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Regimental Nicknames and Traditions of the British Army

PRINCE OF WALES'S VOLUNTEERS (South Lancashire Regiment)

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The regiment (1st Battalion is the old 40th Foot) was raised in 1717, being formed from certain companies of infantry which for many years had been on duty in the West Indies, and remained for some 46 years longer in the West Indies and America, taking part in most of the historical military operations in that wonderful continent. On returning home the regiment was quickly on active service again on the Continent and in Egypt, and then had another spell of hard service in America, returning just in time to join Wellington's Army on the eve of Waterloo where they lost 25 killed and 142 wounded. The 1st Battalion has the proud distinction of being one of the three regiments which served uninterruptedly throughout the Peninsular War from 1808-1814. The 40th Foot was nicknamed "The Excellers," from its number XL., also "The Fighting Fortieth."

Illustration from Regimental Nicknames and Traditions of the British Army

Private, 1756.

Drummer, 55th Regiment, 1792.

Grenadier, 55th Regiment, 1767.

The Border Regiment—The Colours.

Illustration from Regimental Nicknames and Traditions of the British Army

British Infantry storming a village in modern warfare.

Illustration from Regimental Nicknames and Traditions of the British Army

(Depot, Cardiff.)

(Record Office, Shrewsbury.)

A Naval Crown, superscribed "12th April, 1782."

"Martinique, 1762," "St. Vincent," "India," "Bourbon," "Java," "Detroit," "Queenstown," "Miami," "Niagara," "Waterloo," "Ava," "Candahar, 1842," "Ghuznee, 1842," "Cabool, 1842," "Alma," "Inkerman," "Sevastopol," "Relief of Kimberley," "Paardeberg," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

Motto: Gwell angau na Chywilydd (Death before Dishonour).

Uniform, Scarlet.

Facings, White.

Head-dress, Helmet.

Cap, Blue.

Regimental March, "Ap Shenkin."

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