Mounted Infantry Detachment 1896

The group photo shows men of 1/Yorkshires dressed and equipped for mounted infantry operations. Many of the infantry regiments selected men who were able to ride, for such detachments. At that time, in the mid 1890s, there was a need for mounted troops to deal with trouble in Rhodesia caused by agitated tribesmen of the Mashonas and Matabeles. There is no record of the Yorkshires being involved in the operations in Southern Africa and maybe the detachment was trained but not needed.
The men are dressed in scarlet dress tunics with white collar and cuffs, and scarlet shoulder straps with YORKS embroidered in white. There are badges on the collar and embroidered proficiency badges on the left forearm. Some of the men have a single inverted chevron on the forearm for long service and good conduct. They wear blue field service caps which replaced the glengarry in the mid 1890s. They are equipped with Lee-Metford Rifles and 1881 pattern leather bandoliers for the ammunition. They have khaki cord breeches and blue puttees. For the horse equipment see the photo of a Sergeant of the Gordon Highlanders.
The officer commanding this detachment sits third from the left, wearing a scarlet frock with high white collar and pointed cuffs. He has a brown leather Sam Browne belt and brown leather gloves. Either side of him are sergeant instructors from a cavalry regiment.

Regimental Details | Uniforms