BSM, QMS and Trumpet Major Rank Badges 1864

The 1864 Dress Regulations for the RA and RHA have detailed illustrations of the rank badges worn by the various ranks. Illustrations 35 and 36 show the Battery Sergeant Major and Quartermaster Sergeant’s sleeve badges, and the Trumpet Major’s Badges. The gold cord knot on the cuff is traced with braid for the Trumpet-Major as he ranks higher than the Battery Sergeant-Major. He was classed as a Brigade Staff Sergeant. Illustration no.33 in the DR shows the badges of a ‘Brigade Sergeant-Major’s, and Quartermaster Sergeant’s Sleeve’ which are similar to the Battery Sergeant-Major but have the tracing of braid around the Austrian knot. The photo of Sergeant-Major Campbell c1870 shows such a sleeve but it is not clear whether he is a Brigade SM or Battery SM. Although it does not make it clear in the DR, the QMS would be either a Brigade Quartermaster Sergeant or a Battery Quartermaster Sergeant.
The rank of Trumpet Major was established in 1810 but down-graded to Sergeant Trumpeter in 1881. It was not until 1928 that Trumpet Major status was restored. The badge sewn onto the chevrons was embroidered in gold wire onto red cloth. It depicts crossed trumpets on a single sprig of laurel. This badge was worn by trumpeters on the upper right sleeve.

Regimental Details | Badges