The Regimental Records of the British Army / A historical résumé chronologically arranged of titles, campaigns, honours, uniforms, facings, badges, nicknames, etc.

by John S. Farmer; John Stephen Farmer

1815. Netherlands.

*1854. Balaclava.

*1855. Sevastopol.

1884. Egypt.

1900. South Africa.

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Uniform.—Scarlet (from 1683). Facings, Dark Blue (from 1683). Helmet-plume, Black.

Regimental Badge.—The "Crest of England" within the Garter, circumscribed by "Spectemur agendo" and surmounted by a crown (Hanoverian). Also "an Eagle," in commemoration of the capture of the Eagle of the 105th French Regiment at Waterloo.

Nickname.—"The Bird-catchers" (also borne by The Second Dragoons and The Royal Irish Fusiliers).

Notes.—Originating in the Troops of Horse engaged in the defence of Tangiers from 1662 to 1684, the First Royal Dragoons have since figured in nearly every campaign with conspicuous bravery. Among its captured standards are, one from the Moors in 1664, that of the "Mousquetaires Noirs" at the battle of Dettingen, and a French Eagle (see above) at the battle of Waterloo. In 1894 the Emperor of Germany was appointed Colonel-in-Chief.