RMA uniform insignia

[Jane Masri]

This is a photo of my grandfather taken in WWI in Leith, Scotland.
I know he was in the signals (hence the crossed flags) and I suspect that the crossed rifles might mean that he was a marksman.  I also suspect that the three chevrons might signify years of service but how many?

jane

[genechaser]

Hi Jane

Each chevron indicates two and half years, Good Conduct. As for him being in the Signals, he is a signaler, looking at the collar (dog) badge, he was serving in a Fusilier Regt. which one I don't know.

[Jane Masri]

Thanks Genechaser,
I was wanting to get a more accurate date for the photo.  I know he signed-on in 1900 & this photographic studio traded at this address between 1913-1925.  From his journals I know he was sent to Edinburgh for 5 days in February of 1914 but later spent the duration of WWI in Leith, Scotland.  His 3 chevrons indicate seven & a half years good conduct, so what's the system, if he's had a bad year does he not get one? 
Is it the same system throughout the armed forces, each chevron is for two & a half years good conduct or do they vary?
It's my understanding that the dog badge is the insignia for the Royal Marine Artillery.  I'm not sure what a Fusiller Regt. is, so I'm off to Google to find out 

jane

[joboy]

He was indeed in the Royal Marine Artillery and the crossed rifles insignia does denote a marksman.
Attached is the full uniform worn by a group ... period unfortunately unknown.
joboy

[Jane Masri]

Thanks for your reply joboy.  Nice quality photo!

jane

[joboy]

I found this (poor) image on the net yesterday .. it was on a celebratery mug and represented a Royal Marine Artilleryman taking part in a landing at Antwerp in WW1 .... further study shows that the RMA and the RMLI ( Royal Marine Light Infantry) amalgamated in 1922 to become the Royal Marines as they are known today.
joboy

[joboy]

And yet another confirming image attached.
joboy

[Jane Masri]

Thanks joboy 

jane