Grey Regiment... exotic fur??
 

Came across this photo in the book, "Foresters, The Canadian Quest for Peace" by Brian Brown. PIcture of the Grey Regiment Bugle Band, CEF period. I am wondering what the significance of the Corporal wearing the Leopard(?) fur is? (makes him look a little like Fred Flintstone!?) I am assuming that this was long before the era of "fake" fur and that, whatever it is, is the real thing.

Hi Bill, That image is from well into the 1920's. Maybe even late 1920's. The cap badge, though not dated by GO in Mazeas, was, from my research, approved around 1922. Unfortunately the Brown book is not a great history of the Grey & Simcoes and has many inaccuracies.
To your question, the leopard skins worn by drummers was real at that time. I am not sure when the practice stopped, but circumstances and political correctness were not at issue then.

two more examples of bass drummers wearing the leopard skin.
Jo
http://www.calgaryhighlanders.com/ph...peband1988.jpg

http://www.brownlee.com.au/Images/Ch...8/image009.jpg

Interesting topic for sure. I have this photo, in my collection, of the Irish Regiment of Canada Pipe Band. I often wondered about the leopard skin cover, it seems really out of place for an Irish Regiment.

Cliff, Piper Weir on the extreme left of the image, what is on his upper arm? A formation patch?

Hmm, didn't realize that this was a common practice!? :eek:

SO what is the origin? Cliff, it doesn't seem out of place for just an Irish Regiment, but ALL regiments.

I can't say it is a very flattering look when you have a perfectly good uniform to wear?

All base drummers wore these skins at one time ,every once in a while you will see one worn now but not very often. I think Mount Forest pipe band still have one but since the old fellow died no one wears it.. Bill do you mean Malcolm Weir? If you do he was my Supervisor in the post Office & I have his Seaforth book (pipe music of course) a great fellow & liked his toddy. I guess that patch on his shoulder would be the 5th Div.on't recall when the 5th was formed but the Irish went overseas in October of 42.

In case anyone wants to know WHY drummers dress like cavemen sometimes... tradition explained.

Good eyes Bill, It appears to me to be a 4th Div formation patch. I will have to look at the original to be certain. The size, shape and position fit with this. The time period of this photo, and the contrast colour between the patch and the tunic would lead me to believe the patch is that of the 4th Canadian Armoured Division.

Yes that is Malcolm Weir in the photo.

Thanks for the link Bill M. Cliff, that would be interesting. If the Irish were patched as early as the indicated date from the image, it indicates an earlier issue of the 4 CAD patch than I was aware. The Irish were moved to 5 CAD on January 1, 1943, if I am interpreting the research correctly. Always learning something on the Forum.

Bill, the Irish were in Mulgrave from April to October 1942. This is the closest I am able to date the photo. You are correct that the Irish Joined the 5th Div January 1943 in the UK.

Pylon1357
Ref your post of 22-09-09, do you have any information about Pipe Majors of the Irish Regiment of Canada?
Aad

Check out this site. Here's the link to the Irish Regiment of Canada in particular: http://pipesforfreedom.com/webtxt/05..._OF_CANADA.htm