Formed from an Independent Company in 1685. It fought with distinction
during Marlborough's campaign. Of its conduct in the Sikh War the
Brigadier said, "The glorious conduct of the regiment at Sobraon is
beyond any praise I could give--it was the corner stone of the victory."
During the Indian Mutiny it assisted to save Benares and Dinapore from
the Sepoys and to bring the final rescue to the heroic defenders of
Lucknow. The regiment took part in the famous march on Khartoum and in
the battle of Atbara and Omdurman which broke the power of the Mahdi
and placed Soudan under British control. It was also in the South
African War, and again added to its fine reputation.
It was (with the 62nd) nicknamed "The Springers," during the American
War, from their readiness for action. "The Poachers" in allusion to the
famous old ballad, which is played as the Regimental March.
[Illustration]
(_Depot_, Exeter.)
(_Record Office_, Exeter.)
"Dettingen," "Salamanca," "Pyrenees," "Nivelle," "Nive," "Orthes,"
"Toulouse," "Peninsula," "Afghanistan, 1879-80," "Tirah," "Defence
of Ladysmith," "Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."
Motto: _Semper Fidelis_ (Ever faithful).
_Uniform_, Scarlet.
_Facings_, Lincoln Green.
_Head-dress_, Helmet.
_Cap_, Blue.
_Regimental March_, "We've lived and loved together."
The Regimental March owes its origin to a circumstance prior to
the Battle of Salamanca. The 11th found itself marching in close
proximity to a French regiment. As no order to attack was given,
the officers on either side saluted by lowering their swords, and
at parting the British bandsmen struck up, out of compliment to
their adversaries, the tune in question.