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The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

Remembered Today:

Royal Engineers uniform?


Adam Shaw

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I recently got a copy of this picture of Herbert Attwood. I know he served in France but don't know his unit. I susepct the cap badge and shouldrr tiltes are those of the Royal Engineers and that this photo was taken after the end of the war. Can anyone offer an opinion on the uniform ident? Any other info or thoughts would be welcome.

post-11379-1201033598.jpg

post-11379-1201033741.jpg

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Certainly looks like RE on the shoulders and a RE cap badge!

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Thanks Dorrie....seems to be the man.

I agree RE and seemingly with non voided, economy pattern brass cap badge and standard pattern large shoulder titles. As stated he has one good conduct chevron (only worn by Privates and Lance Corporals) but also has an unusual belt that looks like a 1908 pattern shoulder strap modified for use around the waist. The normal 08 pattern waist belt is much wider. An interesting photo.

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I agree RE and seemingly with non voided, economy pattern brass cap badge and standard pattern large shoulder titles. As stated he has one good conduct chevron (only worn by Privates and Lance Corporals) but also has an unusual belt that looks like a 1908 pattern shoulder strap modified for use around the waist. The normal 08 pattern waist belt is much wider. An interesting photo.

It's not a modified strap (although they were worn, often in the frontline) - it's the private-purchase walking out version of the 1908 belt (and a fine photo of it being worn!).

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It's not a modified strap (although they were worn, often in the frontline) - it's the private-purchase walking out version of the 1908 belt (and a fine photo of it being worn!).

Was the private-purchase walking out version of the 1908 belt half the normal belt's depth/width? Interesting to me as I have never seen one.

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Was the private-purchase walking out version of the 1908 belt half the normal belt's depth/width? Interesting to me as I have never seen one.

Not half, just under 2 inches wide (so more like 2/3rd's).

There's been some discussion on a website I post on on their origins and function - earliest dated example seen is apparently 1913 (so pre-war even).

Couple of original examples on Ebay listed below, also a link to Grants Militaria where some more information is given:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/WW1-BRITISH-1908-PAT...1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...type=osi_widget

http://www.grantsmilitaria.com/militariaph...ages.asp?key=91

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