Formed in 1695. The "Figure of Britannia" was awarded as a regimental badge to commemorate its heroic struggle against overwhelming numbers at the battle of Almanza. It won much glory during the Peninsular War. At Roleia it bore the brunt of the enemy's attack, and at Corunna, where the gallant Sir John Moore met a soldier's death, to the regiment fell the melancholy honour of placing him in a soldier's grave. In the Afghan War of 1842, and in the Sikh War of 1845 its bravery was conspicuous. At Ferozeshah the Sikhs had 100 guns, which they served with great effect, repulsing the first attack; but the Ninth restored the day, bayoneting the Sikhs at their guns, and driving the enemy before them.

Nicknames: "The Holy Boys," a name given them by the Spanish during the Peninsular War, from the fact that they wore the figure of Britannia on their cross-belts, which the Spaniards took to represent the Virgin Mary; also "The Fighting Ninth," and "The Norfolk Howards."