THE KING'S OWN (Royal Lancaster Regiment)
The regiment was raised in 1680 by the Earl of Plymouth. It gained great distinction at the siege of Namur, 1695, and while serving as Marines in 1704 it shared in the capture of Gibraltar. It has fought with distinction in all parts of the world, and has ever acquitted itself with credit to England and glory to itself. It was one of the few British regiments to make the famous desert march across Abyssinia, to the capture of Magdala. It also fought in the Zulu War and was one of the devoted battalions to climb and capture Spion Kop, holding that awful position throughout a day of dire disaster with unflinching courage.
Nicknames: The "Lions," from its ancient badge, the Lion of England, given to it by the Prince of Orange, the regiment being the first to join his Standard after landing at Torbay in 1688. "Barrell's Blues," from William Barrell, Colonel of the regiment in 1740, and its facings. The title of "The King's Own" was conferred by George I in 1715.
(Depot, Newcastle-on-Tyne.)
(Record Office, York.)
"Wilhelmstahl," "St. Lucia, 1778," "Roliça," "Vimiera," "Corunna," "Busaco," "Ciudad Rodrigo," "Badajoz," "Salamanca," "Vittoria," "Nivelle," "Orthes," "Toulouse," "Peninsula," "Lucknow," "Afghanistan, 1878-80," "Khartoum," "Modder River," "South Africa, 1899-1902."
Motto: Quo fata vocant (Whither the fates call).
Uniform, Scarlet.
Facings, Gosling green.
Head-dress, Racoon-skin cap.
Plume, Scarlet, with white base, worn on left side.
Cap, Blue.
Regimental March, "British Grenadiers."
A third Colour is carried on ceremonial occasions by the drummers to commemorate the capture of a colour at Wilhelmstahl.