British 96th Manchester Regiment of Foot 1874-1881 Cap Badge

Description

British 96th Manchester Regiment of Foot 1874-1881 Cap Badge
Size: 70 x 45 mm
Brass metal
Reverse: original fitting s
Nice original item

Box: Insignia 26

The 96th Manchester Regiment of Foot was a British infantry regiment formed in 1824 and later renumbered as the 96th in the same year. The period from 1874 to 1881 was part of its late Victorian service, and during these years, the regiment had some notable developments.

Here’s a brief outline of its history from 1874 to 1881:
1. Regimental Reorganization: The regiment underwent various changes during this time, as part of the British Army’s broader reforms. One of the key events was the implementation of the Cardwell Reforms (1870s), which began to restructure and consolidate regiments to ensure efficiency and adaptability.

2. Deployment and Service: In the 1870s, the 96th participated in various colonial expeditions, primarily focusing on the British Empire’s interests in India, Africa, and other areas. These were typically part of the ongoing efforts to suppress uprisings or reinforce British control in these regions.

3. Uniform and Appearance: During this period, the 96th Manchester Regiment of Foot would have worn a uniform typical of British infantry regiments. This would have included a red tunic (with white facings), dark blue trousers, and a white or black helmet (depending on the specific unit type). The uniform would have reflected the general military style of the British Army during the late 19th century, with some regiment-specific variations such as the badge and color of facings.

4. The 1881 Childers Reforms: One of the most significant events for the 96th was the Childers Reforms of 1881, which fundamentally reorganized the British Army’s regimental structure. The 96th was merged with the 63rd (West Suffolk) Regiment of Foot to form the
Manchester Regiment. This new regiment, the Manchester Regiment, had the numerical designation of the 63rd but would now include elements of the 96th. The 96th was thus formally disbanded as a distinct unit after 1881.