In 1727, when the Spaniards besieged Gibraltar, the regiment was ordered to return to England, and it was subsequently held in readiness to join the Dutch in their war with Austria; but no embarkation took place. [Sidenote: 1728] [Sidenote: 1734] The regiment remained in Great Britain until 1734, when it proceeded to Gibraltar. [Sidenote: 1739] Lord Tyrawley having been removed to the fifth horse (now fourth dragoon guards) in August, 1739, his lordship was succeeded in the colonelcy by Major-General William Hargrave, from the ninth foot. [Sidenote: 1749] Leaving Gibraltar in 1749, the regiment proceeded to Ireland, where it was stationed six years. [Sidenote: 1751] In the royal warrant dated 1st July, 1751, the ROYAL FUSILIERS are authorized to bear the following distinctions. "In the centre of their colours, the ROSE within the GARTER, and the CROWN over it; the WHITE HORSE in the corners of the second colour. On the grenadier caps the Rose within the Garter, and Crown as in the colours. White Horse and motto over it, _Nec aspera terrent_. The same device of the Rose within the Garter, and Crown on their drums and bells of arms, with the rank of the regiment underneath." [Sidenote: 1754] On the decease of General Hargrave in January, 1751, the command of the ROYAL FUSILIERS was conferred on Colonel John Mostyn, who was removed, in August, 1754, to the thirteenth dragoons, and was succeeded by Colonel Lord Robert Bertie. [Sidenote: 1755] [Sidenote: 1756] In the spring of 1755 the regiment embarked from Dublin, and, having landed at Liverpool, occupied quarters in England until the breaking out of the Seven Years' War, when it was embarked on board the fleet commanded by Admiral Byng, in March, 1756, to serve as marines, and sent to the Mediterranean to endeavour to preserve _Minorca_ from the power of the French. It served at the engagement with the French fleet off Minorca on the 20th of May; but the enemy had previously landed an army, and captured the whole island excepting Fort St. Philip, and the relief of this fort was not attempted. The admiral was afterwards brought to trial and shot. [Sidenote: 1763] [Sidenote: 1765] [Sidenote: 1773] The ROYAL FUSILIERS landed at Gibraltar, and were stationed at that fortress during the remainder of the war. In 1763 they embarked for England; in 1765 they proceeded to Scotland; but returned to England in the spring of 1770, and in April, 1773, they embarked for Canada. [Illustration: Private Bn. Coy., 1742.] [Sidenote: 1774] After performing garrison duty at Quebec several months, the regiment embarked for Montreal, and occupied several posts in Lower Canada. [Sidenote: 1775]