Raised in 1741 and was dispatched almost at once on active service,
serving at Minorca, Canada (taking part in the capture of Quebec),
Martinique, and Havannah. The 43rd and 52nd, with the Rifle Brigade,
made up the famous Light Infantry Brigade trained by Sir John Moore
at Shorncliffe, and so laid the foundation for many famous victories
in the Peninsula. The splendid service rendered by the Light Infantry
in subsequent years is a matter of history. The regiment was so often
chosen for leading the storming parties, that a badge "V.S." (Valiant
Stormer) was granted to the men.
Nicknamed "The Light Bobs," a term that was applied generally to Light
Infantry regiments.
[Illustration]
(_Depot_, Warley.)
(_Record Office_, Warley.)
The Castle and Key, superscribed "Gibraltar, 1779-83."
The Sphinx, superscribed "Egypt."
An Eagle.
"Moro," "Havannah," "Badajoz," "Salamanca," "Peninsula,"
"Bladensburg," "Waterloo," "Ava," "Alma," "Inkerman," "Sevastopol,"
"Taku Forts," "Nile, 1884-85," "Relief of Kimberley," "Paardeberg,"
"South Africa, 1899-1902."
_Uniform_, Scarlet.
_Facings_, White.
_Head-dress_, Helmet.
_Cap_, Blue.
_Regimental March_, "The Essex."
At the Battle of Salamanca, 1812, the Eagle of the 62nd French
regiment of the line was captured by the 44th. This trophy is now
in the Chapel of Chelsea Hospital.