STEEPED in tradition and recognised the world over, The Green Howards is one of the oldest British Army regiments.

Now, thanks to the work of military historian Robert Latter, the full story behind the origins of the regiment's name has been told for the first time.

His research, published in the latest edition of the Newsletter of the Friends of The Green Howards Museum, in Richmond, North Yorkshire, details how the regiment, first raised in 1688, acquired its name.

Mr Latter's work has revealed the sequence of events which led to The Green Howards title being made official, as well as bringing to light much of the history of the regiment from the 18th Century, when it was in action in North America and Europe.

He says that, from the 17th Century, regiments took the name of their colonel and changed whenever he was replaced.

But in 1713, a command from Queen Anne created an order of precedence for the establishment of British Army regiments, making The Green Howards the 19th of Foot.

Despite the royal ruling, regiments continued to be known by their leaders until 1744, when Colonel Charles Howard was in charge.

Trouble arose when it emerged that another Colonel Howard, with the 3rd of Foot, was also facing the enemy.

The resulting confusion eventually led Field Marshall Wade, commanding the British Forces, to decree that Colonel Charles' regiment should be known as The Green Howards because of the green facings on their uniforms. The others became the Buff Howards for the same colourful reason.

Although The Green Howards title has been altered several times over the centuries, the nickname has stuck. However, it was only in January 1921 that it was made the official title of the regiment.

Roger Chapman, of The Green Howards Museum, said: "Robert's work has helped us to set out the complete story of the regiment's name and provided a fascinating insight into the life of the 18th Century soldier.