This OR's helmet plate would have been worn on the cork bodied blue cloth helmet, with white metal fittings, spike and chin chain, that was adopted by the British Army in 1871 under the influence of the Prussian victory over France in 1871.

This relatively uncommon badge was designed to be worn on the white helmet in tropical climes and replaced the numbered glengarry badge oif the pre-1881 era. There was an officer's version in silver. The Gibraltar battle honour commemorates the 12th Foot's part in that epic defence in the 1780s.