Raised in 1688. It won lasting fame on the historic field of Minden.
So heavy were its losses on that day that Prince Ferdinand directed
the regiment to be excused from further duty. This they declined to
accept, and a General Order records that "Kingsley's Regiment, at its
own request, will resume its portion of duty in the line." In addition
to the battle honour a laurel wreath was ordered to be worn on the
colours and appointments. These glorious memories are recalled by the
regimental custom of wearing "Minden Roses" in the caps on each 1st
August. Its bravery throughout the Peninsular War was conspicuous, and
the Duke of Wellington, when presenting it with Colours in 1838, said:
"I declare that of the many distinguished regiments of the British
Army, which I have had the honour to command, this, the best and most
distinguished, is entitled to all the eulogiums I may have bestowed
upon it."
Nicknames: The "Two Tens" from its number, also "The Minden Boys," and
"Kingsley's Stand."
[Illustration]
(_Depot_, Ayr.)
(_Record Office_, Hamilton.)
"Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Dettingen,"
"Martinique, 1794," "Bladensburg," "Alma," "Inkerman,"
"Sevastopol," "South Africa, 1879," "Burma, 1885-87," "Tirah,"
"Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."
Motto: _Nemo me impune lacessit_ (No one provokes me with impunity).
_Uniform_, Scarlet.
_Facings_, Blue.
_Trews_, of Sutherland tartan.
_Head-dress_, Sealskin cap with white plume on right side.
_Cap_, Glengarry, with scarlet, white and green diced border.
_Regimental March_, "British Grenadiers."