Somerset Light Infantry Button
 

I have a white anodised Somerset Light Infantry button. Can anyone shed any light on this as I thought all LI wore the same buttons from 1947? Thanks

Hello

According to Howard Ripley's book, the Somerset Light Infantry button was only made in gilt and brass up to 1947. No mention of an anodised version and certainly not a "white" one.

I can't think of any reason why it should be white (presumably silver) anodised. I always thought that silver versions of the standard gilt anodised button were usually issued for pipers and the like. I can't recall the Somerset Light Infantry ever having a Pipe Band!


Any chance of a photo of the front and back? It might be a version made specially for cadets. The only other possibility is a modern fashion button. Quite a few of these seem to have been based on regimental buttons and some even have the exact same device/motto on them. They are usually open backed though and look quite 'cheap' compared to the real thing. Other than the usual "Regiment" ones I have seen some with the device of the Royal Army Pay Corps and the Duke of Wellington's Regiment on them but I am sure there must be others out there.

Regards
Roger

Thanks Roger,

that is what I thought hence the post. I have attached two photos (front and back).

Chris

Hello Chris

Thanks for the photos.

Well, that's certainly not a 'fashion' button as far as I am concerned, a genuine military version.

There is still a Somerset Army Cadet Force and they do, apparently, have a Band Company which "oversees the Silver Bugles Band", so there could be a connection there. Perhaps the band has the older style buttons used prior to 1968 when they were re-badged as The Light Infantry, "being the last unit to give up the badge of the old Somerset Light Infantry" (according to their website http://www.somersetarmycadetforce.co...w/he1/he2.html) but this is just a guess on my part. An email to them might get some information on the buttons used by their band past and present.

Hopefully some other member may be able to help.

Regards
Roger

Having collected buttons for several years, this is only the second one that I have seen. The first one was part of Margaret Nobbs collection that went to auction when she passed away about 15 years ago and I was outbid by the big guns!!