On [p. 8] I have alluded to the gallant defence of Gibraltar by Lord Portmore in 1727 as an instance of a missing battle honour, and have given the losses sustained by the regiments which formed the garrison in that memorable defence. Should "Gibraltar, 1727," be added to the battle honours of the army, as well indeed it may be, the regiments which would be entitled to the distinction are the
Grenadier Guards.
Northumberland Fusiliers.
Somerset Light Infantry.
West Yorkshire.
Royal Irish.
Lancashire Fusiliers.
K.O. Scottish Borderers.
Cameronians.
Worcester.
East Lancashire.
Border.
Dorsets.
Five-and-thirty years later, when our armies, under Prince Ferdinand, were earning the battle honours "Minden," "Warburg," and "Wilhelmstahl," a second army, under Lord Tyrawley, was fighting on the historic battle-fields of Spain. In the year 1910 the 16th Lancers were authorized to wear a special cap plate in recognition of their services at Valencia di Alcantara in the campaign of 1762. On this occasion the Red Lancers made a forced march of forty-five miles, surprised the Spaniards, taking the General in command prisoner, and returning with three stand of colours. This is the only recognition yet accorded for the campaign in the middle of the eighteenth century.
As dates have been added to differentiate between our various campaigns in the West Indies, South Africa, and Gibraltar, it would be a graceful act, and one of strict justice, to add the dates 1727 to the battle honour "Gibraltar," and 1705-06 and 1762 to the battle honour "Peninsula." The following regiments would be entitled to this last distinction—"Peninsula, 1762":
16th Lancers.
Buffs.
Hampshire.
Gordon Highlanders.
Royal Irish Rifles.
Shropshire Light Infantry.
Argyll Highlanders.
These represent the 3rd Buffs, 67th, 75th, 83rd, 85th, 91st, and 92nd Regiments of those far-off days.
Another name that might well be rescued from oblivion is Belleisle. A combined naval and military expedition, under Admiral the Hon. Sir A. Keppel and Major-General Studholme Hodgson, was despatched to that island in the spring of 1761. The troops comprised twelve battalions of infantry, the 16th Light Dragoons, and a strong body of artillery. As usual, we opened the campaign by despising our enemy, and on April 6 met with a sharp reverse. Additional troops were sent out from home, and two months later the French Governor surrendered. Our total losses in the campaign amounted to 13 officers and 271 men killed, 21 officers and 476 men wounded.
The regiments that would be entitled to bear the battle honour "Belleisle" are the
16th Lancers.
Buffs.
Norfolks.
Yorkshire.
Royal Scots Fusiliers.
East Lancashire.
Worcesters.
Hampshire.
Gordon Highlanders.
Middlesex.
Shropshire Light Infantry.
Scottish Rifles.
Welsh.
West Kent.
North Staffords.