Boer War Royal Dublin Fusiliers Cap Badge with Lugs. 1897 - 1903.

Boer War Royal Dublin Fusiliers Cap Badge with Lugs. 1897 - 1903.

This badge is pattern number 4579. It was approved by the Royal Army Clothing Department on Nov 23 1897 (as recorded in the RACD List of changes a copy of which is at the National Archives in Kew, London). With lugs it was originally used on the Field Service Cap. In 1903 the badge was modified to have a slider as the fitment so that it could fit the New Forage Cap (Brodrick) and later, with a shorter slider. This is the pre-1903 lugged example with two slotted braze-filled sweat holes to the ball. Excellent condition with all 3 lugs intact.

The Royal Dublin Fusiliers (RDF) played a prominent role in the Second Boer War (1899-1902), specifically within the 5th Brigade, known as the "Irish Brigade". Both regular battalions served, suffering heavy casualties during the initial phase of the war, including actions at Talana Hill, the Siege of Ladysmith, and the Battle of Colenso.