Raised in 1689, the regiment has one of the most remarkable histories
in the British Army, having twice being almost annihilated, at
Chillianwallah, 1849, where 23 officers and 527 men were killed and
wounded, the regiment being brought out of action by the quartermaster;
and in 1879 at Isandlwana, where hardly a man escaped death. The
gallant defence of Rorke's Drift by one company roused the wonder and
admiration of the whole civilised world. The losses of the regiment in
killed alone reached the appalling total of 21 officers and 590 men. It
had the proud distinction of having won more Victoria Crosses than any
other corps in the British Army.
Nicknamed "Howard's Greens," from its facings and its Colonel's name
from 1717 to 1737.
[Illustration]
(_Depot_, Berwick-on-Tweed.)
(_Record Office_, Hamilton.)