Regimental Nicknames and Traditions of the British ArmyAnonymous
History
Regimental Nicknames and Traditions of the British Army
Anonymous
Great Britain. Army
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.
PRINCE ALBERT'S (Somerset Light Infantry)
Raised in 1685. While fighting in Spain, 1706-13, the regiment fought
as dragoons. It earned a brilliant record in Afghanistan, 1839-42.
After storming Ghuznee it was ordered to Jellalabad which detached
post it gallantly held. The massacre of the Cabul force inspired the
Afghans to fiercer efforts against Jellalabad; but in spite of news
of disaster, the enemy, and even nature itself,--for over 100 shocks
of earthquake shook the ruined walls--the brave Somersets defied them
all. At length they sallied out and decisively defeated the Afghans.
This "Illustrious Garrison," as it was termed by the Government of
India, was received on its return by special honours in all cantonments
through which it passed. For its services it received its present
title, and a mural crown superscribed "Jellalabad."
Nicknamed "The Bleeders."
[Illustration]
(_Depot_, York.)
(_Record Office_, York.)
The Royal Tiger, superscribed "India."
"Namur, 1695," "Tournay," "Corunna," "Java," "Waterloo,"
"Bhurtpore," "Sevastopol," "New Zealand," "Afghanistan, 1879-80,"
"Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."
Motto: _Nec aspera terrent_ (Nor do difficulties deter).
_Uniform_, Scarlet.
_Facings_, Buff.
_Head-dress_, Helmet.
_Cap_, Blue.
_Regimental March_, "Ça ira."
Allied Regiment, 16th (Waikato) Regiment of New Zealand.
THE PRINCE OF WALES'S OWN (West Yorkshire Regiment)
Raised in 1685. It shared in the defence of Gibraltar in 1727, and
added very considerably to its laurels in the wars of 1793-4. In an
attack on the French camp at Famars, 23rd May, 1793, it not only
gained a victory, but also its regimental march. Among the pieces of
music which fanned the fiery zeal of the French was "Ça ira," to the
strains of which they hurled themselves with impetuosity on the British
troops. The colonel however, with a magnificent inspiration called
out to his men "Come along, my lads, we'll break them to their own
d----d tune," and bade his drummers strike up "Ça ira." The effect was
irresistible, and the French found themselves flying from the sound of
their own martial air. The regiment fought with characteristic bravery
at Corunna, in Java, at Waterloo, in India, in the Crimea, New Zealand,
and South Africa, reaping the highest commendation for gallantry and
devotion everywhere.
Nicknames: "The Old and Bold" and "Calvert's Entire."
[Illustration]
(_Depot_, Beverley.)
(_Record Office_, York.)
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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