The history of the British Army is full of romance and interest and
many curious customs, incidents and observances are associated with
most of the regiments. Each regiment has peculiarities of custom which
it has made its own by long use, besides winning unofficial titles and
nicknames commemorative of some deed of daring or peculiarity of dress
or tradition. The following pages deal with these, and if in perusing
them the reader is encouraged to learn more of the glorious history
and traditions of the British Army, which he will do with increasing
satisfaction and interest, the author will feel amply rewarded.
Although outwardly all regiments or battalions of one branch of the
service are alike to the ordinary observer, there are, however, many
little differences distinguishing them. These little differences are
for the most part the sole remaining links with those gallant regiments
of the past from which they have descended, and whose glorious
achievements are a subject of great pride to all ranks. For instance,
in the Royal Artillery there may be no difference to be detected
between the various batteries or companies, yet each has traditions
and subtle differences highly prized, as for instance the Chestnut
Troop, the Rocket Troop, and the Battleaxe Company, all reminiscent of
glorious incidents in their history.