item details
NameMilitary Insignia - 5th Mounted Rifles (Otago Hussars)
ProductionUnknown; manufacturer(s); circa 1914
Classificationinsignias, badges
Materialsmetal
DimensionsOverall: 100mm (width), 8mm (height), 123mm (depth)
Registration NumberGH021079
Overview
The 5th Mounted Rifles (Otago Hussars) were formed in 1911 from various mounted Volunteer units in Dunedin and North Otago.
The unit's insignia shows the coat of arms of Colonel Joseph Cowie Nichols, a notable North Otago runholder who was their first commanding officer. The crown represents loyalty to the British monarch and the fern leaves symbolise New Zealand.
The Latin motto 'Es fidelis' means ‘Be faithful’.