The Royal Scots have the proud distinction of being the oldest regiment in the British Army, dating its present existence from 1633. It was organised by Sir John Hepburn, and on his death 37 years later the command was given to Lord James Douglas and became known as "Douglas's Regiment." Nobly has it sustained its reputation, and in every quarter of the globe, the roll of "Dumbarton's Drums" has been heard. "Pontius Pilate's Bodyguard" is the extraordinary nickname given to the regiment. This was on account of a dispute between the regiment (then the "Regiment de Douglas," or "Douglas Ecossais") when in the French service, and the Picardy Regiment, as to the antiquity of the two corps. The Picardy Regiment laid claim to having been on duty on the night after the Crucifixion. To this the 1st Foot wittily rejoined: "Had we been on duty, we should not have slept at our post." [Illustration] (_Depot_, Guildford.) (_Record Office_, Hounslow.) A Naval Crown, superscribed "1st June, 1794." The Sphinx, superscribed "Egypt." "Tangier, 1662-80," "Namur, 1695," "Vimiera," "Corunna," "Salamanca," "Vittoria," "Pyrenees," "Nivelle," "Toulouse," "Peninsula," "Ghuznee, 1839," "Khelat," "Affghanistan, 1839," "South Africa, 1851-2-3," "Taku Forts," "Pekin, 1860," "Burma, 1885-87," "Tirah," "Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902." Mottoes: _Pristinæ virtutis memor_ (Mindful of its ancient valour). _Vel exuviæ triumphant_ (Even the remnant triumph). _Uniform_, Scarlet. _Facings_, Blue. _Head-dress_, Helmet. _Cap_, Blue, with scarlet band. _Regimental March_, "We'll gang nae mair." The Regiment has a third Colour, carried on State occasions. THE QUEEN'S (Royal West Surrey Regiment) The regiment is the oldest English infantry unit, having been raised in 1661 by the Earl of Peterborough. Nicknamed "Kirke's Lambs," from its Colonel and badge in 1682. Was raised to garrison Tangier, and received then the badge of the "Paschal Lamb," the crest of the House of Braganza. Was known when raised as the "1st Tangerines." The title "Royal" and motto, _Pristinæ virtutis memor_, was conferred for its brilliant conduct at Tongres in 1685, where for 28 hours it gallantly maintained itself against 40,000 of the enemy, and by its heroism saved the rest of the army from being taken by surprise. A detachment was on board the "Birkenhead" when that transport was wrecked, and in order to allow the women and children to be saved, stood firm in their ranks on the deck of the doomed ship, until the waves swallowed all but the deathless glory of their deed. [Illustration] (_Depot_, Canterbury.) (_Record Office_, Hounslow.)