Sergeant-Major c1865


The shabraque in this photo is laced and embroidered in gold, probably the same as used by officers. However, it is clear that this man is not an officer by the black, gold-edged shoulder straps which have 7 DG embroidered in gold. His collar is unclear but would be black with a narrow gold edge. The Austrian knot can just be seen above the white gauntlet, it is of narrow gold cord, not like the officers' knots that had a tracing of Russia braid. There are no rank stripes on his left arm as they were only worn on the right, three gold chevrons with a crown above. His trousers are blue with a yellow stripe and booted with black leather. The sword is interesting because it is a light cavalry 3 bar hilted type. There is no sabretache as would be expected. An army circular of 1st May 1871 specified that sabretaches should be provided for sergeants and sergeant-majors of heavy cavalry. Perhaps this indicates that prior to that date this item had been discontinued.

This warrant officer may well be TSM Donald who sits in the middle of the photo of the Depot Troop. Close inspection of that photo reveals that the TSM has a similar light cavalry sword. The Troop remained in Britain while the regiment was serving in India.


Regiment | Uniforms


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by Stephen Luscombe