WW1 Era Connaught Rangers Cap Badge-J.R. Gaunt, London

This is an original WW1-era cap badge for the Connaught Rangers, one of the most renowned regiments in the British Army. The badge features a crowned harp, symbolizing the regiment’s Irish heritage, with the words “Connaught Rangers” on a scroll beneath. The Connaught Rangers were formed in 1881, drawing recruits from the west of Ireland, particularly the province of Connacht. They served with distinction in numerous campaigns, including the Boer War and throughout World War I, where they saw extensive action on the Western Front, in the Gallipoli campaign, and in the Middle East.

The regiment was known for its bravery and tenacity, earning a fearsome reputation among both allies and enemies. However, the regiment’s history also includes the tragic Connaught Rangers’ Mutiny in 1920, during the Irish War of Independence, when soldiers protested against British actions in Ireland. The regiment was disbanded in 1922 following the establishment of the Irish Free State. This badge is a poignant reminder of a unit steeped in history, bravery, and sacrifice.

The back of the badge is stamped with the maker’s mark of J.R. Gaunt, London, a well-known manufacturer of military insignia during this period.