The regiment was raised in 1680 by the Earl of Plymouth. It gained
great distinction at the siege of Namur, 1695, and while serving as
Marines in 1704 it shared in the capture of Gibraltar. It has fought
with distinction in all parts of the world, and has ever acquitted
itself with credit to England and glory to itself. It was one of the
few British regiments to make the famous desert march across Abyssinia,
to the capture of Magdala. It also fought in the Zulu War and was one
of the devoted battalions to climb and capture Spion Kop, holding that
awful position throughout a day of dire disaster with unflinching
courage.
Nicknames: The "Lions," from its ancient badge, the Lion of England,
given to it by the Prince of Orange, the regiment being the first to
join his Standard after landing at Torbay in 1688. "Barrell's Blues,"
from William Barrell, Colonel of the regiment in 1740, and its facings.
The title of "The King's Own" was conferred by George I in 1715.
[Illustration]
(_Depot_, Newcastle-on-Tyne.)
(_Record Office_, York.)
"Wilhelmstahl," "St. Lucia, 1778," "Roliça," "Vimiera," "Corunna,"
"Busaco," "Ciudad Rodrigo," "Badajoz," "Salamanca," "Vittoria,"
"Nivelle," "Orthes," "Toulouse," "Peninsula," "Lucknow,"
"Afghanistan, 1878-80," "Khartoum," "Modder River," "South Africa,
1899-1902."
Motto: _Quo fata vocant_ (Whither the fates call).
_Uniform_, Scarlet.
_Facings_, Gosling green.
_Head-dress_, Racoon-skin cap.
_Plume_, Scarlet, with white base, worn on left side.
_Cap_, Blue.
_Regimental March_, "British Grenadiers."
A third Colour is carried on ceremonial occasions by the drummers
to commemorate the capture of a colour at Wilhelmstahl.