TOPIC:

In our family archive we have photos of my grandfather, Francis Mundon Russell, and his brother George, and possibly of his younger brother, Allen.
We believe that this photo is of Francis (Frank) Russell (standing) and Allen Russell (seated), taken most likely between 1898-1900 in Cape Town.

We know that Frank was a member of the Cape Town Highlanders but we have not been able to identify the uniform worn by who we believe is Allen (seated). The notable features are the snake buckle on the belt, what appears to be a riding crop in the left hand and the high collar. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Your images

Just bumping this up.

I have had no luck with the uniform or the chap on the right of the image reference service during the ABW.
See previous post.
www.angloboerwar.com/forum/2-introductio...anders?start=6#97845

I wondered if this image was taken after the conflict?
As for the young chap seated. He is supposedly Allen Gerald Russell. He was born circa 1895/ 1896. I cannot match any uniform to the regiments on the above post. Also, Allen died aged 19 in 1905. Ironically he succumbed to enteric fever. I believe his profession was a Seaman when he passed away. Any thoughts, ideas or additional information would be most welcomed. I must admit I am stumped on this one.

Cheers

Dave.....

Service as a seaman makes a lot of sense, as the distinctive buttons on the young chap’s cuffs were a feature of a midshipman’s uniform at this time. This would also fit with his young age.

The slouch hat, however, is somewhat out of place.

Neville

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Thanks Neville

I did find this information regarding a A Russell who matches the age criteria of Allen.



I am not sure that a deck boy would have had the above uniform?


Dave...

I think you are on the right track there.
Given that the buttons were reputedly sewn onto the cuffs to stop the young “snotties” from wiping their noses on their uniforms, it would make sense that “boys” would have a similar device on their cuffs.

Clearly worth pursuing.

Neville

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