Old Military Men, Need some help with info

[TomGad]

This is a photo of some Military Soldiers in Uniform outside of a Tent Camp. The soldiers have V Oxford on their shoulders. Here is a zoomed out shot and a closer up shot from the ebay lisiting. I will try and provide clearer photos when it arrives in the post.

Does anybody have any ideas what this photo is about?

[CaroleW]

No photo?

[TomGad]

No photo?

Website wont let me upload the photos for some reason. Here is a link to the photos instead.

https://ibb.co/60CNfQ01
https://ibb.co/3Yd5QC23

[tonepad]

2nd Volunteer Battalion based in Oxford, former 2nd Oxfordshire Rifle Volunteer Corps

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxfordshire_and_Buckinghamshire_Light_Infantry


Tony

[ShaunJ]

Agree with Tonepad. It's all on the epaulette: "2" for 2nd Battalion. "V" for Volunteer, coupled with the Light Infantry badge and "Oxford".

[Andy J2022]

As Shaun and tonepad have said, they are 2nd Volunteer Battalion of the Oxfordshire Light Infantry, based in Oxford, formerly 2nd Oxfordshire Rifle Volunteer Corps (prior to 1881) This photo was taken before Oct 1908 when as part of the Haldane reforms, the Oxfordshire Light Infantry was retitled the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (the Ox and Bucks). The regiment went on to have a distinguished history in both world wars. The 2nd Volunteer Battalion became the 6th Battalion at the start of WW1.

The photo was probably taken during their annual camp.

[tonepad]

Possibly a photograph of training camp at Beaulieu, 1907

https://heritagesearch.oxfordshire.gov.uk/records/O32/9/7/P1/2


Tony

[TomGad]

Agree with Tonepad. It's all on the epaulette: "2" for 2nd Battalion. "V" for Volunteer, coupled with the Light Infantry badge and "Oxford".

Is is taken during the boer war?

[Andy J2022]

Is is taken during the boer war?

No, I don't think so. They would have been wearing khaki uniforms. The 2nd Volunteer Battalion did not deploy to South Africa as formed body, although it is possible that some individuals went out later to reinforce the 1st (regular) Battalion. See the second to last paragraph of this article: http://www.lightbobs.com/boer-war-1899-1902-regimental-overview.html

The Volunteers were part timers who would have had to sign up for Imperial Service overseas to go to South Africa as they were primarily intended for home defence.