[Aberdeen Medals]

The badge illustrated in the opening post is a shooting prize badge. Worn on the upper left arm sleeve by eligible members of Indian Volunteer units

The badge is known in several variants. One example seen has an applied white metal badge of the Indian Volunteer Rifle Association, and was awarded to participating 'winning' shooting team members who shot in the annual Viceroy's Competition. Others seen have regimental insignia applied. All badges seen have been dated (engraved). The badges were awarded under the auspices of the Indian Volunteer Rifle Association, which group managed a variety of popular annual shooting competitions open to volunteer shooting teams in India and Burma.

Attached find a pre 1914 group photograph of a 'Shooting Team' of the 1st Battalion Great Indian Peninsula Railway Volunteers, that includes shooters wearing a similar type badge to that illustrated.

Although the photo is 'grainy' it can be seen that the shooting badge is being worn by at least 2 x volunteers vis, the volunteer standing second from right, and the volunteer sitting second from left (just discernible on arm).

Note that at least 3 x volunteers in the photo are wearing various shooting medals and badges (person standing second from right wears a similar badge, plus 3 x shooting prize awards 'shields' on his left arm, as well as the Volunteer Force Long Service Medal on his left breast; the Volunteer sitting second from right, wears the 1911 Delhi Durbar on his left breast, with the 'Best Shot of Indian Volunteers' medal and a further shooting medal on his right breast; the Volunteer sitting second from left is festooned with awards, including 5 x shooting medals and 3 x pin-back shooting badges on his right breast, and a 1911 Delhi Durbar Medal on his right breast in addition to his shooting badge worn on the left arm sleeve

As information.

Mark