Material: Bi-metal (white metal and brass)
Dimensions: 48 mm W × 45 mm H
Description: The insignia is crafted from bi-metal materials featuring a gilded brass laurel wreath surrounding a white-metal Prince of Wales's feathers, coronet, and an intricate ducal cipher. A central banner directly below the cipher highlights the Peninsula War battle honor "ALBUHERA," while the sweeping main title scroll spanning the base identifies the unit as the "MIDDLESEX REGT". The reverse features a classic un-hallmarked strike complete with the two vertical fastening loops used for secure attachment to uniform headdress.
Circa: Early to Mid 20th Century
Notes:
The unit was officially formed in 1881 under the Childers Reforms by amalgamating two historic regional regiments: the 57th (West Middlesex) and the 77th (East Middlesex) Regiments of Foot. From the senior 57th Foot, the new regiment inherited its most celebrated battle honor, "Albuhera," alongside the famous nickname, "The Die-Hards." This moniker originated during the Peninsular War at the Battle of Albuera on May 16, 1811, where the severely wounded Lieutenant-Colonel William Inglis refused to leave the field, lying on the ground while repeatedly encouraging his heavily outnumbered men with the famous battle cry: "Die hard, 57th! Die hard!"
Why didn't Lieutenant-Colonel William Inglis receive the Victoria Cross? The primary reason he never received the award is chronological: the Battle of Albuera took place on May 16, 1811, whereas the Victoria Cross was not instituted by Queen Victoria until 1856, more than forty years later and two decades after Inglis passed away in 1835. Because the Victoria Cross was not awarded retroactively for the Napoleonic Wars, his legendary battlefield heroism could not be recognized with this specific medal.
Instead, Inglis received the highest military honors available to officers during his era. For his exceptional leadership and bravery under heavy fire, he was awarded the Army Gold Medal for Albuera, the Army Gold Cross for the broader Peninsular War, and a separate Army Gold Medal for the Battle of the Pyrenees. Upon returning home to Great Britain, he received official votes of thanks from both Houses of Parliament and was invested as a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) by the Crown. His historical decorations can be viewed today by visiting the Conflict in Europe gallery at the National Army Museum.