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General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: Skelleyville on Sunday 27 March 22 22:50 BST (UK)

Title: Major Tosland of Bedfordshire - Uniform or Costume?
Post by: Skelleyville on Sunday 27 March 22 22:50 BST (UK)

Hi

I am looking to see if anyone can identify this uniform that Major Tosland (left) is wearing.

I found a record stating he was in the Bedfordshire Militia in 1859 but I have no idea if this is a uniform.

It has been suggested it may be a costume, as there are other photos in the album of others putting on theatrical performances.

Any suggestions appreciated.

Title: Re: Major Tosland of Bedfordshire - Uniform or Costume?
Post by: SiGr on Tuesday 29 March 22 05:47 BST (UK)

Hi,
I would say that he is certainly wearing a proper military uniform.
You can just make out the Maltese cross on the badge on his cross belt which was a key feature of the Bedfordshire Regiment and (presumably) the Bedfordshire Militia's badges.
If you want to know a bit more about him and his distinguished service before in the Crimea do a name search of him in 'Regimental Records of the Bedfordshire Militia 1759 to 1884' by Sir John M. Burgoyne. It seems George Toseland was a very brave man. By the way, in that book his name is "Toseland" and there is also mention of an "E Toseland" as well - maybe a relative (?)
https://books.googleusercontent.com/books/content?req=AKW5Qae-bwtsa0ZHzGolAHV9PuF2lZnxo6xxOPAaUOh-IeE_dOjnMRoF3blF_W9Jpe5ZueTRfMthbY9GbGPBBmgUOSttU1j4-RX-Zh_1jnJrO3D0E7PBdlaFOu7Wqn2zUWLmqcZlI3ReyTwahSjWrj_epMqDG_PUav07V7O-dd3Q8k-u_i146UWwoe-4-RU1ESNE6on6QC8HokAtfDXUMiSPkbye5EhqJVwtYWaFRq_hGpIDvMs5yLwt5iAJrMgZorzeVXi_i7UVgnRgDFly7tIFt8l_pbgvQg
Good luck with your research.
ATB
Simon

Title: Re: Major Tosland of Bedfordshire - Uniform or Costume?
Post by: rosie99 on Tuesday 29 March 22 07:32 BST (UK)

Similar post here
https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=860528.

Title: Re: Major Tosland of Bedfordshire - Uniform or Costume?
Post by: T1 on Tuesday 29 March 22 19:42 BST (UK)

The outfit is typical of the grey uniform used by many Rifle Volunteer Corps during the 1860s and early 1870s. The volunteer corps were similar to the militia, but were a different organisation (completely unpaid part-timers with a reputation at this period for amateurism).

From the fine detail, I am sure it is a real volunteer uniform.  It could be being worn as a costume, but seeing the other post and the link to the full album, seems more likely to me the wearer was actually an officer in the volunteers.  'Dressing up' was one of the main attractions of volunteering, of course!

Title: Re: Major Tosland of Bedfordshire - Uniform or Costume?
Post by: cuffie81 on Tuesday 29 March 22 21:18 BST (UK)

Following up on T1's comments, there's numerous newspaper references to George Toseland and the Bedfordshire Volunteer Rifle Corps throughout the 1860s and 1870s.

Bedfordshire Mercury
27 Jul 1861
page 5
Presentation To Capt. Toseland
[attached]