“England, Scotland, and Wales, have each their national fusilier regiments; Ireland alone is without one. The prayer of my petition is, that the blank may be filled up by the Prince of Wales’s Own Irish regiment, to be honored by the title of the Prince of Wales’s Own Irish Fusiliers. Thus shall we preserve the endearing title we so highly prize; retain the national colours under which we have so long fought; and avoid collision with any regiment that might have been honored with the name of Royal.”
This request was complied with, and the result was communicated to General Sir John Doyle in the following letter from the Adjutant-General:
“Horse Guards,
“16th July, 1827.
“Sir,
“In reply to your letter of the 11th instant, I have the honor to acquaint you, that the King has been graciously pleased to approve of the Eighty-seventh regiment, of which you are Colonel, receiving the title of the Prince of Wales’s Own Irish Fusiliers, as a mark of His Majesty’s most gracious favour, and in consideration of the extraordinary distinction that has marked the career of the corps on all occasions.
“I have, &c.
(Signed) “H. Torrens,
“Adjutant-General.
“General Sir John Doyle, Bart. G.C.B.,
Colonel of the Eighty-seventh Regiment, &c. &c.”
It was directed that the Eighty-seventh should wear blue facings, instead of green, in order to render it uniform with the other fusilier regiments.
A further communication was made by the Adjutant-General to General Sir John Doyle, of which the following is an extract:—
“Horse Guards,
“17th November 1827.