Revolutionary / Napoleonic Wars Georgian Irish Militia - Louth Militia Officer's Open Backed Silver Plated Coatee Button

Circa 21mm in diameter, fixed shank, open backed and of one piece domed construction, silver plated, Hanoverian crown at centre, and bearing the title Louth M on the circlet. Blank reverse. Worn circa 1794 - 1816. In superb condition for age with only light wear to plated finish. Rare.

The threat of a French invasion at Bantry Bay in 1796 led to a deployment of additional Militia units to counter any landing. Among those so deployed was the Louth Regiment, which marched from its base in Limerick towards the area of threat, passing over mountainous terrain in cold December weather. However, the French fleet had been dispersed by storms and no invasion took place. Not until 1798 and the rebellion in Leinster did the Louths see action and then solely at Whiteheaps in Wicklow on 5 July. Only the Louth Regiment and the Leitrim Battalion were involved in this action. In the subsequent rebel guerrilla campaign in the Wicklow Mountains the Louth Regiment played a part in containing the actions of rebel groups.

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Code: 70320