WW1 South African Karoo Schutters ( 14th Dismounted Rifles ) Brass Collar Badge

Die pressed brass sheet unvoided Other Ranks collar badge with two original wire loops to the reverse. Worn circa 1914 - 1929. Circa 3.5cm wide and 2.7m tall. This was not the cap badge. The cap badge worn by this unit was the general service badge of the time that is the union arms in garter surmounted by crown.

The unit existed from 1913 to 1929 and served in the Southern area of German South West Africa in 1915. The Karroo Schutters were also known as the 14th Dismounted Rifles. The motto "NON SIBI SID" "PATRIAL" means "Not For Self But For Country".

Somewhat ironically the collar badge was designed by one of the five Boer prisoners who escaped from the ship "THE CATOLINA" in Columbia harbour on 13 January 1901. They were known as the "five swimmers" and swam to a Russian steamer KERSON where they made their escape. The five were a Steyn, Botha, Haussner and the two Steytler brothers. This feat is depicted on the badge design. So given the 1st commanding officer of the Karoo Schutters was one of these five swimmers, Lt Col Steyn, the badge does seem to represent "one in the eye" for the British Empire!

Steyn was an officer in General Smuts's staff in the Anglo-Boer War and commanded the unit during the GSWA campaign.

Owen No 1755 refers

B23.21

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Code: 57962