British regimental markings?

[Lee63]

Can anybody tell me a source how to find out about british regimental markings on the enfield buttplate? Thanks....

[erik]

Re: British regimental markings?

The best reference is "Arms and Equipment of the British Army, 1866" which comprises a substantial part of Equipment of Infantry 1865. This book was published by Greenhill books in 1986. ISBN 0-947898-43-3.
If you wish further details I can send them supported by evidence from General orders.
To summarise, the marks on the "heel plate" comprised a Bn. number, a Regimental number and a number from 1 to 1000 or the establishment of the unit. The last is often called the rack number. Swords, bayonets and scabbards and other small stores would receive consecutive numbers only, by regulation. One often sees Bn. and Regt. designations on these items. As well designations of non-numbered units would appear such as GG for Grenadier Guards or RB for Rifle Brigade. In fact the combination of number and abbreviation was not uncommon even when the unit was numbered.
All of these marks were to be engraved not stamped.
Why do you ask?

Erik Simundson

[Gary of CA]

Re: British regimental markings?

Since alphabets were brought up, the KRRC is the King's Royal Rifle Corps or the old 60th Regiment (Royal Americans). They've been amalgamated with the 95th into the Royal Green Jackets.

[erik]

Re: British regimental markings?

Actually the KRRC became the second Bn of the RGJ and the RB became the third during the late 1960's. They are all now part of a new regiment called The Rifles formed this past year.
And yes the heel plates would have been marked KRRC.

Erik Simundson