Regimental Nicknames and Traditions of the British Army

Chapter I: Part 1

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REGIMENTAL NICKNAMES

AND

TRADITIONS OF THE BRITISH ARMY

Field-Marshal His Majesty the King.]

Regimental Nicknames

_and_

Traditions _of the_ British Army

FIFTH EDITION
ENLARGED & REVISED

LONDON: GALE & POLDEN LTD.
2 AMEN CORNER, PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C.

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1916

_[Copyright under the Act of 1911]_

Preface to 1st Edition

When the Territorial System was adopted in 1881, the old titles borne by our regiments were, in many cases, changed, and in other instances entirely lost. When the old titles changed, the Nicknames, by which nearly every corps was known, disappeared. These Nicknames often brought to mind some amusing event or memorable incident in the regiment's career, and in many cases originated from some peculiarity in the uniform, or, in the case of a cavalry regiment, the colour of the horses. There is no official record kept of these Nicknames, as they were wholly unrecognised by the "Army List"; it is, therefore, hoped that the record of the old names and titles as shown in this work will be appreciated.

CONTENTS

Page

Alexandra Princess of Wales's Own
(Yorkshire Regiment) 60

Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders 106

Army Medical Corps, Royal 112
" Ordnance Corps 114
" Pay Corps 115
" Service Corps 111
" Veterinary Corps 113

Artillery, Field, Royal 34
" Garrison, Royal 35
" Horse, Royal 33

Bedfordshire Regiment 57

Berkshire Regiment, Royal 88

Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) 82

Border Regiment 75

Borderers, Scottish, King's Own 66
" South Wales 65

Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and,
Light Infantry 83

Buffs (East Kent Regiment) 44

Cameron Highlanders 102

Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) 67

Canadians, Royal (Leinster Regiment) 107

Carabiniers (6th Dragoon Guards) 10

Cheshire Regiment 63

Coldstream Guards 38

Connaught Rangers 105

Derbyshire, Notts. and, Regiment 85

Devonshire Regiment 52

Dorsetshire Regiment 79

Dragoon Guards, 1st (King's) 5
" " 2nd (Queen's Bays) 6
" " 3rd (Prince of
Wales's) 7
" " 4th (Royal Irish) 8
" " 5th (Princess Charlotte
of Wales's) 9
" " 6th (Carabiniers) 10
" " 7th (Princess Royal's) 11

Dragoons, 1st (Royal) 12
" 2nd (Royal Scots Greys) 13
" 6th (Inniskilling) 17

Dublin Fusiliers, Royal 109

Duke of Cambridge's Own Lancers
(17th) 28

Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex
Regiment) 92

Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry 73

Duke of Edinburgh's (Wiltshire
Regiment) 94

Duke of Wellington's (West Riding
Regiment) 74

Durham Light Infantry 98

East Kent Regiment 44
" Lancashire Regiment 71
" Surrey Regiment 72

East Yorkshire Regiment 56

Empress of India's Lancers (21st) 32

Engineers, Royal 36

Essex Regiment 84

Field Artillery, Royal 34

Flying Corps, Royal 1

Fusiliers, Dublin, Royal 109
" Inniskilling, Royal 68
" Irish, Royal 104
" Lancashire 61
" Munster, Royal 108
" Northumberland 46
" Royal 48
" Scots, Royal 62
" Welsh, Royal 64

Garrison Artillery, Royal 35

Gloucestershire Regiment 69

Gordon Highlanders 101

Grenadier Guards 37

Guards, Foot 37

Guards, Horse, Royal 4
" Life 2, 3

Hampshire Regiment 77

Highland Light Infantry 99

Highlanders, Argyll and Sutherland 106
" Cameron 102
" Gordon 101
" Royal 82
" Seaforth 100

Horse Artillery, Royal 33

Horse Guards, Royal 4

Hussars, 3rd (King's Own) 14
" 4th (Queen's Own) 15
" 7th (Queen's Own) 18
" 8th (King's Royal Irish) 19
" 10th (Prince of Wales's
Own Royal) 21
" 11th (Prince Albert's Own) 22
" 13th 24
" 14th (King's) 25
" 15th (The King's) 26
" 18th (Queen Mary's Own) 29
" 19th (Queen Alexandra's
Own Royal) 30
" 20th 31

Inniskilling Dragoons (6th) 17
" Fusiliers, Royal 68

Irish Dragoon Guards, Royal (4th) 8
" Fusiliers, Royal 104
" Guards 40
" Hussars, King's Royal (8th) 19
" Lancers, Royal (5th) 16
" Regiment, Royal 59
" Rifles, Royal 103

Kent, East, Regiment 44
" West, Regiment, Royal 89

King's Dragoon Guards (1st) 5
" Hussars (14th) 25
" Hussars (15th) 26
" Liverpool Regiment 49
" Own Hussars (3rd) 14
" Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment) 45
" Own Scottish Borderers 66
" Own (Yorkshire Light Infantry) 90
" Royal Irish Hussars (8th) 19
" Royal Rifle Corps 93
" (Shropshire Light Infantry) 91

Lancashire, East, Regiment 71
" Fusiliers 61
" North, Regiment, Loyal 86
" South, Regiment 80

Lancaster Regiment, Royal 45
" York and, Regiment 97

Lancers, 5th (Royal Irish) 16
" 9th (Queen's Royal) 20
" 12th (Prince of Wales's
Royal) 23
" 16th (The Queen's) 27
" 17th (Duke of Cambridge's
Own) 28
" 21st (Empress of India's) 32

Leicestershire Regiment 58

Leinster Regiment 107

Life Guards 2, 3

Lincolnshire Regiment 51

Liverpool Regiment 49

London, City of, Regiment 48

Manchester Regiment 95

Marines, Royal 117

Middlesex Regiment 92

Military Police, Corps of 116

Munster Fusiliers, Royal 108

Norfolk Regiment 50

North Lancashire Regiment, Loyal 86
" Staffordshire Regiment 96

Northamptonshire Regiment 87

Northumberland Fusiliers 46

Notts. & Derby Regiment 85

Orders and Decorations worn in
British Army 118

Ordnance Corps, Army 114

Oxfordshire & Bucks. Light Infantry 83

Pay Corps, Army 115

Police, Military, Corps of 116

Prince Albert's Own Hussars (11th) 22
" " (Somerset Light Infantry) 54
" Consort's Own (Rifle Brigade) 110

Prince of Wales's Dragoon Guards, 3rd 7
" " Leinster Regiment 107
" " North Staffordshire
Regiment 96
" " Own Royal Hussars
(10th) 21
" " Own (West Yorkshire
Regiment) 55
" " Royal Lancers (12th) 23
" " Volunteers (South
Lancashire Regt). 80

Princess Charlotte of Wales's Dragoon
Guards (5th) 9

Princess Charlotte of Wales's (Royal
Berkshire Regiment) 88

Princess Louise's (Argyll & Sutherland
Highlanders) 106
" Royal's Dragoon Guards (7th) 11
" Victoria's (Royal Irish Fusiliers) 104

Queen Alexandra's Own Royal Hussars
(19th) 30
" Mary's Own Hussars (18th) 29

Queen's Bays (2nd Dragoon Guards) 6
" Lancers (16th) 27
" Own Cameron Highlanders 102
" " Hussars (4th) 15
" " " (7th) 18
" " (Royal West Kent
Regiment) 89
" Royal Lancers (9th) 20
" (Royal West Surrey Regiment) 43

Rifle Brigade 110
" Corps, King's Royal 93

Scots Fusiliers, Royal 62
" Greys, Royal 13
" Guards 39
" Royal 42

Scottish Borderers, King's Own 66
" Rifles (The Cameronians) 67

Seaforth Highlanders 100

Sherwood Foresters (Notts. & Derby
Regiment) 85

Shropshire Light Infantry 91

Somerset Light Infantry 54

South Lancashire Regiment 80
" Staffordshire Regiment 78
" Wales Borderers 65

Staffordshire, North, Regiment 96
" South, Regiment 78

Suffolk Regiment 53

Surrey, East, Regiment 72
" West, Regiment, Royal 43

Sussex Regiment, Royal 76

Veterinary Corps, Army 113

Wales, South, Borderers 65

Warwickshire Regiment, Royal 47

Welsh Fusiliers, Royal 64
" Guards 41
" Regiment 81

West Kent Regiment, Royal 89

West Riding Regiment 74
" Surrey Regiment, Royal 43

West Yorkshire Regiment 55

Wiltshire Regiment 94

Worcestershire Regiment 70

York and Lancaster Regiment 97

Yorkshire, East, Regiment 56
" Light Infantry 90
" Regiment 60
" West, Regiment 55

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

H.M. King George V. Frontispiece

Royal Escort of Life Guards at St. James's Palace Facing Page xxiv.

Types of Royal Flying Corps Aeroplanes " 1

The Standard and Uniforms of the 3rd Dragoon Guards " 4

The Drum Horse of the 7th Dragoon Guards " 5

Grenadier Guards--Sergeant Drummer in State Dress " 12

Sergeant Ewart capturing the Eagle at Waterloo " 13

The Coldstreamers first meeting with the Monarch " 16

Scots Guards--Piper in State Dress " 17

Irish Guards--Officer of the Guard " 20

Welsh Guards--Ceremonial Duty " 21

Charging with the Light Brigade at Balaclava " 28

Royal Engineers at Pontooning Work " 29

Royal Field Artillery in Review Order " 32

The Heroic Stand of "L" Battery, R.H.A., at Nery " 33

The Royal Fusiliers marching through the City of London " 48

Presentation of Colours " 49

Colonel Ridge leading the stormers at Badajoz " 52

Types of old Infantry Uniforms " 53

Drums and Silver Mounted Drum-Major's Staff captured by
2nd Battalion Border Regiment " 60

The Lancashire Fusiliers--Returning from a Review " 61

L'entente cordiale " 64

Types of Uniforms worn by the Worcestershire Regiment " 65

Types of Uniforms worn by the Border Regiment " 80

The Colours of the Border Regiment " 80

British Infantry storming a village in modern warfare " 81

The Middlesex Regiment--Drums and Fifes " 84

A Review--The March Past " 85

The Glorious Gallantry of the Middlesex Regiment at Albuhera " 92

The Manchester Regiment--Commanding Officer, Adjutant
and Sergeant-Major " 93

Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders--Officers in Review Order " 100

Gordon Highlanders--Officers in Review Order " 101

The Army Service Corps--A Field Bakery " 108

Royal Dublin Fusiliers--Officers with Colours " 109

FORMER TITLES OF THE BATTALIONS OF INFANTRY

FOREWORD

The sudden expansion of the British Army to a strength undreamed of prior to August, 1914, brought in its train an ever-increasing desire on the part of the public for a better knowledge of the Army and of its glorious traditions, a subject that had previously attracted little or no attention outside military circles. Even among an average body of soldiers there is curiously enough a lack of knowledge of military history outside that closely associated with their own regiment. Yet the history of the British Army is unequalled by any other in the world for splendid achievement, while the regimental histories and traditions teem with instances of devotion to duty, gallantry in the face of overwhelming odds, and self-sacrifice of the most glorious nature. These traditions are highly treasured in the regiments, and their preservation has tended to build up and sustain in each unit that splendid _esprit de corps_ which has animated all ranks, and made almost the impossible possible to our gallant soldiers in the presence of hardships and danger, and has led them to face death with a courage and heroism unsurpassed in the history of the world.

The traditions of the British Army stretch back over four centuries, during which it has been the acknowledged means of winning and building up the greatest Empire the world has ever known. The Army's deeds are a sealed book so far as the general public are concerned, for military matters except in times of actual war have never been a popular subject, the great heroes of the battlefield being far less known to the British public than popular performers on the football field or pampered professional boxers.

THE ROMANCE OF MILITARY HISTORY

The history of the British Army is full of romance and interest and many curious customs, incidents and observances are associated with most of the regiments. Each regiment has peculiarities of custom which it has made its own by long use, besides winning unofficial titles and nicknames commemorative of some deed of daring or peculiarity of dress or tradition. The following pages deal with these, and if in perusing them the reader is encouraged to learn more of the glorious history and traditions of the British Army, which he will do with increasing satisfaction and interest, the author will feel amply rewarded.

Although outwardly all regiments or battalions of one branch of the service are alike to the ordinary observer, there are, however, many little differences distinguishing them. These little differences are for the most part the sole remaining links with those gallant regiments of the past from which they have descended, and whose glorious achievements are a subject of great pride to all ranks. For instance, in the Royal Artillery there may be no difference to be detected between the various batteries or companies, yet each has traditions and subtle differences highly prized, as for instance the Chestnut Troop, the Rocket Troop, and the Battleaxe Company, all reminiscent of glorious incidents in their history.

CAVALRY DISTINCTIONS

The Household Cavalry are now the only British Cavalry still wearing the polished steel cuirass. Yet each of the regiments has little differences apparent only to the close observer. Thus, the 1st Life Guards wear a red cord as their shoulder belts and black sheep-skins on their saddles, the 2nd Life Guards wearing a blue cord and white sheep-skins. The seven regiments of Dragoon Guards differ somewhat from each other in point of uniform. They, with the Royal Engineers, are the only regiments in the army to wear velvet facings. Their helmets are of brass, the helmets of the Household Cavalry and Dragoons being of white metal. The three regiments of Dragoons are representative of England, Scotland and Ireland, being the 1st Royal Dragoons, Royal Scots Greys and Inniskilling Dragoons, the Greys being distinctive by reason of the colour of their horses and their bearskin head-dress.

Each of the twelve regiments of Hussars, introduced into the service in 1806 as Light Dragoons, has also certain distinctions of dress, as also have the six regiments of Lancers, the best known of which is perhaps the 17th Lancers on account of its grim crest, a skull with crossbones, which, with its motto "Or Glory" has led to its popular name of "The Death or Glory Boys." It is an interesting fact that the 17th Lancers in 1795 provided a detachment for service on H.M.S. "Hermione" as Marines, and were promptly nicknamed "The Horse Marines." Lancer regiments were introduced into the British Army in 1816.

Each regiment of Dragoon Guards carries a standard on ceremonial occasions, and Dragoon regiments carry a guidon (a swallow-tailed standard). Hussar and Lancer regiments do not carry standards, bearing their battle honours on their appointments.

PRIVILEGES OF THE FOOT GUARDS

The regiments of Foot Guards, known as the Brigade of Guards, have many privileges and duties reserved to them alone. They claim the privilege of guarding the Royal Palaces and form part of the Household Troops of the Sovereign. The First Company of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards is known as the King's Company and is comprised of picked men of particularly fine physique, none under 6 feet in height being admitted to it. This company has the right to carry on parade on state and ceremonial occasions a colour of crimson silk, the gift of the Sovereign, being the only company in the Army so privileged. The First Company of the Welsh Guards, formed in 1915, is known as The Prince of Wales's Company, and is also composed of picked men. The Scots Guards is the only regular Scottish regiment to have drum and fife bands. The Quartermasters of the Brigade of Guards wear cocked hats with plumes, the Grenadier and Scots Guards, white; the Coldstream Guards, red; and the Irish Guards, blue. The sergeant-majors of the Foot Guards wear an elaborate Royal Coat of Arms on their right sleeves above the elbow.

No chevrons or badges are worn by staff-sergeants of the Foot Guards in undress uniform.

The Royal or King's Colour in regiments of Foot Guards is of crimson silk, and bears the distinctions conferred by Royal authority. The regimental colour of Foot Guards is the Union Jack, and battle honours are borne on both colours. The King's Colour of the Infantry of the Line is the Union Jack, with the regimental badge superimposed, but the regimental colour is distinctive in each regiment and the battle honours are borne on these alone.

PIPERS' PECULIARITIES

Regarding pipers it is a curious fact that the Regulations provide for an issue of fifes to Scottish regiments but not bagpipes, which have to be provided regimentally, although with the exception of the Scots Guards, the fifes are never drawn from stores. In the Royal Scots, Royal Scots Fusiliers, King's Own Scottish Borderers and Scottish Rifles, pipers are officially borne on the strength, but no clothing allowed for them, which has to be provided regimentally. The sergeant-pipers of the Scots Guards alone wear a crown and silver chevrons on their doublet sleeves, all other sergeant-pipers wearing gold chevrons without a crown.

There are many interesting peculiarities connected with uniforms or accoutrements. The Kilmarnock bonnets worn by the Royal Scots and King's Own Scottish Borderers, which were designed and issued for wear after the South African War, are quite distinctive, as also are the chacos of the Scottish Rifles and Highland Light Infantry, the former having a plume in front and the latter a ball. The Queen's Royal West Surrey Regiment is the only regiment in the Army wearing a sacred emblem as a badge, while the Buffs (East Kent Regiment) claim to have a far more ancient lineage than any other English regiment.

ANIMAL BADGES

The King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment wears the Lion of England for a badge, and it is interesting to note that many other regiments go to the animal kingdom for their crests, the Royal Warwickshire Regiment wearing an antelope as a badge; the King's Liverpool Regiment, West Yorkshire Regiment and Royal West Kent Regiment, a horse; the Buffs, the Scottish Rifles, Royal Berkshire Regiment, North Staffordshire Regiment and York and Lancaster Regiment, a dragon; the Gordon Highlanders, Royal Munster Fusiliers, Royal Dublin Fusiliers, Leicestershire Regiment and Hampshire Regiment, a tiger; the West Riding Regiment, Connaught Rangers, Seaforth Highlanders, and the Highland Light Infantry, an elephant; the Royal Irish Fusiliers, an eagle; the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, a cat; and the Bedfordshire Regiment, a stag.

QUICK STEPPING INFANTRY

The Light Infantry regiments wear a bugle or French horn as part of their badge, and together with Rifle regiments march with a much quicker step than do other infantry regiments. The regulation pace is 120 to the minute, but Rifle and Light Infantry regiments step much quicker, 140 to 160, except when marching with other troops, then their pace is that laid down for the army generally. They have bugle bands instead of drum and fife bands.

The Northumberland Fusiliers are the only regiment to celebrate St. George's Day, and are looked upon as the representative English infantry regiment in the British Army and their crest of St. George and the Dragon is unique.

All Fusilier regiments wear sealskin fusilier caps with distinctive plumes, and a grenade as a badge. The Royal Fusiliers is best known as the City of London Regiment, and has some peculiar privileges in consequence, one of these being the right to march through the City of London with fixed bayonets, colours flying, and drums beating, without first obtaining the permission of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen. This privilege is shared by the Buffs, the Grenadier Guards and Royal Marines only.

The Norfolk Regiment has a curious crest, being the figure of Britannia as it used to appear on the copper coinage, and is the only regiment not having a Royal title, of which His Majesty is Colonel-in-Chief. The Lincolnshire Regiment was for some years after being raised the only British regiment of infantry to wear blue coats.

THE MINDEN REGIMENTS

The Suffolk Regiment was one of the six regiments of British infantry that performed the remarkable feat of charging and utterly destroying a column of French cavalry, superior in numbers to themselves. This was at Minden, the other five regiments being the Lancashire Fusiliers, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, King's Own Scottish Borderers, Hampshire Regiment and the Yorkshire Light Infantry. The regiments passed to the battlefield through gardens of roses in full bloom, and the soldiers picked the blossoms and fixed them in their hats, and in commemoration of their victory they enjoy the right of wearing roses in their head-dress on the anniversary of the battle.

The Prince Albert's Somerset Light Infantry has two peculiar distinctions, one being that it is the only regiment without a Royal title to wear blue for its facings, and the other being that the sergeants enjoy the right of wearing their sashes over the left shoulder the same as the officers, in commemoration of their devoted gallantry at the battle of Culloden, when the casualties among the officers were so numerous that the sergeants were left in command.

The Cheshire Regiment also enjoys a peculiar privilege, that of wearing oak leaves in its head-dress and as a wreath on its colour staves on all Royal ceremonial parades, in commemoration of its rally round its Sovereign who took shelter at a critical moment beneath an oak tree during the battle of Dettingen.

WELSH TRADITIONS

Among the peculiarities of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers is that of wearing a bunch of black ribbons fastened to the back of the collar. This is a survival of the patch of black leather which in former days was worn by all soldiers on the back to prevent the grease from the powdered pigtails from soiling the tunics. The regiment also enjoys the privilege, common to all Welsh regiments, of being led on parade by a goat, these animals being generally gifts from the Sovereign.

The South Wales Borderers have a highly-prized distinction, that of bearing a silver wreath of immortelles fastened to their King's colour, in commemoration of the devoted bravery of the regiment in the Zulu War.

All the Welsh regiments carry on their colours, or as badges, the device of the Plume of the Prince of Wales, the Rising Sun, and the Red Dragon of Cadwaladr.

The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers were for many years the only regiment in the British Army using the old Irish war pipes, but now other Irish regiments have adopted the custom and possess full pipe bands. The Irish war pipe has but two drones, as distinctive from the Scottish bagpipes which have three.

THE GLORY OF THE GLOUCESTERS AND WORCESTERS

The Gloucestershire Regiment has a unique distinction, that of wearing a miniature replica of its badge at the back of its head-dress, bestowed for its gallantry at the battle of Alexandria, when being suddenly attacked front and rear simultaneously, the rear ranks of the regiment turned about and beat the enemy off.

The Worcestershire Regiment has as its motto the word "Firm," bestowed for steadiness in the face of the foe, and naturally highly prized.

The Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment enjoys two peculiar distinctions, the first that of being the only regiment in the British Army bearing the name of anyone except a Royal personage as part of its title, and also of being the only regiment to wear scarlet facings to its red tunics.

THE BORDERS' UNIQUE HONOUR

The Border Regiment alone among the regiments of the Army bears the battle honour of "Arroyo dos Molinos," although a number of regiments took part in that great battle.

The Welsh Regiment, like the Welsh Guards, has a motto in the Welsh language. The former served with distinction as marines on board the fleet under Lord Nelson.

The Black Watch wears a red hackle or feather in its bonnets, a distinction won on the battlefield, and its pipers are the only ones in the army wearing feather bonnets instead of glengarry caps.

THE GREENJACKETS

The King's Royal Rifle Corps and the Rifle Brigade are known as the Greenjackets, from the colour of their full dress uniform, and like all Rifle regiments wear fur busbies. They do not carry colours, their battle honours being emblazoned on their appointments. They do not carry their rifles at the slope but at the trail. There are two other Rifle regiments in the British Army, these being the Scottish Rifles (The Cameronians) and the Royal Irish Rifles.

THE ELEPHANT COLOURS.

The Highland Light Infantry and Seaforth Highlanders enjoy the privilege of carrying a third colour on parade, this having been presented to them to commemorate their bravery at the battle of Assaye, and being emblazoned with an elephant is known as the Assaye or Elephant Colour. The Seaforth is the only regiment to have a Gaelic motto.

The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders have a larger proportion of Gaelic-speaking soldiers in their ranks than any other, most of them hailing from the most northern part of the Highlands.

BATTLE HONOURS.

Before the great war on the Continent the King's Royal Rifle Corps were credited with the highest number of battle honours, viz., 40, the Gloucester Regiment being second with 34, then in order the Rifle Brigade 33, Highland Light Infantry 32, Black Watch and Gordon Highlanders 31 each, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, Royal Scots, South Staffordshire Regiment and South Lancashire Regiment 29 each, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry 27, Sherwood Foresters, Seaforth Highlanders, Royal Munster Fusiliers, Northamptonshire Regiment and Royal Dublin Fusiliers 25 each, and The Buffs, East Surrey Regiment and Grenadier Guards 24 each. The 16th Lancers have the highest number of honours amongst the Cavalry regiments, viz., 18, the 9th Lancers having 16, and the 14th Hussars 15.

Many other matters of interest attaching to each regiment will be found in the following pages.

(_Record Office_, Aldershot)

_Uniform_, Blue.

_Facings_, Scarlet.

_Service Uniform_, Khaki fold-over jacket, breeches, and putties,
with turndown cap.

Motto: _Per Ardua ad Astra_ (Through difficulties to the Stars).

ROYAL FLYING CORPS

The great European war brought out in startling fashion the remarkable efficiency of the military aerial service, which is embodied in the Naval and Military Wings of the Royal Flying Corps. The Naval Wing is concerned chiefly with airships, while the Military Wing is devoted to work with aeroplanes and man-carrying kites. The Corps has its foundation in the old Balloon Company of the Royal Engineers, which in 1911 was absorbed into the Air Battalion Royal Engineers, when the aerial service of the army was placed on a sound basis. The headquarters were placed at Aldershot. On April 13th, 1913, the Royal Flying Corps was organised and developed in remarkable manner in methods, material, and men. When war was declared against Germany in 1914 the members of the Corps quickly achieved fame by their efficiency and daring, many decorations being won, notably the V.C. by Lieut. Warneford, who was killed soon after in an accident near Paris.

Nicknames: "The Hawks," "The Sky Pilots."

"Dettingen," "Peninsula," "Waterloo," "Tel-el-Kebir," "Egypt,
1882," "Relief of Kimberley," "Paardeberg," "South Africa,
1899-1900."

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Blue.

_Cloak_, Scarlet.

_Head-dress_, White metal helmet with white plume; band and
trumpeters, scarlet plume.

_Cap_, Blue, with scarlet band.

On State occasions the band and trumpeters wear a special tunic of
crimson heavily braided with gold.

A crimson cord is worn in the centre of the shoulder belt.

Two scarlet stripes are worn down the side seams of the overalls.

The Regiment carries three Squadron Standards in addition to the
King's Standard. The Silver Kettle-Drums used in the Regiment were
presented by King William IV in 1831.

1st LIFE GUARDS

In 1660, Charles II. before leaving Holland, formed into a troop a body of cavalier gentlemen who had rallied round him there, which he placed under the command of Lord Gerard. It was thus the Life Guards originated. The corps was styled "His Majesty's Own Troop of Guards."

The Life Guards were nicknamed "Cheeses," from the old gentlemen of the corps declining to serve in it as remodelled in 1788, saying "that it was no longer composed of gentlemen but of cheesemongers." Also known as "The Tin Bellies."

NOTE "A."--In full dress N.C.O.'s of the Household Cavalry do
not wear chevrons but aiguillettes. The titles of the ranks also
differ from other regiments--Corporal-Major (Sergeant-Major),
Quartermaster-Corporal-Major (Quartermaster-Sergeant),
Squadron-Corporal-Major (Squadron-Sergeant-Major), Corporal of
Horse (Sergeant), Corporal (Corporal), Trooper (Private). The
Farrier-Corporals carry polished pole axes on ceremonial parades,
and wear black plumes and blue tunics.

"Dettingen," "Peninsula," "Waterloo," "Tel-el-Kebir," "Egypt,
1882," "Relief of Kimberley," "Paardeberg," "South Africa,
1899-1900."

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Blue.

_Cloak_, Scarlet.

_Head-dress_, White metal helmet with white plume; band and
trumpeters, scarlet plume.

_Cap_, Blue, with scarlet band.

On State occasions the band and trumpeters wear a special tunic of
crimson heavily braided with gold.

A blue cord is worn in the centre of the shoulder belt.

Two scarlet stripes are worn down the side seams of the overalls.

The Regiment carries three Squadron Standards in addition to the
King's Standard.

The Silver Kettle-Drums used in the Regiment were presented by King
William IV, in 1831.

2nd LIFE GUARDS

This Corps formed by Charles II was styled in 1660 "The Duke of Albemarle's Troop of Guards," in 1670 "The Queen's Troop of Life Guards," and not till 1788 the 2nd Life Guards. Life Guards were at one time known as "Cheeses," from the old gentlemen of the corps declining to serve in it as remodelled in 1788, saying "that it was no longer composed of gentlemen but of cheesemongers." The name fell into desuetude, but was revived at the battle of Waterloo, when the officer in command shouted "Come on, Cheesemongers, charge!" Also known as "The Tin Bellies" (from the cuirasses).

See Note "A," 1st Life Guards.

"Dettingen," "Warburg," "Beaumont," "Willems," "Peninsula,"
"Waterloo," "Tel-el-Kebir," "Egypt, 1882," "Relief of Kimberley,"
"Paardeberg," "South Africa, 1899-1900."

_Uniform_, Blue.

_Facings_, Scarlet.

_Cloak_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, White metal helmet with red plume.

On State occasions the band and trumpeters wear a special tunic of
crimson heavily braided with gold.

A crimson cord it worn in the centre of the shoulder belt.

A broad scarlet stripe is worn down the sides of the overalls.

In addition to the four Standards carried by the Household Cavalry,
the Royal Horse Guards have a crimson silk Standard presented by
King William IV.

The Silver Kettle Drums were presented by King George III.

ROYAL HORSE GUARDS (The Blues)

The Royal Horse Guards is the only cavalry regiment now in existence that formed part of the Parliamentary Army during the reign of Charles I. In the autumn of 1660, after the Restoration, its disbandment was ordered but not carried out, and King Charles "gave orders for raising a regiment of horse of eight troops, of which the Earl of Oxforde was to be Collonel, and also of a troop of horse guards." This was done under a Royal Warrant of 26th of January, 1661. In 1690 the regiment was called "The Oxford Blues" to distinguish it from the Earl of Portland's (Dutch) "Horse Guards." During the campaign in Flanders (1742-1745) it was known as "The Blue Guards," and is now popularly called "The Blues."

See Note "A," 1st Life Guards.

(_Depot_, Dunbar.)

On Standard, The Royal Cypher within the Garter.

"Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Dettingen,"
"Warburg," "Beaumont," "Waterloo," "Sevastopol," "Taku Forts,"
"Pekin, 1860," "South Africa, 1879, 1901-02."

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Brass helmet with red plume; band, white plume.

_Forage cap_, Blue, with blue band.

Linked Regiment, 5th Dragoon Guards.

The Sergeants are entitled to wear the Regimental badge on their
chevrons.

1st (King's) DRAGOON GUARDS

The 1st Dragoon Guards were styled "The Queen's Regiment of Horse" when first raised in 1685 on the accession of James II. When in Flanders with Marlborough, the regiment wore cuirasses, and had bright yellow facings. In 1714, in recognition of its brilliant services, the title was changed to "The King's Regiment of Horse," and in 1746 to "The 1st (or King's) Regiment of Dragoon Guards." A detachment of the regiment captured the Zulu King Cetewayo after his defeat at the battle of Ulundi. The battlefields of Flanders figure in the regiment's history no less than four times, viz.: In 1695 under King William at the siege of Namur; in 1704-9 under Marlborough at Schellenberg, Blenheim, Ramillies, Oudenarde, and Malplaquet; in 1759 when it fought at Minden and elsewhere; and in the Great War, 1914.

Nicknames: "The K.D.G.'s," also "The Trades Union."

(_Depot_, Newport, Mon.)

On Standard, the Cypher of Queen Caroline within the Garter.

"Warburg," "Willems," "Lucknow," "South Africa, 1901-02."

Motto: "_Pro Rege et Patria_" (For King and for Country).

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Buff.

_Head-dress_, Brass helmets with black plume; band, white plume.

_Forage cap_, Blue with buff band.

Linked Regiment, 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons.

Special arm badge for Sergeants: "Bays" within a laurel wreath
surmounted by a crown.

2nd DRAGOON GUARDS (Queen's Bays)

The 2nd Dragoon Guards was raised in 1685, and in 1687 called "The 3rd Horse," then "The Princess of Wales's Own Royal Regiment of Horse," in 1727 "The Queen's Own Royal Regiment of Horse," in 1746 "The 2nd Queen's Bays, or 2nd Regiment of Dragoon Guards," and in 1767 its present title of "Queen's Bays," from the circumstances of the corps being entirely mounted on bay chargers, the other heavy regiments (except the Scots Greys) having black horses. The regiment was much distinguished for its gallantry at the battle of Almanza, and in Flanders under King William.

Nicknames: At one time known as the "Rusty Buckles," and more popularly as "The Bays."

(_Depot_, Newport, Mon.)

On Standard, The Plume of the Prince of Wales. The Rising Sun in
second corner, and the Red Dragon of Cadwaller in the third corner.

"Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Warburg,"
"Beaumont," "Willems," "Talavera," "Albuhera," "Vittoria,"
"Peninsula," "Abyssinia," "South Africa, 1901-02."

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Yellow.

_Head-dress_, Brass helmet with black and red plume; band, red and
white plume.

_Forage cap_, Blue with yellow band.

Linked Regiment, 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers).

Special arm badge for Sergeants, Prince of Wales's Plume.

3rd (Prince of Wales's) DRAGOON GUARDS

The 3rd Dragoon Guards, originally "Cuirassiers," was raised in 1685, and after the battle of Sedgemoor its six troops were incorporated into a regiment called "The 4th Horse." In 1746 it was named "The 3rd Regiment of Dragoon Guards," and in 1765 "The Prince of Wales's Regiment of Dragoon Guards." At Ramillies it captured the standard and kettledrums of the Bavarian Guards. It was the only British Cavalry Regiment to take part in the Abyssinian campaign under Gen. Napier and formed part of the British column that made the memorable march on Magdala.

Nicknamed the "Old Canaries," on account of its facings being yellow, or canary colour.

(_Depot_, Newport, Mon.)

On Standard, the Harp and Crown and the Star of the Order of St.
Patrick.

"Peninsula," "Balaklava," "Sevastopol," "Tel-el-Kebir," "Egypt,
1882."

Motto: _Quis separabit?_ (Who shall separate?)

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Brass helmet with white plume; band, black plume.

_Forage cap_, Blue, with blue band.

Linked Regiment, 7th Dragoon Guards.

Special arm badge for Sergeants, Star of the Order of St. Patrick.

4th (Royal Irish) DRAGOON GUARDS

The 4th Dragoon Guards raised in 1685, was originally known as "Arran's Cuirassiers," or the "6th Horse," and in 1788 "The Fourth Dragoon Guards," and later on the words "Royal Irish" were added. Whilst on service in Ireland it obtained the name of the "Blue Horse," from its facings being of that colour. During the Crimean War the regiment took part in the famous charge of the Heavy Brigade at Balaklava, a memorable feat which has hardly received the recognition it deserved. The regiment rode into the charge cheering madly and did terrible execution. They are the only regiment of Dragoon Guards with an Irish title.

Nicknames: "The Buttermilks" on account of their lengthened stay in Ireland, during which many of the men acquired farms; and the "Mounted Micks."

(_Depot_, Dunbar).

On Standard, the Regimental device within a union wreath.

"Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Beaumont,"
"Salamanca," "Vittoria," "Toulouse," "Peninsula," "Balaklava,"
"Sevastopol," "Defence of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

Motto: "_Vestigia nulla retrorsum_" (No going backward).

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Dark Green.

_Head-dress_, Brass helmet with red and white plume; band, red
plume.

_Forage cap_, Blue, with dark green band.

Linked Regiment, 1st (King's) Dragoon Guards.

Special arm badge for Sergeants, White Horse of Hanover.

At Salamanca it captured the staff of the drum-major of the French
66th Regiment. This is still carried on special parades by the
trumpet-major.

5th (Princess Charlotte of Wales's) DRAGOON GUARDS

The 5th Dragoon Guards was raised in 1685, and was then the "Seventh Horse." During Marlborough's campaigns it won fame on many fields. Led by General Cadogan in person they rode down the Bavarian Horse Grenadier Guards, and drove them through the French infantry in rear, capturing many standards. Its present full title, was given it in 1804, after the Irish rebellion of 1798. During this latter period it was familiarly known as the "Green Horse," from its facings, and the "Green Dragoon Guards." During the Crimean War the regiment took part at Balaklava in the famous charge of the Heavy Brigade, led by their Colonel, Yorke-Scarlett.

Nicknames: "The Old Farmers" on account of their lengthened stay in Ireland, and the "Green Horse."

(_Depot_, Newport, Mon.)

"Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Warburg,"
"Willems," "Sevastopol," "Delhi, 1857," "Afghanistan, 1879-80,"
"Relief of Kimberley," "Paardeberg," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

_Uniform_, Blue.

_Facings_, White.

_Head-dress_, Brass helmet with white plume; band, red plume.

_Forage cap_, Blue with white band.

In 1851 the colour of the tunic was changed from scarlet to blue.

Linked Regiment, 3rd (Prince of Wales's) Dragoon Guards.

Allied Regiments, 1st and 2nd Mounted Rifles (Natal Carabineers of
South Africa).

6th DRAGOON GUARDS (Carabiniers)

The 6th Dragoon Guards raised in 1685 as the "Queen Dowager's Regiment of Horse" and became the "Queen Dowager's Cuirassiers."

William III gave the regiment its name of King's Carabiniers in 1691 as a title of honour in recognition of its distinguished services. The name is also derived from the fact that the men were armed with long pistols called "Carabines." Many regiments on the Continent at this time were called Carabiniers. Its present name was given it in 1788. It greatly distinguished itself during Marlborough's campaigns, taking part in sieges and minor affairs without number. It was at Meerut on the outbreak of the Indian Mutiny and rendered the most valuable service throughout the campaign. The regiment has a very brilliant record of service.

Nicknames: "Tichborne's Own," since the trial of Arthur Orton, Sir Roger Tichborne having served in the regiment; and "The Carbs."

(_Depot_, Newport, Mon.)

On Standard, in the centre, the Coronet of Princess Royal.

"Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Dettingen,"
"Warburg," "South Africa, 1846-7," "Tel-el-Kebir," "Egypt, 1882,"
"South Africa, 1900-02."

Motto: _Quo fata vocant_ (Where Fate calls).

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Black.

_Head-dress_, Brass helmet, with black and white plume; band, white
plume.

_Forage cap_, Blue, with black band.

Linked Regiment, 4th (Royal Irish) Dragoon Guards.

Special arm badge for Sergeants, Ligonier's Crest.

7th (Princess Royal's) DRAGOON GUARDS

The 7th Dragoon Guards was raised in 1688 by the Earl of Devonshire, whose title it bore till 1690, when from its Colonel's name it was called "Schomberg's Horse"; in 1742 "Ligonier's Horse," and then "The Black Horse," and became celebrated as a model for efficiency and discipline. In 1788 the present title, "The 7th (Princess Royal's) Dragoon Guards," was given to it at Dettingen. The 7th captured from the enemy a pair of kettledrums, which are now in the Officers' Mess. A Standard carried at the battle of Dettingen was presented by King George II to Cornet Richardson who bore it. He had received upwards of thirty wounds, but he refused to surrender, and preserved the Standard which is still in the possession of his descendants. Nicknames: In the reign of George II, "The Virgin Mary's Body Guard," having been sent to assist the army of the Archduchess Mary Theresa of Austria, also "Strawboots," because the men wrapped straw round their legs in a wet campaign; popularly known as "The Black Horse."

(_Depot_, Dunbar.)

On Guidon, The Crest of England within the Garter.

"Tangier, 1662-80," "Dettingen," "Warburg," "Beaumont," "Willems,"
"Fuentes d'Onor," "Peninsula," "Waterloo," "Balaklava,"
"Sevastopol," "Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

Motto: _Spectemur Agendo_ (Let us be judged by our deeds).

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, White metal helmet with black plume; band, white
plume.

_Forage cap_, Blue, with scarlet band.

Linked Regiment, 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys).

Special arm badge for Sergeants, the Royal Crest.

1st (Royal) DRAGOONS

The Royals originated in a troop of Cuirassiers formed in 1661, on the marriage of Charles II with the Infanta Catherine of Portugal, and which was sent to garrison Tangier, whence they got the name of "Tangier Cuirassiers." In 1684 it was styled "The Royal Regiment of Dragoons," and each troop was furnished with a crimson Standard with badges embroidered upon them of (1) The King, (2) The Black Prince, (3) Henry V, (4) Henry VI, (5) Henry VII (Queen Mary I), (6) Queen Elizabeth. Towards the close of the 17th Century it was known as the "English Horse." At the battle of Dettingen it captured the white Standard of the French Mousquetaires Noirs. Its gallantry at the battle of Waterloo, where it formed part of the Union Brigade, is a matter of history.

Nicknames: "The Birdcatchers," for the capture of a French Eagle at the battle of Waterloo, and "The Royals."

(_Depot_, Dunbar.)

On Guidon, the Thistle within the Circle and Motto of the Order of
the Thistle.

"Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Dettingen,"
"Warburg," "Willems," "Waterloo," "Balaklava," "Sevastopol,"
"Relief of Kimberley," "Paardeberg," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

Motto: _Second to None_.

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Bearskin cap, with a silver badge of a white horse at
the back; hackle or plume, white; band, scarlet hackle.

_Forage cap_, Blue, with white vandyked band.

Linked Regiment, 1st Royal Dragoons.

Special arm badge for Sergeants, an Eagle.

2nd DRAGOONS (Royal Scots Greys)

Raised in 1678. In 1700 the corps was known as "The Grey Dragoons," and "The Scots Regiment of White Horses." In 1707, "The Royal Regiment of North British Dragoons." In 1713, "The 2nd Dragoons." And in 1866, "The 2nd Royal North British Dragoons, Scots Greys." At Waterloo, the regiment with a shout of "Scotland for ever," charged the French infantry masses and almost annihilated them. In the charge the eagle of the 45th French Regiment was captured by Sergeant Ewart; at Ramillies (1706) the Scots Greys captured the colours of the French "Regiment du Roi" and for this it was permitted to wear grenadier or bearskin caps.

The men have the nicknames of "Bubbly Jocks," owing to their dress. "Bubbly Jock" being a Scottish name for a turkey cock; "The Birdcatchers," in commemoration of the capture of an Eagle at Waterloo; also "The Greys."

(_Depot_, Bristol.)

"Dettingen," "Salamanca," "Vittoria," "Toulouse," "Peninsula,"
"Cabool, 1842," "Moodkee," "Ferozeshah," "Sobraon,"
"Chillianwallah," "Goojerat," "Punjaub," "South Africa, 1902."

Motto: _Nec aspera terrent_ (Nor do difficulties deter).

_Uniform_, Blue.

_Collar_, Scarlet.

_Head-dress_, Busby with white plume and garter-blue busby bag.

_Horse plume_, White. Leopard skin saddlecloth.

_Forage cap_, Red.

Linked Regiment, 7th (Queen's Own) Hussars.

Special arm badge for Sergeants, White Horse of Hanover.

The regiment has an additional sergeant as kettle-drummer who, on
ceremonial occasions, wears a silver collar which was presented by
the wife of the Hon. Charles Fitzroy, afterwards Lord Southampton,
on his being appointed colonel in 1772.

3rd (King's Own) HUSSARS

The 3rd Hussars, raised in 1685, was styled the "Queen Consort's Regiment of Dragoons." On the accession of George I it was called the "King's Own Dragoons." In 1861 the regiment became "Hussars." It was nicknamed "Lord Adam Gordon's Life Guards," from that officer detaining it for such a long period in Scotland when he commanded there.

It was also known as "Bland's Dragoons." At Dettingen the regiment lost very heavily, and in the following year it was reviewed by the King, who remarked with some asperity on its attenuated appearance, and inquired whose regiment it was, and where were the rest of the men. "The regiment is mine, your Majesty," replied the gallant Col. Bland, "and I believe the rest are at Dettingen."

(_Depot_, Dublin.)

"Dettingen," "Talavera," "Albuhera," "Salamanca," "Vittoria,"
"Toulouse," "Peninsula," "Ghuznee, 1839," "Affghanistan, 1839,"
"Alma," "Balaklava," "Inkerman," "Sevastopol."

Motto: _Mente et Manu_ (With heart and hand).

_Uniform_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Busby with scarlet plume and yellow busby bag.

_Forage cap_, Red.

_Horse plume_, Scarlet.

Linked Regiment, 8th (King's Royal Irish) Hussars.

4th (Queen's Own) HUSSARS

Originally raised in 1685 under the name of "The Princess Anne of Denmark's Regiment of Dragoons," became the 4th (Queen's Own) Hussars in 1861. As heavy cavalry the regiment fought in the Peninsular War, some brilliant exploits were performed. In 1818 the regiment became Light Dragoons, and the Regiment wore scarlet uniform with straw coloured facings, the uniform afterwards being changed back to light green. During the Crimean War it took part in the famous charge of the Light Brigade, under its Colonel, Lord George Paget, who led them with a cry of "Tally ho!" as they charged the enemy's guns. When the regiment formed part of the "Army of the Indus" under Lord Keane it was nicknamed "Paget's Irregular Horse," in consequence of its loose drill, the result of long service in the field.

(_Depot_, Woolwich.)

"Blenheim," "Ramillies," "Oudenarde," "Malplaquet," "Suakin, 1885,"
"Defence of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

Motto: _Quis separabit?_ (Who shall separate?)

_Uniform_, Blue.

_Facings_, Scarlet.

_Head-dress_, Lance cap of black leather with upper part and top of
scarlet cloth. Green plume.

_Forage cap_, Blue, with scarlet band.

Linked Regiment, 12th (Prince of Wales's Royal) Lancers.

Special arm badge for Sergeants, Harp and Crown.

5th (Royal Irish) LANCERS

Raised as the "Royal Irish Dragoons" in 1689, and in 1858 became "The 5th (Royal Irish) Lancers." In recognition of the prominent part it took in Marlborough's campaigns, and particularly of its distinguished conduct at Blenheim, Marlborough directed that the captured kettledrums should be borne at the head of the regiment, and that the establishment should be nine troops. At Ramillies, with the Royal Scots Greys, it cut off two battalions of the Grenadiers of Picardie, and almost annihilated a third battalion before a body of French horse galloped to the rescue. To this the regiment owed the privilege it formerly enjoyed of wearing Grenadier caps like the Royal Scots Greys.

Nicknames: At one time called "The Daily Advertisers." More popularly known as "The Redbreasts" or "Irish Lancers."

(_Depot_, Newport, Mon.)

On Guidon, The Castle of Inniskilling, with the St. George's
Colours, and the word "Inniskilling" underneath.

"Dettingen," "Warburg," "Willems," "Waterloo," "Balaklava,"
"Sevastopol," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

_Uniform_, Scarlet.

_Facings_, Primrose.

_Head-dress_, White metal helmet, with white plume; band, scarlet
plume.

_Forage cap_, Blue, with primrose band.

_Horse plume_, White.

Linked Regiment, 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queen's Bays).

Allied Regiment, 25th Brant Dragoons of Canada, Brantford, Ontario.

Special arm badge for Sergeants, Castle of Inniskilling.

6th (Inniskilling) DRAGOONS

The regiment was raised in 1689. In 1690 the corps was styled the "6th, or The Inniskilling Regiment of Dragoons." Its brilliant conduct as part of the Union Brigade at the Battle of Waterloo is a matter of history. During the Crimean War it took part in the famous charge of the Heavy Brigade at Balaklava, a memorable feat which has hardly received the recognition it deserved. Of more recent years the regiment saw a great deal of active service in South Africa.

About 1715 it was known as "The Black Dragoons," from being mounted on black horses. It achieved a high reputation for gallantry in Flanders.

Nicknames: "The old Inniskillings," and "The Skillingers." Popularly known as "The Inniskillings," from its badge "The Castle of Inniskilling."

(_Depot_, Bristol.)

"Dettingen," "Warburg," "Beaumont," "Willems," "Orthes,"
"Peninsula," "Waterloo," "Lucknow," "South Africa, 1901-02."

_Uniform_, Blue.

_Head-dress_, Busby with white plume, and scarlet busby bag.

_Forage cap_, Red.

_Horse plume_, White. Leopard skin saddlecloth.

_Collar badge_, the letters "Q.O." interlaced, within the Garter.

Linked Regiment, 3rd (King's Own) Hussars.

The only cavalry regiment in which the Officers are permitted to
wear white strip collars with the frock coat.

7th (Queen's Own) HUSSARS

The regiment was raised in 1689 and called "Cunningham's Regiment of Dragoons." It was, during the Peninsular War, jocularly nicknamed "The Old Saucy Seventh," also "The Lily White Seventh," from its pale blue uniform and white facings, and also "Young Eyes." It was at first a Scotch Regiment, and it is the custom of its band to play "The Garb of old Gaul" when marching past, and "Hieland Laddie" when trotting. Also called the "Black Horse." It was the senior of the Light Dragoon Regiments when first connected with Hussars. It distinguished itself during the Indian Mutiny, particularly at the passage of the Betwa, where it had a hand-to-hand fight with the enemy's cavalry in the bed of the river. The name of the "Old Straws," or "Strawboots," originated at Warburg, 1760. The boots of the troopers being worn out, straw-bands were substituted for them.

(_Depot_, Dublin.)

"Leswarree," "Hindoostan," "Alma," "Balaklava," "Inkerman,"
"Sevastopol," "Central India," "Afghanistan, 1879-80," "South
Africa, 1900-02."

Motto: "_Pristinæ virtutis memores_" (The memory of former valour).

_Uniform_, Blue.

_Collar badge_, The Harp and Crown.

_Head-dress_, Busby, with red and white plume and scarlet busby bag.

_Forage cap_, Red.

Linked Regiment, 4th (Queen's Own) Hussars.

Special arm badge for Sergeants, Harp and Crown.

8th (King's Royal Irish) HUSSARS

The 8th Hussars was raised in Ireland in 1693 and has always been closely associated with the Emerald Isle. It was known as "St. George's" from its Colonel's name in 1740-55; also as the "Cross Belts" in 1768 from the circumstance that it was permitted to wear the sword belt over the right shoulder, in place of round the waist as usual in dragoon regiments, for its gallant conduct at the battle of Saragossa, where it captured the belts of the Spanish cavalry. The regimental motto "_Pristinæ virtutis memores_," was specially conferred on their corps in commemoration of its brilliant gallantry at the battle of Leswarree in India. During the Crimean War it formed one of the regiments in the famous charge of the Light Brigade at the battle of Balaklava. The 8th Hussars and 17th Lancers have seen much service together, and they call themselves from their numbers "The Twenty Fives."

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Regimental Nicknames and Traditions of the British ArmyChapter I: Part 1

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