Dorset Yeomanry Uniform Photograph - Date Required?

[Lyndale]

Dear Listeners,

Attached is an unidentified Warrant Officer of the Queens Own Dorsetshire Yeomanry (TF) displaying a dark band around his service cap which seems unusual for service during WW1 and I hope might help date this photograph?

Also note that the man is not displaying any medal ribbons for such a mature age, who I estimate to be 45 to 55 years old, yet he has dressed up in his spurs to look his best. This lack of overseas service is I'm hoping another clue to date when the picture was taken.

Any help to date when and where this was taken would be very appreciated.

Posted by Lyndale.

Dorset Yeomanry - unidentified Warrant Officer.pdf

[tn.drummond]

Can't help you with date (need a uniform specialist to come trundling along and the expertise will be found on this site) but within 1908 - 1918 period. If 1915 he could well be (judging by age) a Garrison Quartermaster Serjeant as signified by Sam Browne and Crowns to lower arms above cuff. This is badge of rank for a WO2 of that period so he could also be a Squadron Serjeant Major - pre 1915 would open up some other options.

Be interested to see comments about the hatbands.

Thanks for posting.

Tim

[Lyndale]

Dear Tim, many thanks for your input. It appears odd to me that we have a man in the timeframe 1908-1918 (or 1914 max maybe?) with no medals, yet he dressed up with his spurs for this picture - seems odd after serving the years necessary to reach WO2. I'm guessing the dark hatband will be the best clue to date this photograph. Cheers Graham (Lyndale).

[David B]

Lyndale,

A good reason for the non appearance of medals is that they were not issued (with the exception of the 1914 and 1914-15 star) until well after the war ended. I think the BWM and Victory

medal were first authorized in mid 1919.

So, it would appear that this man did not go to South Africa, he hadn't been in the army long enough (18 years) to qualify for a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (LSGC), assuming of course

that he had had continuous good conduct.

So it is quite possible that the photo was taken prior to 1917 as Tim suggests.

[Lyndale]

Thank you Dave, good point made! Cheers Graham (Lyndale).