The 1st Battalion was raised in 1758, and after a brief spell of service on the Continent went to the West Indies and America, winning high praise for gallant conduct at the battle of Entaw. For very many years the regiment did splendid service in the West Indies, adding much territory to the British Empire, and was afterwards sent to Australia and New Zealand. Excellent service was rendered in the Crimea, India, and Afghanistan, the "Regimental Order of Merit" being founded with power to grant medals or badges, for specially gallant conduct. The regiment has served with honour in all parts of the Empire.

The Officers of the 63rd previous to 1855 wore a fleur-de-lis in gold embroidery at the end of their coat-tails. At one time the whole regiment appears to have worn a fleur-de-lis badge, which was adopted in 1815 for services rendered at Guadaloupe.

The 1st Battalion (63rd Foot) nicknamed "Bloodsuckers," at one time. The 2nd Battalion (96th Foot) was called "The Bendovers."