1st Battalion Devon Regt India

[Crimeinvestigator]

I was very fortunate to purchase a Large Victorian Photo Album that belonged to Col Sgt John Horswell 1st Battalion Devonshire Regt, in it are 175 original Photo of him & the Regt from India 1893-1898 & 1902-1904 this is one that shows nice shot of them in Uniform with Medals & Badges

Bryan

Horswell is Front Row 2nd from Left

[Rob Miller]

Nice picture Bryan, any chance of a close up of some of the collar and cap insignia?

Regards Rob.

[Graham Stewart]

Lubbly jubbly - just what I love to see. Indian Pattern scarlet and Colour Sgt's wearing their beautiful rank badge.

[Toby Purcell]

God, I missed this one. Cracking photo showing the 'battalion staff' sat in the front row and most probably the colour sergeants stood behind.

Sat centrally is 'THE' sergeant major (later RSM) and flanking him on one side is the schoolmaster, who is instantly identifiable by his dark blue patrol frock with mohair tape trim. On the other flank is the Bandmaster with his special badge.

Seated left as you view is the regimental quartermaster sergeant (nearest the SM) and on the outside another quartermaster sergeant who is probably presiding over the orderly room. Seated next to the Bandmaster on his outside and in a FSC, is the Armourer Sergeant, who was badged AOC and has dark facings and on his outside perhaps the Musketry Instructor, and either the sergeant of gymnastics, or the Cook Sergeant.

At the rear are the 8 company colour sergeants for companies A to H.

[ANGLE IRON]

Great to see, Smashing picture Kevin

[Toby Purcell]

It is a truly wonderful photo, but I cannot see the the Sergeant Drummer, which is unusual.

[Graham Stewart]

Originally Posted by Toby Purcell

It is a truly wonderful photo, but I cannot see the the Sergeant Drummer, which is unusual.

Hi mate - do you see the cuff lace on the Armourer Sgt's jacket - not seen that pattern before, even on a Corps.

[Toby Purcell]

Originally Posted by Graham Stewart

Hi mate - do you see the cuff lace on the Armourer Sgt's jacket - not seen that pattern before, even on a Corps.

Hi Graham, old pal. Yes, it's unusual and must be the AOC's pattern of India Frock, which of course would only have been worn out there and by relatively few personnel.

[Crimeinvestigator]

Hi,

Another Photo from the album which miht be of interest to the forum

Bryan

[Graham Stewart]

Wow - what a beauty. Five button Indian pattern frock, piped with white lace down the front and around the skirt. White lace Austrian knot and piped shoulder straps, with woven title, which is probably "DEVONS". Only the collar showing the facing colour of a none "Royal" Regiment, i.e. 'white'.

Superb photo many thanks for showing it. Expect Toby & Grumpy will be along to view with additional comments.

[grumpy]

Thank you for those two: my only additional thought is that this does not appear to be a keen musketry battalion: surprising paucity of marksman badges on first inspection. I count 6 in total over both photos ...... might be my eyesight.

[Toby Purcell]

Superb photo of Devon's Sergeants' Mess members, as mentioned by Graham and Grumpy. Especially good to see the Colour Sergeants wearing their full dress badges, that were all the more important to show their status, given the absence of gold lace in undress.

[Crimeinvestigator]

One with a Nice Piece Of Mess Silverware & Marksman

Bryan

[Crimeinvestigator]

I bet he got some ribbing from his mate with that stance, I understand from a friend who is much more up on badges etc these Caps were not very popular

[Fatherofthree]

Were moustaches compulsory?

I can find only 2, (possibly 3), of the chaps not sporting an hirsute upper lip.

Marvellous photos.

Regards
Brian