Shoulder belt plate, other ranks, Jamaica Volunteers, 1779-1783

Rectangular brass plate with an American crocodile surmounted by the curved title, 'Jamaica'.

The Jamaica Volunteers date from the American War of Independence (1775-1783) when several units were raised to help defend British territorial possessions in the West Indies.

The American crocodile which features on the shoulder belt plate inhabits swamps and some rivers in Jamaica. It is the largest reptile on the island and was incorporated into the coat of arms of Jamaica in 1661.