Regimental Nicknames and Traditions of the British Army

THE OXFORDSHIRE & BUCKINGHAMSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY

Reading edition

Raised in 1741 and was dispatched almost at once on active service, serving at Minorca, Canada (taking part in the capture of Quebec), Martinique, and Havannah. The 43rd and 52nd, with the Rifle Brigade, made up the famous Light Infantry Brigade trained by Sir John Moore at Shorncliffe, and so laid the foundation for many famous victories in the Peninsula. The splendid service rendered by the Light Infantry in subsequent years is a matter of history. The regiment was so often chosen for leading the storming parties, that a badge "V.S." (Valiant Stormer) was granted to the men.

Nicknamed "The Light Bobs," a term that was applied generally to Light Infantry regiments.

Illustration from Regimental Nicknames and Traditions of the British Army

(Depot, Warley.)

(Record Office, Warley.)

The Castle and Key, superscribed "Gibraltar, 1779-83." The Sphinx, superscribed "Egypt." An Eagle.

"Moro," "Havannah," "Badajoz," "Salamanca," "Peninsula," "Bladensburg," "Waterloo," "Ava," "Alma," "Inkerman," "Sevastopol," "Taku Forts," "Nile, 1884-85," "Relief of Kimberley," "Paardeberg," "South Africa, 1899-1902."

Uniform, Scarlet.

Facings, White.

Head-dress, Helmet.

Cap, Blue.

Regimental March, "The Essex."

At the Battle of Salamanca, 1812, the Eagle of the 62nd French regiment of the line was captured by the 44th. This trophy is now in the Chapel of Chelsea Hospital.