NAM.1983-04-44-1

Officer's helmet plate, Monaghan Militia, 1878-1881. White metal, mounted upon the centre of the universal back plate, a frosted circlet with burnished rims bearing the burnished title, 'Monaghan Regiment'. The 1st or Monaghan Regiment of Militia was first raised in 1793. It fought during the Irish rebellion of 1798. It was disembodied in 1816 and re-embodied in 1855 following the outbreak of the Crimean War. After 1856 the regiment was typically embodied for around 28 days training per year. This helmet plate was designed for the home service helmet introduced in 1878. Within three years of its introduction the regiment was linked to the Princess Victoria’s (Royal Irish Fusiliers) as its 5th battalion. In 1908 the 5th battalion was disbanded on the creation of the Territorial Force. Within the circlet a harp surmounted by a monarchial crown and flanked by twin sprays of shamrock all upon a black velvet ground. The reverse bears three loop fittings - one behind the crown, one on either side of centre.