Bandsman 1905

The band dress tunic was not as ornate as the drummers' tunic, having shoulder wings and white piping up the back of the sleeve, but no fringe and no white tape with red crowns. The cuffs were changed to a pointed style in 1902. The white cross-belt has a white pouch carried on the bandsman's back to keep sheet music. The home service helmet is adorned with a sprig of shamrock as it is St Patrick's Day. This custom was officially sanctioned by the Queen in March 1900 in recognition of the part played by Irish regiments in the British Army throughout the Boer War.