WW1 Lancashire Fusiliers shoulder tabs?

[DougSA]

I recently acquired the attached photo. It actually first caught my attention because of the gent on the left, wearing battle patches of what looks to be 10th KRRC.

On closer inspection, I noticed some 'ribbon'-type tabs just below the brass shoulder title of the gent on the right, who was evidently serving with the Lancashire Fusiliers.

Would anyone have any idea of the significance of the shoulder tabs?

Any insights welcome!

[MH331]

Not sure about the ribbon but I have seen a similar affectation on MGC soldiers. I have a photo in my collection I'll post tomorrow The title may be Royal Dublin Fusiliers the top of the first letter seems to be closed to my old eyes?

Regards

Mark

[leigh kitchen]

It does look like "D" rather than "L".
If RDF could the ribbon be a green favour for the nationalist cause or to mark St Patrick's Day?

[DougSA]

Originally Posted by MH331

Not sure about the ribbon but I have seen a similar affectation on MGC soldiers. I have a photo in my collection I'll post tomorrow The title may be Royal Dublin Fusiliers the top of the first letter seems to be closed to my old eyes?

Regards

Mark

Not sure it is a 'D', as it does not appear to be a smooth 'D' construction, although I certainly see what you mean...

Are there other possible options for these Fusilier regiment titles, beyond Lancashire Fusiliers and Royal Dublin Fusiliers?

[DougSA]

Originally Posted by leigh kitchen

It does look like "D" rather than "L".
If RDF could the ribbon be a green favour for the nationalist cause or to mark St Patrick's Day?

I should mention that the photo was taken in South Shields, so - if the two gents are indeed brothers - then it would seem to make Irish connection less likely; although of course not ruling this out.

[leigh kitchen]

A bit closer to Northumberland Fusiliers country then.

[leigh kitchen]

Flicking through "The Badges of Kitchener's Army" by David Bolton I note that July - November 1916 on the Somme 7 KSLI wire cutters wore white streamers on the point of the shoulders.
I wonder if the arrangement on the shoulder of the Fusilier in the photo is a similar insignia worn to denote a particular role within his battalion?

[leigh kitchen]

From the same book, 8 RDF wore a dark green pennon at the top of the sleeves, but if that's what's being worn in the photo it doesn't explain what appears to be a vertical ribbon hanging down from the base of the shoulder strap.

[DougSA]

Originally Posted by leigh kitchen

A bit closer to Northumberland Fusiliers country then.

Yes, Northumberland Fusiliers would certainly make sense in terms of where the photo was taken.

Re-looking at the shoulder title, I would say that "NF" seems more likely than "DF". What do you think?

[Toby Purcell]

Definitely RDF title variant with plain grenade to my eyes. The Irish regiments’ Service Battalion’s really struggled with recruitment after 1916 and regimental history refers to large drafts of Yorkshire men from the York and Lancs (Sheffield’s regiment) being sent to one of the RDF battalions In Salonika after the battle of Kosturino, where the Bulgarian’s inflicted heavy casualties. It mentions that they were good quality men and highly regarded by the regimental officers*. I suspect that the streamers relate to the role mentioned by Leigh, but for a different battalion (6th and 7th RDF were there).

* Previously the 6th and 7th had each received over 3 hundred men, and half a dozen(+) officers from 2nd Norfolk’s and 3rd Royal West Kent’s, approximately one third of battalion strength. The other Irish regiments also received large drafts from English regiments.