Tangier
Tangier Troop is one of five Troops within 59 (Asten) Battery, Royal Artillery. The Troop is named following the actions at the city of Tangier in Northern Morocco, lying on the North African coastline, on the western entrance to the Straight of Gibraltar. It has particular significance, as it is the city behind the oldest Battle Honour awarded to the British Army.
On 14 Oct 1661 The Tangier Regiment was paraded on Putney Heath under command of the Earl of Peterborough, becoming the senior Infantry Regiment of the Line. The Regiment was raised to garrison the Port of Tangier, which King Charles II has acquired as part of the dowry when he married Catherine of Braganza, the Infanta of Portugal.
The port of Tangier was protected by the Tangier Regiment for 23 years, during which time they came under constant attack from the Moors. The garrison was evacuated in 1684 due to the high cost of its' maintenance.
On return to England, the Tangier Regiment was re-named the Queens Royal Regiment and in 1909 was awarded the Battle Honour of Tangier 1662 - 1680. The honour is proudly emblazed today on the Colours of the Prince of Wales's Royal Regiment, the modern successor of the Tangier Regiment. The Battle Honour is shared with only one other Regiment: the Household Cavalry Regiment.