Regimental Nicknames and Traditions of the British Army

When the Territorial System was adopted in 1881, the old titles borne by our regiments were, in many cases, changed, and in other instances entirely lost. When the old titles changed, the Nicknames, by which nearly every corps was known, disappeared. These Nicknames often brought to mind some amusing event or memorable incident in the regiment's career, and in many cases originated from some peculiarity in the uniform, or, in the case of a cavalry regiment, the colour of the horses. There is no official record kept of these Nicknames, as they were wholly unrecognised by the "Army List"; it is, therefore, hoped that the record of the old names and titles as shown in this work will be appreciated.