Button, 15th Madras Native Infantry, 1824-1885

Large, circular, brass button made by Smith, Kemp and Wright, Birmingham, with the regimental number, '15', within a French circle and dot, surrounded by a wreath.

The 15th Carnatic Battalion was formed in 1776, becoming the 15th Madras Battalion in 1784. It became the 2nd Battalion, 4th Regiment of Madras Native Infantry in 1796 and the 15th Madras Native Infantry in 1824. 'Native' was dropped from the regimental title in 1885. In 1903 the unit became the 75th Carnatic Infantry. Further reform of the Indian Army resulted in the unit becoming the 2nd Battalion of the 3rd Madras Regiment in 1922.

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.