Nickname: The "Old Dozen." The men wear roses in their caps on August 1st in commemoration of the Battle of Minden, 1759.
The Sphinx, superscribed "Egypt." A Mural Crown, superscribed "Jellalabad."
"Gibraltar, 1704-5," "Dettingen," "Martinique, 1809," "Ava," "Ghuznee, 1839," "Affghanistan, 1839," "Cabool, 1842," "Sevastopol," "South Africa, 1878-9," "Burmah, 1885-87," "Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1899-1902."
_Regimental March_, "Prince Albert's March."
Allied Regiment, 13th "Royal Regiment" of Canada.
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."
"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).
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.