The 1st Battalion (87th Foot) was raised by General Doyle in Ireland
in 1793 and was fighting in 1794 in Belgium and afterwards saw a
great deal of rough service in South America. It was, however, in the
Peninsular War that it earned undying fame, charging the enemy who
were in greatly superior numbers, at Barrosa, with such fury as to
overthrow them, and led to the capture of an eagle by Sergt. Patrick
Masterman, whose grandson won a V.C. in South Africa. In recognition of
its splendid bravery the regiment was given a Royal title and directed
to display an eagle as badge. The regiment has exhibited the same high
standard of bravery in all its subsequent campaigns. The 2nd Battalion
(89th Foot), raised in 1793, also made a splendid name for courage.
Nicknames: 1st Battalion, "The Old Fogs," or the "Faugh-a-Ballagh
Boys"; 2nd Battalion, "The Rollickers."
[Illustration]
(_Depot_, Galway.)
(_Record Office_, Cork.)
The Elephant.