Raised in 1689, and was present at the battle of Dettingen, where
King George II. commanded in person. The King was at one time hotly
pressed by the French cavalry, when a detachment formed round him
under an oak tree and drove the enemy away. The King plucked a leaf
off the tree and, handing it to the commander, desired the regiment
to wear it in memory of their gallant conduct. The oakleaf is now
worn in the head-dress, and on the colours on September 12th, and on
ceremonial parades. In 1795 it recruited its ranks with poorhouse boys
between the ages of twelve and sixteen. Amongst the boys who joined
was John Shipp, an orphan, who performed the unique feat of _twice_
winning a commission from the ranks before he was thirty years old, for
conspicuous bravery in the field. In 1843 it formed part of the force
under Sir Charles Napier which destroyed the Indian desert stronghold
of Emaun Ghur--an enterprise characterised as one of the most curious
and dangerous military feats ever known.
Nicknames: The "Two Twos"; also in 1795 the "Red Knights," from
being served out with all red clothing; also known as the "Lightning
Conductors."
[Illustration]
(_Depot_, Wrexham.)
(_Record Office_, Shrewsbury.)