Cap badge, other ranks, Royal Irish Rifles, 1913-1921

White metal, die-struck badge with Irish harp surmounted by a crown with a scroll below bearing the motto in Latin, 'Quis Separabit' (Who Shall Separate Us); with flat vertical brass slider fitting to reverse.

This unit was formed in 1881 as the Royal Irish Rifles by merging two Irish line infantry regiments, the 83rd and 86th Regiments of Foot. Although neither of these two regiments had been rifle units, the new regiment was given that status and role.

This white metal version of the badge was produced from 1913. Irish independence in 1922 led to two changes for the regiment. 'Irish' was changed into 'Ulster' and it lost one of its recruiting counties, Louth, which became part of the Irish Free State. This also meant the scroll at the base of the badge was changed to 'Royal Ulster Rifles', with the rest of the design staying the same.

From the collection of Major H G Parkyn.