Raised in 1674 the regiment was in 1764 nicknamed the "Shiners" from its smart and clean appearance; and whilst in the Peninsula was called the "Old and Bold," "The Fighting Fifth," and also "Lord Wellington's Bodyguard." It formed part of a small force which beat off an overwhelming body of the enemy at El Boden in 1811, a performance which Wellington notified to the Army as "a memorable example of what can be done by steadiness, discipline, and confidence." A custom, which has long prevailed in this regiment, is for all ranks to wear roses in their caps on St. George's Day. Among the "men" who have served in the ranks was Phoebe Hassell, the famous female soldier, afterwards pensioned by George IV, and to whose memory there is a stone in the churchyard at Hove, Brighton.