Raised in 1685. The regiment went to Holland with Marlborough, and bore a distinguished part in all his campaigns. It was one of the five regiments which commenced the battle of Blenheim by an attack on the entrenched village of that name, moving up steadily under a withering fire without returning a shot, until their leader, General Rowe, struck his sword into the palisades. It fought at Ramillies, at Oudenarde, and at Malplaquet, and bore an active part at Tournay. It went to Quebec with Wolfe, who specially commended the steadiness of the regiment. It fought in the great battle on the heights of Abraham, and after Wolfe's fall served in the conquest of Canada. Has a splendid record of bravery in many other battles.

Nicknames: "The Snappers," from an incident in the American War, where, the ammunition having given out, they continued to snap their firelocks with undaunted determination. The enemy retired, misled by their aspect and bravery; also called the "Poona Guards."