57th (West Middlesex) Regiment of Foot Victorian Officer's shako plate circa 1869-78.. A splendid

57th (West Middlesex) Regiment of Foot Victorian Officer's shako plate circa 1869-78.. A splendid die-stamped rich gilt example. Within a crowned laurel wreath, the Garter; seeded centre pierced with stencilled numerals '57'. Two loops to reverse. VGC. The 57th, and the Middlesex Regiment of which it became 1st Battalion on Friday 1st July 1881, was known as 'The Diehards' from the Battle of Albuhera on 16th May 1811 when the British engaged a much larger French force resulting in heavy British casualties. Colonel Inglis of the 57th was wounded but refused to be carried from the field and insisted on being placed by the Colours and urged his men on with cries of 'Die hard, my men, die hard'. Out of the 570 all ranks the 57th fielded that day, 22 Officers and 400 men were killed or wounded. Hugh King Collection<\P>