Note 24 — HISTORICAL RECORD
Reading edition
The exact time when the regiment obtained the Lion of England for its badge has not been ascertained. A tradition has long existed in the corps that it was conferred by King William III., in consequence of its being the first corps which joined him after he landed at Torbay, in November, 1688; but on searching the details of the events which occurred at that period, it appears that this was not the first regiment which joined his Majesty; that only the colonel, lieut.-colonel, a few other officers, and about thirty soldiers, joined King William; and that the regiment adhered to King James until he vacated the throne. It is probable, however, that this distinguished badge was conferred by King William III. for the attachment which the regiment evinced to his person and government and to the protestant cause.