Photo of kilted soldier - which regiment ?

[davidbohl]

This photo was attached to a family tree on Ancestry for:-

Pte Samuel McRae #29125 King's Liverpool CWGC

Somehow it doesn't look correct for a Kingsman ?

Thanks

Dave

 

[FROGSMILE]

I believe it’s correct David.  The sporran matches perfectly with its two distinctive light spots formed by the metal toggles that held horse hair tassels and you can also discern the prancing horse of Hanover on the cantle.

 

 

 

[davidbohl]

Thanks Frogsmile, that's great news.

Even though he died with the 19th Btn could he have at first attested with L.Scottish ?

[FROGSMILE]

7 minutes ago, davidbohl said:

Thanks Frogsmile, that's great news.

Even though he died with the 19th Btn could he have at first attested with L.Scottish ?

Yes David the same principle applied as with all infantry soldiers.  He might have transferred before leaving Britain in the first place, or if wounded and subsequently recovered returned to a different battalion from the one he left.

[davidbohl]

On 13/04/2021 at 00:57, FROGSMILE said:

sporran matches perfectly with its two distinctive light spots formed by the metal toggles

 

I've enhanced the photo a bit and the distinctive features you noted are apparent, thanks

 

 

[FROGSMILE]

Oh yes that’s much better and early photo too, with regimental pattern jacket (note the scalloped pocket flaps) with the old black rifle volunteers buttons and spats rather than the later short puttees.  He’s also got a long stick which as a private soldier he shouldn’t really be carrying, although pre war auxiliary soldiers often liked to swan around with a quasi officer and gentleman appearance.  Notice also the regimental waist belt clasp.  It’s possible that the photo is pre 1908 and so predating TF and showing a soldier of the 8th Volunteer Battalion King’s (Liverpool) Regiment (Liverpool Scottish).

 

[davidbohl]

10 minutes ago, FROGSMILE said:

 It’s possible that the photo is pre 1908

 

He was born 1884 Liverpool so that could easily fit

[FROGSMILE]

On 13/04/2021 at 02:23, davidbohl said:

 

He was born 1884 Liverpool so that could easily fit

Yes it seems so, although even as late as 1914 the battalion was still wearing spats and the regimental pattern jacket and buttons.

 

 

 

 

[davidbohl]

There are service records for a David McRae DCM who joined Liverpool Scottish in 1909, Samuel does indeed have a younger brother David born 1888. Perhaps Sam tagged along.

[FROGSMILE]

2 minutes ago, davidbohl said:

There are service records for a David McRae DCM who joined Liverpool Scottish in 1909, Samuel does indeed have a younger brother David born 1888. Perhaps Sam tagged along.

That would make sense.  The photo you posted probably dates to around 1909 before the new insignia and uniform items for the TF had been issued.  It would have taken at least a year to 18-months to phase in.