Unidentified uniform or costume - help please photographer was S. Edwin

[a-l]

My first thought was Railway  then Naval in some way. Does the trim on the sleeves mean anything ?

[aus*jen]

That's a good question a-l.     Railway museum says not a railway uniform, ditto for Postal
museum.    Leaning towards maritime uniform of some kind.   Have seen an image of an early
Naval uniform here in Aust. and it has the same distinctive vertical embroidery on the cuffs.
Unfortunately, the cuffs are not visible for comparison in the photo link by rossko57.

[macwil]

I have been following this thread with interest and have some doubt as to whether the cap badge is a crown. I think it may be a representation of a three masted ship flying a standard  at the prow.
Is there any way we could get a high res scan of just the cap?

[jim1]

He stated on 1911 census that he was a Captain RFRA Late LT 3 K O H.
Do you have any comments on what that occupation could be please?

Can you give a link to the page or tell us who he is.
K.O.H. = King's Own Hussars possibly.
RFRA doesn't make sense to me. TFRA or RRFA would.
Whatever it is the photo isn't this chap as he was Army.

[rossko57]

Officer's Cuff detail will vary by rank in Navy (and I suppose similar services), maybe don't expect to find exact matches there.  It is curious that appears to the only designation of rank here.

I'd ruled out Midshipman cos they get white collar tabs.  However, Cadets and RNR or RNVR (reserve) midshipmen just get a bit of coloured braid at the lapel buttonhole - red or blue, which might not show in photos.
Resources
http://uniform-reference.net/insignia/rn/rn_ww1_rnr_rnvr.html
(see midshipmen)
http://uniform-reference.net/insignia/rn/rn_ww1_ranks_enlisted_1.html
(our man does not seem to have lapel or shoulder badges you'd expect from a Petty Officer, but note comment about stewards.  Could be a good fit.)

I'm thinking more Navy than when I first looked, especially if you throw in he might be full-time whatever in shipping and simultaneously part-time RNVR, proudly enough to pose.  The cap badge doesn't look right, but as seen between the original post and later details we ain't getting a good view.

RNR and RNVR records are searchable?
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/royal-naval-volunteer-reserve-service-records-1903-1922/

Of course Sea Cadets also existed and he might be the equivalent of a Scoutmaster!

[aus*jen]

Hi all, Late here, will comment tomorrow.  In the meantime this is best I can do with a scan of
the cap, not much better, only have basic scanner.

Regards,
Jen.

[Daisypetal]

Hi,

I think R.F.R.A. on the 1911 census could be "Royal Field Reserve Artillery".


Regards,
Daisy

[jim1]

Royal Field Artillery Reserve makes more sense.
Maybe someone mixed up the letters. Perhaps that's what they meant.

[Daisypetal]

I see what you mean, that's what I first thought  , but by Googling I found this,

http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/other-aspects-of-order-of-battle/constitution-of-the-military-forces-of-the-crown/

amongst lots of other links referring them and what appear to be regional units of the "Royal Field Reserve Artillery".