Formed in 1685. At Dettingen, under King George II, it took part in
the final charge which assured the victory--the last occasion on which
a British King personally commanded his troops in action. It was one
of the six British Infantry regiments which at Minden shattered the
French cavalry, and finally drove out of the field every body of troops
opposed to them. The Duke of Brunswick who commanded the forces said:
"It was here the British Infantry gained immortal glory." Its services
in the defence of Gibraltar are commemorated by the Castle and Key and
Motto. At the storming of Seringapatam it captured eight stands of
colours. For this splendid behaviour during their two years' defence of
Gibraltar was given the crest and motto they now wear.
Nickname: The "Old Dozen." The men wear roses in their caps on August
1st in commemoration of the Battle of Minden, 1759.
[Illustration]
(_Depot_, Taunton.)
(_Record Office_, Exeter.)
The Sphinx, superscribed "Egypt."
A Mural Crown, superscribed "Jellalabad."
"Gibraltar, 1704-5," "Dettingen," "Martinique, 1809," "Ava,"
"Ghuznee, 1839," "Affghanistan, 1839," "Cabool, 1842,"
"Sevastopol," "South Africa, 1878-9," "Burmah, 1885-87," "Relief of
Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."
_Uniform_, Scarlet.
_Facings_, Blue.
_Head-dress_, Helmet.
_Cap_, Dark green.
_Regimental March_, "Prince Albert's March."
Allied Regiment, 13th "Royal Regiment" of Canada.
The Sergeants wear the sash on the left shoulder in memory of the
Battle of Culloden, where all the officers fell and the remnant of
the regiment was brought out of action by the surviving sergeants.
This is the only regiment in the service not designated "Royal"
wearing Royal Blue facings.