Can you tell me anything about this gentleman’s military service?
QThis photograph comes from an old album. I’ve extensively traced my family tree, but I’m not aware of any military connection near Windsor/Eton. Could you shed any more light? Kevin Standage
AThis is probably an officer of the 2nd Battalion of the Buckinghamshire Rifle Volunteers (BRV), photographed in the 1880s.
The RV was formed in 1859 after the crises caused by the Crimean War and Indian Rebellion of 1857 revealed deficiencies in the Militia’s preparedness for home defence when the Army was busy abroad. In 1858 there were fears of a war with France, and local groups were encouraged to form. The volunteer movement remained semi-independent until it became the basis of the Territorial Force in 1908.
The BVR underwent several changes in organisation and numbering after its formation. The 2nd Battalion was formed in High Wycombe and the Eton College Battalion was the 8th, but renumbering in 1875 saw it become the 2nd (Eton College) Bucks Volunteer Battalion. Eton was, at the time, part of Buckinghamshire. The officer may have been a teacher or other staff member, although it’s possible men from outside the school were allowed to join.
1 HELMET
The helmet resembles ones worn by the victorious Prussian Army in the 1870 Franco-Prussian War. The style was subsequently adopted by many armies.
2 BADGE
The badge on the sash clearly shows a hunting horn, an emblem of Rifle troops with the number 2 above, probably indicating the 2nd Battalion.
3 TASSELS
The cords and tassels, attached to the shoulder sash, are a common feature of many Rifles officers.
4 COLOUR
Even in black and white, colours such as red and blue show in different tones. Uniforms of one colour (usually grey) indicate Rifle Volunteers.
5 CUFFS
The dark (probably scarlet) cuff, with Austrian knot above, resembles those worn by BVR officers in the 1890s.
6 PHOTOGRAPHERS
Hills and Saunders opened a shop in Eton in 1864, so the photograph must have been taken after that date.