John S. Farmer

“ Notes.—The old 91st was raised at Stirling by the Duke of Argyll: hence its title, crest, and motto. The Cape was the scene of its first campaign, since which it, with its companion battalion, has seen much service—a forty-one years' combined record—in South Africa. Its "honours" were, however, chiefly won in the Peninsular campaigns at the beginning of the century. The 2nd Batt. was also raised in Scotland from the Sutherland Fencible Highlanders, and has had a most distinguished career from then till now. Little need to dwell on its prowess. ”

“ Notes.—The two veteran regiments now known as the 1st and 2nd Highland Light Infantry possess the longest "honour" record (twenty-nine in all) of any British regiment whatsoever, save the King's Royal Rifle Corps, which have thirty-two all told. The roll commences with "Carnatic," won by the 1st Batt. in the Hyder Ali campaign, seconded by the laurels of the 2nd Batt. at the Siege of Seringapatam, in which on several occasions it particularly distinguished itself. The same battalion contributed "Assaye" (with "The Elephant") . ”

“ The Americans were so harassed by the Brigade that they vowed "No Quarter." In derision, to prevent mistakes, The Light Battalion dyed their feathers red: the 46th Foot alone has retained the distinction. ”

“ South Africa.
Uniform.—1st Batt., Scarlet with Buff facings when raised, but the facings frequently changed—Blue, French Grey, White, and Blue; they are now (1900) Blue. 2nd Batt., when raised in 1661, the Sea-Green facings to the Scarlet uniform were adopted in compliment to Catherine of Braganza (Queen of Charles II.) , Bombay being part of her dowry, and sea-green her favourite colour. The uniform and facings are now Scarlet and Blue. ”

“ In Irish Army Lists, circa 1718-46, it is set down as with Orange facings. At present Scarlet and White facings.
Regimental Badge.—"The Figure of Britannia"—"This distinguished badge was given to you for your gallantry at the battle of Almanza, during the War of Succession in Spain, by Queen Anne. On the occasion of that battle it is recorded that you lost 24 officers and had 300 killed and wounded out of 467. In retiring from the field the regiment covered the retreat of General Lord Galway, a most arduous, hazardous, and difficult service. ”

“ Nicknames.— (1) The Oxford Blues, circa 1690, from its Colonel's name, the Earl of Oxford, and in distinction to a blue habited Dutch Regiment commanded by the Earl of Portland; (2) The Blue Guards (1742-45) during the Campaign in Flanders; and (3) The Blues—a present day sobriquet.
Notes.—This is the only Cavalry Regiment now extant which formed part of the Parliamentary Army against Charles I., being then known as Colonel Unton Crook's Regiment. King William IV. presented the regiment with a Standard emblazoned with "Dettingen," "Minden," "Warbourg," "Cateau." ”

“ Khartoum.
1900. South Africa.
Uniform.—Blue faced with Red (when raised) ; Scarlet and Yellow facings (subsequently, but when is unknown) ; Scarlet with White facings (present time) .
Regimental Badge.—"The Sphinx," for Egypt (1801) .
Nickname.—"The Springers" (during American War: also applied to the 62nd) .
Notes.—The 10th were the only regiment of Foot dressed in Blue when raised. Amongst other distinctions this regiment has been wrecked, has lost its way in the Arabian desert, has been attacked by plague, and took part in a gallant dash without the loss of a man. ”

“ Red Waterman's Frocks with bright Yellow facings (1702) ; the 1740-48 contingents wore the usual Red Waterman's frock with different facings and cloth caps for each regiment:—1st Regiment, Yellow; 2nd, Green; 3rd, Yellow; 4th, White; 5th, Yellow; 6th, Green; 7th, White; 8th, Yellow; 9th, Buff; 10th, Yellow. From 1755 to 1802 a Scarlet Uniform with White facings was worn, the facings being changed to Blue in 1802. At the present time the Royal Marine Artillery wear Blue with Scarlet facings, and the Royal Marine Light Infantry Scarlet with Blue facings. ”

“ One arm or other of this branch of the Service has, obviously, taken part in every campaign: a particularised list is therefore unnecessary. The guns are the "Colours" of the Artillery, and as such are entitled to all "parade honours." Formerly, regimental honours appear to have been worn by certain companies. Amongst such were "Niagara," "Leipsic," "Waterloo," and "The Dragon of China."
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Uniform.—Blue with Scarlet facings. ”

“ Also on some appointments "The Arms of the City of Lincoln."
Nicknames, &c.—"Wolfe's Own" (of the 47th at Quebec—the black worm in the gold lace, as now worn, is in memory of the Hero of Quebec) . "The Cauliflowers" (of the 47th, in allusion to its white facings, an unusual colour when the corps was raised) . "The Lancashire Lads" (also of the 47th—from its county title) .
Notes.—This is the only regiment entitled "Loyal," but the term was originally applied, not to the Lancashire, but to the Lincoln battalion. ”

“ It is unique in using the old Irish war-pipes. While employed on the Isthmus of Darien all but nine of six hundred men succumbed. For distinguished gallantry at St. Lucia, in 1696, it was directed that the French garrison in marching out should lay down their arms to the 27th, other marks of favour being likewise accorded to the officers and men of the regiment. ”

“ Nicknames, &c.—"The Two Fours" (of the 44th) . "The Little Fighting Fours" (the regiment saw hard service in the Peninsula, and its men were of small average stature) . "The Pompadours" and "Saucy Pompeys." (Tradition relates that when the facings were changed in 1764 (the crimson not wearing well) the Colonel desired Blue, but, the authorities objecting, he chose Purple, a favourite colour of Madame de Pompadour, a mistress of Louis XV. of France.)
Notes.—The 44th captured an Eagle of The 62nd French Infantry at Salamanca. ”

“ Motto, "Pro Rege, pro Lege, pro Patria Conamur"—"We Strive for Sovereign, Laws, and Country."
Notes.—The first 18th is now the 17th Lancers; the present 18th, raised at Leeds in 1858, was allowed to revive the "honours" of the old corps, disbanded in 1821; the motto and the scarlet and white plume were restored in 1878.
Bibliography.—Historical Record of the 18th Hussars. By Captain Harold Esdaile Malet. [London: Clowes. 1869.]
The Royal Cypher and Crown.
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The Nineteenth (Princess of Wales's Own) Hussars.
The Elephant. TITLES.
1759-63. ”

“ Nickname.—"The Excellers" (of the 40th (XL.) Foot) . "The Fighting Fortieth."
Notes.—The 40th captured four standards at Maharajpore (1843) .
Bibliography.—A Short Record of the 1st Battalion Prince of Wales's Volunteers, (South Lancashire Regiment) , formerly the 40th (2nd Somersetshire) Regiment. By Captain R. H. Raymond-Smithies, 1st Batt. Prince of Wales's Volunteers (South Lancashire Regiment) . [Jersey: 1891.]
Historical Records of the 40th (2nd Somersetshire) Regiment, now 1st Battalion Prince of Wales's Volunteers (South Lancashire Regiment) , from its formation in 1717 to 1893. ”

“ Notes.—The Regiment of Coldstream Guards is the direct and only descendant of the Parliamentary Infantry, all other corps having been disbanded at the Restoration. It derives its name from Monck's march from Coldstream to restore Charles II.
Bibliography.—The Origin and Services of the Coldstream Guards. By Colonel Sir Daniel MacKinnon. 2 vols. [London: Bentley. 1833.]
A History of the Coldstream Guards from 1815 to 1895. By Lieut.-Col. Ross of Bladensburg, C.B. [London: 1896.]
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The Scots Guards. 3 Batts.
Royal Arms of Scotland. The Thistle. The Sphinx. TITLES.
1660-1713. ”

“ South Africa.
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Uniform.—Scarlet (1715-83) ; Blue (from 1784) . Facings, Deep Yellow (1715-1811) ; Scarlet (1811-1819) ; Blue (from 1819) ; Helmet-plume, Black and White.
Regimental Badges.—"The Prince's Plume," "The Rising Sun," "The Red Dragon" (from 1783, ancient Badges of the Princes of Wales) . Also "The White Horse."
Nicknames.—"Baker's Light Bobs" (when under the command of Valentine Baker) . "The Don't Dance Tenth" (an officer told his hostess at a ball, "The Tenth Don't Dance") . ”

“ The 2nd Battalion (as the 66th Foot) was part of the St. Helena Garrison during the exile of the Emperor Napoleon I.
Bibliography.—The 66th Berkshire Regiment. By J. Percy Groves. [Reading: Beecroft. 1887]
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The Queen's Own (Royal West Kent) Regiment, COMPRISING
1st Batt. (formerly) The 50th (Queen's Own) Regiment of Foot.
2nd Batt. ( " ) The 97th (The Earl of Ulster's) Regiment of Foot; with Militia Battalions.
3rd Batt. The 1st West Kent Militia.
"Quo fas et gloria ducunt."
The Royal Crest of England. The White Horse of Kent.
The White Horse and Motto. The Sphinx. TITLES.
1st Batt. ”

“ The Cameronians, as a rifle corps, carry no colours—its honours are displayed on various appointments.
Bibliography.—Historical Record of The 26th, or Cameronian Regiment. By T. Carter. [London: Byfield, Stanford & Co. 1867.]
Records of the 90th Regiment (Perthshire Light Infantry) . With Roll of Officers from 1795 to 1800. By Captain A. L. Delavoye, 56th Foot (late 90th Light Infantry) . [London: Richardson & Co. 1880.]
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The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, COMPRISING
1st Batt. ”

“ The Badge and Motto of the Order of the Thistle.
(5) The Red Lion rampant of Scotland, with collar and chain of gold, and "Timiere nescius."
(6) A Blue Griffin, with "Belloque ferox."
(7) A Phœnix in flames, with "Per funera vitam."
(8) A Thunderbolt, with "Horror ubique."
(9) A Cannon firing, with "Concussæ cadent urbes."
(10) A Salamander, with "Pascua nota mihi."
(11) St. Andrew's Cross, with "In hoc signo vinces."
(12) A Trophy, with "Honores præfero."
(13) A Dog, with "Intaminata fide." ”

“ Notes.—Raised in Holland by Charles II., when in exile, and composed mainly of (80) Cavaliers who had fought in the Civil War under Charles I. The 3rd and 4th (Scots) Troops of Life Guards, added at the Union, but disbanded in 1746, saw much service in Flanders (1742-47) . The 1st Life Guards wore cuirasses from its formation to 1698, and resumed them in 1821.
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The Second Life Guards.
The Royal Arms. TITLES.
1660-70. ”