Westminster Dragoons Band

[Hawthorn]

Two interesting postcards showing the Band of the Westminster Dragoons on Home Service and In Egypt at the start of The Great War.

The First postcard is dated 18th June 1910 and is addressed to Mrs Pat Hennessy at an address in Ilford from 'W C H'.

I believe this 'W C H' to be Bandmaster 474 WC Hennessey who appears to be seated centrally behind the bass drum.

The second postcard has 'From Egypt, arrived Dec 19th 1914' written on the reverse and again shows the Band, this time with Bandmaster Hennessey seated to the right of the bass drum next to two unidentified Officers.

Of note is the small triangular shaped badge worn high on the right side of the helmet. I assume that this badge would be in the Regimental colours, does anyone have an example or other image of the badge in wear please.

Regards, Simon.

[cbuehler]

Very interesting. I am examining that photo in Egypt, and it appears that there is something different than a triangle. There seems to be a small square patch backing with a small dark device upon it, which I cannot make out.

CB

[Hawthorn]

CB,

Thanks for the comments, will find a more powerful glass, take another look and get back to you.

Regards, Simon.

[Hawthorn]

Originally Posted by cbuehler

Very interesting. I am examining that photo in Egypt, and it appears that there is something different than a triangle. There seems to be a small square patch backing with a small dark device upon it, which I cannot make out.

CB

CB,

Have looked again and I believe you are correct, appears to be a small light coloured square with a black device centrally placed upon it.

Simon.

[mike_vee]

Originally Posted by cbuehler

There seems to be a small square patch backing with a small dark device upon it, which I cannot make out.

CB

That is what I see.

From Wiki :

Thanks to Col Burns' links to King Edward VII, the regimental flash worn on the pagri of the Slouch hat and later Wolseley helmet consisted, with Royal permission, of the King's horseracing colours of purple, gold and red.

At Gallipoli in 1915 the dismounted 1/2nd CoLY wore khaki serge infantry uniforms and webbing equipment with a Wolseley helmet carrying the regimental flash;

[Hawthorn]

Mike

Thanks for the research, I have found an image online of C C P Lawson in Palestine 1917 wearing a triangular flash in what appears to be those colours but this differs in shape and colour to the ones the Band are wearing I think.

https://www.jstor.org/page-scan-deli...can/26899865/0

Simon,

[caladonia]

Hello there
Here's a clearer version of the pic posted above, it also shows the uniform worn by the Regiment at Gallipoli.
If you set them at full page you can zoom in on the details
William
https://repository.library.brown.edu...d_bdr%3A224400

[cbuehler]

It would appear that the band wore something other than the triangular flash.
I am thinking perhaps a bronzed collar badge on a square backing of unknown color?

CB

[Hawthorn]

Caladonia, many thanks for the link.

CB, a good thought, however its difficult to tell from the photograph whether the black device is raised from the backing slightly. Will try to find other images of the Band in Egypt for comparison.

All the best, Simon.