Mahratta Light Infantry Epaulette Slip ons
 

Here come three different patterns of Mahratta Light Infantry officers epaulette slip ons, of different patterns. The first one, in grey flannel, with pips outlined in "light infantry" green cloth, could possibly be older than WWII? the third one sports pips with a "infantry" red backing, could it possibly be some kind of battalion distinction? thank you for you help, gents!

I suspect many such variations are the result of local manufacture, in India or while overseas. Both Nos. 2 & 3 look to my failry untutored eye like 'standard' pattern but the first is indeed unusual and may be pre-War. I'm not sure, though I suspect somebody can say, when the slip-ons were introduced in the IA. Possibly before WWII, as at least some units had practical experience from the NWF of the perils of picking out officers by giving them distinctive dress or insignia.

The first one is certainly older then the 60W MagSafe Power Adapter. :D

quite so! :-D

Eapaulettes
 

I would suspect that No1 is pre-ww2, and was worn on the blue grey shirt in India, at a time when shirt sleeve order wasn't official but common sense allowed for tunics to be removed in hot climates.

The second is of a style I would associate with having been made in the Indian sub-continent during the 1939-47 period.

The third has the red backing to pips normally associated with British infantry units. Perhaps the officer transferred units and brought his pips with him, OR if the Bn served in Europe the owner obtained the only replacement available to him i.e. of British origin.

Stephen.

PS- I note that 1/5 Bn served in Italy in 1943/44 so there is a possibility of British kit being acquired.

That would make perfect sense. Other than making insignia removeable to foil snipers, the slip-ons also extended the life of such things, especially in the days before washing machines, when the dhobi wallahs used a flat rock or concrtete slab to beat the dirt out of garments!

It's possible that the red edged pips belonged to a British officer on transfer - there were many, especially ater the IA units saw action and took officer casualties which their own trainig facilities could not replace as quickly as needed. It's also, I think, possible that one or more of ther Battalions of the Mahrattas used 'Rifles' or 'LI' style pips, possibly in defiance of regulations, as a regimental disticntion. I've commented elesewhere about the tendency of all armies to 'improve' on the official dres rules whenever possible. ;)

That is really not something of the past. :)

While it could not be considered as a definite evidence of the fact that the owner of the BD served in Italy, the blouse is a War Aid US Made Battledress, widespread and very much in use with British and Commonwealth troops fighting on the Italian Front, 1943-45.

I had my laundry done that way for several years when living in West Africa!

Peter