The KDG were in Manchester in 1869, then went to Ireland from 1870 to 74. This officer shows the rank of major on his collar, having gold lace on the top and bottom edge of the collar, and a single star badge on each side. Changes to the uniform were made around 1870-71. The first being the introduction of gold cord decoration on the sleeves just above the blue velvet cuff. The cord was in the shape of an Austrian knot traced with slim gold braid. Captains had a double knot and field officers had a triple knot. This can be seen showing just above the major’s gauntlet.
The following year, in 1871 the helmet was changed but the 1847 pattern helmet is still worn here, with a red horse-hair plume. The other change was the introduction of breeches and knee boots to replace the trousers worn by this officer. The ankles are leathered to avoid the cloth being ruined by mud. The leathering also protected the inside legs from wear and tear. These leathered trousers were worn by all ranks for mounted duty but trousers without leather were worn for dismounted duty.
The shabraque, reintroduced in 1857, was worn in review order. It is of blue cloth with a gold lace edge. The front part had the VR cypher and Guelphic crown while the rear part had a padded velvet garter with VR in the centre, the crown above and 1DG below. At this stage the red valise was worn and a black sheepskin over the top. The officers and men of the regiment did not have sabretaches at this time. The officers’ dress sabretaches were discontinued c1853 and none were worn by officers until the introduction of the plain black sabretache with gilt crown and monogram in 1881.
