The 1st Battalion (41st Foot) was raised as a regiment of invalids in
1719, and it was for a long time known as the "1st Invalids," and as
such appears in most of the old "Army Lists." In the era of George II.,
it distinguished itself in Germany.
The 2nd Battalion (the 69th Regiment) was known as "The Old
Agamemnons," so called by Lord Nelson at the naval battle of St.
Vincent, from the name of his ship, the "Agamemnon," on which the
regiment served as Marines; also the "Ups and Downs" from the fact that
their number can be read either way up.
The regiment has fought with the greatest distinction in many quarters
of the world. The curious military arrangements which opened the door
for abuse in bygone days are seen in the fact that Colonel Sir Henry
Walton, K.C.B., who afterwards commanded the 23rd Regiment, received a
commission on the day he was born, through the influence of his father,
and at the age of four was gazetted Ensign in the 41st Foot on full
pay, and at the age of thirteen was posted to the command of a company.