The regiment has a very ancient history, having existed for some time before being brought on the British establishment in 1688. It fought at Namur in 1695, and in 1707 was one of the regiments cut up at the fierce battle of Almanza. It won much distinction at the battle of Saragossa, and Colonel Harrison, who then commanded, was, as a mark of honour to the regiment, sent home with thirty standards, taken that day, to lay before the Sovereign. Tradition has it that one was the standard belonging to a Moorish Regiment in the Spanish pay, bearing an Antelope, and that that badge was forthwith conferred on the regiment. It won great fame during the Peninsular War. In the action at Echalar, 2nd August, 1813, its conduct was described by Wellington as "the most gallant and the finest thing he had ever witnessed." The title "Royal" was conferred in 1832. It was nicknamed "Guise's Geese," also "The Warwickshire Lads," and "The Saucy Sixth." [Illustration] (_Depot_, Hounslow.) (_Record Office_, Hounslow.) "Namur, 1695," "Martinique, 1809," "Talavera," "Busaco," "Albuhera," "Badajoz," "Salamanca," "Vittoria," "Pyrenees," "Orthes," "Toulouse," "Peninsula," "Alma," "Inkerman," "Sevastopol," "Kandahar, 1880," "Afghanistan, 1879-80," "Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902." _Uniform_, Scarlet. _Facings_, Blue. _Head-dress_, Racoon-skin cap, with white plume on right side. _Cap_, Blue, with scarlet band. _Regimental March_, "British Grenadiers." Until after the Crimean War there were no 2nd Lieutenants or Ensigns in this regiment. The regiment has the privilege of marching through the City of London with fixed bayonets, drums beating, and colours flying. THE ROYAL FUSILIERS (City of London Regiment) Raised in 1685. In the Peninsular War it took a glorious part, and no troops hazarded their lives more freely for their country's cause, than the Royal Fusiliers. At Talavera they met the storm of war with unshaken firmness, and captured seven of the enemy's guns, but the undying lustre of the glory they won at Albuhera, almost overshadows their other gallant exploits at this time. They had marched from Badajos at 2 a.m. the same day, and the night march of 20 miles, followed by the supreme effort which regained the lost heights of Albuhera, must rank as an unsurpassed feat of arms. During the Crimean War the conduct of the Royal Fusiliers won further glory. It was once known as "The Hanoverian White Horse," and also as the "Elegant Extracts" from the fact that the officers were selected from other corps. [Illustration: The Royal Fusiliers marching through the City of London.] [Illustration: Presentation of Colours.] [Illustration] (_Depot_, Seaforth.) (_Record Office_, Preston.) The Sphinx, superscribed "Egypt."