These privates are wearing the early version of khaki service dress introduced in 1902. It was initially issued with detachable shoulder straps piped with red but shortly afterwards these were replaced by a simple mixture cord as seen on these jackets. The khaki shoulder strap was introduced later. The unit was identified with a curved shoulder title which had the battalion number underneath. The titles are hard to read in this photo but the regiment is identified by the man in the foreground wearing a Brodrick cap. This is plain blue and has the badge of the Norfolk Regiment.
The Norfolk Regiment at that time had two regular battalions and two militia battalions. There were also four Volunteer battalions. The 1st Battalion was serving in India throughout the 1890s and returned to England in 1907. The 2nd Battalion served in the South African War and returned to England, stationed at Colchester from 10 Feb 1903. They received their war medals the next day. This photo may show the men in Colchester on 10 Feb before they received their medals as it would be expected that if they had their medals that they would display them proudly for the camera. It may also be that these men were in the 3rd (Militia) Battalion which also served in South Africa, or one of the two companies from the Volunteer battalions that fought in SA.
Regimental Details | Uniforms
