1693-1751. Colonel Henry Cunningham's [or its Colonel's name] Regiment
of Dragoons; "St. George" from 1740-51.
1751-75. The 8th Dragoons.
1775-77. The 8th Light Dragoons.
1777-1822. The 8th, or The King's Royal Irish Light Dragoons.
1822 (from). The 8th, The King's Royal Irish Hussars.
PRINCIPAL CAMPAIGNS, BATTLES, &c.
* "Honours" on the Colours.
1704-13. Spain.
1706. Barcelona.
1707. Almanza.
1710. Almanara.
1710. Saragossa.
1710. Brehuega.
1794-95. Flanders.
1795. Cape of Good Hope.
1800. Kaffir War.
1801. Egypt.
1802-22. Hindoostan.
*1803. Leswarree.
1803. Agra.
1804. Aurungabad.
1804. Ferruckabad.
1804. Deeg.
1805. Bhurtpore.
*1854. Alma.
*1854. Balaclava.
*1854. Inkerman.
1855. Eupatoria.
*1855. Sevastopol.
1858. Indian Mutiny.
*1858. Central India.
*1879-80. Afghanistan.
1900. South Africa.
UNIFORM.--Scarlet (1693-1784); Blue (1784-1802); Light Blue or
Cavalry Grey (1802-22); Dark Blue (from 1822). Facings, Yellow
(1693-1777); Blue (1777-84); Scarlet (1784-1822); Blue (from
1822). Helmet-plume, Red and White.
REGIMENTAL BADGE.--"The Harp and Crown." Motto: "_Pristinæ
virtutis memores_."
NICKNAME.--"The Cross Belts" (1768), from its privilege of
wearing the sword-belt over the left shoulder, in recognition of
services at Saragossa, where it took the belts of the Spanish
Cavalry; of this fact, however, there is no official record; also
"The Georges" (from its Colonel's name, 1740-51); also "The Dirty
Eighth."
NOTES.--Composed originally of loyal Protestants who had fought
at the Boyne. It gained much distinction in Spain and Flanders;
and received its title, crest, and motto in 1777 as special marks
of Royal favour. It shared largely in the glory of Leswarree and
other Indian actions--in short, few regiments can boast a more
honourable record than "The Royal Irish."
BIBLIOGRAPHY.--_Historical Record of the 8th, or King's Royal
Irish Regiment of Hussars._ 1693-1843. Illustrated. [London:
Parker. 1844.]
_Historical Record of the 8th King's Royal Irish Hussars._ To
1803. By John Francis Smet, M.D., late Surgeon, 8th Hussars.
[London: Mitchell. 1874.]
The Ninth (The Queen's Royal) Lancers.
[Illustration: THE ROYAL CYPHER WITHIN THE GARTER.]