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Date	Original Topic
30th July 2001	Collar Badges of the 57th. By Craig Appleton Does anyone know which collar badge was worn by the 57th (West Middlesex) Regiment during the Zulu War. This would be prior to the 1881 reforms when a new Collar Badge was adopted comprising an amalgamation of the devices of the 57th and 77th Regts. ?
Date	Replies
30th July 2001	John Young Craig, The collar badge of the other ranks of the 57th(West Middlesex) Regt, was a laurel wreath, similiar in design to the glengarry badge, but uncrowned, and a scroll bearing the battle honour ALBUHERA. That was the battle which the 57th gained their sobiquet "The Die-Hards", but you knew that! Thanks also to all the "Die-Hards" involved over the "Fix bayonets!" weekend via this open forum. All the best, John
31st July 2001	Alan Critchley John, we can always rely on you to come up with the goods. Good stuff. Alan
31st July 2001	Martin Everett But what he did not tell you is that the Laurel Wreath was awarded to all regts which served in the Peninsula as an embellishment to their badge. Of course, the 24th were awarded laurels as well as 57th Foot. The capbadge of the SWB is often mistaken as being the Wreath of Immortelles (after the honour granted by Queen Victoria following the Zulu War). But if you look closely it is a laurel AND dried flowers combined so the SWB capbadge represents the Battle Honours 'Peninsula' and 'South Africa 1877-8-9'. Thats enought history for today!!