Being one of the "Old Corps" the IIId Regiment, "The Buffs," had;
In the center of their colours, the dragon, being their ancient badge; and
the rose and crown in the three corners of their second colour.
The motto above the dragon reads: Veteri frondescet honore
(The glory of our fathers lives in us again). Although not mentioned
in the warrants, the motto appeared unofficially until approval in 1890.
The 3rd was raised in 1572 as Thomas Morgan's Company for service in Holland.
By 1663, Morgan's Company became known as the Holland Regiment of Foot.
In 1668, the ' Lord-General of the Land Forces' was directed to furnish men to
the Foot Guards for duty in ships of war. The first corps specially set apart for
sea-service was the 3rd Regiment of the Line. In 1684, the regiment received the
title of the "Duke of York and Albany's Maritime Regiment." Following a British
declaration of war against Holland in 1689 the " Maritime" regiment, then designated
the "Prince George of Denmark's Regiment" was named the 3rd Regiment of Foot.
In 1708, the 3rd assumed the title of the "Old Buffs," and it is now known as
"The Buffs", or East Kent Regiment."
From the old 3rd, or Maritime Regiment, the Royal Marines claim descent. Along
with the "Buffs" the Royal Marines share the privilege of marching through London
with drums beating and colours uncased. This privilege was mentioned in the
" Memoirs of Major Donkin," published 1777, as follows:
"The 3rd Regiment of Foot, raised in 1663, known by the ancient title of the "Old Buffs",
have the privilege of marching through London with drums beating and colours flying,
which the City disputes, not only with all other corps, but even with the King's Guards
going on duty to the Tower. It happened in 1746 that the detachment of the Marines
beating along Cheapside, one of the magistrates came up to the officer, requiring him
to cease the drum, as no soldiers were allowed to interrupt the civil repose. The Captain
commanding said . . . ' We are Marines.' 'Oh, sir,' replied the Alderman, 'I beg pardon;
I did not know it. . . Pray continue your route as you please.' " 1
The 3rd Regiment of Foot landed in Charleston, South Carolina in 1781. The 3rd was
one of the last British Regiments in the south, leaving America in December 1782.
The same badge of the dragon to be painted on their drums, and bells
of arms, with the rank of the regiment underneath.
Evidence suggests that the drum would also have had depictions of the
rose and crown to the upper right, lower right, and lower left of the badge of
the dragon, and "III Regt" in gold leaf to the upper left.
1. Edmonds, Bev. Royal Marine Light Infantry - Formation of Special Corps for Naval Service,
Extracts from Late 19th Century and Early 20th Century Newspapers
at http://www.pbenyon.plus.com/News_Extracts/Royal_Marine_Light_Infantry.html, 12 December 2003.
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