Unknown uniform

[northernsearcher]

I had this posted on the photo's board and it was suggested I try this board as I was more likely to get someone to identify it.  From what was suggested it seems it may be a Hussar's uniform from the Boer War.  I inherited the picture from my mum in law.  It's one of only two where she didn't manage to write on the back who it was.  I'm hoping that if I can pin it down to a time, then I might have a better chance at guessing who it is.  There were Irish and Finnish connections as well as English in her family.

[macintosh]

Hi Northernsearcher,
My guess would be an officer of the Leicestershire Yeomanry around 1899 formerly Prince Albert's Own.
see www.paoyeomanry.co.uk and scroll down to Pill Box hats, you will also see some other uniform that is similar to your man's with the rope braid etc. Prince Albert's Own also has a battle honour for Boer War.

James

[genechaser]

Hi

The man is a member of a Cavalry unit, if you check the web site that James sent you, you will see that the braid on the Jackets are different. Take a look at the Loops at the end of the tracery. I would say that the young man is a Trooper not an Officer.

[macintosh]

Genechaser,
I agree with you  as to the rank of the soldier, thanks for pointing that out. I must have been thinking something else.

Regards

James

[northernsearcher]

Thank you mackintosh and Genechaser your info. is really helpful.  I had a look at the website and I can see what you are both saying.  Would you put a date on the uniform? Turn of the century or earlier?

My soldier looks to me to be very young compared to some of those illustrated on the website.  I think its the lack of facial hair, mustaches etc. 

Also there are no badges or insignia was that normal for an ordinary soldier?

Did they wear these clothes to fight or are they dress uniforms?  Sorry to ask so many questions but I don't really have a clue which questions to ask.

Thanks again

NS

[northernsearcher]

Had another look at the Leicestershire yeomanry uniform and I know I am looking at a black and white image and comparing it with colour but ............. I think that the stripe on the trousers and the band on the pill box hat would be darker if they were red, as in the Leicestershire uniform, if you see what I mean.
Is there a similar uniform in any other regiment?

[macintosh]

NS,
Try this site www.members.dca.net/fbl/pl13hr.html I am not saying it is your man's regiment as this pic  is 1868, note the comment on the trouser stripe(s) and the badges of rank are only on one side, no regimental cap badge on the pillbox hat.  Your man appears to have two stripesvery close together in your pic.
Some regimental uniforms changed very little over decades in the 1800s, the Brigade of Guards being an example apart from weaponry and webbing, packs etc
As for badges or insignia sometimes they were worn, eg. marksman's crossed rifles on sleeve, farrier's symbols etc though if he wasn't a "specialist" then he would wear nothing to indicate other than rank if he wasn't a NCO then just a uniform, and if a member of the 13th Hussars then no badge on the pillbox hat.

A point to remember is that most  regiments had a number of uniforms, Dress uniform, "walking out" uniform, summer and winter and tropical uniforms, daily in and around barracks uniform.

So maybe 13th Hussars as opposed to my original thought, what are your thoughts on this one Gene searcher?

James     

[northernsearcher]

Thank you for the information James.  I have thanks to your and genechase's help got a better idea about how to look at uniforms.  I hadn't realised how different they all were.

I will try your link now.
NS

[northernsearcher]

Sorry James the link wasn't there.  Can you send it again please?
NS