  Formed from an Independent Company in 1685. It fought with distinction during Marlborough's campaign. Of its conduct in the Sikh War the Brigadier said, "The glorious conduct of the regiment at Sobraon is beyond any praise I could give—it was the corner stone of the victory." During the Indian Mutiny it assisted to save Benares and Dinapore from the Sepoys and to bring the final rescue to the heroic defenders of Lucknow. The regiment took part in the famous march on Khartoum and in the battle of Atbara and Omdurman which broke the power of the Mahdi and placed Soudan under British control. It was also in the South African War, and again added to its fine reputation. It was (with the 62nd) nicknamed "The Springers," during the American War, from their readiness for action. "The Poachers" in allusion to the famous old ballad, which is played as the Regimental March. (Depot, Exeter.) (Record Office, Exeter.) "Dettingen," "Salamanca," "Pyrenees," "Nivelle," "Nive," "Orthes," "Toulouse," "Peninsula," "Afghanistan, 1879-80," "Tirah," "Defence of Ladysmith," "Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902." Motto: Semper Fidelis (Ever faithful). Uniform, Scarlet. Facings, Lincoln Green. Head-dress, Helmet. Cap, Blue. Regimental March, "We've lived and loved together." The Regimental March owes its origin to a circumstance prior to the Battle of Salamanca. The 11th found itself marching in close proximity to a French regiment. As no order to attack was given, the officers on either side saluted by lowering their swords, and at parting the British bandsmen struck up, out of compliment to their adversaries, the tune in question. |
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