  Formed in 1685. At Dettingen, under King George II, it took part in the final charge which assured the victory—the last occasion on which a British King personally commanded his troops in action. It was one of the six British Infantry regiments which at Minden shattered the French cavalry, and finally drove out of the field every body of troops opposed to them. The Duke of Brunswick who commanded the forces said: "It was here the British Infantry gained immortal glory." Its services in the defence of Gibraltar are commemorated by the Castle and Key and Motto. At the storming of Seringapatam it captured eight stands of colours. For this splendid behaviour during their two years' defence of Gibraltar was given the crest and motto they now wear. Nickname: The "Old Dozen." The men wear roses in their caps on August 1st in commemoration of the Battle of Minden, 1759. (Depot, Taunton.) (Record Office, Exeter.) The Sphinx, superscribed "Egypt." "Gibraltar, 1704-5," "Dettingen," "Martinique, 1809," "Ava," "Ghuznee, 1839," "Affghanistan, 1839," "Cabool, 1842," "Sevastopol," "South Africa, 1878-9," "Burmah, 1885-87," "Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902." Uniform, Scarlet. Facings, Blue. Head-dress, Helmet. Cap, Dark green. Regimental March, "Prince Albert's March." Allied Regiment, 13th "Royal Regiment" of Canada. The Sergeants wear the sash on the left shoulder in memory of the Battle of Culloden, where all the officers fell and the remnant of the regiment was brought out of action by the surviving sergeants. This is the only regiment in the service not designated "Royal" wearing Royal Blue facings. |
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