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The lanyard for the RA was originally worn on the left shoulder. Some say the change from the left shoulder to the right possibly took place circa the Great War when the ammunition bandolier was introduced, which was worn over the left shoulder. Others say that 1924 was the date of change due to rifles being positioned at the slope arms on the left shoulder which would soil the white lanyard. There is also a legend of it representing cowardice for a historical abandoning of the guns, but coming from a long line of Gunners I choose to ignore this! See http://www.thegarrison.org.uk/history/index.php for other info.

The uniforms shown were certainly in use by the BEF and if he was married Q4 1939, he may have been a pre-war regular or Terrier.

Regards,

Pete

Hi aberdein,

I really need to correspond with you by e-mail, so will get my three posts in asap!

I am a long time genealogist and keen military historian. I probably know more about Harry's wartime career than anybody, including research time spent at Kew... if only I had been in contact with you earlier, I could have saved you from splashing out your hard-earned cash! I'll be amazed if your researcher found out anything that I didn't know, but am certainly interested to see what they did locate at TNA.

Bye for now,

Peter