3rd Bn York and Lancs

[badger123]

I am interested in what people think about this photograph.

The sign is a bit of a giveaway as to which battalion it is but if any of the uniform or medal gurus can help with dating the photo or any other information I would be most grateful.

A couple of things though.
The cap badges seem to be worn quite high on the caps, is this normal?

The soldier sat on the floor (on the front row right as you look at the picture) has a badge that looks a little larger than the others. Any ideas?

Many thanks, Ivan

[Graham Stewart]

At a guess and noting that both the senior rank & officer are wearing the peaked forage cap - then no earlier than 1904. Also the remainder are wearing the new pointed cuff, which replaced the jampot cuff. The Y&L not being a 'Royal' regiment continued to wear white facings, even after the re-introduction of coloured facings for 'non-Royal' regiments.

The medals worn are I suspect those of the South African campaign, as many 'Militiamen' did actually serve there.

[badger123]

Thank you Graham, great information as always.

So I have a date of post 1904.

Cheers, Ivan

[Graham Stewart]

Yes - post 1904 and as they're still wearing the FSC, then prior to when other ranks received their new 'peaked forage cap', but can't remember the date, but possibly c.1906/8.

[badger123]

Even better Graham, thanks.

Any thoughts on the badges being worn so high up on the FSC's?

Much appreciated.
Ivan

[grumpy]

Wearing 7-button Home Service frock.

[Toby Purcell]

Not much to add to Graham's and Grumpy's response other than to confirm that the pattern of peaked cap worn by the seated Staff Serjeant in the OR's version of blue patrols, is indeed the (then new) pattern peaked forage cap (aka 'staff cap') that was issued to ORs between 1906-07, although units abroad took longer of course.

Regarding the positioning of the cap badge on the FSC, the first badges used were collar badges (between 1894-98) and these tended to be worn high up by most regiments. From 1898 new, larger badges were designed, but some units perhaps continued to either, wear the collar badges, or wear the new badges also quite high up when compared with later, post WW2 practice.

[badger123]

Many thanks gents, this has filled some gaps in my knowledge.

Your knowledge of these subjects is incredible.

Cheers, Ivan