Raised in 1755. This regiment is the only one to bear the honour
"Nieuport," on its colours, winning this in 1793 by gallantly defending
that town against a surprise attack by the enemy. At Tournay the
regiment, with the 14th and 37th, by a forced march reached the
battlefield at a most opportune moment and decided the day in favour of
the British. The regiment was in St. Helena during the time Napoleon
was held captive there, and that great soldier spoke frequently in
tones of high praise of its conduct. It has maintained that good name
throughout its subsequent career.
Nicknames: The 1st Battalion (53rd Foot)--"The Brickdusts," from their
facings, which were red at one time; also "Old Five and Threepennies,"
from its number. The 2nd Battalion (85th Foot)--"Elegant Extracts," it
being reformed with officers picked from other regiments.
[Illustration]
(_Depot_, Mill Hill.)
(_Record Office_, Hounslow.)
"Mysore," "Seringapatam," "Albuhera," "Ciudad Rodrigo," "Badajoz,"
"Vittoria," "Pyrenees," "Nivelle," "Nive," "Peninsula," "Alma,"
"Inkerman," "Sevastopol," "New Zealand," "South Africa, 1879,"
"Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1900-02."
_Uniform_, Scarlet.
_Facings_, Lemon yellow.
_Head-dress_, Helmet.
_Cap_, Blue.
_Regimental Marches_, 1st and 3rd Battns., "Sir Manley Power"; 2nd
and 4th Battns., "Paddy's Resource."
Allied Regiments, 57th Regiment (Peterborough Rangers) of Canada;
77th Wentworth Regiment of Canada; and 11th Regiment (Taranaki
Rifles) of New Zealand.