Middlesex Regiment

The Middlesex Regiment (Duke of Cambridge's Own) was a regiment of the British Army. It was formed in 1881 as part of the Childers Reforms when the 57th and 77th Regiments of Foot were amalgamated with the county's militia and rifle volunteer units.

On 31 December 1966 The Middlesex Regiment was amalgamated with three other regiments to form The Queen's Regiment. The latter regiment was itself subject to a merger in 1992 to form part of the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment.

The Middlesex was one of the principal home counties based regiments with a long tradition. They inherited their nickname, the “Die-hards”, from the 57th Regiment of Foot (West Middlesex), which later became the 1st Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment. The 57th gained the name during the Peninsular War when, at the Battle of Albuera on 16 May 1811 their commander Colonel Inglis had his horse shot from under him, severely wounded and outnumbered by the French he called to his men “Die hard, 57th. Die hard!” "Albuhera" was the principal battle honour on the Middlesex Regiment's colours.

Battalions

Formation

The regiment was formed on 1 July 1881 with two regular, two militia and four volunteer battalions:

• 1st Battalion formerly the 57th (West Middlesex) Regiment of Foot (raised 1755)
• 2nd Battalion formerly the 77th (East Middlesex) Regiment of Foot (The Duke of Cambridge's Own) (raised 1787)
• 3rd Battalion formerly the Royal Elthorne or 5th Middlesex Light Infantry Militia
• 4th......
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