Regimental Nicknames and Traditions of the British Army
Part 7
"Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Mandora," "Corunna," "Martinique, 1809," "Guadaloupe, 1810," "South Africa, 1846-7," "Sevastopol," "Lucknow," "Abyssinia," "South Africa, 1877-8-9," "Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."
_Uniform_, Dark green doublet with green facings and trews of Douglas tartan.
_Head-dress_, Green chaco with black plume.
_Cap_, Green glengarry.
_Regimental March_, "Within a mile of Edinboro' town."
THE CAMERONIANS (SCOTTISH RIFLES)
The Cameronians date from the revolution of 1688, twenty companies of sixty men being raised within the space of 24 hours. Proceeding to Flanders it fought bravely and with much distinction during Marlborough's campaigns. It was engaged in the capture of Martinique and Guadaloupe, where among other trophies of victory it took an "Eagle," the regimental standard of the French. It bore a distinguished part in the Crimean War. It also took part in the hottest fighting in the Mutiny and in the march through Abyssinia, and fought with great gallantry in the Zulu and South African campaigns. Two of our most distinguished Field-Marshals--Lord Wolseley, V.C., and Sir Evelyn Wood, V.C., served in this regiment.
Nicknames: 1st Battalion "The Cameronians," and the 2nd Battalion "Perthshire Grey Breeks," from the colour of the men's breeches.
(_Depot_, Omagh.)
(_Record Office_, Dublin.)
The Sphinx, superscribed "Egypt."
"Martinique, 1762," "Havannah," "St. Lucia, 1778, 1796," "Maida," "Badajoz," "Salamanca," "Vittoria," "Pyrenees," "Nivelle," "Orthes," "Toulouse," "Peninsula," "Waterloo," "South Africa, 1835, 1846-7," "Central India," "Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."
Motto: _Nec aspera terrent_ (Nor do difficulties deter).
_Uniform_, Scarlet.
_Facings_, Blue.
_Head-dress_, Racoon-skin cap with grey plume on left side.
_Cap_, Blue, with scarlet band.
_Regimental March_, "British Grenadiers."
The regiment was the first to introduce the Irish war pipe into the Army.
THE ROYAL INNISKILLING FUSILIERS
Formed in 1689. Proceeding to the West Indies it greatly distinguished itself at the storming and capture of the citadel of St. Lucia. In recognition of "the steady and intrepid bearing of the officers and men of the regiment," Sir Ralph Abercromby directed that the garrison on marching out should lay down their arms to the Inniskillings. During the Peninsular War, at Castella, a French officer advancing in front of the line, challenged anyone in the regiment to single combat. His wish was immediately complied with by Captain Waldron, who after a few passes, laid the Frenchman dead. The Inniskillings then dashed forward with the bayonet, and the enemy broke and fled before their irresistible onslaught. The regiment has reaped honour and glory in all parts of the world.
The 2nd Battalion were nicknamed "The Lumps."
(_Depot_, Bristol.)
(_Record Office_, Warwick.)
The Sphinx, superscribed "Egypt."
"Ramillies," "Louisburg," "Guadaloupe, 1759," "Quebec, 1759," "Martinique, 1762," "Havannah," "St. Lucia, 1778," "Maida," "Corunna," "Talavera," "Busaco," "Barrosa," "Albuhera," "Salamanca," "Vittoria," "Pyrenees," "Nivelle," "Nive," "Orthes," "Toulouse," "Peninsula," "Waterloo," "Chillianwallah," "Goojerat," "Punjaub," "Alma," "Inkerman," "Sevastopol," "Delhi, 1857," "Defence of Ladysmith," "Relief of Kimberley," "Paardeberg," "South Africa, 1899-1902."
_Uniform_, Scarlet.
_Facings_, White.
_Head-dress_, Helmet.
_Cap_, Blue.
_Regimental March_, "Kynegad Slashers."
GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT
Raised in 1694, and has fought with the highest credit in all parts of the Empire, during which it has won several peculiar and highly cherished distinctions. Of its conduct at Chillianwallah the Duke of Wellington said, "the 61st were mainly instrumental in gaining the victory."
The 28th Regiment was nicknamed "The Old Braggs" in 1750, from its Colonel's name, General Philip Braggs. Also the "Slashers," from their gallantry at the battle of the White Plains, and passage of the Brunx river in 1777. A badge is worn on the back of the head-dress by both battalions of this regiment, given for the bravery of the 28th at Alexandria in 1801. They were attacked by French cavalry while in line, and there being no time to form square, the Colonel ordered the rear rank to "Right about face," and they succeeded in beating off the enemy, 7,000 in number.
Nickname: 1st Battalion "The Back Numbers."
(_Depot_, Worcester.)
(_Record Office_, Warwick.)
A Naval Crown, superscribed "1st June, 1794."
"Ramillies," "Mysore," "Hindoostan," "Roliça," "Vimiera," "Corunna," "Talavera," "Albuhera," "Salamanca," "Pyrenees," "Nivelle," "Nive," "Orthes," "Toulouse," "Peninsula," "Ferozeshah," "Sobraon," "Chillianwallah," "Goojerat," "Punjaub," "South Africa, 1900-02."
Motto: _Firm_.
_Uniform_, Scarlet.
_Facings_, White.
_Head-dress_, Helmet.
_Cap_, Blue.
_Regimental March_, "The Windsor."
WORCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT
The regiment was raised in 1694 and won in action one of the proudest mottoes ever bestowed on a regiment, that of "Firm." The 29th was the last of the regiments in the Peninsula to retain the queue, in which the men fought at Vimiera, the officers wearing the old fashioned and picturesque cocked hats.
Nicknames: "The Ever-sworded 29th" owing to a peculiar custom, which demands that the captain and subaltern of the day shall dine with their swords on. Up to the fifties all the officers sat down to dinner wearing their weapons, the custom having originated in 1746, when a part of the regiment, stationed at the Leeward Islands, was surprised without its arms, and treacherously murdered by the Indians. The "Vein Openers," given on account of its being the first to draw blood, in 1770, when the disturbances, which preceded the outbreak of the American War, commenced. They are also known as the "Old and Bold," "The Star of the Line," and "The Saucy Greens."
(_Depot_, Preston.)
(_Record Office_, Preston.)
The Sphinx, superscribed "Egypt."
"Gibraltar, 1704-5," "Cape of Good Hope, 1806," "Corunna," "Java," "Badajoz," "Salamanca," "Vittoria," "St. Sebastian," "Nive," "Peninsula," "Waterloo," "Bhurtpore," "Alma," "Inkerman," "Sevastopol," "Canton," "Ahmad Khel," "Afghanistan, 1878-80," "Chitral," "South Africa, 1900-02."
Motto: _Spectamur Agendo_ (We are judged by our actions).
_Uniform_, Scarlet.
_Facings_, White.
_Head-dress_, Helmet.
_Cap_, Blue.
_Regimental March_, "Lancashire Lads."
EAST LANCASHIRE REGIMENT
Raised in 1694. When first formed it saw much eventful service as Marines, and served in the capture of Gibraltar in 1704, and in the great sea-fight off Malaga which followed. In January 1816, a battalion of the 59th was wrecked while proceeding to Ireland, and nearly the whole of the men perished. At Waterloo, after the British squares reformed line to make the final advance, the regiment left its formation plainly marked on the ground it had occupied by the square of dead and dying comrades who had fallen in the grim opposition to the enemy's cavalry and artillery. It fought with great distinction in the Crimea, China, Afghanistan and South Africa, winning the highest commendations everywhere.
Nicknamed: "The Triple Xs," also "The Three Tens." 59th Foot, "Lily Whites," from its facings.
(_Depot_, Kingston.)
(_Record Office_, Hounslow.)
"Gibraltar, 1704-5," "Dettingen," "Martinique, 1794," "Talavera," "Guadaloupe, 1810," "Albuhera," "Vittoria," "Pyrenees," "Nivelle," "Nive," "Orthes," "Peninsula," "Cabool, 1842," "Moodkee," "Ferozeshah," "Aliwal," "Sobraon," "Sevastopol," "Taku Forts," "New Zealand," "Afghanistan, 1878-79," "Suakin, 1885," "Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."
_Uniform_, Scarlet.
_Facings_, White.
_Head-dress_, Helmet.
_Cap_, Blue.
Allied Regiment, 4th (Otago) Regiment of New Zealand.
_Regimental March_, "A Southerly Wind and a Cloudy Sky."
The officers wear a black line in their lace to commemorate the death of General Wolfe at Quebec.
THE EAST SURREY REGIMENT
Raised in 1702 as a corps of Marines and for many years did splendid service ashore and afloat all over the world. The burning of the "Kent," East Indiaman, with a wing of the 31st Regiment on board, in the Bay of Biscay, on 1st May, 1824, forms one of the most thrilling episodes of heroism at sea British regimental history affords. During a storm the vessel caught fire and was totally destroyed. The discipline of the men under these terrible circumstances was beyond all praise, and in a great measure owing to this fact over 550 people out of 637 were saved. In the Sikh War they captured four standards.
Nicknames: The 1st Battalion (31st Foot) was known as "The Young Buffs," to distinguish it from the 3rd (Old Buffs). The 2nd Battalion (70th Foot) was nicknamed the "Glasgow Greys."
(_Depot_, Bodmin.)
(_Record Office_, Exeter.)
"Gibraltar, 1704-05," "Dettingen," "St. Lucia, 1778," "Dominica," "Roliça," "Vimiera," "Corunna," "Salamanca," "Pyrenees," "Nivelle," "Nive," "Orthes," "Peninsula," "Waterloo," "Mooltan," "Goojerat," "Punjaub," "Sevastopol," "Lucknow," "Tel-el-Kebir," "Egypt, 1882," "Nile, 1884-85," "Paardeberg," "South Africa, 1899-1902."
_Uniform_, Scarlet.
_Facings_, White.
_Head-dress_, Helmet.
_Cap_, Green with green band.
_Regimental March_, "One and All."
THE DUKE OF CORNWALL'S LIGHT INFANTRY
Raised in 1702. In its early history it saw much varied service as Marines. The 2nd Battalion (46th Foot) in 1777 was called the "Red Feathers," from the following circumstances. The light company took part in an attack against General Wayne's Brigade, near Brandywine Creek, in which the Americans were surprised and utterly defeated. The Americans vowed vengeance and swore that they would give no quarter; the soldiers of the light company stained their feathers red as a distinguishing mark, so that the enemy could easily see whom to attack. This badge is still preserved in the brass feather and red cloth of the helmet and cap badge. They are also called "The Lacedemonians." The heroic defence of the Lucknow Residency, and the tragic fate of the detachment under Captain Moore, at Cawnpore, are treasured memories. The 46th are also known as "Murray's Bucks," "The Surprisers," and "The Doc's" (from the initials).
(_Depot_, Halifax.)
(_Record Office_, York.)
The Elephant, superscribed "Hindoostan."
"Dettingen," "Mysore," "Seringapatam," "Ally Ghur," "Delhi, 1803," "Leswarree," "Deig," "Corunna," "Nive," "Peninsula," "Waterloo," "Alma," "Inkerman," "Sevastopol," "Abyssinia," "Relief of Kimberley," "Paardeberg," "South Africa, 1900-02."
Motto: _Virtutis fortuna comes_ (Fortune accompanies honour).
_Uniform_, Scarlet.
_Facings_, Scarlet.
_Head-dress_, Helmet.
_Cap_, Blue.
_Regimental March_, "The Wellesley."
The only regiment in the British Army named after a subject not of Royal blood.
THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON'S REGIMENT (West Riding)
Raised in 1702 as the 33rd Foot, and in 1814 nicknamed "The Havercake Lads," its recruiting sergeants preceding the recruits with a haver or oatcake stuck on their swords. From its earliest days the regiment was distinguished for bravery in the field, being commended in 1705-6 at the storming of Valentia d'Alcantara, and nearly annihilated at the battle of Almanza in 1707. The same bravery has marked it through the centuries, and to-day it is showing that its ancient courage is maintained undiminished. The Duke of Wellington served in it and afterwards commanded it, and the regiment was named after him.
The 2nd Battalion (76th Foot) became known in 1806 as "The Old Immortals," most of its men having been wounded or died in the ten or twelve years previously; "The Old Seven-and-Sixpennies," from its number; "The Hindoostan Regiment."
(_Depot_, Carlisle.)
(_Record Office_, Preston.)
A Laurel Wreath. The Dragon, superscribed "China."
"Havannah," "St. Lucia, 1778," "Albuhera," "Arroyo dos Molinos," "Vittoria," "Pyrenees," "Nivelle," "Nive," "Orthes," "Peninsula," "Alma," "Inkerman," "Sevastopol," "Lucknow," "Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."
_Uniform_, Scarlet.
_Facings_, Yellow.
_Head-dress_, Helmet.
_Cap_, Blue.
_Regimental March_, "John Peel."
The laurel wreath borne on the colours is to commemorate its heroic conduct at the battle of Fontenoy, and is the only regiment to wear the honour "Arroyo dos Molinos."
THE BORDER REGIMENT
Raised in 1702. During the Peninsular War, at Arroyo dos Molinos it performed one of the most brilliant feats of the whole war; single handed the battalion cut off and made prisoners many French officers of distinction, besides an entire battalion of the French 34th of the Line, the brass drums and drum-major's staff of which are still in possession of the 1st Battalion. The 1st Battalion (34th Foot) was one of the "boy regiments" reformed in 1797 and sent to the Cape to be acclimatised. The 2nd Battalion (55th Foot) are known as "The Two Fives," from their number. The "Dragon" badge commemorates the services of the 55th in China, and it had the unique distinction for many years of wearing the red and white feather in their chacos, with red on top. Both battalions met in the Crimea, and did fine service before Sevastopol.
Nickname: "The Cattle Reeves," from the old traditions of the Scottish Border.
(_Depot_, Chichester.)
(_Record Office_, Hounslow.)
The White (Rousillon) Plume.
"Gibraltar, 1704-05," "Louisburg," "Quebec, 1759," "Martinique, 1762," "Havannah," "St. Lucia, 1778," "Maida," "Egypt, 1882," "Abu Klea," "Nile, 1884-85," "South Africa, 1900-02."
_Uniform_, Scarlet.
_Facings_, Blue.
_Head-dress_, Helmet.
_Cap_, Blue with Scarlet Band.
_Regimental March_, "The Royal Sussex."
The Badge of the Maltese Cross is in memory of the capture of Malta.
THE ROYAL SUSSEX REGIMENT
Raised in 1701. At Quebec, in 1759, in combat with the Grenadiers of the famous French regiment of Royal Rousillon, it won the tall white feather which was a distinguishing mark of the 35th until 1810. It is now commemorated in the Regimental Badge. It took part in the capture of Malta, where after the successful assault on Fort Ricasoli, the last post held by the French garrison, the King's Colour of the 35th was the first flag hoisted over the old stronghold of the Knights, destined thenceforward as an outpost of the British Empire. The 1st Battalion (35th Foot) was named "The Orange Lilies," from the colour of its facings, which it received as a mark of special favour from King William III. in 1701. It was called on its formation at Belfast "The Belfast Regiment," and afterwards "The Prince of Orange's Own Regiment," but its orange facings were relinquished and changed to blue in 1832, on the corps proceeding to Ireland. The 2nd Battalion (107th Foot) was raised in 1760 as the Queen's Own Royal British Volunteers.
(_Depot_, Winchester.)
(_Record Office_, Exeter.)
The Royal Tiger, superscribed "India."
"Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Dettingen," "Minden," "Tournay," "Barrosa," "Peninsula," "Taku Forts," "Pekin, 1860," "Charasiah," "Kabul, 1879," "Afghanistan, 1878-80," "Burma, 1885-87," "Paardeberg," "South Africa, 1900-02."
_Uniform_, Scarlet.
_Facings_, Yellow.
_Head-dress_, Helmet.
_Cap_, Blue.
_Regimental March_, "The Hampshire."
The 37th was the first British Regiment to march across India.
THE HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT
Raised in 1702, and within a year was in Holland, and bore a gallant part in Marlborough's campaigns. Few regiments can show a more eventful record of service during the whole of its career, and it has won fame in all parts of the world. The 37th is one of the six British infantry regiments which fought at the battle of Minden, 1st August, 1759; still commemorated in the regiment by the wearing of roses on the anniversary.
The 2nd Battalion (67th Foot) was raised in 1756 and after arduous service in the West Indies, the Peninsula, and elsewhere it went to India, where it served for twenty-one years and bore a distinguished part in the capture, after a siege of eleven days, of the fortress of Asseerghur, regarded as the Gibraltar of the East. For its gallantry in India the crest of the Royal Tiger was bestowed. In subsequent service in the East the 67th took part in the attack on the Taku Forts, where four Victoria Crosses were won by Hampshire men.
Nickname: "The Hampshire Tigers."
(_Depot_, Lichfield.)
(_Record Office_, Lichfield.)
The Sphinx, superscribed "Egypt."
"Guadaloupe, 1759," "Martinique, 1762," "Monte Video," "Roliça," "Vimiera," "Corunna," "Busaco," "Badajoz," "Salamanca," "Vittoria," "St. Sebastian," "Nive," "Peninsula," "Ava," "Moodkee," "Ferozeshah," "Sobraon," "Pegu," "Alma," "Inkerman," "Sevastopol," "Lucknow," "Central India," "South Africa, 1878-79," "Egypt, 1882," "Kirbekan," "Nile, 1884-85," "South Africa, 1900-02."
_Uniform_, Scarlet.
_Facings_, White.
_Head-dress_, Helmet.
_Cap_, Blue.
_Regimental March_, "Come, Lassies and Lads."
THE SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE REGIMENT
Raised in 1702. In 1706, the 38th embarked for the West Indies, where it remained for nearly sixty years, most of the time in the island of Antigua. When the trouble arose in America, the 38th was one of the first regiments to be despatched thither and fought at Bunker's Hill. In 1805 it landed in South Africa and helped to re-capture the Cape of Good Hope from the Dutch. The 2nd Battalion has been shipwrecked no less than three times. On the first occasion when proceeding to take part in Abercromby's campaign in Egypt, when the mess-plate and all the regimental records were lost; again when returning to India on completion of the campaign; and again when proceeding to India from Australia in 1844. Lord Wolseley commenced his distinguished career in this regiment. The 1st Battalion (38th Foot) was called the "Pump and Tortoise," and the 2nd Battalion (80th Foot), the "Staffordshire Knots," and previously "The Staffordshire Volunteers."
(_Depot_, Dorchester.)
(_Record Office_, Exeter.)
The Castle and Key, superscribed "Gibraltar, 1779-83." The Sphinx, superscribed "Egypt."
"Plassey," "Martinique, 1794," "Marabout," "Albuhera," "Vittoria," "Pyrenees," "Nivelle," "Nive," "Orthes," "Peninsula," "Ava," "Maharajpore," "Sevastopol," "Tirah," "Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."
Motto: _Primus in Indis_ (First in India).
_Uniform_, Scarlet.
_Facings_, Grass green.
_Head-dress_, Helmet.
_Cap_, Blue.
_Regimental March_, "The Dorsetshire."
The 1st Battalion is the proud possessor of a remarkable silver headed Drum-Major's Staff, which was presented to it by the Nawab of Arcot for its gallantry at the Battle of Plassey.
THE DORSETSHIRE REGIMENT
Raised in 1702, and was soon afterwards in action. The regiment was called "Sankey's Horse," because at the battle of Almanza, 1707, the men were mounted on mules to enable them to arrive in time for the battle. It was the first King's regiment landed in India in 1754, hence its proud legend "_Primus in Indis_." In 1742, from its "sad green" facings, it was christened the "Green Linnets."
The 2nd Battalion (54th Foot) was specially commended by the Commander-in-Chief for its remarkable gallantry and resolution when on board the "Sarah Sands" when that vessel took fire at sea having a large quantity of ammunition on board.
The 2nd Battalion derived the name of "Flamers" in 1781, from the part they took in destroying twelve privateers, and the town and stores of New London (U.S.), by fire. It also won for the regiment the proud crest of the Sphinx and the honour "Marabout" by great gallantry in Egypt in 1801.
(_Depot_, Warrington.)
(_Record Office_, Shrewsbury.)
The Sphinx, superscribed "Egypt."
"Louisburg," "Martinique, 1762," "Havannah," "St. Lucia, 1778," "Monte Video," "Roliça," "Vimiera," "Corunna," "Talavera," "Badajoz," "Salamanca," "Vittoria," "Pyrenees," "Nivelle," "Orthes," "Toulouse," "Peninsula," "Niagara," "Waterloo," "Candahar, 1842," "Ghuznee, 1842," "Cabool, 1842," "Maharajpore," "Sevastopol," "Lucknow," "New Zealand," "Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."
_Uniform_, Scarlet.
_Facings_, White.
_Head-dress_, Helmet.
_Cap_, Blue.
_Regimental March_, "God Bless the Prince of Wales."
Allied Regiment, 9th (Wellington East Coast) Regiment of New Zealand.
PRINCE OF WALES'S VOLUNTEERS (South Lancashire Regiment)
The regiment (1st Battalion is the old 40th Foot) was raised in 1717, being formed from certain companies of infantry which for many years had been on duty in the West Indies, and remained for some 46 years longer in the West Indies and America, taking part in most of the historical military operations in that wonderful continent. On returning home the regiment was quickly on active service again on the Continent and in Egypt, and then had another spell of hard service in America, returning just in time to join Wellington's Army on the eve of Waterloo where they lost 25 killed and 142 wounded. The 1st Battalion has the proud distinction of being one of the three regiments which served uninterruptedly throughout the Peninsular War from 1808-1814. The 40th Foot was nicknamed "The Excellers," from its number XL., also "The Fighting Fortieth."
(_Depot_, Cardiff.)
(_Record Office_, Shrewsbury.)
A Naval Crown, superscribed "12th April, 1782."
"Martinique, 1762," "St. Vincent," "India," "Bourbon," "Java," "Detroit," "Queenstown," "Miami," "Niagara," "Waterloo," "Ava," "Candahar, 1842," "Ghuznee, 1842," "Cabool, 1842," "Alma," "Inkerman," "Sevastopol," "Relief of Kimberley," "Paardeberg," "South Africa, 1899-1902."
Motto: _Gwell angau na Chywilydd_ (Death before Dishonour).
_Uniform_, Scarlet.
_Facings_, White.
_Head-dress_, Helmet.
_Cap_, Blue.
_Regimental March_, "Ap Shenkin."
THE WELSH REGIMENT
The 1st Battalion (41st Foot) was raised as a regiment of invalids in 1719, and it was for a long time known as the "1st Invalids," and as such appears in most of the old "Army Lists." In the era of George II., it distinguished itself in Germany.
The 2nd Battalion (the 69th Regiment) was known as "The Old Agamemnons," so called by Lord Nelson at the naval battle of St. Vincent, from the name of his ship, the "Agamemnon," on which the regiment served as Marines; also the "Ups and Downs" from the fact that their number can be read either way up.
The regiment has fought with the greatest distinction in many quarters of the world. The curious military arrangements which opened the door for abuse in bygone days are seen in the fact that Colonel Sir Henry Walton, K.C.B., who afterwards commanded the 23rd Regiment, received a commission on the day he was born, through the influence of his father, and at the age of four was gazetted Ensign in the 41st Foot on full pay, and at the age of thirteen was posted to the command of a company.
Nickname: "Wardour's Horse."
(_Depot_, Perth.)
(_Record Office_, Perth.)
The Sphinx, superscribed "Egypt."