Suffolk Regiment officers slouch hat badge

[mooke07]

Hi all,

This badge is I believe a badge worn in the slouch hat circa 1905 by the officers of The Suffolk Regiment - silver centre with scroll below the key different to HPC KK 371 on a black velvet backing and gilt surround.

Any information on this would be appreciated, regards Dean.

[KLR]

These were issued / authorised in, I think, 1903, for either the FSH or the slouch hat. But like the slidered OR's version there is no evidence (photographs etc) that they were ever actually worn. DL put it down to an expensive WO mistake !

If anyone comes across a KLR one (scarce, but they do exist) - do let me know !!!!!

[chief_chum]

The 1903 Sealed Pattern card of Officers badges in the Suffolk Regiment Museum has a space where the example of this badge was removed. It has the date it was declared obsolete written across the vacant space.

As to whether they were ever issued, all I can say is that the example in my own collection came in a tin with all the badges and buttons of Lt Marriott of 2nd VB Suffolk Regiment who was one of those who served with the Suffolk Volunteer Companies in South Africa. I can't imagine why he would have had one if he had not worn it, even if only for a short time.

At the time they were introduced 1/Suffolk and 2/Suffolk were both still stationed overseas so it is likely that, if they were worn at all, it was only by Officers serving at the Depot or in the Militia/Volunteer Battalions, which could explain Marriott's badge.

Cheers,

Taff

[KLR]

Taff, thank you for confirming the date. Also that at least the officer's might have worn theirs, particularly since they would have paid for them ! But I still haven't seen an OR wearting what would look like an HPC on the FSH or slouch. Regretably the only KLR officer's card I've come across does not have this badge - nor spaces where it might have been.

[mooke07]

Many thanks for the inputs here Taff and Julian.

I had hoped the story of the badge would ring an accord with knowledgeable members.

regards Dean.