Sgt-Major and Sentries, 1898

A photograph fron The Navy and Army Illustrated 23rd April 1898. The sentry in the middle wears a scarlet frock with dark blue collar and cuffs and has his Lee-Metford rifle at the port. It gives a good view of the fixed bayonet. His boots are dirty from marching up and down. He is about to be relieved. The relief sentry on the right gives a clear view of the flap worn on the left shouder of the frock to protect the garment from the rifle which is being constantly brought to the slope position during his two hour duty. Oil and linseed oil were used to clean the metal and woodwork of the rifle. Both these men wear the minimum equipment, an ammunition pouch on the white leather waistbelt. The Sergeant-Major on the left wears an officer's style forage cap and a full dress tunic with gold lace round the top of the blue cuff and collar. He has his warrant officer's crimson sash on the right shoulder. His rank also requires him to carry a sword and cane.

Uniforms | Regimental Details