ranker

The rules governing British Battle Honours have varied over the years. Some were not authorised until many years after the event, while other hard fought victories have never been recognised at all. Generally, in the past the British War Department never awarded Battle Honours to units involved in unsuccessful campaigns, and this would especially apply to the American War for Independence, since the loss of the colonies affected the often deranged George III badly and he would have to approve them. On the other hand, some actions fought during that period did warrant them. The units engaged in the Defence of Gibraltar 1779-82, and the Lancashire Regiment serving in St Lucia in 1778 recieved Battle Honours. But the war had become a wider affair by then, and in the first instance they were pitted against Spain and in the second against France. Ranker

There will probably be an issue of medals to individuals who serve there, but the award of Battle Honours to regiments would seem a little passe these days. Anyway, the British Army as ammalgamated units so much over the years that The Rifles must be home to a dozen older regiments, each with their own Honoured history. Quite a mix-up. Seems a little crazy to try to carry it on. Ranker