  Raised in 1702, and was soon afterwards in action. The regiment was called "Sankey's Horse," because at the battle of Almanza, 1707, the men were mounted on mules to enable them to arrive in time for the battle. It was the first King's regiment landed in India in 1754, hence its proud legend "Primus in Indis." In 1742, from its "sad green" facings, it was christened the "Green Linnets." The 2nd Battalion (54th Foot) was specially commended by the Commander-in-Chief for its remarkable gallantry and resolution when on board the "Sarah Sands" when that vessel took fire at sea having a large quantity of ammunition on board. The 2nd Battalion derived the name of "Flamers" in 1781, from the part they took in destroying twelve privateers, and the town and stores of New London (U.S.), by fire. It also won for the regiment the proud crest of the Sphinx and the honour "Marabout" by great gallantry in Egypt in 1801. (Depot, Warrington.) (Record Office, Shrewsbury.) The Sphinx, superscribed "Egypt." "Louisburg," "Martinique, 1762," "Havannah," "St. Lucia, 1778," "Monte Video," "RoliÇa," "Vimiera," "Corunna," "Talavera," "Badajoz," "Salamanca," "Vittoria," "Pyrenees," "Nivelle," "Orthes," "Toulouse," "Peninsula," "Niagara," "Waterloo," "Candahar, 1842," "Ghuznee, 1842," "Cabool, 1842," "Maharajpore," "Sevastopol," "Lucknow," "New Zealand," "Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902." Uniform, Scarlet. Facings, White. Head-dress, Helmet. Cap, Blue. Regimental March, "God Bless the Prince of Wales." Allied Regiment, 9th (Wellington East Coast) Regiment of New Zealand. |
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