1st Battalion Devon Regt India

[Graham Stewart]

Originally Posted by Crimeinvestigator

One with a Nice Piece Of Mess Silverware & Marksman

Bryan

Smashing - looks like the winning team of a battalion shooting match.

[Graham Stewart]

Originally Posted by Crimeinvestigator

I bet he got some ribbing from his mate with that stance, I understand from a friend who is much more up on badges etc these Caps were not very popular

Oh! - suites you, sir. Do you like the ladies sir, or do you bat for the other side sir - oh!

Seriously though I'm well envious of this album.

[grumpy]

Yes, the tash was in QR/KR ...... a source of concern to young and blonde soldiers and officers.

The shooting picture shows at least two marksmen badges with 'something above': it will be either a star or crown, depending on how high the man came in the annual competition. The colour sergeant has extra cuff lace. The most interesting one to me is the LCpl wearing his crossed rifles in the "instructor" position, upper right. I have NEVER seen this on such a junior NCO. They may just be the crossed swords of a PTI, but I think not.

May we please have a close-up showing him and the CSgt?

[Crimeinvestigator]

Hi

This is the best I can do I'm afraid

Bryan

[Crimeinvestigator]

I'm afraid the Original Photo in the Album has been cut down to this man probabaly a friend of my guy Horswell, but thought it may be of interest

[Crimeinvestigator]

The School of Musketry is rather a nice photo with the Indian Troops

Bryan

[Graham Stewart]

Originally Posted by Crimeinvestigator

I'm afraid the Original Photo in the Album has been cut down to this man probabaly a friend of my guy Horswell, but thought it may be of interest

A rarity in itself - the Pioneer Section. Pity it was cut down.

[grumpy]

Originally Posted by Crimeinvestigator

Hi

This is the best I can do I'm afraid

Bryan

thamk you: crossed rifles it is!

[Toby Purcell]

Originally Posted by Crimeinvestigator

I bet he got some ribbing from his mate with that stance, I understand from a friend who is much more up on badges etc these Caps were not very popular

His stance is actually quite close to the required stand at ease position of that time, which either had hands clasped and held on the forward placed thigh or encircled the rifle in a semi-vertical and central position in the crook of one arm. For the purpose of balance one foot was always placed half a pace in front of the other, as you see here. It is true that to our modern eyes it carries another connotation, but there would have been no 'ribbing' from his mates at that time.

[Toby Purcell]

Originally Posted by Crimeinvestigator

The School of Musketry is rather a nice photo with the Indian Troops

Bryan

An unusual photo that shows all three forms of Field Cap in use simultaneously. The glengarry, the Torin (or naval/boat cap) and the Austrian pattern.

[Toby Purcell]

Originally Posted by grumpy

thamk you: crossed rifles it is!

Look again Grumpy, I think you were spot on the first time. I make it crossed swords, but would welcome the view of others. The blades appear more white than rifles would have done and, as you say, it would be extraordinary for a man of that position (not even a rank remember but an appointment) to be entitled to that (jealously guarded) badge. It was quite possible however, to be an assistant instructor of Gymnasia.

[Graham Stewart]

Originally Posted by Toby Purcell

Look again Grumpy, I think you were spot on the first time. I make it crossed swords, but would welcome the view of others. The blades appear more white than rifles would have done and, as you say, it would be extraordinary for a man of that position (not even a rank remember but an appointment) to be entitled to that (jealously guarded) badge. It was quite possible however, to be an assistant instructor of Gymnasia.

Downloaded it and blew it up before it blurred and I think it's the crossed swords too.

[grumpy]

yes, the crossing angle is sword-like.

any comment on the CSgt cuff knot?

[Toby Purcell]

Originally Posted by grumpy

any comment on the CSgt cuff knot?

I think it relates to the use in India of the IPF in lieu of the home service full dress tunic and a typical attempt to emulate the superior lace that would have marked the status of 'staff' (i.e. battalion) sergeants. Although the colour sergeants were not technically staff sergeants (not being employed at battalion level), they were by tradition afforded the dress distinctions of a (originally)3rd class staff sergeant.

In the group photo comprising just sergeants it is notable that all have the larger cuff knot arrangement than rank and file, including I think a Lance Sergeant (white chevrons far left). I am unclear if the 'staff' had gold lacing or just faded white.

[Graham Stewart]

Yes - I did note that the senior ranks appear to be wearing a far superior 'frock' compared to the other ranks, with additional features. The white piping from collar all the way down and around the skirt is unusual in itself, as is the Austrian knot, when you would have expected all ranks to have worn the same knot configuration.

I can honestly say that from memory I don't think I've seen a similar 'frock' being worn by the senior ranks of the Northumberland's. It would be nice to know if other regiments followed the Devons dress code distinctions between senior and junior ranks or are they a 'one off'