Button, 7th Madras Infantry, pre-1901

Large, gilt button by Firmin and Sons Limited, London, with the regimental number in Roman numerals, 'VII", within a garter bearing the battle honour, 'Ava', within a wreath, surmounted by an Imperial Crown.

The 7th Madras Infantry was originally raised in Trichinopoly in 1759, as the 8th Battalion of Coast Sepoys. The unit was named the 7th Regiment of Madras Infantry in 1824. The term 'Native' was dropped from the regimental title in 1885. In 1903, during the reform of the Indian Army, the regiment was renamed the 67th Punjabis. In 1922 the 1st Battalion 67th Punjabis became the 1st Battalion of a new 2nd Punjab Regiment. The 2nd Battalion, 67th Punjabis, formed a 10th (Training) Battalion.

The battle honour 'Ava' refers to the unit's service in the 1st Burma War (1824-1826).

With the Partition of India, the regiment became part of the Indian Army.

From the Field Marshal Chapple Indian Army Collection.