Guest camkwc Posted 15 January , 2009 Share Posted 15 January , 2009 I have just come into possession of a photo of my uncle who I know was a sergeant, and my grandfather who we know less about. The photo would have been taken towards, or just after, the end of WW1. Both men have black sticks with a small silver bottom and a larger silver head. I can't see either of their shoulder stripes. I was wondering if the ownership of the baton signified that they were both NCO rank. Is that so, or was a baton standard issue to all ranks? Uncle was in KOYLI and grandfather in PWO WYR, if that makes any difference. Thanks Kevin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desmond7 Posted 15 January , 2009 Share Posted 15 January , 2009 Many regiments had 'walking out sticks' .. Richard Holmes writes of these in 'Tommy' .. in some cases (maybe all?) the Guardroom staff would not allow a soldier out of barracks if he did not have his stick .. sometimes they had a regjmental badge on the end. For lots more on this subject, I suggest keying in the search term 'walking out stick' or similar terms into the 'search' tab you will see near the top of the page. Best wishes Des Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellasian Posted 15 January , 2009 Share Posted 15 January , 2009 I have a picture of my great grandfather, who was "only" a private with his pal. They are both pictured holding swagger sticks as they were called. I think in many cases they were just props. I may be wrong though, I know very little about all this stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desmond7 Posted 15 January , 2009 Share Posted 15 January , 2009 http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/i...26&hl=Canes In fact 'canes' or 'swagger stick' may throw up more ... and, as I say, if you are in a good bookshop, grab a copy of 'Tommy' and have a look at the index for references. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auchonvillerssomme Posted 15 January , 2009 Share Posted 15 January , 2009 I haven't got my copy of Tommy, is it referenced that Guardroom staff wouldn't allow a man out unless he had a walking out stick? I always thought they were private purchase, not part of uniform. Mick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desmond7 Posted 15 January , 2009 Share Posted 15 January , 2009 Dunno the financial details but Holmes definitely recounts the tale .. may have been a matter of regimental pride rather than regimental rules? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockdoc Posted 15 January , 2009 Share Posted 15 January , 2009 I have one photograph of my Grandfather with what I presume are his group of new-intakes and all are carrying canes, probably taken at Cosham after his basic training. None of his other photos, of a similar period or later, show him with one. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desmond7 Posted 15 January , 2009 Share Posted 15 January , 2009 For example: Rfn. McMeekin R Ir Rifles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desmond7 Posted 15 January , 2009 Share Posted 15 January , 2009 And from 1917 - a Canadian with his cane/stick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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