London Brochure Final(4) - Flipbook - Page 6
LONDON'S PART IN
RIFLES HISTORY
Most infantry regiments carry
their battle honours on Colours
(ceremonial flags). RIFLES Battalions
do not have Colours, but all Riflemen
carry 34 representative battle
honours (of 913 awarded) on their
belt badge. Some honours were for
great battles of national significance,
like Waterloo, the Somme, El
Alamein and Normandy. Others
are unique to The Rifles, such as
Marabout and Pegasus Bridge. One
scroll on the belt badge is left blank
for a battle honour yet to be won.
Delhi (1857) - 1/KRRC were stationed in India at the time of the
Indian Revolt of 1857 and fired the opening British shots of the
conflict. The Regiment subsequently took part in the Siege of
Delhi. They stormed the Kashmir Gate which was followed by five
days of brutal street fighting. Seven Victoria Crosses were won
by Riflemen during the siege.
Copenhagen (1801) - The newly formed Experimental Corps of
Riflemen fought in the naval Battle of Copenhagen, acting as
marines aboard the ships of Vice Admiral Nelson’s squadron.
Their accurate marksmanship proved deadly when firing on
Danish shore positions, ships and floating batteries.
Waterloo (1815) - Three battalions of the 95th took part
in the Waterloo campaign. At Waterloo, 1/95th formed a
skirmish line in front of the Allied centre. 2/95th and part of
3/95th fought in the area of Hougoumont for much of the
day. 2/95th then joined the 52nd in their flank attack on the
Imperial Guard, which broke them.
Afghanistan (1878-79, 1919) - 1 & 2/KRRC and 4/RB took part in the
Second Anglo-Afghan War. 4/RB were engaged in the opening battle of
the war, at Ali Masjid. 2/KRRC fought at Ahmed Khel and Kandahar. 40
years later, 25/London Regiment saw action in the Third Anglo-Afghan War.
Abridged timeline of historical names and amalgamations o
1757
60th (Royal American)
Regiment (60th)
1830
60th Duke of York’s
Own Rifle Corps (60th)
1881
The King’s Royal Rifle
Corps (KRRC)
1800
Manningham’s Sharp
Shooters
1802
95th Regiment of Foot
(95th)
1816
The Rifle Brigade
(RB)
