Officer’s Uniform Of 100 Years Ago

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31548, 9 December 1967, Page 5

Officer’s Uniform Of 100 Years Ago

• Specially written for “The Press” by

MEREBIMUR)

The officer who wore this Royal Horse Artillery uniform was a young lieutenant early in 1860 and had become a brevet colonel by August, 1893. He became Colonel Commanding Royal Artillery’, Woolwich in 1894, and retired to the reserve of officers (active list) on the anniversary of his birthday, August, 1898.

However, he rejoined during the South African campaign. One of liis daughters, who wishes to remain anonymous, and under whose husband—a very senior officer of the First World War—l had the good fortune to serve for a number of years, gave me the care of this historic uniform of the Royal Regiment.

At the time when this officer joined the Royal Regiment his uniform would have been much as I have illustrated. The large busby had taken the place of the plumed helmet (Roman style) that was worn at Waterloo, but the I trousers were of the same pattern—long full length with inside strapping and leather cuffs fitting over what were known as “field boots” (short ankle boots). It was not until several years later that they began to wear the well-known pantaloons (riding breeches) and knee boots, officially known as "jack boots,” and sometimes erroneously called “Wellingtons,” but they still, when in dismounted dress, wore the long trousers known as “overalls.” These fitted over the Wellington boot, which had a soft-leather top boot. The overalls came down over them and were strapped under the instep, and the spurs were screwed into the heels of the Wellingtons. Before this spur straps had been used on field boots, later on “jack boots,” and later still on what became known as “high-lows,” sometimes known as “ammunition boots.” It will be noted that with the exception of the contents of the wallets on the front of the saddle (possibly pistols), everything else, including the sword, was attached to the rider, so that if unhorsed he was not unarmed, as could have been the case years later. The Sword The sword, which is the Royal Horse Artillery pattern of the period, was made by the famous sword-makers, Henry Wilkinson of Pall Mall, London. On one side of the blade is engraved the owner’s name and initials, together

with the usual Royal Artillery design, Wilkinson’s trade mark, and the initials of the blade maker. On the other side on a scroll is the Royal Artillery motte, “Übique,” w'hich is surmounted by the Royal Cypher V.R., and is again surmounted by the Royal Achievement (Shield). Its surround is the Order of the Garter surmounted by the Crown of the 1800-1900 period, the Arches of which are rectilinear. This sword would have been presented - to this officer on entering the Royal Regiment just over 100 years ago. The Sabretache The sabretache is of stront leather. This type first cams into use in 1799, or even earlier, at a time when tight jackets without pockets were worn. Some military histor ians claim they first appeared in 1811, but this has been proven incorrect. It was used in much the same way as the haversack was years later. At a later date, many of these were seen in India covered with short-fur leopard skin, and were the forerunner of the decorative gold laced pattern which followed. This one has the Queen Victoria Royal Cypher and crown with rectilinear arches. The pouch and shouldei belt is of gold lace work The pouch has several parti tions just as an ordinary purse, and was used for the same purpose. Its belt was worn over the left shouldei and round under the right arm pit. There is a special small loop that went on to the button of the epaulette (shoulder strap) to prevent it from moving round, and the pouch was at the back of the wearer. The tight gold-braided.

tunic had its purpose, for it was capable of resisting a sword blow, as was the barrel sash, which was worn roun ’ the waist at that time. The tunic was also partly leather lined. However, it came only to the waist and was often called a “Freezer Jacket” because one’s pos'rior appeared to be out in he cold. Actually, the trouser and pantaloons were of good, warm waterproof material. The overalls were made of what is known as superfine material (cloth and rubber). These were almost skin-tight, but when one bent the knee, it did not leave a bulge, but went back into shape. Staff Dress This dismounted uniform was that worn as Colonel Commanding the Royal Artillery, Woolwich, and member of the staff of the Royal Military Academy (“The Shop”) in 1894. It was founded by Royal Warrant of His Majesty King George II in 1741. The cocked hat with feather plume was worn by generals, personnel staff, and colonels holding staff appointments. The feathers were lOin long for generals and Bin for staff colonels. The mess uniform was what was known as a shell jacket. It has red and gold collar and cuffs on a dark blue jacket. It was not intended to be buttoned up, but had a waistcoat of scarlet with small hooks and eyes and a complete tight row of small plain round buttons, which are done up. It also has overalls, Wellington boots, and spurs. The shell jacket was different from the universally known mess jacket It had turned back lapels, but some Scottish Regiments had stand-up collars. Spurs The spurs with this kit, especially for social occasions, dances, etc., were what were known as box spurs. They were made to fit into a slot in the heel of the Wellington boot, and held in place by elastic bands around 4 the heel and under the instep.