Can you identify the uniform these men are wearing?
Q
I recently found this old picture in a box of family photos. The photo is far older than any of the others in the box, but I believe that one (or both) of the men is likely to be family. Can you identify the uniforms and a rough date? Candy Smith
A
Identifying soldiers without badges in monochrome photographs can be difficult, but contrasting shades (or lack of them) in the uniform can be handy. Where the jacket appears paler (ie brighter) and the trousers are dark, this usually means a scarlet jacket and blue trousers. When the uniform is all one colour, this usually means it’s blue. Although some cavalry regiments wore all blue, the largest group of soldiers who did so were the Royal Artillery (RA).
These men look quite young, and neither has any kind of badge or insignia on their sleeves. The absence of a good-service chevron, worn on the lower sleeve and first awarded after two years’ good service, suggests they haven’t been in the Army long, as does the absence of trade or rank insignia on the upper parts of their sleeves.
I’d suggest the date is within a year or two of 1900. Men recruited at that time would serve for 12 years, five in the Army proper then seven in the Army Reserve. It’s unlikely they’d have still been in the Reserve in 1914 and recalled, but might have volunteered in 1914/1915. They would have been eligible for conscription in 1916. Were any of your relations in the RA in the First World War? Phil Tomaselli
1 CAP STYLE
Pillbox caps were popular at various times in the 19th century, but by the very late Victorian and early Edwardian period were mainly worn by the Royal Artillery (RA). The RA’s dark-yellow band around it curiously looks darker than blue in monochrome.
2 UNIFORM COLOUR
The uniforms of both men are the same shade all over. Uniform conventions suggest this is blue.
3 CORDS
An elaborate array of knots and cords across the breast was worn by both the RA and cavalry, but I’d expect it to be even more elaborate than this one for the cavalry.
4 CUFF DETAIL
The inverted v-shaped cuff design has the same colour as the sleeve – ie blue. This is another indicator that they are Royal Artillerymen.
5 TROUSER STRIPE
The stripe appears bright by contrast with the blue of the uniform. It’s probably scarlet. The RA had a scarlet stripe. Some cavalry regiments did too, but usually a double stripe.