Helmet rose : Staff Sergeant J J Heath, Ballarat Volunteer Regiment

White metal helmet rose in the form of a tudor rose. The rose is backed by a brass screw and fastener. A small hook protrudes from the top of the rose for attachment of a helmet chin chain.

Worn by 2829 Sergeant James John Heath who served in the 55th Regiment of Foot during the Crimean war. Heath was born in Staffordshire in 1819 and worked as a labourer until his enlistment in the British Army on 22 April 1837. He participated in the Battle of Inkermann and the siege of Sevastopol during his service in the Crimean War of 1854-1856. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant during this time for good conduct and affection for duty. He was discharged from full time service after the war and was employed in the service of the Victoria London Docks Company for nearly three years, during which time he acted as a Drill Sergeant in 2 Battalion of 5th Essex Rifle Volunteers. He subsequently emigrated to Australia and became Sergeant Major of the Ballarat Volunteer Regiment, a position he had held for over twenty years at the time of his death in 1885. The helmet rose was part of the headdress worn by Heath during his service with the Ballarat Volunteers.