The regiment was raised in 1793 in Dublin by Col. Fitch, and became known as "Fitch's Grenadiers," the title being bestowed in humorous allusion to the small stature of the men. They, however, soon showed they could fight as well as the finest grenadiers in the Army, reaping glory in many a hot engagement during the succeeding years. The regiment was converted into Rifles in 1881 when the 86th Foot was linked with the 83rd as sister battalion. The 86th regiment was raised in 1792, as the Royal County Downs, and served for some years as marines, and later in Egypt. During the ten succeeding years the regiment travelled twice round Africa, served in India and the Red Sea, twice crossed the Egyptian Desert, served in South Africa, Ceylon, and elsewhere, the service being so strenuous that during five years in India over a thousand men laid down their lives. The fine physique of the ranks earned for them the name of the "Irish Giants."