Stuart Bates

Another example of your wit combined with humour and truth. Whilst I agree with you on the amount paid to sporting figures &c, I have to say what would we do without “bread and circus?” I don’t subscribe to it but what is there for the masses to do? We, as individuals, have little to offer to Earth possibly destruction, but until then what? Art? Now that is too subjective to be considered. Architecture? Once again subjective and not relevant to most people I feel. There are many more I suspect. In light of this heroes are necessary, warts and all.

Gad Brian you have done it again! My collection has neither waxed nor waned but rather remained static. Stuart

I always assumed that an avatar was simply the image/graphic that best illustrated one's proclivities, (oops, perhaps some synonyms are in order - penchant, preference, taste, interest, hobby - I had better leave it there). I have always used my name as a user-name as it seems "cheating" not to do so. As Brian says " I never use an avatar name whether here or commenting on the Internet because if I am willing to put something down in writing I am will to stand by what I say. " One man's fish is another's poisson. Stuart

Comedy, wit, irreverence and intelligence. Brian you have it in spades. Stuart

Why does it seem that “everyone” thinks 2017 was such a bad year? The way the world is going 2018 could well be worse.

Brian, I shall eat some iron today! The truck has turned out to be a triumph but what happened to -

Brian, I am still waiting for the autobiography. Stuart

The three fold puggaree indicates 1941. The Puggaree being a different colour is a little "suss" but being colour-blind I can't comment further. The foil interior lining was patented in 1933 and the Vero's liner in 1925. The latter was by far the most used system for headbands. The flash was of 3" x 2" blue with embroidered Sphinx and a blue over red stripe as the top folds of the puggaree as defined by the 1929 clothing regulations. However, it is doubtful that such was the case at this later stage of WWII. The puggaree badge is interesting as it seems to have the word "EGYPT" almost completely erased. Perhaps this is because the helmet was to a territorial or some such battalion rather than a regular one. Stuart

When can expect the book? Regards, Stuart

I am colourblind but looking at my 21st Hussars Busby I would say light blue/grey, Stuart

Andy, Scots Guards Wolseley rear shot. Stuart

Andy, I didn't get a notification of your post so sorry for the delay. The badge is lugged. I shall photograph the rear shortly. Stuart

I just looked into Captain R.J. MacDonald's book The History of the Dress of the Royal Regiment of Artillery and he simply states that the change to cup-and-ball occurred on 1st August 1881. Pity he did not give any reason. Stuart