THE KING'S (Shropshire Light Infantry)
Raised in 1755. This regiment is the only one to bear the honour "Nieuport," on its colours, winning this in 1793 by gallantly defending that town against a surprise attack by the enemy. At Tournay the regiment, with the 14th and 37th, by a forced march reached the battlefield at a most opportune moment and decided the day in favour of the British. The regiment was in St. Helena during the time Napoleon was held captive there, and that great soldier spoke frequently in tones of high praise of its conduct. It has maintained that good name throughout its subsequent career.
Nicknames: The 1st Battalion (53rd Foot)—"The Brickdusts," from their facings, which were red at one time; also "Old Five and Threepennies," from its number. The 2nd Battalion (85th Foot)—"Elegant Extracts," it being reformed with officers picked from other regiments.
(Depot, Mill Hill.)
(Record Office, Hounslow.)
"Mysore," "Seringapatam," "Albuhera," "Ciudad Rodrigo," "Badajoz," "Vittoria," "Pyrenees," "Nivelle," "Nive," "Peninsula," "Alma," "Inkerman," "Sevastopol," "New Zealand," "South Africa, 1879," "Relief of Ladysmith," "South Africa, 1900-02."
Uniform, Scarlet.
Facings, Lemon yellow.
Head-dress, Helmet.
Cap, Blue.
Regimental Marches, 1st and 3rd Battns., "Sir Manley Power"; 2nd and 4th Battns., "Paddy's Resource."
Allied Regiments, 57th Regiment (Peterborough Rangers) of Canada; 77th Wentworth Regiment of Canada; and 11th Regiment (Taranaki Rifles) of New Zealand.