Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike H
Chris,
The LI red felt backing comes from the Cornwall LI.The patch was bigger than the badge,rather than just covering the internals.
The yellow diamond QLR patch comes from the East Lancs regt.
With regard to what Alan said about the Staffords,the "Holland" cloth backing should cover the knot holes on the cap and collar badges.It comes from the South Staffs regt who as Alan said were in the W.Indies for 40 years.They apparently used sugar cane sacks to repair their uniforms.The South Staffs patch was a lot larger than the badge,an example of which is in the museum.
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I think you will find that the red felt backing for both the LI (Ex DCLI) and the RGBW ( Ex Royal Berks) comes from the same provenance. It relates to a controvertial night action, against the American Rebels (or patriots, as you wish) in the American War of Independence. In essence news was heard by a British commander of a nearby American campsite where a large body of men were resting unsuspecting of a British presence in the vicinity. A 'Light Battalion' made up of six 'Light Companies' detached from various infantry regiments attacked with muskets unloaded, but bayonets fixed, in pitch darkness. Very many Americans were killed both in their beds and fleeing the scene, little quarter was given unless there was instant surrender, although there were a large number of prisoners. This was considered unfair warfare by the Americans who swore vengeance. To make sure that others British regiments who were not involved would not suffer if captured by the Americans, the six Light Companies concerned vowed to wear red feathers in their hats as a distinguishing mark. Two of the Light Companies involved in the actions, from the 46th (later 2nd Batt DCLI) and 49th foot (later 1st Batt R Berks), passed the tradition on to their parent battalions and the dress distinction was then worn by all companies of the two regiments. The night action was known as Paoli Tavern (near Brandywine creek). The red patches behind the badges commemorate this.