Gloucestershire Regiment Pouch Badge. 22434:12. Gloucestershire Regiment Pouch Badge. 22434:12. Antique & Militaria

The Gloucestershire Regiment, commonly referred to as the Glosters, was a line infantry regiment of the British Army from 1881 until 1994. It traced its origins to Colonel Gibson's Regiment of Foot, which was raised in 1694 and later became the 28th (North Gloucestershire) Regiment of Foot. The regiment was formed by the merger of the 28th Regiment with the 61st (South Gloucestershire) Regiment of Foot. It inherited the unique distinction in the British Army of wearing a badge on the back of its headdress as well as the front, a tradition that originated with the 28th Regiment after it fought in two ranks back to back at the Battle of Alexandria in 1801. At its formation the regiment comprised two regular, two militia and two volunteer battalions, and saw its first action during the Second Boer War. The British Army, pouch or sabretaches were first adopted at the end of the 18th century by light dragoon regiments, four of which acquired "hussar" status in 1805. They were still being worn in combat by British cavalry during the Crimean War; "undress" versions in plain black patent leather were used on active duty. The Prussian Guard Hussars wore theirs in the Franco-Prussian War. In most European armies, sabretaches were gradually abandoned for field use by the late 19th century but were retained by some regiments for ceremonial occasions. This Gloucestershire Regimental Pouch Badge. Nice gilt period example depicting a Sphinx sitting on a square scroll with the word ‘Egypt’ within on a bed of laurel leaves. Beneath that a larger scroll with the word ‘Gloucestershire’ within. On reverse, present are two loops attached. Measuring: 10 x 6 ½ cm. The price includes UK delivery. 22434:12.