Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry (DCLI) Red Feather Plume Badge Backing as worn on the Slouch Hat

A scarce single red feather mounted in a brass ferule, circa 9cms tall. In very good condition, remarkably so for its age.

"Bugles and a Tiger" the book by John Masters who was a Second Lieutenant in the 1st Btn. D.C.L.I. stationed in Razmak in 1935, wrote of this tradition:

"On parade every man of the regiment wore a single red feather in the front of his pith helmet. The light company of the other (2nd) battalion of the regiment had taken part in a successful night attack on the Americans at Paoli on September 20th 1777. The Americans vowed vengeance, and, in order that they should know who had done the deed, the light company stained red the white feathers they used to wear in their hats-and ever since then the Duke of Cornwall's light Infantry has worn a red feather or a red patch behind the cap badge."

The 46th Foot (later 2 DCLI), wore a red ball tuft and later red plumes or feathers were worn by the regular battalions in the pagri of the pith or tropical helmet (and by extension for the evidence presented here, possibly behind the badge on the slouch hat).

Ivall & Thomas "Military Insignia of Cornwall" p7 refers.

Please note I will only post to a UK address, and it will be nicely boxed.

Comm DaSm

Code: 69294