Royal Munster Fusilers in India Circa 1903-14

[MH331]

I thought these three original period photos of 1 RMF soldiers in India might be of interest showing the small one piece shoulder title and Sun Helmet with Plume.

regards

Mark

[Wayne Ihaka]

what do you think the shoulder title is

M grenade F?

[John Mulcahy]

Thank you for posting those Mark,

the shoulder title is the small title " M Grenade F " illustrated in the image below on the right.

I do not have my copy of "Collecting Metal Shoulder Titles" by Westlake with me to quote his reference number and I think, from memory, that he describes this smaller title as an officer's shoulder title.

All photographs I have seen (including the very complete archives of the RMF association) , and these ones that Mark has kindly posted, show that this title was actually worn by all ranks in khaki in India/Burma prior to the great war and not


I have only ever seen photos of the larger badge being worn on the FSH and have yet to see it being used as a shoulder title. I would be grateful to see any photos of other ranks in greatcoats to see what, if any, shoulder titles were worn on this garment.

I have not found any evidence of official sealing details for either badge and they are likely to be regimentally supplied badges, and not supplied by the RACD at public expense.

John

[John Mulcahy]

Mark,

I showed the images to the secretary of the RMF association (who maintains the associations collection of photographs).

This is 1 RMF in Rangoon or India prior to the Great War and identifiable (in the sporting photograph) are; Sgt. Major Cooch (later commissioned as a 2nd Lt. just prior to the Gallipoli landings) and in civvies, beside him, Lt Hubert Bernard Tonson Rye from Cork.

I dare say we can ID some of the other ranks in due time.


John

[MH331]

John,

That's brilliant many thanks.

Mark