The First City Regiment was raised on 7 Oct 1875 and is the country's senior Scottish regiment. Based in Grahamstown, it participated in the 9th Frontier War of 1877, the Basutoland conflict in 1880, in German South West Africa in 1914, and in World War Two as a composite regiment. The regiment served in the South African Border War from 1977 to 1986, and was also involved from 1983 until 1994 in internal operations.

Previously: Virtute et Opera - By virtue of deeds; Now: Expecto - Be Alert/Be Prepared/I await