Introduction into service: British Drab Service Dress

[david grumpy]

There is some dispute as to when this was 'introduced'. Army Order 10 of January 1902 described it and used the future tense:

"during the transition period and for some time after the introduction ....."

"will first be supplied ....."

etc

Perhaps those with regimental histories covering the period could have a look?

[david grumpy]

there again, perhaps they could not

[david grumpy]

almost certainly not

[Graham Stewart]

For your records - extract from St.Georges Gazette 22nd Feb 1902;-

3rd Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, Parkhurst Barracks, Newport, Isle of Wight.

"The Battalion is now served out with the new universal Service uniform and is quite ready to start for the West Indies, but no orders have arrived to date. It is rumoured that the authorities are not quite sure where Antigua is yet."

Both the 1st & 2nd Battalions were serving in South Africa at this time and I suspect they didn't receive theirs until returning to the UK, but I'll double check.

[Graham Stewart]

It does appear that the equipping of regiments with the new SD was a staggered affair as seen in more notes;-

NF Depot, Newcastle-on-Tyne, 24th May 1902;-

"During the month the first installment of the new Service Dress has been taken into wear by those entitled to clothing issue in May."

Oddly enough no mention of it's introduction by the 4th Battalion??

Edited January 1, 2010 by Graham Stewart

[david grumpy]

Graham, thank you for those two contributions: I have ordered Haythornthwaites "Boer War Brit Uniforms" [not correct title] to see if the SA issue is described and illustrated and a bit of background given.

[david grumpy]

Book arrived, lots of nice photos. but he just says that the serge jacket was cut to the 1897 KD pattern ........... I am far from convinced.