Button, 22nd Regiment of Madras Native Infantry, 1826-1855

Small, gilt button by Firmins, London, with the regimental number in Roman numerals, 'XXII', within a garter inscribed, 'Seringapatam' and 'Ava', surmounted by an Imperial Crown, within a wreath.

The 22nd Madras Infantry was originally raised as the 29th Madras Battalion in 1788. It became the 2nd Battalion, 11th Regiment of Madras Native Infantry in 1796 and served in the 3rd and 4th Mysore Wars. Renamed the 22nd Madras Native Infantry in 1824, it fought in the 1st Burma War (1824-1826). The word 'Native' was dropped from its title in 1885. With the reform of the Indian Army in 1901, the regiment became the 22nd Madras Infantry. Further reorganisation in 1903 led to the unit being renamed the 82nd Punjabis. In 1922 the unit was amalgamated and formed the 5th Battalion, 1st Punjab Regiment.

The battle honours on this button represent the service of the regiment at the Siege of Seringapatam (1799) during the 4th Mysore War (1799) and the 1st Burma War (1824-1826).

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.