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General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: wonkiewidge on Wednesday 26 July 23 18:39 BST (UK)
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Hi everyone,
I'm hoping all you experts out there can help identify an army uniform.
A friend of mine bought a very old book and as an added bonus this photo fell out.
The back of the photo is dated June 1861.
I'm not even sure if it is a British uniform.
Any help would be appreciated.
Purely for curiosity's sake.
Many thanks,
Linda
:)
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I'd guess that they are members of a Rifle Volunteers corps - part time soldiers. Like this one: https://www.militariazone.com/photos/victorian-cinque-ports-rifle-volunteers-carte-de-visite-photograph/itm17911
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My first impression was American Civil War but the caps do not slope forward enough ,would be The Southern Army, but I feel the previous poster is more accurate.
Viktoria.
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Thanks for your thoughts.
Although the uniforms are very similar, I think the hats differ somewhat.
Maybe this could be due to a differing regiment?
It seems to me that the hats/ caps have some sort of horn as an emblem on them.
Interestingly my friend thought they looked like American civil war soldiers.
Linda.
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On a second look, there does appear to be several similarities.
The pattern on the sleeve cuff is the same and also the epaulettes.
The belt and leather sash are the same too. They certainly look as if they are from a closely related section of the army.
:)
Linda
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To me the uniforms have a French look to them, particularly the caps or kepi. The braiding on the sleeves could also be a representation of the Fleur de lis. The people also look French. The uniforms are different colours and usually/often lighter coloured uniforms mean desert or similar conditions.
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Yes, I also think a French uniform.
Have a look at Garde Mobile.
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Would agree with ShaunJ - Rifle Volunteers corps in UK
At Oxford University for example:
https://www.new.ox.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2019-07/11NCN10%20%282019%29%20Morgan%20on%20Rifle%20Volunteer%20Corps.pdf
Tony
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A Kepl is usually rigid, not soft topped, generally , but from photographs posted it shows some were soft topped.
The bugle looks like an American Civil War Infantry badge.
Crossed sabres Cavalry.Bugle Infantry.
However the last photograph looks a pretty good match.
Those long rifles could perhaps be of a specific date.
Viktoria.
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The soldier in the photo on page 3 of the PDF posted by Tonepad has the same cap, the same bugle cap badge (typical British light infantry), similar epaulettes, and the same boots or gaiters which are a bit unusual.
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When did The British Army change from red uniforms to Khaki?
Was it in India?
Still wearing red in Africa at Rorke’s Drift. Late 1800’s .
Can’t remember if in Sudan or during The Boer War.
It would make sense in a sandy hot climate not to be in a bright colour in the
heavy facecloth velour of army uniforms .
Viktoria.
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Would agree with ShaunJ - Rifle Volunteers corps in UK
Well done Shaun and Tony.
Very interesting to see that uniform in a photograph.
I wonder if the photo in the opening post could be father and son?
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When did The British Army change from red uniforms to Khaki?
It's not khaki. Probably grey.
These are part time Volunteer Force soldiers, circa 1860.
"Many units initially favoured green and grey (colours until then used by British and German rifle units in the army) rifleman uniforms as opposed to the red coats of the infantry and engineers of the army and militia. In turn, the army was glad not to have amateur volunteers wear the scarlet of the regulars."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volunteer_Force#:~:text=Many%20units%20initially,.%5B20
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Well, I think I now have a definitive answer.
Thank you everybody for your help and so quickly. :D
The Oxford volunteer group of the British army.
Linda
:) :) :)
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Thank you Shaun and everyone for some interesting facts .
Viktoria.