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General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: HLW on Friday 30 September 11 18:34 BST (UK)

Title: Is this a military uniform???
Post by: HLW on Friday 30 September 11 18:34 BST (UK)

Can any one help identify if this is a military uniform or a band outfit???
What era do you think it is from ?
Any help appreciated

Title: Re: Is this a military uniform???
Post by: HLW on Saturday 01 October 11 22:29 BST (UK)

Or could he be a Hotel bell boy/porter?

Title: Re: Is this a military uniform???
Post by: onetiger on Saturday 01 October 11 22:32 BST (UK)

Hi HLW,

I'm no expert but I can't see anything military-like about the uniform.  It reminds me of the bell-boy outfits they used to wear in hotels.  It could be a band uniform I suppose or possibly worn on the stage in a panto like Cinderella.

Regards,
Ken

Title: Re: Is this a military uniform???
Post by: old rowley on Saturday 01 October 11 22:38 BST (UK)

At the time that this photograph was taken the subject was serving in one of the Lancer regiments of the British army.

OR.

Title: Re: Is this a military uniform???
Post by: Bilge on Saturday 01 October 11 23:26 BST (UK)

I have seen the like of this uniform before 17th lancers I believe.

Title: Re: Is this a military uniform???
Post by: HLW on Saturday 01 October 11 23:39 BST (UK)

Wow- from a bell boy to a Lancer!

Thankyou so much for your information
What makes you so sure?

What period of time are we looking at?

How can i find out more about this- where they were based etc.

regards Helen

Title: Re: Is this a military uniform???
Post by: neil1821 on Saturday 01 October 11 23:45 BST (UK)

Yep, 17th Lancers. The only Lancer Regt with a white plastron (tunic front).
Compare with these other images:

http://www.soldiersofthequeen.com/page11e-17thLancerCorporalandBrother.html
http://www.soldiersofthequeen.com/page4e-GunnerSidaRAand17thLancer.html
http://www.soldiersofthequeen.com/page16c-Girlin17thLancersUniform.html

Title: Re: Is this a military uniform???
Post by: neil1821 on Saturday 01 October 11 23:48 BST (UK)

Quote

How can i find out more about this- where they were based etc.

Do you know who this chap is, or at least have a fair idea?
If so, a name may help us find him in the records.

Title: Re: Is this a military uniform???
Post by: HLW on Sunday 02 October 11 00:02 BST (UK)

He was sat in my Grandmothers photo album
The only military connection i can find in the family is a William Miles born 1833 Chipping Sodbury
or there were a couple of possibilities from ww1 but is it that recent?
Helen

Title: Re: Is this a military uniform???
Post by: km1971 on Sunday 02 October 11 09:21 BST (UK)

Hi Helen

My guess is c1880-90. Cavalry uniforms stayed the same for long periods. However if you compare to the links provided by Neil you can see that yours lacks the vertical piping on the pill box. Someone with dress regulations from this period may be able to tell you when this change was made. Otherwise you could try their museum - http://www.qrlassociation.co.uk/m_history_17.htm

Ken

Title: Re: Is this a military uniform???
Post by: maidmarianoops on Monday 03 October 11 02:25 BST (UK)

http://www.armynavyairforce.co.uk/17th_lancers.htm


should help

sylvia