Help with Gordon's Uniform Please

[gordon92]

Thought it might be helpful to post the whole image - not sure the French boys kilts will help but it is a pretty evocative image given the date.

Suddery.

It is interesting that only one of the four soldiers has the shoulder arches. None appear to be wearing cap badges. ?????

[tn.drummond]

It is interesting that only one of the four soldiers has the shoulder arches. None appear to be wearing cap badges. ?????

Mike

Can't explain the fact that only one has the shoulder insignia other than the possibility that the other are battalion or divisional troops and therefore not belonging to a designated company. No company = no flash.

I am not sure they're not wearing cap badges but certainly agree they are not in evidence. The lance corporal to the left has a tam' that stands proud to one side suggesting presence of a badge and same could be said for the centre front sergeant. The far right sergeant does have visible a backing patch (tartan cloth I assume) but must admit our 'flash' sergeant looks not to be wearing one.

Following suggestions for badge absence:

1. The two boys have badges on their glengarries (dice free) - gifted by those present ?

2. Ailly-sur-Somme was out of bounds that day (please refer original post), some attempt at obscuring their units ? (Not sure sergeants would be doing this).

3. They are on relief from front line Somme duty - would badges have been removed for the former ?

All conjecture. Thanks for provoking the discussion.

Suddery