Formed in 1695. The "Figure of Britannia" was awarded as a regimental
badge to commemorate its heroic struggle against overwhelming numbers
at the battle of Almanza. It won much glory during the Peninsular War.
At Roleia it bore the brunt of the enemy's attack, and at Corunna,
where the gallant Sir John Moore met a soldier's death, to the regiment
fell the melancholy honour of placing him in a soldier's grave. In
the Afghan War of 1842, and in the Sikh War of 1845 its bravery was
conspicuous. At Ferozeshah the Sikhs had 100 guns, which they served
with great effect, repulsing the first attack; but the Ninth restored
the day, bayoneting the Sikhs at their guns, and driving the enemy
before them.
Nicknames: "The Holy Boys," a name given them by the Spanish during the
Peninsular War, from the fact that they wore the figure of Britannia
on their cross-belts, which the Spaniards took to represent the Virgin
Mary; also "The Fighting Ninth," and "The Norfolk Howards."
[Illustration]
(_Depot_, Lincoln.)
(_Record Office_, Lichfield.)