Nordenfelt Machine Gun

The Nordenfelt machine gun was introduced in 1886 into the 10th Hussars by Colonel Robert Liddell, commanding officer at that time. It was mounted on a two wheeled galloping carriage with boxes carrying 2,000 rounds. There were two seats on the boxes on which men sat while the gun was drawn by one harnessed horse. The photo shows the gun detachment of 10 men commanded by a Sergeant Instructor of Musketry, mounted on the left of the photo. The next senior NCO, standing by the gun wheel, is a TSMRR who has three gold stripes with a PoW plume badge on the stripes, an embroidered Rough Rider spur badge above, and embroidered crown above the spur. In 1887 Prince Wilhelm of Prussia invited the COs of four British cavalry regiments to Potsdam for a 3 week stay. During that time a Nordenfelt gun was presented to the Prince, and Corporal Hustler (who may be the corporal 3rd from the left in the photo) was given the task of explaining its use to Wilhelm.

Regimental Details