FIRST OR GRENADIER GUARDS.
The Regiment was raised in London by Colonel John Russell.
It then bore the Red Cross of St. George on a white ground.
The King’s Regiment of Foot Guards raised in Flanders in 1656 by Lord Wentworth was incorporated with the Regiment in 1665.
It bears a Grenade, and also one of the ancient Badges conferred by Royal Authority on each of the Companies, the Badges being borne in turn as the Colours are renewed.
And also in—
It has a Crimson Standard presented in 1832 by King William IV., bearing the Royal Cypher crowned, with the badges of England, Scotland, and Ireland, in the corners, each surmounted by the Imperial Crown.
It received its title in 1815 in commemoration of its having defeated the French Imperial Guards at Waterloo.
It is nicknamed “The Sand Bags,†also “Old Eyes.â€