed "Gibraltar, 1779-83."

"Dettingen," "Minden," "Seringapatam," "India," "South Africa, 1851-2-3," "New Zealand," "Afghanistan, 1878-80," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Yellow.

_Head-dress_, Helmet.

_Cap_, Blue.

_Regimental March_, "Speed the plough."

Allied Regiment, 3rd (Auckland) Regiment ("Countess of Ranfurly's Own"), New Zealand.

THE SUFFOLK REGIMENT

Formed in 1685. At Dettingen, under King George II, it took part in the final charge which assured the victory--the last occasion on which a British King personally commanded his troops in action. It was one of the six British Infantry regiments which at Minden shattered the French cavalry, and finally drove out of the field every body of troops opposed to them. The Duke of Brunswick who commanded the forces said: "It was here the British Infantry gained immortal glory." Its services in the defence of Gibraltar are commemorated by the Castle and Key and Motto. At the storming of Seringapatam it captured eight stands of colours. For this splendid behaviour during their two years' defence of Gibraltar was given the crest and motto they now wear.

Nickname: The "Old Dozen." The men wear roses in their caps on August 1st in commemoration of the Battle of Minden, 1759.

(_Depot_, Taunton.)

(_Record Office_, Exeter.)

The Sphinx, superscribed "Egypt." A Mural Crown, superscribed "Jellalabad."

"Gibraltar, 1704-5," "Dettingen," "Martinique, 1809," "Ava," "Ghuznee, 1839," "Affghanistan, 1839," "Cabool, 1842," "Sevastopol," "South Africa, 1878-9," "Burmah, 1885-87," "Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Helmet.

_Cap_, Dark green.

_Regimental March_, "Prince Albert's March."

Allied Regiment, 13th "Royal Regiment" of Canada.

The Sergeants wear the sash on the left shoulder in memory of the Battle of Culloden, where all the officers fell and the remnant of the regiment was brought out of action by the surviving sergeants. This is the only regiment in the service not designated "Royal" wearing Royal Blue facings.

PRINCE ALBERT'S (Somerset Light Infantry)

Raised in 1685. While fighting in Spain, 1706-13, the regiment fought as dragoons. It earned a brilliant record in Afghanistan, 1839-42. After storming Ghuznee it was ordered to Jellalabad which detached post it gallantly held. The massacre of the Cabul force inspired the Afghans to fiercer efforts against Jellalabad; but in spite of news of disaster, the enemy, and even nature itself,--for over 100 shocks of earthquake shook the ruined walls--the brave Somersets defied them all. At length they sallied out and decisively defeated the Afghans. This "Illustrious Garrison," as it was termed by the Government of India, was received on its return by special honours in all cantonments through which it passed. For its services it received its present title, and a mural crown superscribed "Jellalabad."

Nicknamed "The Bleeders."

(_Depot_, York.)

(_Record Office_, York.)

The Royal Tiger, superscribed "India."

"Namur, 1695," "Tournay," "Corunna," "Java," "Waterloo," "Bhurtpore," "Sevastopol," "New Zealand," "Afghanistan, 1879-80," "Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

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

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Buff.

_Head-dress_, Helmet.

_Cap_, Blue.

_Regimental March_, "Ça ira."

Allied Regiment, 16th (Waikato) Regiment of New Zealand.

THE PRINCE OF WALES'S OWN (West Yorkshire Regiment)

Raised in 1685. It shared in the defence of Gibraltar in 1727, and added very considerably to its laurels in the wars of 1793-4. In an attack on the French camp at Famars, 23rd May, 1793, it not only gained a victory, but also its regimental march. Among the pieces of music which fanned the fiery zeal of the French was "Ça ira," to the strains of which they hurled themselves with impetuosity on the British troops. The colonel however, with a magnificent inspiration called out to his men "Come along, my lads, we'll break them to their own d----d tune," and bade his drummers strike up "Ça ira." The effect was irresistible, and the French found themselves flying from the sound of their own martial air. The regiment fought with characteristic bravery at Corunna, in Java, at Waterloo, in India, in the Crimea, New Zealand, and South Africa, reaping the highest commendation for gallantry and devotion everywhere.

Nicknames: "The Old and Bold" and "Calvert's Entire."

(_Depot_, Beverley.)

(_Record Office_, York.)

"Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Louisburg," "Quebec, 1759," "Martinique, 1762," "Havannah," "St. Lucia, 1778," "Martinique 1794, 1809," "Guadaloupe, 1810," "Afghanistan, 1879-80," "South Africa, 1900-02."

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, White.

_Head-dress_, Helmet.

_Cap_, Blue.

_Regimental March_, "Yorkshire Lass."

The officers wear a black line in the top and bottom of the lace, as a memento of General Wolfe's death.

EAST YORKSHIRE REGIMENT

Raised in 1685. The regiment went to Holland with Marlborough, and bore a distinguished part in all his campaigns. It was one of the five regiments which commenced the battle of Blenheim by an attack on the entrenched village of that name, moving up steadily under a withering fire without returning a shot, until their leader, General Rowe, struck his sword into the palisades. It fought at Ramillies, at Oudenarde, and at Malplaquet, and bore an active part at Tournay. It went to Quebec with Wolfe, who specially commended the steadiness of the regiment. It fought in the great battle on the heights of Abraham, and after Wolfe's fall served in the conquest of Canada. Has a splendid record of bravery in many other battles.

Nicknames: "The Snappers," from an incident in the American War, where, the ammunition having given out, they continued to snap their firelocks with undaunted determination. The enemy retired, misled by their aspect and bravery; also called the "Poona Guards."

(_Depot_, Bedford.)

(_Record Office_, Warley.)

"Namur, 1695," "Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Surinam," "Chitral," "South Africa, 1900-02."

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, White.

_Head-dress_, Helmet.

_Cap_, Blue.

_Regimental March_, "Mountain Rose."

BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT

Raised in 1688. It served all through Marlborough's campaigns, and its gallant conduct in no less than thirty-four successful battles and sieges firmly established its reputation. It was at the siege of Lille, where one of the sergeants, Littler, performed gallant service by swimming the river with a hatchet, and, in the face of the enemy single handed cut the fastenings of a drawbridge. It took part in the battle of Dettingen, where the French generously commended their bravery, and declared they saw them advancing, not like men, but devils, in the face of whole batteries, which fired directly into them, sweeping down all ranks without being able to break them. As part of the Chitral Relief Expedition it took part in the storming of the Malakand Pass. This expedition was an example of sturdy perseverance in the face of obstacles, which it is not possible for those who have not served on the Northern Frontier of India to realise.

Nicknames: "The Old Bucks"; also known as "The Peacemakers," from the ferocity with which it was wont to attack the enemy, who were generally glad to quickly make peace.

(_Depot_, Leicester.)

(_Record Office_, Lichfield.)

The Royal Tiger, superscribed "Hindoostan."

"Namur, 1695," "Louisburg," "Martinique, 1762," "Havannah," "Ghuznee, 1839," "Khelat," "Affghanistan, 1839," "Sevastopol," "Ali Masjid," "Afghanistan, 1878-79," "Defence of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, White.

_Head-dress_, Helmet.

_Cap_, Blue.

_Regimental March_, "Romaika."

The officers wear a black line in their lace to commemorate the death of General Wolfe at Quebec, and the band always plays "Wolfe's Lament," immediately before the National Anthem.

LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT

Raised in 1688. It took part in the earlier portion of Marlborough's campaigns and then proceeded to Spain, where it fought at the battle of Almanza with desperate courage against overwhelming numbers. It also took part in the conquest of Canada. In 1804 it proceeded to India, where, during a period of 18 years, it took a distinguished part in building up our mighty Indian Empire. Its services were specially acknowledged by the grant of the badge of the "Royal Tiger" with the word "Hindoostan," as a lasting testimony of the exemplary conduct of all ranks during its service in India from 1804 to 1823. In 1838 it was with the army which forced its way through Scinde capturing Hyderabad and Kurrachee.

Nicknames: "Lily Whites," from their facings; also "Bengal Tigers," from its badge, a Royal Tiger.

(_Depot_, Clonmel.)

(_Record Office_, Cork.)

The Sphinx, superscribed "Egypt." The Dragon, superscribed "China."

"Namur, 1695," "Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Pegu," "Sevastopol," "New Zealand," "Afghanistan, 1879-80," "Tel-el-Kebir," "Egypt, 1882," "Nile, 1884-85," "South Africa, 1900-02."

Motto: _Virtutis Namurcensis Præmium_ (The Reward of Valour at Namur).

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Helmet.

_Cap_, Blue with scarlet band.

_Regimental March_, "Garry Owen."

Allied Regiment, 7th (Wellington West Coast) Regiment of New Zealand.

THE ROYAL IRISH REGIMENT

Raised in 1683. After serving afloat as Marines it went to Flanders, where its splendid valour at the assault on the Castle of Namur on 20th August, 1695, won for it the admiration of the whole of the Allied army. This gallant feat, performed under the eyes of the King, won for the regiment the distinguished title of the Royal Regiment of Foot of Ireland, and the King conferred upon it the right of displaying the badge of the harp and crown, and that of the lion of Nassau, with the motto "Virtutis Namurcensis Præmium." Was one of the Irish Regiments which fought so gallantly in South Africa and to whose bravery the Irish Guards were raised in commemoration. "The Royal Irish" is the only one now in existence out of nineteen regiments raised in Ireland from independent companies of musketeers and pikemen.

Nicknames: "The Namurs," and "Paddy's Blackguards."

(_Depot_, Richmond.)

(_Record Office_, York.)

"Malplaquet," "Alma," "Inkerman," "Sevastopol," "Tirah," "Relief of Kimberley," "Paardeberg," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Grass green.

_Head-dress_, Helmet.

_Cap_, Blue.

_Regimental March_, "Bonnie English Rose."

ALEXANDRA, PRINCESS OF WALES'S OWN (Yorkshire Regiment)

Raised in 1688. Its first services were in Flanders, where it fought at the siege and capture of Namur. It took part in the most sanguinary of Marlborough's victories, the battle of Malplaquet, besides engaging in several of the sieges which constituted the latter part of the campaign. The massacre in Ceylon of a detachment of the regiment, consisting of 178 officers and men, forms one of the most tragic episodes in military history. The remainder of the regiment was speedily in the field to avenge those slaughtered, and an ample retribution was exacted from the treacherous Candyans. During the Crimean war it nobly upheld its reputation, and the regiment fought with splendid bravery in the Tirah campaign, and in South Africa, being present at the relief of Kimberley, and the battle of Paardeberg. It added to its great name in the great war on the Continent.

Nickname: "The Green Howards," from its facings, and the name of its first Colonel.

(_Depot_, Bury.)

(_Record Office_, Preston.)

The Sphinx, superscribed "Egypt."

"Dettingen," "Minden," "Egmont-op-Zee," "Maida," "Vimiera," "Corunna," "Vittoria," "Pyrenees," "Orthes," "Toulouse," "Peninsula," "Alma," "Inkerman," "Sevastopol," "Lucknow," "Khartoum," "Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

Motto: _Omnia Audax_ (Daring Everything).

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, White.

_Head-dress_, Racoon-skin cap with primrose plume on left side.

_Cap_, Blue.

_Regimental March_, "British Grenadiers."

THE LANCASHIRE FUSILIERS

Raised in 1688. It won lasting fame on the historic field of Minden. So heavy were its losses on that day that Prince Ferdinand directed the regiment to be excused from further duty. This they declined to accept, and a General Order records that "Kingsley's Regiment, at its own request, will resume its portion of duty in the line." In addition to the battle honour a laurel wreath was ordered to be worn on the colours and appointments. These glorious memories are recalled by the regimental custom of wearing "Minden Roses" in the caps on each 1st August. Its bravery throughout the Peninsular War was conspicuous, and the Duke of Wellington, when presenting it with Colours in 1838, said: "I declare that of the many distinguished regiments of the British Army, which I have had the honour to command, this, the best and most distinguished, is entitled to all the eulogiums I may have bestowed upon it."

Nicknames: The "Two Tens" from its number, also "The Minden Boys," and "Kingsley's Stand."

(_Depot_, Ayr.)

(_Record Office_, Hamilton.)

"Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Dettingen," "Martinique, 1794," "Bladensburg," "Alma," "Inkerman," "Sevastopol," "South Africa, 1879," "Burma, 1885-87," "Tirah," "Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

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

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Blue.

_Trews_, of Sutherland tartan.

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

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

_Regimental March_, "British Grenadiers."

THE ROYAL SCOTS FUSILIERS

Raised in 1678. It was one of the brave battalions which steadily marched to the attack on the village of Blenheim until the palisades were reached, without firing a shot in reply to the tempest of shot which greeted them. At Ramillies, at Oudenarde, on the red field of Malplaquet, the most fiercely fought of Marlborough's victories, and in numerous minor engagements, its conduct was ever conspicuous. Under the brave "Sheriff" Agnew,--the Sir Andrew Agnew whose name is familiar to readers of Scott,--it fought at Dettingen. The regiment delivered a volley, and charged the cavalry with the bayonet, nearly annihilating a French corps. King George II. witnessed the movement and its result, and praised all ranks for their great gallantry. The regiment has fought in all parts of the world since, and with equal distinction.

Nicknamed: "Earl of Mar's Grey Breeks," from the colour of the men's breeches at the time the regiment was raised (1678).

(_Depot_, Chester.)

(_Record Office_, Shrewsbury.)

"Louisburg," "Martinique, 1762," "Havannah," "Meeanee," "Hyderabad," "Scinde," "South Africa, 1900-02."

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Buff.

_Head-dress_, Helmet.

_Cap_, Blue.

_Regimental March_, "Wha wadna' fecht for Charlie."

THE CHESHIRE REGIMENT

Raised in 1689, and was present at the battle of Dettingen, where King George II. commanded in person. The King was at one time hotly pressed by the French cavalry, when a detachment formed round him under an oak tree and drove the enemy away. The King plucked a leaf off the tree and, handing it to the commander, desired the regiment to wear it in memory of their gallant conduct. The oakleaf is now worn in the head-dress, and on the colours on September 12th, and on ceremonial parades. In 1795 it recruited its ranks with poorhouse boys between the ages of twelve and sixteen. Amongst the boys who joined was John Shipp, an orphan, who performed the unique feat of _twice_ winning a commission from the ranks before he was thirty years old, for conspicuous bravery in the field. In 1843 it formed part of the force under Sir Charles Napier which destroyed the Indian desert stronghold of Emaun Ghur--an enterprise characterised as one of the most curious and dangerous military feats ever known.

Nicknames: The "Two Twos"; also in 1795 the "Red Knights," from being served out with all red clothing; also known as the "Lightning Conductors."

(_Depot_, Wrexham.)

(_Record Office_, Shrewsbury.)

The Sphinx, superscribed "Egypt."

"Namur, 1695," "Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Dettingen," "Minden," "Corunna," "Martinique, 1809," "Albuhera," "Badajoz," "Salamanca," "Vittoria," "Pyrenees," "Nivelle," "Orthes," "Toulouse," "Peninsula," "Waterloo," "Alma," "Inkerman," "Sevastopol," "Lucknow," "Ashantee, 1873-4," "Burma, 1885-87," "Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902," "Pekin, 1900."

Motto: _Nec aspera terrent_ (Difficulties do not dismay us).

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Blue.

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

_Cap_, Blue with scarlet band.

_Regimental March_, "British Grenadiers."

All ranks wear "The Flash," a bow of broad black silk ribbon with long ends attached to the back of the tunic collar.

THE ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS

Raised in 1689. In the Crimean War, at Alma it captured a Russian gun, which is now at the Depot, Wrexham. It was during this action that Sergeant Luke O'Connor gained his Victoria Cross and a commission, and lived to attain the rank of General. The regiment has fought in all parts of the world and has a splendid roll of battle honours.

Nicknamed "The Nanny Goats" and "The Royal Goats," from its custom of having a goat led at the head of the drums. Regimental custom prescribes that on St. David's night, the 1st of March, every officer or guest who has never eaten a leek before, shall eat one, standing in his chair with one foot on the table, while a drummer beats a roll behind him.

(_Depot_, Brecon.)

(_Record Office_, Shrewsbury.)

The Sphinx, superscribed "Egypt."

"Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Cape of Good Hope, 1806," "Talavera," "Busaco," "Fuentes d'Onor," "Salamanca," "Vittoria," "Pyrenees," "Nivelle," "Orthes," "Peninsula," "Chillianwallah," "Goojerat," "Punjaub," "South Africa, 1877-8-9," "Burma, 1885-87," "South Africa, 1900-02."

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Grass green.

_Head-dress_, Helmet.

_Cap_, Blue.

_Regimental March_, "Men of Harlech."

A silver wreath is borne on the staff of the King's Colour of both battalions to commemorate the devoted gallantry of Lieutenants Melville and Coghill in saving that colour from the hands of the Zulus, after the Battle of Isandlwana, and as a tribute of appreciation of the gallant defence of Rorke's Drift, 1879.

THE SOUTH WALES BORDERERS

Raised in 1689, the regiment has one of the most remarkable histories in the British Army, having twice being almost annihilated, at Chillianwallah, 1849, where 23 officers and 527 men were killed and wounded, the regiment being brought out of action by the quartermaster; and in 1879 at Isandlwana, where hardly a man escaped death. The gallant defence of Rorke's Drift by one company roused the wonder and admiration of the whole civilised world. The losses of the regiment in killed alone reached the appalling total of 21 officers and 590 men. It had the proud distinction of having won more Victoria Crosses than any other corps in the British Army.

Nicknamed "Howard's Greens," from its facings and its Colonel's name from 1717 to 1737.

(_Depot_, Berwick-on-Tweed.)

(_Record Office_, Hamilton.)

The Sphinx, superscribed "Egypt."

"Namur, 1695," "Minden," "Egmont-op-Zee," "Martinique, 1809," "Afghanistan, 1878-80," "Chitral," "Tirah," "Paardeberg," "South Africa, 1900-02."

Mottoes: _Nisi Dominus frustra_ (Without the Lord all your efforts are vain); _In Veritate Religionis confido_ (I trust in the truth of religion); _Nec aspera terrent_ (Nor do difficulties deter).

_Uniform_, Scarlet doublet, with trews of Leslie tartan, the pipers being kilted and wearing the Royal Stewart tartan.

_Head-dress_, Blue Kilmarnock Bonnet, with black plume.

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

_Regimental March_, "Blue bonnets over the border."

THE KING'S OWN SCOTTISH BORDERERS

Raised in 1689, in the space of four hours, by the Earl of Leven, in Edinburgh. At the siege of Namur, one of the strongest fortresses in Europe, it lost 20 officers and 500 men by the explosion of one of the enemy's mines. The Borderers, however, quickly recovered and routed the enemy at the point of the bayonet. The regiment was also one of the gallant six to participate in the glorious victory at Minden. Acting as Marines it participated in Lord Howe's glorious victory of 1st June, 1794. It has also fought with great credit in other parts of the world.

They were sometimes called "The Botherers," and commonly "K.O.S.B's." Also nicknamed the "Kokky-Olly Birds." This regiment has the exclusive privilege of beating up for recruits in the streets of Edinburgh at any time without asking the leave of the Lord Provost.

(_Depot_, Hamilton.)

(_Record Office_, Hamilton.)

The Sphinx, superscribed "Egypt." The Dragon, superscribed "China."