'The Buffs 1848-1864', 1864 (c)

Miniature painting on ivory, by an unknown Chinese artist, 1864 (c). In a silver-painted frame but not glazed.

The miniature depicts the crossed regimental colours of the 3rd (The East Kent) Regiment of Foot (The Buffs), carried during the Crimean War (1854-1856), with a crown above and the dragon insignia of the regiment below.

The miniature was owned by General Sir Charles Van Straubenzee. It was presented to General Sir Julius Raines (1825-1909) by Van Straubenzee's executors and then given by him to the officers of 1st Battalion, The Buffs, in 1902.

General Sir Charles Thomas Van Straubenzee (1812-1892) transferred to the 3rd Battalion, The Buffs, as Commanding Officer in 1851. He served in the Crimea, commanding the 1st Brigade of the Light Division, taking part in the assaults on the Redan strongpoint during the Siege of Sevastopol. He then went on to serve as Commander of British Troops in China and Hong Kong, leading an attack on Canton during the 2nd China War (1856-1860).

General Sir Julius Raines (1825-1909) was commissioned into The Buffs in 1842 (he later became Honorary Colonel of regiment), but transferred to the 95th (Derbyshire) Regiment of Foot in the same year. He served during the Crimean War, carrying the Queen's Colour at the Battle of Alma in 1854, as well as as during the attack on the Redan in 1855.

From the collection of the former Buffs Regimental Museum.