Privates c1890

The height difference of these two privates makes this photo a little odd. Perhaps they were chosen for being the tallest and the shortest men in the battalion. The photo is useful from a uniform point of view because it appears that they do not have the white or buff facings that they should have. But they are both wearing an undress frock, used for field day training and campaigns. This frock introduced in 1890 was short lived and unpopular so that within a year or two a different one was worn. The garment in this photo is all scarlet with white or buff shoulder straps only. It is more likely that they are buff straps, with white titles. The title was BUFFS in a curve which for white faced regiments were embroidered red on white straps but there is no sign of a title so it must be white letters on buff. The collar badges are the silver rearing Kentish horse with INVICTA motto. These were only worn from 1881, being replaced by the dragon badge in 1894. The taller man wears a glengarry cap which was discarded for the field service cap c1894. His badge is the central device from the helmet badge with a small Victorian crown above it. The men have the new Lee Metford rifle but wear the 1882 valise equipment. The shorter man in marching order has a haversack and water-bottle slung on each shoulder.

Uniforms | Regimental Details