Privates in Khaki 1899

These two men of the 14th Hussars were photographed prior to embarkation for South Africa in late 1899. They were stationed in Newbridge, Ireland where they were issued with khaki uniforms to fight the Boers in Cape Colony and the Transvaal. Their frock tunics have stand collars that fastened with hooks and eyes at the neck. They wear ammunition bandoliers which hold 50 rounds for their Lee-Metford magazine carbines. These firearms proved inadequate in South Africa and had to be replaced by .303 rifles as used by the infantry. The white canvas strap on the right shoulder is for the haversack that was later stained khaki. The strings hanging down on their chests are unexplained. They carry cavalry swords and hold their khaki covered foreign service helmet. The dark coloured cord breeches are covered by puttees and they have lace-up boots with spurs attached.

Regimental Details | Uniforms