E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Blues (The),
applied to troops.
1
The Oxford Blues. The Royal Horse Guards were so called in 1690, from the Earl of Oxford their commander and the blue facings. Wellington, in one of his despatches, writes:—“I have been appointed colonel of the Blues.”
2
“It was also known as the ‘Blue Guards’ during the campaign in Flanders (1742–1745).”—Trimen: Regiments of the British Army.
