Raised in 1702 as a corps of Marines and for many years did splendid service ashore and afloat all over the world. The burning of the "Kent," East Indiaman, with a wing of the 31st Regiment on board, in the Bay of Biscay, on 1st May, 1824, forms one of the most thrilling episodes of heroism at sea British regimental history affords. During a storm the vessel caught fire and was totally destroyed. The discipline of the men under these terrible circumstances was beyond all praise, and in a great measure owing to this fact over 550 people out of 637 were saved. In the Sikh War they captured four standards.

Nicknames: The 1st Battalion (31st Foot) was known as "The Young Buffs," to distinguish it from the 3rd (Old Buffs). The 2nd Battalion (70th Foot) was nicknamed the "Glasgow Greys."