Why This Army Unit Was Given The "Primus In Indis" Motto

In 1754, the 39th Foot was the first British Army unit to go to India, thus acquiring the nickname "Primus in Indis" (‘First in India’). The 39th took part in the Seven Years War (1756-63), including at the Battle of Plassey (1757). This was the only British Army unit to receive a battle honour for this battle. In 1751, the regiment was given the number 39 in the line infantry order of precedence. Afterwards, in 1782, it was affiliated with the county of East Middlesex.

The 39th Foot Regiment was assigned to guard convicts being transported and arriving in New South Wales from 1825. They were then sent to India for a 13-year period, including campaigns in Coorg in 1834 and Gwalior in 1843. In 1854, the regiment fought in the Crimean War at Sevastopol, then returned to Canada in 1859 before being sent to India for the last time in 1869.

They were still in India when the 54th (West Norfolk) Regiment of Foot merged with them in 1881 to form the Dorsetshire Regiment.