TOPIC:

Interested members
Well now, I wonder at the accuracy of that caption. Rimington's Guides (the Night Cats or Catch 'em Alive'os) are known to have worn "soft hats" (i.e., slouch type) at least during the battle at Belmont and later (according to March Phillips ) plus perhaps later, a distinctive hat band..
No "soft hats" or any hat band in sight. Moreover the lads in the said pic have pretty standard dress and saddle kit - and one has his rifle muzzle up with butt in the saddle bucket. Just as an Ikona would have during the march.
With all due respect towards the caption writer of "Under the Union Jack" of all those years ago, I would suggest the pic depicts some fairly care-worn and travel-stained regular MI. And where would the army of 1900 be without them?
Regards
IL.

IL,

You are absolutely right. We are much more accustomed to see them in their slouch hats and tiger band. It would seem unlikely that they wore this uniform, especially in March 1900.

Corporal Noble, Rimington's Scouts

'Acted as a guide at the battles of Belmont, Graspan, Modder River and Magersfontein. The distinguishing badge of Rimington's Scouts is the tiger skin band on their hats from which comes the nickname 'Rimington's Tigers''

Source: The Graphic, 14 April 1900

Detail from a picture entitled 'Supplementing the commissariat'

Source: ILN, 21 Jul 1900