Need help in identifying military uniform

[elizirvshaw]

Hello,
I need help in identifying this uniform. I read online that the white piping could mean he was a volunteer.  It looks similar to some of the uniforms in the British artillery divisions circa 1900.  From a census, I know that he wasn't in the military until after 1901.  Could this be from the last year of the second Boer war? Also, a 1911 census states that he was in the "French Polisher Army Reserve (A)".  When I look up French Polisher Army on google I just get a bunch of links to furniture refinishing.  So either the census taker or google is inaccurate.  Any help is greatly appreciated!

[JenB]

Welcome to Rootschat 

I can’t help withe uniform I’m afraid. But I would take the occupation to mean that he was by trade a French Polisher, and was also an Army Reservist.

[Jebber]

I agree with JenB, the two things are quite separate.

[elizirvshaw]

Thanks, that does make more sense!

[John915]

Good afternoon,

Looks like the Devonshire regt, possibly one of their militia battalions. He gas 2 long service stripes and marksman qualification badge.

John915

[Jebber]

Again I agree, the collar dogs look like the Devonshire Regiment, but I have been unable to find an illustration of a similar uniform.

[elizirvshaw]

So what do the two long service stripes mean? Did they get a stripe for every year served? And how common were the marksman badges?

[John915]

Good evening,

The marksman badges were fairly common, all would be encouraged to excell at shooting. It's what they were there for.

Not sure about the long service, I think 2 years then 5 years. MaxD will put us right if he sees this.

John915

[gortonboy]

When and where  was he born?