THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE'S OWN (Middlesex Regiment)
Raised in 1755 chiefly of Londoners from the Middlesex Militia, and nicknamed the "Steelbacks," from being frequently flogged by the provost. From their extraordinary fighting propensities at Albuhera, they earned the more honourable and famous name of the "Die-Hards." In this action, out of 25 officers, they had 22 killed and wounded; of 570 rank and file, killed and wounded 425. The King's colour was riddled by thirty bullets; Inglis, the heroic colonel, cried out frequently: "Die hard, my men, die hard," and from that day the gallant 57th were recognised in camp and barrack as the "Die-Hards." At Inkerman the officer commanding the 57th inspired his followers at a critical moment by the thrilling words, "Die-hards, remember Albuhera." The 2nd Battalion (77th Foot) was called "The Pot-hooks," from the figure 7, and was one of the three regiments which stormed the breach at Ciudad Rodrigo.
The Glorious Gallantry of the Regiment at Albuhera.
The Manchester Regiment.
Commanding Officer, Adjutant & Sergeant-Major.
(Depot, Winchester.)