EIGHTY-SEVENTH FOOT.
The Regiment was raised in Ireland.
It bears “The Plume of the Prince of Wales”; also “An Eagle with a wreath of Laurel” which with its Title was gained in 1811 from its capture, at the battle of Barrossa, of the Eagle of the 8th French Light Infantry; also “The Harp and Crown.”
It was nicknamed “The old Fogs,” also “The Faugh a Ballagh Boys” from “Fag an Bealac” or “Clear the way” its cry at Barrossa; also “The Eagle Takers.”
The first Regiment numbered the 87th was the 87th Highland Voluntiers, raised in 1759 from three companies of the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment. It served at Warbourg 1760, Campen 1760, and Wilhelmstahl 1762, and was disbanded in 1763.
The second was raised in 1780, and disbanded in 1783; it served as Marines in three general engagements of the Fleet commanded by Lord Rodney.