1st Cinque Ports Rifle Volunteers collar badge

[Tinto]

Hi All,
Here is a recent acquisition, measures 38 X 24 mm approx., lugs missing unfortunately.
Does anyone know what time period it was worn?
Thanks, Tinto

[Rob Miller]

Hi Tinto

According to Ray Westlake "The Rifle Volunteers"

The 1st Cinque Ports Admin Battalion was formed in December 1861 which became the 1st Cinque Ports Corps in 1876

And according to Howard Ripley's Rifle Volunteers book

1st Cinque Ports Rifle Volunteers was formed in 1876 by the amalgamation of

16th Battle RV
17th Etchingham RV
19th Eastbourne RV
20th Uckfield RV
and in 1880 4th Lewis RV

It seems to be more complicated by the fact that some of the Kent Rifle Volunteers also formed another 2nd Cinque Ports Rifle Volunteers but I suspect your badge is post 1876 Sussex but I look forward to learning more.

Rob

[Wmr-RHB]

The lineage of the Cinque Posts corps is complicated indeed and tied to their Sussex and Kent neighbours. I tried to unravel what Westlake says.

Remind that in the area of the Rifle Volunteers correct citing of their designations is crucial, else you will loose your subject in the jungle of sloppy talking.

1st Cinque Ports Rifle Volunteer Corps raised in 1859.

Becomes part of 1st Administrative Battalion of Cinque Ports Rifle Volunteers in 1860.

In the years that follow many RVCs of the Admin Bn are moved from and to other Admin Bns. This includes units from Kent and from Sussex.

In 1876 the 16th, 17th and 20th Sussex Rifle Volunteer Corps, all part of the 1st Administrative Battalion of Cinque Ports Rifle Volunteers, are absorbed by the 1st Cinque Ports Rifle Volunteer Corps.

In 1880 the 1st Administrative Battalion of Cinque Ports Rifle Volunteers consists of the 1st Cinque Ports Rifle Volunteer Corps and 4th Sussex Rifle Volunteer Corps . It is consolidated as the 1st Cinque Ports (Cinque Ports and Sussex) Rifle Volunteer Corps, the old 1st becoming 'A', 'B' and 'C' Company.

In 1881, the 1st Cinque Ports (Cinque Ports and Sussex) Rifle Volunteer Corps becomes part of the Royal Sussex Regiment as a volunteer battalion.

In 1891 the designation is changed to 1st Cinque Ports (Cinque Ports and Sussex) Volunteer Rifle Corps.

In 1908 the unit becomes 5th (Cinque Ports) Battalion, The Royal Sussex Regiment (TF).

[Tinto]

Hi Rob, and Henk,

Thank you very much for your valuable information.
I knew that the lineage of this Corps is complicated.

I'm hoping that the shape of the badge may be a clue. It is shaped like the Star of the Royal Sussex Regiment hat badge, rather than the Maltese Cross.

Cheers, Tinto

[adb63]

Hi Tinto.
A very nice badge indeed and not a collar but actually an officer's side cap badge. I have attached the page from 'Cinque Ports Battalion' by Fazan that illustrates the badge and dates it to 1899. It would of course have been made obsolete by the 1908 change from Volunteers to Territorial Force.
Kind regards, Andrew.

[Wmr-RHB]

Originally Posted by adb63

Hi Tinto.
It would have course have been made obsolete by the 1908 change from Volunteers to Territorial Force.
Kind regards, Andrew.

Is that true? I always thought that the 5th (Cinque Ports) Battalion, The royal Sussex Regiment wore special to battalion badges of a design like the badge shown.

G.L.D. Alderson's Cap-Badges of the British Army 1993-45 states that this was the case into WW2 (but not for the 1939 TA duplicate the 7th (Cinque Ports) Battalion).

[Tinto]

Originally Posted by adb63

Hi Tinto.
A very nice badge indeed and not a collar but actually an officer's side cap badge. I have attached the page from 'Cinque Ports Battalion' by Fazan that illustrates the badge and dates it to 1899. It would have course have been made obsolete by the 1908 change from Volunteers to Territorial Force.
Kind regards, Andrew.

Hi Andrew,
Thank you very much for your comments and for the page extract showing the badge.
I have corrected size measurements in my first post.
Kind Regards,
Tinto

[Tiger Pete]

Hi Tinto,

The museum has it listed as an Officer''s forage cap badge, circa 1890. Photo (poor quality) attached.

It's a lovely badge. If you ever decide to part with it, it's on my wants list!

Kind Regards,

Pete.

[Tinto]

Hi Pete,
Thanks for your comments and picture.
I'll keep you in mind should I dispose of this badge.
Cheers, Tinto