Uniform.—1st Batt., Scarlet with Green facings (1793-1823, when the facings were changed to Blue); 2nd Batt., Scarlet with Black facings (1793 to 1881, when the latter gave place to the present Blue facings).
Regimental and other Badges.—"The Princess Victoria's Coronet" (received with its title in 1866, when Her Majesty exchanged the colours presented by her in 1833, as Princess Victoria, for new ones). "The Sphinx" for "Egypt" (1801). "An Eagle with a Wreath of Laurel" in addition to "The Plume of the Prince of Wales" (for distinction at Barrossa in 1811, where it captured the Eagle [the first taken in the Peninsular War] of the 8th French Light Infantry)—cf. the figure "8" below the Eagle—whence also its title "The Prince of Wales's Own Irish." "The Harp and Crown" (the badge of the 87th, when raised in 1793).
Nicknames, &c.—"The Old Togs," or "The Faugh-a-Ballagh Boys" (from the war cry of the 87th at Barrossa—"Fag an Bealac" = "Clear the Way"). "The Eagle Takers" (also a sobriquet of the 87th—see above). "Blayney's Bloodhounds" (for skill in tracing rebels in the Irish Rebellion of 1798). "The Rollickers."
Notes.—The Royal Fusiliers wear two collar badges, a distinction shared only with the Seaforth Highlanders.
Bibliography.—Historical Record of The 89th, or Royal Irish Fusiliers. 1793-1853. [London: Parker. 1842.]
Historical Record of The 89th Princess Victoria's Regiment. By Captain R. Brinckman, 2nd Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. Illustrated. [Gale and Polden. 1888.]
The Connaught Rangers,
COMPRISING
1st Batt. (formerly) The 88th (Connaught Rangers) Regiment of Foot.