40th (2nd Somersetshire) Regiment of Foot

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40th (2nd Somersetshire) Regiment of Foot)
Active	1717 to 1881.
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Army
Type	Line Infantry
Role	Light Infantry
Size	One battalion
Nickname	"The Excellers".
Colors	Light Buff Facings, Gold Braided Lace
March	Quick: Slow:

The 40th (2nd Somersetshire) Regiment of Foot was an infantry regiment of the British Army, formed in 1717 and amalgamated into The Prince of Wales's Volunteers (South Lancashire Regiment) in 1881.

The regiment was raised by General Richard Philipps in August 1717 out of independent companies stationed in North America and the West Indies. In 1751, they were numbered the 40th Regiment of Foot, and in 1782 took a county title as the 40th (2nd Somersetshire) Regiment of Foot.

The 40th (2nd Somersetshire) Regiment of Foot spend two tours of duty in the Australian colonies. From 1823 to 1829, they were posted to New South Wales, where they served at both Sydney, and Van Diemens Land. They returned in 1852, and remained until 1860, serving in Victoria, South Australia and the Swan River colony.