Raised in 1702. In 1706, the 38th embarked for the West Indies, where
it remained for nearly sixty years, most of the time in the island of
Antigua. When the trouble arose in America, the 38th was one of the
first regiments to be despatched thither and fought at Bunker's Hill.
In 1805 it landed in South Africa and helped to re-capture the Cape of
Good Hope from the Dutch. The 2nd Battalion has been shipwrecked no
less than three times. On the first occasion when proceeding to take
part in Abercromby's campaign in Egypt, when the mess-plate and all
the regimental records were lost; again when returning to India on
completion of the campaign; and again when proceeding to India from
Australia in 1844. Lord Wolseley commenced his distinguished career
in this regiment. The 1st Battalion (38th Foot) was called the "Pump
and Tortoise," and the 2nd Battalion (80th Foot), the "Staffordshire
Knots," and previously "The Staffordshire Volunteers."
[Illustration]
(_Depot_, Dorchester.)
(_Record Office_, Exeter.)
The Castle and Key, superscribed "Gibraltar, 1779-83."
The Sphinx, superscribed "Egypt."
"Plassey," "Martinique, 1794," "Marabout," "Albuhera," "Vittoria,"
"Pyrenees," "Nivelle," "Nive," "Orthes," "Peninsula," "Ava,"
"Maharajpore," "Sevastopol," "Tirah," "Relief of Ladysmith," "South
Africa, 1899-1902."
Motto: _Primus in Indis_ (First in India).
_Uniform_, Scarlet.
_Facings_, Grass green.
_Head-dress_, Helmet.
_Cap_, Blue.
_Regimental March_, "The Dorsetshire."
The 1st Battalion is the proud possessor of a remarkable silver
headed Drum-Major's Staff, which was presented to it by the Nawab
of Arcot for its gallantry at the Battle of Plassey.