Middlesex Duke of Cambridge’s Hussars, Yeomanry Cavalry

Officers 1890

The hussar style was introduced in 1873 retaining the colours of the earlier uniform. So the tunic was dark green with black velvet facings, and for officers the breeches and trousers were also green, with gold lace stripes. Gold continued to be the colour of all the lace, braid, buttons and cords. In 1879 the Yeomanry were ordered to use only silver but 13 regiments, including the Middlesex, defied the order and continued with gold. The tunic at first had only three rows of gold cord across the chest but later changed to five. It remained a distinction of the Middlesex Hussars to stick to the five rows, and instead of the flat chain gimp used by the regular hussars, they had gold cord.
This illustration is by Sgt A Roberson who served in the regiment around the 1890s so would have based the figures on officers he saw regularly. The mounted officer has his left arm pulled back so that the five rows of cord are clearly visible. We can also see the cord decoration on the back seam of his tunic. The busby is described in orders as black fur, with a green bag and green egret plume with red feather base. The cap lines were gold cord although the one around the body of the busby looks red. This officer has a dress sabretache which has not been drawn correctly. He has GWR under the crown which was the cypher used in 1830 to include King George IV and King William IV. But this should be the VR of Queen Victoria. The bridle has a black over red horsehair throat plume.
The standing officers in undress both wear the heavily laced and braided green pill-box cap. The officer with his back to us shows the impressive gold braiding covering the back seams of his stable jacket, and the sleeve decoration above the black velvet cuffs. He has a dress pouch-belt and his rank is shown on the gold shoulder cords. The green overalls with gold stripes were worn in dismounted order for stable dress and dress. He has a sword and plain black leather sabretache attached to his hidden waist-belt. The other officer is in a blue frock-coat with black silk flat lace and black braid. He has a rank badge showing on his shoulder strap. He is in mounted order with green breeches and black knee boots that have a gold cord boss on the front. He does not wear a sword.

Regimental Details | Uniforms