Sergeants Silver Arm Badge, 1897

These privates are wearing fatigues to perform 'dirty' tasks around the stable. The sergeant supervises them as they clean a carbine holster, martingale and stirrup. They all wear a crimson field service cap. The sergeant has a dark blue frock, crimson breeches and black boots. On his head is the other ranks style pillbox forage cap. He has gold lace chevrons and the distinctive silver arm badge (see badge on Main Page) worn in the regiment by sergeants and warrant officers. On the 17th Nov 1876, a letter from Horse Guards gave sanction for the sergeants to wear the silver crest of the late Prince Consort above their stripes. The badges were an Ordnance issue and were of sterling silver. These badges were expected to last 12 years and the wearers were required to give them back on leaving the regiment. They were worn in full dress, undress (as above) and khaki drill, but not in service dress. Senior warrant officers tended to wear embroidered crests. see RQMS in Full Dress When war broke out in 1914, all the badges had to be returned to Ordnance, never to be seen again. But some ex-members of the regiment presented the Sergeants Mess with 51 silver badges which they purshased from Firmin & Sons in 1919. These have been worn by sergeants in the 11th Hussars since that date. Inevitably, some of these went missing or were retained by retiring warrant officers who refused to give them up. Cheaper versions were at times introduced until 1966 when it was decided that sterling silver badges should again be worn by all sergeants, regardless of cost. In the event they cost '3 15s each. Unfortunately, the regiment amalgamated 3 years later and the wearing of the badges was discontinued.

Regimental Details | Uniforms