57th (West Middlesex) Foot Victorian cross belt plate circa 1840-55

A good scarce example in heavy die-stamped brass. Rectangular plate with raised designs comprising the crown over “57”, the latter within  laurel sprays; above the crown the honour scroll, “Albuhera”.  Two loopsand two studs to reverse.
The Middlesex Regiment earned the soubriquet “The Die-Hards” from the Battle of Albuhera on 16th May 1811 when the British engaged a much larger French force resulting in heavy British casualties. Colonel Inglis of the 57th (later 1st Bn Middlesex) was wounded but refused to be carried from the field but insisted on being placed by the Colours and urged his men on with cries of “Die hard, my men, die hard”. Out of the 570 all ranks the 57th fielded that day, 22 Officers and 400 men were killed or wounded.