THE LANCASHIRE FUSILIERS (THE 20th REGIMENT OF FOOT). FAMOUS REGIMENTS SERIES.

London: Leo Cooper, 1971. 135 pp, 8vo (8 3/4" H). B&w photographs, reproductions, music for Regimental March Past. "(G)allantry characterised the Lancashire Fusiliers in every action they fought, from their formation in 1688. On 1 August, 1759 they achieved a jealously guarded honour by becoming one of the 'Minden Regiments', of whom the French commander said: 'I have seen what I never thought to be possible - a single line of infantry break through three lines of cavalry, ranked in order of battle, and tumble them to ruin'. The American War of Independence, in which the Regiment burned its Colours rather than surrender them at Saratoga; four disease-ridden years in the pestilential West Indies; Egypt, Maida, Vimeiro and Corunna; the Peninsular War, the Crimea and the Indian Mutiny - in all these campaigns the 'XX' were always much in evidence. The Regiment saw the 19th century out in blaze of glory, and added 'Khartoum' and 'Relief of Ladysmith' to its battle honours. Lest anyone think that the six Victoria Crosses won at Gallipoli (on April 25, 1915) overshadow the Regiment's other achievements in the First World War, the Regiment won twelve more V.C.'s, making a total of 18 - more than any other regiment of the British Army. In the Second World War the glorious traditions of the 'XX' were maintained - in France, Sicily, Italy, North Africa and Burma. This is a great story of a great regiment - a regiment whose record of service may have been equalled but has surely never been surpassed." Small notation with place and date in ink on free front endpaper, light wrinkling at top of spine. Dust jacket has light wrinkling - mainly at top/bottom of spine and flap-folds.. Hard Cover. Very Good/Very Good.