Maxim Gun Section, 1907

The 1st battalion went to India in 1898 where this photo was taken. The men are in hot weather service dress with shorts and an early version of the Wolseley Helmet. The helmet worn in the Boer War did not give enough protection to the face and neck so this wider brimmed version was developed. One man at the back appears to have the old style helmet, and the officer seated on a chair, with a Sam Browne belt, has a helmet that is not quite a Wolseley. The antelope badge is in the front of the helmets with a red square of cloth behind.
The men carry their rifles slung over the left shoulder. They have an ammunition pouch attached to the front of their waist-belts. The man standing behind the Maxim gun on the left of the picture has a special leather box pouch on his belt and the man behind the officer has a circular item on his belt. The rifle slings look white but the waist-belts appear to be dull in colour.

Uniforms | Regimental Details