Can anyone identify this uniform ?

[dutch missmarple]

Hi all,

Not much to go on I'm afraid. Supposedly, this is my Gr-gr-grandfather John Windley (b. 1842 in Chigwell Essex). 1871 he was with the Royal navy, Private RMs1. Don't know where he was 1861.

Can anyone identify this uniform and maybe a period (between 1860 and 1881 maybe ?).

thank you

Dutch MissMarple

[jess5athome]

Hi all,

Not much to go on I'm afraid........................................

thank you

Dutch MissMarple

Hi, you're right there, it's not uploaded, 

Frank.

[MaxD]

Meanwhile -

Bit of bad Ancestry transcription.  He was Royal Marine Light Infantry RMLI, on board HMS Pylades in 1871. http://www.pbenyon.plus.com/18-1900/P/03733.html

maxD

[jess5athome]

To be honest, I'm not sure that chap is a Royal Marine, the uniform looks later than the date in question  and the lack of collar dogs is bugging me also.

I could be a million miles out tho' I'm sure someone with a far greater knowledge than me will be along to tell you.

Regards
Frank.

[dutch missmarple]

Hi Frank, that's why I posted this photo and question. John died in 1900. So if the is a uniform from eg WWI I'm sure that he's not my gr-gr-grandfather.

[MaxD]

I would agree with Frank on both counts.  The NA has John Windley's record which says he was discharged in 1877 after 12/13 years of service and this uniform not only does not look like RMLI but looks much later than his time frame.

maxD

[jess5athome]

Hi, it looks very similar to the 1902 pattern service dress in the link, minus the ammo belt, the man in the photograph you have is also wearing a lanyard over his right shoulder.

I would say that he is not your 2x Great Grandfather to be honest.

Frank. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Army_uniform_and_equipment_in_World_War_I#/media/File:Wn21-45a.jpg

[dutch missmarple]

You are right Frank, looks very similar. what does the lanyard mean ?
beginning to doubt if it's my gr-gr-grandfather. But maybe he's my gr-grandfather (son of John), James William Windley who did fight in WWI and was rewarded a medal (not sure which one).
I will look up if James was in the army.

[jess5athome]

Hi, there is a bit of information here regarding the Lanyard, courtesy of "The Great War Forum"
Hope it helps 

"Started in the 18Th century as a means of identifying Corporals who wore linen ribbons on their shoulder much the same as a lanyard until chevrons were introduced to indicate rank. As much a decorative item as a useful one until friction igniters were used by the Gunners.

Pre WW1, lanyards were used by the Gunners to hold a fuse key for setting time fuses and also for all mounted troops to keep the clasp knife handy (hooves, horses, stones for the removing of).

On WW1 mobilisation all soldiers, infantry included, were issued with a lanyard for the clasp knife."


Frank.

Just to add, in the 1920's the lanyard was swapped over to the left shoulder.