Raised in 1688. It served all through Marlborough's campaigns, and its
gallant conduct in no less than thirty-four successful battles and
sieges firmly established its reputation. It was at the siege of Lille,
where one of the sergeants, Littler, performed gallant service by
swimming the river with a hatchet, and, in the face of the enemy single
handed cut the fastenings of a drawbridge. It took part in the battle
of Dettingen, where the French generously commended their bravery, and
declared they saw them advancing, not like men, but devils, in the
face of whole batteries, which fired directly into them, sweeping down
all ranks without being able to break them. As part of the Chitral
Relief Expedition it took part in the storming of the Malakand Pass.
This expedition was an example of sturdy perseverance in the face of
obstacles, which it is not possible for those who have not served on
the Northern Frontier of India to realise.
Nicknames: "The Old Bucks"; also known as "The Peacemakers," from the
ferocity with which it was wont to attack the enemy, who were generally
glad to quickly make peace.
[Illustration]
(_Depot_, Leicester.)
(_Record Office_, Lichfield.)