Hussar and Cadet?

[Postwarden]

I'd appreciate any help in identifying the two gents in this photo. The standing figure is clearly dressed as a Hussar, the only identifying feature being the coloured band on his pillbox hat. Does anyone know of a source that gives details of the pillbox hat colours worn by ORs?

The second figure looks like a cadet - no shoulder straps, white shirt cuffs protruding from sleeves - although the Lee Metford (?) rifle seems an unlikely weapon for him.

Photo taken around 1900.

All comments welcome

Postwarden

[Graham Stewart]

Not an easy one, but taking in the period I suspect the lad seated is dressed more in line with those carrying out "mounted infantry" duties.

I'm more familiar with both the Infantry and Imperial Yeomanry role during the South African War as 'mounted infantry' and would presume the Regular Cavalry followed suite, considering the use of the lance and cavalry sabre would be greatly restricted.

[GriffMJ]

at a guess ....19th Hussars.

[Toby Purcell]

The standing man is indeed a Hussar and his pill box forage cap would most likely be blue with a yellow band. The only differences was the 11th who had a crimson cap with yellow band and the 13th who had a blue cap with white band. The seated soldier is most likely a mounted infantryman in typical slouch hat.

N.B. I had not seen the above two posts when writing this so apologies for duplication.

[matti467]

The Lee Metford is out of date but may be explained by being a studio prop

[1stTankie]

[QUOTE The standing figure is clearly dressed as a Hussar, the only identifying feature being the coloured band on his pillbox hat.

Postwarden[/QUOTE]

Hi Postwarden

Hussars in black and white are never easy to identify. However, look very carefully at the collar and in particular at the that portion of the collar which appears above the busby cords (positioned to run in the centre of the collar).

If that part of the collar appears to be darker than the usual blue of the tunic then that indicates it could be scarlet and that means we are looking at a
3rd (King's Own) Hussar.

Best wishes

Gordon

[Toby Purcell]

Originally Posted by matti467

The Lee Metford is out of date but may be explained by being a studio prop

There were still units equipped with the Lee Metford, the replacement by the Long Lee was a phased issue and took some time to complete.