Button, other ranks, 2nd Infantry Hyderabad Contingent, pre-1903

Large brass button by Smith and Wright Limited, Birmingham, with regimental number '2' over 'HC', with a scroll inscribed, 'Infantry'.

The regiment was involved in the 3rd Maratha War (1817-1819) and took part in the Battle of Mahidpur. During the Hatkar Rebellion of 1819 the regiment took part in the Siege of Nowah, earning the regiment a battle honour. In 1826 the regiment was renamed 2nd Regiment of Infantry, Nizam's Army, and it assisted with the annexation of Burma during the 2nd Burma War (1852-1853).

In 1854 the regiment was transferred to the control of the Madras Army and retitled as the 2nd Infantry, Hyderabad Contingent. Upon the outbreak of the Indian Mutiny in 1857 the regiment remained loyal and was placed in the Malwa Field Force which took part in operations in Central India, earning them the 'Central India' battle honour. In 1886 it participated in the 3rd Burma War (1885-1887). In this period, they wore the same red uniform with dark green facings as the 1st Infantry.

As part of Lord Kitchener's major reforms of the Indian Army in 1903 all of the units of the Hyderabad Contingent were brought into the new numbering system between 94th and 99th, with the 2nd Infantry renamed as 95th Russell's Infantry.

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.