Button, 2nd (or Hill) Regiment of Sikh Infantry, Punjab Frontier Force, 1857

Large, brass button by Smith, Kemp and Wright, Birmingham, with regimental number,'2', in the centre, within French circle and dot motif, with the regimental title, 'Seikh Infantry'.

The 2nd Regiment of Infantry of the Frontier Brigade was formed in 1846. The following year it became the 2nd (or Hill) Regiment of Sikh Local Infantry. In 1857 the unit became the 2nd (or Hill) Regiment of Sikh Infantry, Punjab Irregular Force. In 1865 the regiment became the 2nd (or Hill) Regiment of Sikh Infantry, Punjab Frontier Force.

The regiment served in the 2nd Afghan War (1878-1880) and in Somaliland in 1902. It was renamed the 52nd Sikhs (Frontier Force) in 1903 and fought in Mesopotamia during World War One (1914-1918). After service in Kurdistan the unit became the 2nd Battalion of the 12th Frontier Force Regiment in 1922. During World War Two (1941-1945), the unit served in the Far East.

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.