Royal Dutch Artillery Other Ranks Cross Belt Plate c. 1799 - 1802 (British West Indies), a very rare oval example in heavy cast brass, in the centre a shield bearing the arms of Ordnance (worn) and around the edge ‘Royal Dutch Artillery’, one stud fastener remains, two small ‘nibbles’ on the lower rim otherwise good condition for age £300-500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Militaria and Medals relating to Jamaica and the West Indies.

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Note:The Royal Dutch Artillery and Battalion (Coehorn’s). Surinam, like Demerera, fell into British hands without any fighting, the Governor surrendering directly a British force appeared off the port in ?August 1799. Here also the garrison was taken into British service. They were stronger than the Demerara Garrison mustering 36 officers and 536 other ranks on the 1st October 1799. From 1800 onwards the battalion was called the Royal Dutch or Coehorn’s after its commander. The Garrison included two companies of artillery which also took service with the British and are sometimes described as ‘The Royal Dutch Artillery’. Their strength was about 80 - 100 all told. They were finally struck off the British establishment as from 24th December 1802.