Raised in 1685. It shared in the defence of Gibraltar in 1727, and
added very considerably to its laurels in the wars of 1793-4. In an
attack on the French camp at Famars, 23rd May, 1793, it not only
gained a victory, but also its regimental march. Among the pieces of
music which fanned the fiery zeal of the French was "Ça ira," to the
strains of which they hurled themselves with impetuosity on the British
troops. The colonel however, with a magnificent inspiration called
out to his men "Come along, my lads, we'll break them to their own
d----d tune," and bade his drummers strike up "Ça ira." The effect was
irresistible, and the French found themselves flying from the sound of
their own martial air. The regiment fought with characteristic bravery
at Corunna, in Java, at Waterloo, in India, in the Crimea, New Zealand,
and South Africa, reaping the highest commendation for gallantry and
devotion everywhere.