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."
[Illustration]
(_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.