Helmet Plates

Below are some examples of the different helmet plates which were worn on blue cloth helmets.

29th Regiment Helmet Plate (1878-1881)

This is an 29th Regiment officers' helmet plate. The plate was in Gilt with the '29' on a black leather background in the centre of the Garter. This plate was not in universal use, as the regiment at the time were under orders for India, and officers were ordered to equip themselves with shakos instead of blue cloth helmets.

36th Regiment Helmet Plate (1878-1881)

This is an 36th Regiment officers' helmet plate. This plate is very similar to that of the 29th Regiment. The plate was in Gilt with the '36' on a black leather background in the centre of the Garter. It will be noted that the Regimental Motto "FIRM" is on a scroll at the bottom of the wreath.

 

Worcestershire Militia Helmet Plate (1878-1881)

This silver helmet plate was used by Officers' of the Worcestershire Militia. The central tower was on a black velvet cloth. In another version of this plate the Garter was inscribed with 'WORCESTER MILITIA' instead of the county scroll.

1st Battalion Worcestershire Rifle Volunteers (1881-1895)

Both battalions of the Worcestershire Rifle Volunteers adopted a Maltese cross type of plate. This example is in blackened brass and was worn by the lower ranks. Officers and staff-sergeants the plate was in white metal. There were many versions of this helmet plate with the Pear Tree.

29th Regiment Tropical (White) Helmet Plate (1879-1881)

This plate was used on tropical white helmets for the first time in India around 1879. Initially the white helmet was a lightweight version of the blue cloth home service. However, several design changes were made until the final version was adopted, which is used today by the Royal Marines.

Worcestershire Regt. Tropical (White) Helmet Plate (1881-1890)

After the amalgamation of the 29th and 36th Regiments the tropical white helmet plate was changed. With in the Garter there is now a gilt tower mounted on a silver centre. In addition the motto "FIRM" is added on a scroll at the bottom of the plate.

Worcestershire Regiment Helmet Plate (1881-1890)

This officers' helmet plate was introduced after amalgamation of the 29th and 36th Regiment in 1881. The centre piece is a tower below which is the motto "FIRM". In 1883 the blue enamel at the centre was replaced with plain silver.

Worcestershire Regiment Helmet Plate (1890-1901)

This officers' helmet plate was introduced in 1890. The centre tower was now removed and replaced with the Royal Lion, this was authorised in October 1890. The central silver star device was also now elongated and continued to have the motto "FIRM" at the bottom.

Worcestershire Regiment Helmet Plate (1883-1890)

This is an soldiers' helmet plate introduced in 1883. This was also used by the Volunteer Battalion the main difference in that case is that the word "FIRM" is replaced with the words "2nd VOLs BATT".

Worcestershire Regiment Helmet Plate (1891-1901)

This is an soldiers' helmet plate introduced in 1891. Similar to the officers' plate but the Garter is replace with a circular ring containing the word "WORCESTER" and "FIRM". The whole plate is in gilding metal.

Worcestershire Regiment Helmet Plate (1901-1923)

Worcestershire Regiment officers' used this plate from 1901 to 1923. The St. Edward's Crown now replaces the Imperial Crown at the top. Note that the Garter now has a pronounced budge at the bottom. The 2nd Volunteers Battalion officers used a similar version 1901-1908.

Worcestershire Regiment Helmet Plate (1923-1939)

Worcestershire Regiment officers' used this plate from 1901 to 1923. The St. Edward's crown now relaces the Imperial Crown at the top. The 2nd Volunteers Battalion officers used a similar version 1901-1908.

 


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