The military artist Harry Payne, was meticulous with his depiction of uniform. This detail of a painting showing an officer in undress frock-coat, and a sentry in dress uniform is an example of his observation and deep interest in the subject.
The blue frock-coat was re-introduced for officers c1902, having been discontinued in 1867. The double-breasted front was fastened with six large gilt buttons on each side. The stand-up collar had a bi-metal Sphinx badge and the shoulder straps, blue, fastened with a small gilt button and having embroidered rank badges, two stars in this case, for the rank of lieutenant. There should be two small gilt buttons on the cuff, but the artist has slipped up by failing to show them. Dress regulations of 1913 describe (not very clearly) the back of the coat: ‘..flaps behind 10 inches deep, one button on each flap and one on each side of the waist; the skirt to reach to the knees and to be lined.’ The sword was suspended by two slings from a webbing belt hidden beneath the crimson silk waist-sash.
The peaked forage cap is plain blue and has a plain peak drooping at a 45 degree angle. Only field officers had gold embroidery on the front edge. The badge on the front was a silver star with a gilt circular title containing a silver Sphinx on blue velvet.
The back of the private’s uniform shows the slashed flaps on the back skirts with three brass buttons on each side. Prior to 1902 the flaps were plain straight but edged in white. The shoulder straps were changed in 1907 from scarlet edged in white to all white. Brass shoulder titles were worn with this pattern. The white leather waist-belt was part of the Slade-Wallace equipment of 1881. Brass buckles can be seen on the top edge for the shoulder belts. The method of attaching the white ammunition pouch is clear, and the white frog for the 17 inch bayonet on his left side. The sentry holds his SMLE rifle at the slope so that he can salute the officer by placing his right hand on the stock of the rifle.
Regimental Details | Uniforms
