THIRTY-NINTH FOOT.
The Regiment was raised in Ireland.
It bears the motto “Primus in Indis” in consid=eration of its being the first Regiment to serve in India (it was given originally by the Nabob of Arcot, who presented it with a Drum-Major’s cane); also “The Castle and Key” with motto “Montis Insignia Calpe,” for its share in the defence of Gibraltar, 1779–1784.
It captured four guns and two Standards at the battle of Maharajpore, 1843.
It was nicknamed “Sankey’s Horse” about 1710 from its Colonel’s name, and from being mounted on mules to expedite its march; also about 1742 “The Green Linnets,” from its pea-green facings.