*1882. Egypt (2).
*1882. Tel-el-Kebir (2).
1900. South Africa.
Uniform.—1st Batt., Scarlet, Buff facings, and the Mackenzie tartan, with chako instead of feather bonnet (from 1777). 2nd Batt., Scarlet and grass Green facings (from 1758 till 1881).
Regimental Badges.—That in the Army List is "The Elephant" with "Assaye"; but on the chako-plate and collar a special design is worn, combining "The Star of the Order of the Thistle" with "The Crown" as on the collar of the Order of the Star of India (for distinction gained by each battalion in India); a Horn on the Star with monogram H.L.I, surmounting a scroll with "Assaye" and "The Elephant" (without howdah or trappings) below.
Nickname.—"The Pig and Whistle Light Infantry."
Notes.—The two veteran regiments now known as the 1st and 2nd Highland Light Infantry possess the longest "honour" record (twenty-nine in all) of any British regiment whatsoever, save the King's Royal Rifle Corps, which have thirty-two all told. The roll commences with "Carnatic," won by the 1st Batt. in the Hyder Ali campaign, seconded by the laurels of the 2nd Batt. at the Siege of Seringapatam, in which on several occasions it particularly distinguished itself. The same battalion contributed "Assaye" (with "The Elephant"). It is recorded that in this battle "Every officer present, save one, was killed or wounded, and the battalion reduced to a mere wreck." "Assaye" is an honour shared only with The Seaforths and The 19th Hussars. For its services in India the Honourable East India Company presented it (1803) with a complimentary Colour. Henceforward honours fell thick and fast on both battalions—at the Cape, particularly so throughout the Peninsula campaign, in the Kaffir wars of 1851-53 (a large draft of its men went down in the ill-fated Birkenhead), at the Crimea, in the Indian Mutiny, and more latterly in the Egyptian campaigns of the eighties.
Bibliography.—Historical Record of The 71st Regiment Highland Light Infantry. 1777-1852. Illustrated. [London: Parker. 1852.]
Historical Record of The 71st Regiment Highland Light Infantry. 1777-1876. By Lieut. Henry J. T. Hildyard, 71st Highland Light Infantry. [London: Harrison. 1876.]
Historical Record of The 74th Highlanders. 1787-1850. Illustrated. [London: Parker. 1850.]
Historical Records of The 74th Highlanders (now 2nd Battalion Highland Light Infantry). 1787-1887. Illustrated. [Dumfries: Macveigh. 1887.]