Private, Review order 1899


This photograph was kindly provided by Mick White-Robinson who tells us that this man was his grandfather. The date can be narrowed down because of the badges on the collar, also because he wears a pouch-belt. The 7th DG did not have a badge until 1899. In the years leading up to that date the commanding officers had been trying to secure permission to wear a badge based on the crest of Lord Ligonier who was Colonel of the regiment in the early 18th century. In 1894 Col Creagh applied for the use of the badge but was turned down. When Lieut-Col Rough took over he re-applied and was again spurned by the ministry in 1896. Finally the idea was approved on 11th October 1898, but the new badges did not arrive until April 1899. The badges worn here are the first type, silver metal, with 7th DRAGOON GUARDS on a scroll beneath the lion and coronet. In 1906 another badge was worn, similar but in brass with QUO FATA VOCANT on a three part scroll. The collar itself is of black velvet with yellow piping along the top and bottom edge and at the front.

So the photo must have been taken after April 1899 but before the regiment sailed to South Africa in February 1900 when full dress was put aside, until their return in 1904. The pouch-belt was discontinued c1902, except for trumpeters and musicians so the 7th did not wear them when they resumed full dress in 1904. The white leather waist-belt is clearly shown here. The brass fittings include a snake clasp, a hook to raise the sword so that it does not drag along the ground, and pieces from which the slings hang. The slings attach to two fixed rings on the scabbard but are removed, when the trooper is mounted, and connected to each other. The brass helmet is clearly shown with its black and white plume and silver metal 7 and garter star.


Regiment | Uniforms


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by Stephen Luscombe