Note 167 — Chapter XXIII · FALL OF LORD BEACONSFIELD.

The Rifle Brigade was originally formed out of detachments from fourteen different line regiments, and was long known as “Manningham’s Sharpshooters.” From 1800 to 1802 it was known as the Rifle Corps. Down to 1816 it got the name of the “Old 95th,” after which year till now it has been called the Rifle Brigade. The Prince Consort was its colonel, and in his portraits he is often seen wearing its sombre green heavily-braided uniform. Hence it got the title of the Prince Consort’s Own Rifle Brigade. The Prince of Wales became its Colonel-in-Chief till he was appointed Colonel of the Household Cavalry. He was succeeded by the Duke of Connaught, who began his meritorious though modest career as a lieutenant in the 1st Battalion.