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The 1st Battalion wore this style of service dress doublet in India during the Tirah Campaign and also for the early part of the Boer War. This is a very well preserved specimen which shows the cut away front skirt and the unusual pocketing for 18 rounds of ammunition above the breast pockets. This was a special feature of the battalion. The shoulder straps have brass titles: GORDONS in a curve, and the brass buttons are of universal pattern with the Royal Coat of Arms. The red stripes on the lower left sleeve are good conduct stripes, and the marksman's badge with red cloth backing. These badges are not sewn on permanently but attached so that they can be removed when the garment is washed.
The material is khaki cotton drill and was found to be not very hard-wearing, and unsuitable for cold nights. It had to be replaced by khaki serge which was produced in a hurry by different contractors so the khaki colour varied in shade. The doublet shown here was featured in the Bosleys military auction catalogue of December 2008. |
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