Burkes of Arklow...photo help please

[ashlingb21]

Hi, I'm currently tracing my family history of the Burkes and Byrnes of Arklow. I have a photo of my great Grandad James Burke (born 1899) in a military uniform. Neither myself nor my family know much about him. I was wondering if anybody could help me identify what kind of uniform he is wearing in the picture as this may lead me to finding out more about him. Think the picture was possibly taken in the 1920s and was possibly an Irish uniform. Thanks everyone 

[dathai]

There are two James Burke's on 1922 Army census age in 30s
one gives his wife as Margaret and daughters Una and Patricia
http://census.militaryarchives.ie/

[ashlingb21]

He would be in his 20s in this photo I think. His wife was called Elizabeth Hayden. I'd like to find out more on his military past.
Thanks for that comment....I will have a look on that website!

[dathai]

If he's in his twenties before 1922 its a British Army uniform.

[dathai]

not sure from this site if its meant to be an R I C uniform

edit ignore this see next post

[dathai]

This says Thomas Sergeant joined Co Down Ulster Division British Army but i do not know if that type of unifom was widely used for recruits
http://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/7995730-the-sergeant-brothers

[dathai]

A James Burke
http://www.europeana1914-1918.eu/en/contributions/3626

[Sinann]

I think the buttons have a harp on them.
A high resolution scan of a button might help plus his other shoulder and legs if they are in the original.
Also is their a photographers mark?

[ashlingb21]

I found this from the post you sent me earlier and he is number 1 on the list. On the date of this he would have been 23 years old and I think by this stage it was owned by the Irish Free state army so it's difficult to tell. This photo is with his wife so he was not married until after 1922 so it may be Irish.
 http://census.militaryarchives.ie/pdf/Engineer_Barracks_Curragh_Command_Page_80.pdf