TOPIC:

I am new to this site and I was wondering whether anybody can tell me anything useful about the attached photo and gentleman in question. I believe him to be George Hunter, born Hexham, Northumberland in 1871, a cousin of my paternal grandmother. Is the chain on his uniform of any significance?

Hi Keith, welcome aboard! Uniforms aren't my strong point but as far as I know the "Rifles crossbelt" is a hangover from the Napoleonic Wars, when it was worn by the 60th Regiment of Foot [Royal American] and from 1830 by the King's Royal Rifle Corps. As far as I know the chain was for a whistle which could be used to signal and it is still used today. Hopefully another member will be able to tell you more. The Rifles crossbelts that I've seen typically had the Rifles badge centre chest which this one doesn't.

Cheers,

Mark

Hi Mark

Thanks very much for your input which maybe others can add to. Stupid me, I should have realised about the whistle, particularly after watching a recent episode of Downton Abbey.

Cheers, Keith

Keith,

Like Mark, my knowledge of uniforms is very limited. The uniform specialists have the ability to pick up details that I don't even notice. Its an impressive skill.

I hope you can find some answers.

Regards
David