Wounded Soldiers in Top Hats

[BeppoSapone]

Does anyone have any idea why these three wounded soldiers are wearing top hats?

Interestingly, the man in the middle seems to be wearing a regimental tie rather than the standard red one. He also has some badges on his lapels.

The standing man with a moustache is actually wearing sgts stripes on one arm. Above the chevrons is some sort of cloth badge.

Anyone have any ideas?

[Moonraker]

Just a guess but perhaps these men are taking part in a concert at a camp or hospital. Some such events were sometimes provided by professional touring troupes, local amateurs, or by the men themselves. Regimental and hospital magazines reviewed such events, usually in light-hearted manner.

Moonraker

[Kate Wills]

My guess would be a hospital concert. They seem to be standing in front of a piano, with a plant on top (aspidistra?)

[Steven Broomfield]

My guess would be a hospital concert. They seem to be standing in front of a piano, with a plant on top (aspidistra?)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Definitely an Aspidistra - aka "Mother in law's tongue" . No respectable home would have been without one (read "Keep The Aspidistra Flying" by G Orwell). Almost impossible to kill, allegedly, though my wife and I managed it.

[BeppoSapone]

Thanks to all who replied.

Does anyone recognise the badges on the seated soldiers lapels, or the badge over the sgts chevrons?