Button, Rangoon Volunteer Rifles, 1920-1937

Brass, circular button by Firmin of London, with wheat or rice sheaf within wreath with plain scroll below.

The Rangoon Volunteer Rifle Corps was raised in 1877 at the request of the Viceroy, Lord Lytton. Over 120 men answered the call for volunteers and the unit was officially sanctioned by the Government of India on 13 November 1877.

Having amalgamated with the Akyab Volunteer Rifle Corps in 1880 and the Toungoo Volunteer Rifles Corps in 1885, the auxiliary unit became the 18th Rangoon Battalion in 1917, part of the Indian Defence Force. In 1937 the unit became part of the Burma Auxiliary Force, when Burma separated from India.

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.