This distinction is borne only by the 121st Pioneers, formerly the Bombay Marine Battalion, and was awarded to that regiment by the order of the Governor of Bombay in Council as a recognition of its services when employed under Sir W. Grant Keir in the destruction of the piratical strongholds in the Persian Gulf in the year 1819. A previous expedition had been undertaken against the same tribes in the year 1809, when Sir Lionel Smith, with the 65th (York and Lancasters), the 47th (North Lancashire), and the 2nd Bombay Infantry had taught the pirates that they could not attack vessels flying the English flag with impunity. For some years the hot bloods of the Arabian coast abstained from exercising their predatory habits, but in the year 1817 they plundered several vessels, massacring their crews. The vessels of the East India Squadron had more than one sharp tussle with the pirates, but these were always able to escape to their lairs, where the seamen were unable to follow them. It was determined in 1819 to despatch a second expedition against the Joassma, the offending tribe. The command was entrusted to Major-General Sir W. Grant Keir, an officer who had conducted more than one successful campaign in Cutch and against other recalcitrant petty potentates. The troops selected were the 65th (York and Lancaster Regiment), and the flank companies of the 47th (Loyal North Lancashires). These two corps had been associated in the previous expedition in the year 1809. In addition to the British contingent, the 1st Battalion of the 2nd Bombay Native Infantry (now the 103rd Mahratta Light Infantry), the 11th Marine Battalion (now the 121st Pioneers), and the flank companies of the 1st Battalion of the 3rd Bombay Infantry (now the 105th Mahratta Light Infantry), also accompanied the force, which was convoyed by H.M.S. _Liverpool_ and several of the Honourable East India Company's cruisers. The whole force assembled at the Island of Larrack, in the Persian Gulf, on November 24, and the General at once proceeded in the _Liverpool_ to Ras-el-Khima, the pirates' stronghold, where he made a careful reconnaissance. Attempts were made through the Imaum of Muscat to open negotiations with the chief of the Joassma tribe, but to these he returned a defiant reply. The General thereupon sent for the transports, and on December 3 the whole force disembarked unopposed. It was evident that the fort had been considerably strengthened since 1809, and the General borrowed some 24-pounders from the _Liverpool_ in order to construct and arm his shore batteries. Whilst the siege operations were in progress, the Arabs made more than one determined sortie; but when the bombardment commenced in earnest, they made but a feeble reply. This is scarcely to be wondered at. Their guns were all of small calibre, and the _Liverpool_ claimed that she had thrown upwards of 1,200 32 and 24 pound shot into the place in twenty-four hours.