The East Surrey Regiment
The Meade Snuff Box This is one of the oldest pieces of 31st Regiment silver, being the only piece that survived the burning of the “Kent”. How it was salvaged is not known. It is inscribed: - “31st Regiment. Given by Colonel Meade to the Young Buffs” Colonel Meade served in the Regiment from 1800 - 1808. |
The Meade Snuff Box Replica
Some years later, a replica of the Meade Snuff Box was made, presumably, to make a pair for use on Dinner nights.
This carries the inscription: -
“31st Regiment, to Colonel Eagae and Officers of the Young Buffs” Underneath is inscribed: - “ To the Officers of the 31st Regiment (Young Buffs) as a token of their kindness and hospitality during his stay amongst them H S Holford Esquire. North Durham Militia”.
The Kent Snuff Box This is a delightful little snuff box, it is unfortunately undated, but presumably was bought soon after the “Kent” disaster in 1825. Originally, as the inscription states, it was presented to the First Mate of the “Cambria”, which played such a great part in the rescue of survivors of the “Kent”. How, or when, it eventually found its way into the regimental silver is not recorded. It is described as a silver antique snuff box, basket weave pattern, mounted sailing ship medallion, George IV 1822 “Presented to Mr. Edward Connolly, First Mate of the Brig “Cambria”, by the Officers of the 31st Regiment and the Officers and passengers of the Kent East Indiaman, for his valuable assistance in rescuing 554 persons from the wreck of that Vessel during her conflagration on the 1st and 2nd of March 1825. It was found in a bric-a-brac shop and purchased. |
The Astier Snuff Box This is also one of the older pieces of regimental silver. On the lid appears the inscription: - “Presented by the Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates of the Light Company of the 31st Regiment to Captain Astier on his leaving the Regiment Dinapore, 24th December 1836.” Inside the lid is written: - |
The Bigge Snuff Box This is also an early piece of silver, which belonged to the 70th, which presumably survived the Nowshera flood of 1858. On the inside of the lid is the following inscription: - “Presented to the Officers Mess of the 70th, or Surrey Regiment by Lieutenant Colonel M.Bigge on his retiring from Command of the Corps 14th December 1849” On the base of the box is engraved: - “William Matthew Bigge entered the 70th Regiment as Ensign on the 19th April 1831 and retired from it as Lieut Colonel (Commanding) on the 14th December 1849” |
The Townley Snuff Box
Bears the following inscription: -
“Presented to Lieut Colonel Cooper and The Officers 70th Regiment by Captain Townley and the Officers Depot The 58th Regiment in remembrance of the happy time they have passed while attached to the 70th Regiment August 1871”
Two of the officers serving with the 70th at this time were Captain H F Greatwood, great-grandfather of Major H G Greatwood and Lieutenant F F F Roupell, father of the late Brigadier G R P Roupell VC, last Colonel of the East Surrey Regiment.
Colours and Silver Display
1st Bn The East Surrey Regiment, India
Colours and Silver Display
2nd Bn The East Surrey Regiment, 1924, Jersey
The Colours escaped capture by the Japanese at the surrender of Singapore in 1942.
They were in the Regimental Museum at Clandon at the time of the fire in 2015
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