266. The Names and Numbers of British Regiments.
—Formerly the regiments in the British army were distinguished not by a particular number, but the name of an officer of rank.
I shall feel obliged by information on the following points:—
1. What was the origin of thus naming, instead of numbering, regiments?
2. Who conferred the name? Was it done at the War-office, or how?
3. If in honour of an officer commanding the corps, was the name changed when that officer died, or removed to another regiment; or what was the rule?
4. When did the present mode of numbering regiments begin, and by whom was it introduced; and what was the rule adopted in applying the number to each corps? I mean, what was the principle followed in giving any regiment a certain number? Was it according to the length of time it had been embodied?
5. What is the guide now, in identifying a named with a numbered regiment?
Ȝ.