Officer Group 1878

This group photo of the officers of the 20th Hussars was taken in Britain where they had been since 1872 after returning from India. Between 1782 and 1789 they were stationed either at Brighton or Manchester. In 1879 they moved over to Ireland. The date of the photo can be established as 1878 because it marks the handover of command from Lieutenant-Colonel Charles McClintock Cotton to Major Robert Alexander which took place in that year. Alexander sits in the middle as befits his position as the new CO. Cotton is the man sitting to the right of him, wearing dress uniform including busby. Alexander still has a star badge on each collar which denoted major. Cotton has a lieutenant-colonel’s crown badge. To the left of Alexander is a third officer in dress uniform. He has a line on his face which probably tells us that he has pince-nez spectacles. He has the rank of captain indicated by the crown and star badges on his collar, and the captain’s sleeve decoration. At this time George William Adolphus FitzGeorge, close relative of Queen Victoria, was serving as a captain in the 20th Hussars and this may well be him. He sits in pride of place on the right hand of the commanding officer so must have been regarded as special.
The rest of the officers wear blue frock coats apart from the man standing on the left of the photo who is in dismounted drill order; blue stable jacket trimmed with gold braid, sword, undress sabretache and dress pouch-belt. Other officers recognisable in this group are Captain David Budd, next to FitzGeorge. Lt H H Perkin, the adjutant, standing hatless behind FitzGeorge. Captain Henry Walford standing behind Alexander. Capt Cecil Mangles sitting with folded arms next to Charles Cotton. Lieutenant William John Irwin sitting on the ground in front of Alexander. Francis John Graves standing behind David Budd.
Image Courtesy of Ben Giffard

Regimental Details | Uniforms