Rank or ? on sleeve

[michaeldr]

This photograph has been borrowed from the Matson Collection at the Library of Congress. It shows HRH the Duke of Connaught holding an investiture in the Square of the Turkish Barracks in the old city of Jerusalem on 19th March 1918.

I am sorry that the soldier's name is not recorded for posterity,

but can someone please explain the insignia on his sleeve

Thanks

Michael

[evolution]

long service, each stripe denotes 6 years.

[michaeldr]

Thanks evolution

Though the picture is none too clear, I was wondering if there was something above the apex of the chevrons?

Could anything else be worn in such a position above LS stripes

Eg; a crown (?) in the case of a WO

regards

Michael

[Andrew Upton]

long service, each stripe denotes 6 years.

They're not Long Service Good Conduct stripes, as those are worn on the left sleeve, and this is clearly the right sleeve. They appear to be rank chevrons, but one of the ranks I always struggle with...

[Graham Stewart]

long service, each stripe denotes 6 years.

Incorrect answer - long service/good conduct chevrons/badges are worn on the lower left sleeve, not the right. Inverted chevrons on the lower right cuff indicate a rank, which would include RQMS or Drum Major, alas though too far away to identify properly.

[michaeldr]

Thanks Andrew & Graham,

As mentioned before, I regret that because of technical limitations here, I cannot improve on the image

However what we see above the chevrons could well be a star, which I think ties in with Graham's suggestion of RQMS

regards

Michael

[Muerrisch]

not in 1918!

RQMS badge changed to crown in 1915 and to crown and wreath 1918.

Favourites are:

drum-, bugle-, trumpet-, pipe-major

Or Household cavalry staff corporal of horse.

[michaeldr]

RQMS badge changed to crown in 1915 and to crown and wreath 1918.

Thanks for that DL

Would these changes have been implemented immediately, even in units serving outside of Europe?

regards

Michael

[Muerrisch]

No, but 1918 is a long way from May 1915!

[michaeldr]

Point taken - thanks again

Michael

[michaeldr]

Of the options listed by 'Grumpy' above:

Drum-major, Bugle-major, Trumpet-major & Pipe-major

Can any be eliminated by looking at other aspects of the soldier's uniform? [ignoring the Household cavalry staff because of the theatre]

Thanks for your thoughts on this

Michael

[Graham Stewart]

Dowloading it and blowing it up show a curved title, normally associated with line infantry units. The badge above the chevrons blur at this point, but it's shape would suggest a brass drum, so I'd go with Drum Major.

[michaeldr]

Graham,

Thanks again for your help on this

regards

Michael

[Muerrisch]

Pipe majors NOT wearing a kilt, and wearing an SD cap, would tend to be rather scarce on a formal parade. Scratch the pipie!

I have just thought of another reason!!!!!

Pipe badges as we know them today were rare on pipe-majors, and very rare indeed on pipers. I have only 2 recorded instances of a pipe badge on pipers in the Great War, the earliest is 1916 on ..... wait for it ...... Australians.

[David B]

Grumpy, I blew up that photo by 10 (can do this on Vista) the badge above the chevrons looks the same as one of his pocket buttons

but just a little larger, and it looks to be connected to the top of the v's of his chevrons. Cant really say whether there is a rising sun

badge on his collar.

David

[Muerrisch]

If the mystery object above chevrons appears circular, favourites would be:

QM 8 pt star long out of date

metal bugle badge, substantially circular.

The drum was essentially angular.