Fromelles

Stuart, Sounds like an interesting book, I've got photos of troops wearing Wolseley helmets if you're interested. Dan

Stuart, Yes, you're quite right - it was very early in the morning when I was typing and wasn't exactly sure what the badge stood for, and I just couldn't find the motivation to get up and go through my books, hence the "(I think)" at the end of my spill. Dan

Stuart, The uniforms are the Khaki Drill used in hot climates. The pleats remained on the pockets though there were numerous other changes made. You may be thinking of the Service Dress uniforms that had their pleats removed at one stage. The arm badge looks to be of a 'horse bit' which would be Farrier (I think) Too hard to tell what is on the shoulders 'RHA' ??? Dan

Stuart, I think they're Artillery too. British Royal Artillery is my guess from probably WWI though quite possibly pre or indeed could be post war. You're partially correct about the 08 web equipment superseding the 03 bandolier equipment. It was only the Infantry that handed in their bandoliers for webbing, units such at the Artillery continued to wear it well beyond the First World War. Dan

Though this relates to the Australians it is probably run along the similar lines to the British. On the 12 August 1917, 13 months after the battle of Fromelles (19/20 July 1916) those still missing of the 32nd Battalion were reclassed as KIA. Initially they were classed "Missing after Action, France, 20 July 1916" till changed to "Killed in Action" On the 20 October 1916 (3 months to the day) the missing were "Struck off Strength" from the battalion. Dan

That's one very nice tunic! Do you happen to have any shots of the inside? I too have a British made tunic and it has a few slight differences, which you'd expect. Dan

I think you'll find the belt is the woven webbing version of the British 'Bandolier equipment, pattern 1903 - Belts, waist, web.' introduced in April 1917 till Jan 1923. From the 'List of Changes in British War Material' 19146 - 30 Apr 17 'The waist belt is 44 inches in length and 1 3/4 inches in width. One end is fitted with a brass tongueless buckle with brass plate, and the other end is fitted with a brass eyeleted, tip. It is also provided with a brass slide which is secured to the belt by means of a web loop, 6 1/4 inches in length and 1/2 inch in width.' Cheers Dan