Raised in 1702 as the 33rd Foot, and in 1814 nicknamed "The Havercake
Lads," its recruiting sergeants preceding the recruits with a haver
or oatcake stuck on their swords. From its earliest days the regiment
was distinguished for bravery in the field, being commended in 1705-6
at the storming of Valentia d'Alcantara, and nearly annihilated at
the battle of Almanza in 1707. The same bravery has marked it through
the centuries, and to-day it is showing that its ancient courage is
maintained undiminished. The Duke of Wellington served in it and
afterwards commanded it, and the regiment was named after him.
The 2nd Battalion (76th Foot) became known in 1806 as "The Old
Immortals," most of its men having been wounded or died in the ten
or twelve years previously; "The Old Seven-and-Sixpennies," from its
number; "The Hindoostan Regiment."
[Illustration]
(_Depot_, Carlisle.)
(_Record Office_, Preston.)