Photo: Coldstreamer or Artilleryman

[r973g]

With the exception of the cap, I was wearing that same uniform on occasions in1948/9

[Flakdodger]

Thank you all for an informative and amusing thread. I hope now that my rellies have accepted that this is not their Great Grandad.

Just diverting a moment to the Coldstreamer, what would have been a Drummer's battlefield duties?

I assume the photo is pre-1914, but just how "pre-1914"?
Does the crumpling of the hankie provide any clues 

Fascinating that you, r973g, were wearing the same uniform in 1948/49.

Seasons greetings to you all.
Dave

[scrimnet]

Thank you all for an informative and amusing thread. I hope now that my rellies have accepted that this is not their Great Grandad.

Educate and entertain!! 

Just diverting a moment to the Coldstreamer, what would have been a Drummer's battlefield duties?

A drummer apres the turn of the last century would have been an infantryman/gunner/driver etc. By WW2 and thereafter, they usually became the SF (sustained fire) platoon, and carried medium/heavy machine guns. They are "hobbyists" and not full time and properly trained musicians like the Regt Band

I assume the photo is pre-1914, but just how "pre-1914"?

Turn of the 19th/20th century...1904 ish

Does the crumpling of the hankie provide any clues 

In a word...no! 

Fascinating that you, r973g, were wearing the same uniform in 1948/49.

Seasons greetings to you all.

And to you!

[Flakdodger]

I thought all you folks might like to see the later photo of Robert Mason, that I referred to.
Aged about 30 and somewhat less ceremonial looking. He has filled out too - a family trait.
Dave