South African Constabulary

[Dragoman]

Could anyone confirm whether this is the uniform of the South African Constabulary circa 1900? The photo was taken in London but I think it is of an ancestor who may have just returned from South Africa. He did take part in the Boer War but I don't think that this is a military uniform.

[gortonboy]

for background info 

Name:Edgar ETCHES
Year of birth:1870
Place of birth:Stanford, Lincolnshire
Regiment:4th (Queen's Own) Hussars    transferred to South African constabulary in 1900.

[gortonboy]

the hat looks good for SAC,,,,have a look at this thread

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php?topic=33973.0

[purlin]

The South African Police force was established apparently in the early 1900's.  Baden- Powel made use of ex army clothing for them which comprised a comfortable khaki uniform topped by a broad brimmed hat known as a Boss.  Later when Baden- Powel established the Scouting movement he based the Scout uniform on the South African police uniform including the hat.  There's an image on the link below.  Not sure if its the same as the one on your photograph, that looks more lightweight.

http://molegenealogy.blogspot.co.uk/2010/03/your-ancestor-in-south-african.html

[izabel]

South African Archives has a service record for him

DEPOT     TAB                                                                   
SOURCE    SAC                                                                   
TYPE      LEER                                                                 
VOLUME_NO 66                                                                   
SYSTEM    01                                                                   
REFERENCE B1006                                                                 
PART      1                                                                     
DESCRIPTION          RECORD OF CONDUCT AND SERVICE OF SOUTH AFRICAN CONSTABULARY EDGAR     
           ETCHES.                                                             
STARTING  1900                                                                 
ENDING    1905                                                                 

[3sillydogs]

This on www.angloboerwar.com

Etches   E   5130   Private   QSA (3). Later with B. Div. (1006) & Res. Div. (54) S.A.C..
Source: QSA medal rolls   13th Hussars