Since May 1835, the 27th Inniskilling Regiment had served in South Africa and was ordered home in early 1848. Departing from Cape Town on the Troubadour, the Regiment arrived at Gravesend, Kent on 18 April 1848. However, the Battle Honour for actions during this period was eventually granted when General Order Number 252, issued on 1 September 1882, granted permission for the Regiment to bear the distinction SOUTH AFRICA 1835,’46-47 as borne on today’s Regimental Colours of The Royal Irish Regiment.