Officer Group in Undress c1865

The date of this photo is not known but from the size of the whiskers of the older officers it would seem to be around 1865. The uniforms they are wearing are designed for comfort rather than smart appearance. The tunics are called India Pattern Frocks. The 4th were posted to India after their efforts in the Crimea and were there during the Indian Mutiny. They stayed on until sent to Abyssinia. Frocks normally dispensed with facing colours but it looks here as if the cuffs and collars are darker than the rest of the garment. It is safe to assume that the frock is red with blue collar and cuffs.
There is gold piping along the front edges, around the breast pocket and the top of the cuff. There are 5 gilt buttons down the front and a red cord on the shoulder to hold the sash in place. One officer has a sword that is slung from a waist-belt worn under the frock. Silver embroidered badges of rank are worn on the collar but it is not clear how to distinguish between, for instance, an ensign and a major who would both have star badges.
The forage caps are dark blue with a red cap-band. The 4th were one of the regiments allowed to have their badge as well as the number, so the embroidered lion can be seen over the 4. There is a surgeon or assistant-surgeon standing second from the left. He wears a similar uniform to the others but has a black leather pouch-belt with badge on the front. The pouch he carries on his back has medical instruments.

Uniforms | Regimental Details