Cane carried by Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) Charles Vaughan, 2nd Battalion The Buffs (East Kent) Regiment, 1926 (c)

RSM is one of the highest ranks of warrant officer. They are responsible for matters of discipline, including drill and dress, and will advise their commanding officers on custom and ceremonial tradition.

Canes like this were a symbol of status for RSMs, but they were also used to help teach drill and marching. This one is marked with the names of successive RSMs from 1926 until 1960s when The Buffs were amalgamated.

A veteran of the First World War (1914-1918), Vaughan was later commissioned and joined the Commandos during the Second World War (1939-1945). He eventually became commandant of the Commando Training Centre at Achnacarry in Scotland.