The 99th was raised in 1824 by Major-General Gage John Hall. It spent many years in Britain's colonies, before being posted to Australia, then sent to New Zealand, fighting in the Battle of Battle Hill.
In 1856, the regiment was sent back to the British Isles, spending years at various garrisons in Ireland. It was then sent to India in 1859, fighting in the Second Opium War.
It was then sent, for three years, in 1865 to South Africa. It was sent back to South Africa after going to England, to take part in the Anglo-Zulu War.Assigned to Lord Chelmsford's column, they marched to the relief of British forces under Colonel Charles Pearson besieged by the Zulu impis. At the Battle of Gingindlovu, the 99th helped defeat a Zulu impis which tried to overrun the British while laagered.[11] Although it would not participate in the final battle at Ulundi, the 99th was honoured for its service in Anglo-Zulu War, being awarded the battle honour South Africa 1879.
