Photo: Coldstreamer or Artilleryman

[Flakdodger]

Hi folks,
This photo has surfaced and caused confusion in our wider family as to who is depicted.
Coldstreamer or Artilleryman?

We have two candidates:
Theophilus MASON born 1885 Newington, London.  Drummer 1614 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards. 1911 census is at Aldershot.
CWGC gives DOD as 01/02/15.
Robert ALLEN born 1886 Hackney, London. Driver 51336  U Battery  Royal Horse Artillery.
1911 census is detached from Lucknow to Landour (India)

Another photo of what appears to be this gentleman shows him in khaki with 2 Good Conduct stripes. Artillery cap badge.

There is no money riding on this, but it would be useful to have wider opinion.
In addition, can this photo be dated?
A supplementary question is what would be the battlefield duties of a Drummer?

[Little Nell]

Has to be Royal Horse Artillery - he's wearing spurs!

I don't think the Coldstream Guards have ever worn a uniform quite like this one.

Nell

PS The cap badge is also RHA.

[Flakdodger]

Hello Nell,
thanks very much for your view - as I say, there was no money riding on it!
Dave

[scrimnet]

Hello mate...

Full dress uniform of Royal Horse Artillery...Sans busby...

Unfortunately, the generic RA badge does not differentiate betwixt the different arms of the Regt,.

Apart from the spurs, he also has a large riding crop!

[ainslie]

Full marks for smart turn-out, apart from the hanky showing in his sleeve!
A

[scrimnet]

Full marks for smart turn-out, apart from the hanky showing in his sleeve!
A

Ahhhh the sign of a soldier...this is of course the way that Sherlock Holmes upon first meeting Dr Watson identified him as having been in the military!

"You'll never pass as a pure bred civilian as long as you keep that habit of carrying your handkerchief in your sleeve" " The Crooked Man"

Having no pockets on a uniform it was de rigeur for all ranks to carry a hankie in this way!

[ainslie]

Good citation! But surely a smart soldier, especially RHA, should have tucked it up before parading for the camera.
I speak as one who was bawled out by the great RSM Brittain, but not for the same offence.
Best wishes
A

[maidmarianoops]

http://www.paoyeomanry.co.uk/LY4.htm

hope this helps
sylvia

[ainslie]

Sylvia
Splendid site and pics!  However, the cap badge on the original photo is certainly Royal Artillery, and the Royal Horse Artillery's full dress is similar to the Hussars'  uniform.
A