The origin of the dragon is obscure, but the Buffs have descended from the Trained Bands of the City of London, and probably the animal is a corruption of the City’s griffin. The connection with the City permits this regiment to march through the streets of this area with drums beating and bayonets fixed.
The honorary distinctions are: Blenheim; Ramillies; Oudenarde; Malplaquet; Dettingen; Guadaloupe, 1759; Douro; Talavera; Albuhera; Vittoria; Pyrenees; Nivelle; Nive; Orthes; Toulouse; Peninsula; Punniar; Sevastopol; Taku Forts; South Africa, 1879; Chitral; South Africa, 1900-02; Relief of Kimberley; Paardeberg.
Readers who have the opportunity of visiting the Guildhall should see the colours which were retired in 1906, and then presented to the Lord Mayor of London. They are exhibited in a glass case.
The King’s Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment).—Facings, blue.
R.C.—The Royal Cypher within the Garter. In each of the four corners the Lion of England.
The Garter is dark blue, edged with gold, and bears the motto, “Honi soit qui mal y pense,” in gilt letters.
The honorary distinctions are: Namur, 1695; Gibraltar, 1704-5; Guadaloupe, 1759; St. Lucia, 1778; Corunna; Badajoz; Salamanca; Vittoria; St. Sebastian; Nive; Peninsula; Bladensburg; Waterloo; Alma; Inkerman; Sevastopol; Abyssinia; South Africa, 1879; South Africa, 1899-1902; Relief of Ladysmith.
This regiment is often known by the nickname of “The Lions,” from its badge.
Saving the Colours of the Buffs at Albuhera