THE SOUTH WALES BORDERERS
Raised in 1689, the regiment has one of the most remarkable histories in the British Army, having twice being almost annihilated, at Chillianwallah, 1849, where 23 officers and 527 men were killed and wounded, the regiment being brought out of action by the quartermaster; and in 1879 at Isandlwana, where hardly a man escaped death. The gallant defence of Rorke's Drift by one company roused the wonder and admiration of the whole civilised world. The losses of the regiment in killed alone reached the appalling total of 21 officers and 590 men. It had the proud distinction of having won more Victoria Crosses than any other corps in the British Army.
Nicknamed "Howard's Greens," from its facings and its Colonel's name from 1717 to 1737.
(Depot, Berwick-on-Tweed.)
(Record Office, Hamilton.)
The Sphinx, superscribed "Egypt."
"Namur, 1695," "Minden," "Egmont-op-Zee," "Martinique, 1809," "Afghanistan, 1878-80," "Chitral," "Tirah," "Paardeberg," "South Africa, 1900-02."
Mottoes: Nisi Dominus frustra (Without the Lord all your efforts are vain);
In Veritate Religionis confido (I trust in the truth of religion);
Nec aspera terrent (Nor do difficulties deter).
Uniform, Scarlet doublet, with trews of Leslie tartan, the pipers being kilted and wearing the Royal Stewart tartan.
Head-dress, Blue Kilmarnock Bonnet, with black plume.
Cap, Glengarry, with scarlet, white and green diced border.
Regimental March, "Blue bonnets over the border."