After the end of the Napoleonic Wars, it was realised that the British Army had been overly reduced and in 1824, in order to meet the increasing commitments of an expanding British Empire, some new Infantry regiments were raised. One of these took the number 98 - the sixth unit to do so. On its return to England in 1837 after thirteen years in South Africa Colin Campbell from the half pay list (this was a form a of semi retirement for officers when there was more officers than commands), took command. A veteran of the Peninsular War, He commanded the 98th with distinction for twelve years. Later gaining fame as Commander in Chief during The Indian Mutiny.
The 98th saw action in the first China or Opium War in 1842, for which it was awarded the Battle Honour of 'A Dragon super-inscribed China (the second of such devices on today’s Colours). The Regiment then served in the Second Sikh War of 1848, though missing the main battles. The 98th was destined to see a great deal of service on the North Western Frontier of India. Detachments from the Regiment took part in the operations in the Kohat pass during 1850 and with the Sittana Field Force in 1858. Subsequently, the 98th spent seven years in the UK and two in the West Indies before moving to Malta in 1875. Here in 1876 and following the presentation of Colours by HRH The Prince of Wales (the future King Edward VII), the 98th was given the title 'The Prince of Wales's'
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