Raised in 1702. During the Peninsular War, at Arroyo dos Molinos it
performed one of the most brilliant feats of the whole war; single
handed the battalion cut off and made prisoners many French officers
of distinction, besides an entire battalion of the French 34th of the
Line, the brass drums and drum-major's staff of which are still in
possession of the 1st Battalion. The 1st Battalion (34th Foot) was
one of the "boy regiments" reformed in 1797 and sent to the Cape to
be acclimatised. The 2nd Battalion (55th Foot) are known as "The Two
Fives," from their number. The "Dragon" badge commemorates the services
of the 55th in China, and it had the unique distinction for many years
of wearing the red and white feather in their chacos, with red on
top. Both battalions met in the Crimea, and did fine service before
Sevastopol.
Nickname: "The Cattle Reeves," from the old traditions of the Scottish
Border.
[Illustration]
(_Depot_, Chichester.)
(_Record Office_, Hounslow.)
The White (Rousillon) Plume.
"Gibraltar, 1704-05," "Louisburg," "Quebec, 1759," "Martinique,
1762," "Havannah," "St. Lucia, 1778," "Maida," "Egypt, 1882," "Abu
Klea," "Nile, 1884-85," "South Africa, 1900-02."
_Uniform_, Scarlet.
_Facings_, Blue.
_Head-dress_, Helmet.
_Cap_, Blue with Scarlet Band.
_Regimental March_, "The Royal Sussex."
The Badge of the Maltese Cross is in memory of the capture of Malta.