Great photo of the collars with his best BD. Cleary end of war or after wards. The additional of a tailored backing to the lapels is a nice touch and was originally done by officers as they wore ties. I have seen a few mid war photos with soldiers in ties and lanyards when in best BD and in off-duty best. The adoption of ties for all ranks at the end of the war saw many tunics being adapted as shown as well as being taken in for a better fit.
Several years ago I read an account by a 4th/7th Trooper who recorded that regimental funds (from memory sourced from selling off foodstuffs they 'captured' in France) paid for collars for every trooper and they wore then in 1945 on their BD. I would not be surprised if the 17/21 and others did not do the same: but looking at the style of BD with it's covered pockets, tailoring and accouterments it's possible that he is a post war Trooper and they are issued.
|