probably a silly question, but...

[oldtimer]

can you tell me why my great uncle appears to be wearing a lanyard (Don't tell me  off if that's the wrong term!!) on his uniform?

Does it signify anything?

Thanks for looking, Judy 

[atom12]

He probably had a tool of some description, eg, a clasp knife on the end of it.

[oldtimer]

Hi Atom!

Thanks very much!!

Judy 

[scrimnet]

In my old battalion...a white lanyard signified a regt signaller...The rest of us wore black.

[atom12]

Yes,  but in those far off days, economy ruled and lanyards were pretty basic, they came in a choice of  ... white cotton  .. a bit like the original Ford motor car.

[scrimnet]

Well the Northamptons, and the Anglians (2nd Bn) there after have worn black since time immemorial... (well at least since Gen Wolfe died in the arms of a Northamptonshire Officer...)

[oldtimer]

Hi Atom and Scrimnet

Hope you enjoyed your trip down Memory Lane! 

Thanks for your interest in this post.

Best wishes, Judy 

[meles]

A million years ago, my St John's Ambulance Brigade unform had the same thing. Nothing was attached to it.

I would guess it was a hangover from the old days, and there was nothing attached to it.

meles

[wyndham]

I joined the Royal Warwickshire Regiment as a regular soldier.  We were issued with lanyards to distinguish us from National Service men.