Trooper in Marching Order 1900


Privates of the cavalry were called troopers although the use of the word as a title was not sanctioned until after WW1. This postcard is captioned Trooper 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queen's Bays), Marching Order. The equipment carried includes a lance which slots into a leather cup attached to the stirrup. His waterbottle and haversack are slung over the right shoulder, although the haversack is folded neatly beneath the waterbottle. On his right shoulder is an ammunition bandolier for the carbine which he is holding, but is normally in a holster behind his right leg. The sword is attached to the saddle but he has sword slings suspended from a waistbelt under his frock. The frock is a scarlet undress tunic with white collar and steel shoulder-chains. His rolled blue cloak is strapped to the back of the saddle and his boots for dismounted camp duty are attached to the front. His helmet is without the black horsehair plume.


Original Photo of the Trooper


The enlarged detail of the photo on which the coloured postcard was based gives more information. His sleeve shows a good-conduct stripe of gold lace on white cloth backing, and a proficiency badge. There is a pale wrapped article just below his rolled cloak which I am unable to explain. The shoulder chains are more visible here, but the ammunition bandolier is only visible on his back where no rounds are kept.


Regimental details | Uniforms


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by Stephen Luscombe