Winnipeg Rifles

[Mike]

Just thought I'd show these latest ebay pickups for my small but developing Canada collection.

The maker's plate on "2" is Hicks & Sons London.

What is the meaning of the devil character on these badges?

[Voltigeur]

The Battle of Fish Creek (also known as the Battle of Tourond's Coulée ),fought April 24, 1885 at Fish Creek, Saskatchewan, was a major Métis victory over the Canadian forces attempting to quell Louis Riel's North-West Rebellion.
......on 24 April 1885, with the famous Battle of Fish Creek, where the The 90th Battalion of Rifles Regiment's* nickname, the Little Black Devils, and the motto – Hosti Acie Nominati **– were born.
It was at Fish Creek where the Regiment received its baptism by fire. The Regiment fought that day without food or drink, and battled a prairie fire set by the Métis leader Dumont. To them went the brunt of the fighting during the advance on the Métis trenches. It was here that captured prisoners, awed by the cool, steady advance of the sharp shooting Rifles said afterwards, “The red coats we know, but who are those little black devils? ”

* Created 9 November 1883
**Hosti Acie Nominati, which means “named by the enemy in battle”.
Courtesy of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles regimental history.

[Bill A]

To add, the 90th Battalion was originally designated the 90th Winnipeg Battalion of Rifles 1883, then redesignated 90th Regiment Winnipeg Rifles 1900. The 90th Regiment contributed the majority of personnel to the 8th Bn CEF, and recruited the 90th, 144th, 190th, and 203rd Bns. The CEF battalions used the same basic design for their badges as the 90th Regiment.

[Mike]

Most interesting. Many thanks.