Unusual headdress - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

Peter Brydon · #1 04-11-07, 08:16 AM

One of the most interesting items of head gear in my opinion is on the attached photo a cap of the 21st Londons (1st Surrey Rifles ) it has a detachable red over black plume. Presumably leaving a hole in the top of the cap when the plume is removed.
Anyone seen anything similar ?
P.B.

sean michael cronin · #2 05-11-07, 03:44 PM

Are you sure the plume goes through the hat, or is it secured behind the badge, I dont think he's wearing it officially, but it may have been on trial on the new style forage cap after the Racoon skin cap and the mounted infantry slouch hat. Cheers Sean.

Peter Brydon · #3 11-11-07, 09:49 AM

Sean,
The plume definatly goes through the top of the hat,the picture is from an old MHS Bulletin and was showing in slightly better detail this unusual distinction which was in a much earlier Bulletin shown being be worn by some officers.

I apologise for the quality of the picture,the illustrations in early Bulletins were not know for their clarity.The earlier photo was even poorer.

Peter

GGP · #4 08-01-08, 11:33 PM

I wonder if anyone in the forum could assist with the identifivation in the attached photograph. It was taken pre 1914 and is of my grandfather. I know that he served in the RA during WW1 but I believe this to be the uniform of either Royal Highland Fusiliers or Highland Light Infantry. The hackle supports the former but the collar badges are difficult to make out and does not indicate HLI at all.
Any assistance would be most welcome.

dragonz18 · #5 09-01-08, 12:00 AM

I'd say those are definitely Argyl & Sutherland Highlander's collars being worn here.
Is that a confusion, or still OK for the family records?

Cheers !
Steve

Alan O · #6 09-01-08, 08:19 AM

As they are kilted I don't think they are HLI as they only wore trews and not the kilt.

Alan

Toby Purcell · #7 09-01-08, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragonz18

I'd say those are definitely Argyl & Sutherland Highlander's collars being worn here.
Is that a confusion, or still OK for the family records?

Cheers !
Steve

I agree - A&SH. Kilt, sporran, hackle and above all, collar badges all confirm it. Also, both HLI and RSF wore trews, never kilts.

GGP · #8 09-01-08, 07:02 PM

Many thanks for the notes on A&SH. This surprised me a little but am far from an expert so I bow to the knowledge. I understand about the trews for RSF and HLI but I thought the bandsmen wore the kilt? Anyway he wasn't a bandsman so that fits. Will post another query shortly.
Thanks again