A Cross Belt

In the British army the cross belt was originally worn to carry a sword.

With the introduction of specialised Rifle regiments the cross belt was adapted to carry an ammunition pouch and the whistle which was the main means of communication between officers and soldiers in the noise and heat of battle. The Royal irish Rifles cross belt (right) carries the Regiment's Battle Honours in the absence of Queen's and Regimental Colours, as was the tradition of Rifle regiments

The cross belt with rear pouch and whistle was retained by The Royal Irish Rangers, albeit in brown leather with a Ranger badge on the front, and is now a part of The Royal Irish Regiment officers' uniform (left), thereby maintaining another link with our antecedent and founding regiments. The rear pouch carries an eagle and its origins date back to the Battle of Barrosa.