Home service helmet plate, officer, Royal Artillery, 1878-1902

Gilt brass badge consisting of the Royal coat of arms within a garter bearing the motto, 'Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense' (Shame on him who thinks evil of it), surmounted by a crown and lion crest; with lion and unicorn supporters above a scroll bearing the motto, 'Dieu et Mon Droit' (God and My Right), above an artillery piece with a scroll bearing the motto 'Ubique' (Everywhere). Below is another scroll that reads 'Quo Fas et Gloria Ducunt' (Wherever Right and Glory Lead).

The Royal Artillery has been in existence since 1716 and has participated in almost every action that the British Army has participated in since then. In 1832 William IV granted the Royal Artillery the use of the motto 'Ubique', to acknowledge its extensive service.

This pattern of helmet plate was introduced with the Home Service helmet in 1878. It remained in use until the abolition of full dress in 1914. The design of crown was changed in 1902 with the accession of Edward VII to the throne. Officers' helmet plates were gilded like this one, as opposed to a plain brass finish for other ranks.