The regiment (1st Battalion is the old 40th Foot) was raised in
1717, being formed from certain companies of infantry which for many
years had been on duty in the West Indies, and remained for some 46
years longer in the West Indies and America, taking part in most of
the historical military operations in that wonderful continent. On
returning home the regiment was quickly on active service again on the
Continent and in Egypt, and then had another spell of hard service in
America, returning just in time to join Wellington's Army on the eve of
Waterloo where they lost 25 killed and 142 wounded. The 1st Battalion
has the proud distinction of being one of the three regiments which
served uninterruptedly throughout the Peninsular War from 1808-1814.
The 40th Foot was nicknamed "The Excellers," from its number XL., also
"The Fighting Fortieth."
[Illustration: Private, 1756.
Drummer, 55th Regiment, 1792.
Grenadier, 55th Regiment, 1767.