King's Dragoon Guards

Group, 1914

The main figure of the mounted officer shows the final appearance of full dress defore the First World War. The shabraque had been out of use for more than 20 years and the sabretache for 12 years. His sword is attached to gold laced slings that are suspended from a plain web belt under his tunic.. The swords of other ranks were attached to the saddle. His black sheepskin saddle cover is edged in red, a distinction of the 1st Dragoon Guards since the order for heavy cavalry was that this edge should be the same colour as the facings colour. The trumpeter behind him has a white plume instead of red. He also has yellow cord aiguilettes on his left shoulder. The trumpet and bugle are suspended from cords in royal colours ie red, blue and yellow. On the left of the picture are two other ranks, the one in a forage cap is in walking out order and the other in full dress mounted order. The two dismounted officers are in khaki service dress and frock coat. At this stage, the frock coat no longer had the black mohair lace across the chest with hanging ends. This style was simpler, being double breasted with two rows of gilt buttons.

Regiment | Uniforms