White topee of Marines

[Guest]

Could anyone tell me the year that the white topee replaced the Home Service pattern helmet in the RMLI and the RMA?

Thanks,

Doc B

[FROGSMILE]

Could anyone tell me the year that the white topee replaced the Home Service pattern helmet in the RMLI and the RMA?

Thanks,

Doc B

Yes, it was 1912 (source is Regimental Museum of the Royal Marines, see below). Strictly speaking it is a while 'Wolseley' helmet rather than a 'topee', which is a much later style of helmet.

"In 1905 a white cloth helmet with bronze fittings was adopted to be worn with the scarlet and blue full dress of the RMLI and the dark blue and red of the RMA. This headdress was replaced in 1912 by the white Wolseley pattern pith helmet, which remains the most distinctive feature of modern Royal Marine full dress. The Royal Marine Brigade sent to Ostend in August 1914 wore dark blue undress uniforms but khaki service dress or kakhi drill was worn for subsequent active service on land during World War I".

"During the Inter-War years the newly merged Royal Marines wore a full dress that combined features of both the RMLI and RMA uniforms worn until 1914. This comprised a Wolseley helmet, dark blue tunic and trousers with scarlet collars and trouser welts. Shoulder cords and slashed cuffs were in yellow. This dress is still worn by the Royal Marines Band Service".