Clues from an old photo

[Dalcassian]

Hi, Can anyone tell me what the markings are on the sleeves of the Royal Irish Fusiliers uniforms in the attached photo? That's my Grandfather sitting in the middle. There is a symbol on his left arm and he has no stripes. The other two have one stripe on their right arm and the guy on the right has a second one on his left arm. I also noticed the top two have what looks like a bird in flight on the caps. Their caps seem to be a little different to my Grandfather's.
What do these all mean?
Cheers
Joe

[gortonboy]

hi,,,was your grandad born c1863 in Cork ?

[gortonboy]

im no expert,,but the uniform is not the Royal Irish Fusiliers,,,it looks like the Royal Horse Artillery to me.
The stripes on the left arm (as we look} are rank stripes...the inverted stripe on the right arm of the man with 2 stripes is a good conduct stripe.

[Dalcassian]

Hi Gortonboy, Well spotted. My mistake is that I had just been looking at my granddad's son's record in the RIF, Albert Condon, born 1892.
Yes, the uniform in the photo is the RHA.
My grandad was indeed born in Cork in 1862. I have Baptism Certificate.
Are we related in some way?
Send Private Message.
Cheers
Joe

[km1971]

Hi Joe

The two at the back are Bombardiers or Acting Bombardiers. The 'bird' on the cap is the single stripe of their rank, as also displayed on their right arms.

I think the 'badge' on the one seated may be the folds of his tunic. A magnifying glass might confirm what it is if you have the original.

Ken

[old rowley]

When enlarged the "badge" of the one seated resembles that of one given to a "1st Prize Driver". This proficiency  badge had crossed whips at the base with a spur at the centre above which would be a crown.

OR.

[Dalcassian]

Hi, Does the "1st Prize Driver" badge indicate that he won a first prize in a competition or was given a 1st Class Driver Award for his proficiency?
Have you got an image of the badge?
Cheers
Joe