12cm (4.7in) x 12.2cm (5in) x 8.5cm (3.4in)
Silver. Modelled as a light infantry bugle and cords encircling the regimental number ’68’. Inscribed 'Presented to Officers Mess 5/68th Regimental District by Captn. Wilson 3rd Durham Light Infantry’ to the obverse and SS from RDN 1981-84 to the reverse, Registration marked and hallmarked London, 1883.
Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Bassett Wilson JP (1846-1901) was born at Cliffe Hall, County Durham. Educated at Rugby School and University College, Oxford, he was commissioned into the 3rd Battalion (1st Durham Militia) of the Durham Light Infantry in 1870 and rose to Honorary Colonel in 1893. He took his battalion to South Africa in January 1900 and was Mentioned in Despatches in February 1901. He died of enteric fever and pneumonia at Kroonstad on 21 March 1901, having been made a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. His brother and nephew both died of wounds received in action in South Africa.