The Saint

I've just seen that, a RhGSM to a Scout :

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Rhodesia-General-Ser...1QQcmdZViewItem

Michael,

Through not 42nd, these are two pictures showing the coatee worn in the Crimea :

http://www.btinternet.com/~james.mckay/92nd1846.htm

http://www.btinternet.com/~james.mckay/crimea12.htm

Stuart,

Splendid book ! I bought it after visiting the NAM Crimea exhibition 3 years ago.

Eric

Michael & Stuart,

Do not forget that the DRs deal with officer's uniform only.

Prior to 1855, British Other Ranks (42nd included) wore a single breasted coatee (not a doublet), with white laced buttonholes on the front (it faintly shows in the last photograph), and shoulder straps ending in a tuft crescent for the battalion companies or wings for the flank companies (again see the last picture). Highland regiments had short tails whereas Line Infantry had long tails.

Pity (as well) my home PC is out-of-order for the moment , I would have scanned some pictures otherwise.

Interesting topic.

Stuart, you're right, the three LD regiments you mention are indeed a possibility.

BTW, what is the title of the NAM book you're talking about ?

Cheers

Eric

Stuart,

The cuff braid is without doubt the proper one for an Other Rank of Light Dragoon, 1855-1861. Other things that make me assume that he is an OR are the yellow colouring of the braid, where an officer would have gold, the peakless forage cap and the somewhat crudeness of the picture.

As for the unit, the 3rd Light Dragoon indeed seems correct.

Alternatively, it could be the Montreal Volunteer Cavalry, who wore an identical uniform (Ref : "The Canadian Campaign, 1860-70", Osprey Publishing). It depends on where this picture was found.

Michael,

The Crimea Medals were issued sometime in 1856 (exact date escapes me, I must check the Spink book), at a time when the troop wore the double-breasted Pat 1855 tunic/doublet (see : http://www.btinternet.com/~james.mckay/crimea14.htm and http://www.btinternet.com/~james.mckay/crimea17.htm). So, in my opinion, the picture cannot have been taken prior the issue of the medal.

The single breasted Pat 1856 tunic/doublet was worn until the late 1860s-early 1870s, when replaced by another pattern.

Eric

Barry,

I would say the man at right may be a Colonial Volunteer - Canadian ? He is wearing a dark belt where a regular would have worn a buff belt. He can't be from 60th (KRR) Foot nor Rifle Brigade who wore belts with snake clasp as the cap badge does not match. Thus my guessing.

The trooper at left is an Other Rank, as an officer usually wore his pouch and belt for such a photograph. He must check my files to see about the regiment.

Michael,

the Highlander is wearing a 1856 pattern doublet, so it can't be a pre-Crimea picture. Still very nice.

Eric

I am looking for a photograph of an OR shoulder belt plate of the 24th Foot as worn between 1844 and 1855, as well as a clear photograph of the button for the same period.

I own Major Parkin's book but, but I need more than a drawing.

Thanks for any help.

Regards

Eric

What are the "Light Bulbs" for?

This badge was created by the British during WW2 and intended to be worn by parachute-trained personel not assigned to an Airborne unit. The nickname originated in the obvious shape of the badge.

Eric

Rhodesian Army Service Corps Air Despatcher

Rhodesian 'Light Bulbs'

Rhodesian SAS wings

Rhodesian wings

A good place to start :

http://southernafricamilitaria.com/

Eric

There a list of pith helmet flashes and/or ornament in "British Army Uniforms and Insignia of World War Two", by Brian L. Davis. Description only though.

Eric

Stuart,

I think the 'white' metal of the helmet is an error of the colourist. Trumpeters did wear a different colour of horsehair, but I doubt they wore a different helmet.

Nice postcards.

Eric

Hello there, I've just joined the board. Nice to see there's a place where the Rhodie stuff can be discussed.

I've been collecting Rhodesian Army militaria from 10 years now, and get a couple of Selous Scouts items, like this ID'd shirt (wings are original but not numbered). I also own the Para Jump log book of the same individual.

Eric