Facings, Scarlet.
Head-dress, Helmet.
Cap, Blue.
Regimental March, "The Wellesley."
The only regiment in the British Army named after a subject not of Royal blood.
THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON'S REGIMENT (West Riding)
Raised in 1702 as the 33rd Foot, and in 1814 nicknamed "The Havercake Lads," its recruiting sergeants preceding the recruits with a haver or oatcake stuck on their swords. From its earliest days the regiment was distinguished for bravery in the field, being commended in 1705-6 at the storming of Valentia d'Alcantara, and nearly annihilated at the battle of Almanza in 1707. The same bravery has marked it through the centuries, and to-day it is showing that its ancient courage is maintained undiminished. The Duke of Wellington served in it and afterwards commanded it, and the regiment was named after him.
The 2nd Battalion (76th Foot) became known in 1806 as "The Old Immortals," most of its men having been wounded or died in the ten or twelve years previously; "The Old Seven-and-Sixpennies," from its number; "The Hindoostan Regiment."
