Raised in 1702. During the Peninsular War, at Arroyo dos Molinos it performed one of the most brilliant feats of the whole war; single handed the battalion cut off and made prisoners many French officers of distinction, besides an entire battalion of the French 34th of the Line, the brass drums and drum-major's staff of which are still in possession of the 1st Battalion. The 1st Battalion (34th Foot) was one of the "boy regiments" reformed in 1797 and sent to the Cape to be acclimatised. The 2nd Battalion (55th Foot) are known as "The Two Fives," from their number. The "Dragon" badge commemorates the services of the 55th in China, and it had the unique distinction for many years of wearing the red and white feather in their chacos, with red on top. Both battalions met in the Crimea, and did fine service before Sevastopol.

Nickname: "The Cattle Reeves," from the old traditions of the Scottish Border.