7th Hussars

Drumhorse 1874

This painting was probably commissioned to celebrate the completion of the new drum banners at around this time. The previous drum banners were also Victorian but only had two battle honours; PENINSULA and WATERLOO which were granted in 1815. In 1863, on 3rd Sep, the regiment was granted the honour for LUCKNOW. Since c1830 hussar regiments did not carry guidons so battle honours were emblazoned on drum banners. However the 7th were not quick to embroider the new honour and it was not until 1874 that the banners appeared with the 3 honours. LUCKNOW being on a scroll beneath the central garter.
The Drumhorse did not have a shabraque until the early 20th century so the horse furniture at this time consists of a blue valise with 7H embroidered in yellow, and a black sheepskin. There is a brown leather case for spare horseshoes, and round metal mess tins strapped to the back of the valise. The uniform is for marching order because he has a white strap for his haversack crossing over his chest with the white leather pouch-belt. He has one good-conduct chevron on his fore-arm and a crossed trumpet badge on his upper arm. He wears boots and breeches which, in 1871, replaced the less appealing trousers with leathered ankles and inside leg.
The painting is reproduced in the Queen's Own Hussars Tercentenary Edition (1985) and the original is owned by James Bouskell who served in the QOH. The painting was first sketched by the artist B Cam Norton at the camp in Aldershot in 1874 and completed in 1876. Another painting by the same artist depicts the same skewbald horse without saddle etc. The drums lied on the ground near the horse and are decorated (with paint?).

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