Canadian Militia - 3rd Regiment Victoria Rifles of Canada (Montreal) Officers Unmarked Silver Cap Badge, QVC Crown

A large rare solid and heavy die cast darkened silver plated officers cap badge with crowned Maltese cross, large QVC crown, pre 1901. Circa 7cms tall. original stout pin and C clasp, reverse engraved attractively with the units ID "VRC" (Victorian Rifles of Canada). Some light polishing to centre bugle and minor service wear otherwise in very good condition. A real stunner. Rare.

On 10th January,1862, the Regiment was officially enrolled as a militia unit in response to the strain that was brought on by the American civil war. During the Fenian raids, the Victoria Rifles participated in the Campobello fiasco in Cornwall with other regiments like the Royal Scots. In 1866 several companies from the Victoria Rifles were sent to reinforce defences in St-Jean, Lachine and Cornwall. The Victoria Rifles also participated in the Boer War, as part of the second Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment. Between 1885 and 1902, The Rifles had sometimes been called upon to help quell civil disruptions in Montreal and Valleyfield. Details of the Regiment were placed on active service in August 1914 for local protection duties. The 24th Battalion, which was authorized in November 1914 as the 24th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, embarked for Great Britain in May 1915. It disembarked in France in September 1915, where it fought as part of the 5th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Division in France and Flanders until the end of the war. They also perpetuated the 60th Battalion (1915) and the 244th (1917).

See the following entry for identification:

https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/canadian_pre_1914_badges/infantry_1/pb82.htm

See item below for the post 1901 other ranks cap badge.

Comm DaSm

Code: 65534