Unidentified 91st Highlander

Subject: Unidentified 91st Highlander Wed Sep 11, 2019 3:39 pm

Hello everyone!
I have made a few posts attempting to identify soldiers in old albums and you've all been enormous help every time. There was one soldier we had trouble with, and I'm happy to say I received permission to actually share his photo with you all.

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This photo comes from a rather empty album kept by 2nd Lt. D.J.A. Dickson of the 91st Argyllshire Highlanders. We initially hoped it was his portrait, but with this forum's assistance, that theory was quickly put to rest. I hope this photograph makes his identification easier.

Thank you once again!

Subject: Re: Unidentified 91st Highlander Wed Sep 11, 2019 6:33 pm

Sorry but the photograph is far too small for me to give you a decent assessment of it.

Prior to 1881, only the pipers of the 91st were kilted. Given that figure has chevrons on both sleeves that suggests it is prior to 1881. That being the case the piper’s doublet of the 91st was green in colour rather than scarlet, but the photograph is so indistinct I cannot make that judgement.

JY

Subject: Re: Unidentified 91st Highlander Wed Sep 11, 2019 7:13 pm

Hmm, I'm not sure why it's so small? Let me try again.

Link to the image from my google drive.

Posts : 3038 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

Hi John

A bigger picture for you.

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Salute

Andy

Subject: Re: Unidentified 91st Highlander Wed Sep 11, 2019 9:34 pm

Cheers Andy,

I’d venture a guess at a Pipe-Major. Note diamond-shaped buttons. Timeframe late 1860’s to early 1870’s.

JY

Posts : 3038 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

Hi All

Here is a photograph of a 91st Highlanders Piper pre-1881.

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Subject: Re: Unidentified 91st Highlander Thu Sep 12, 2019 3:56 pm

1879graves wrote:: Hi All

Here is a photograph of a 91st Highlanders Piper pre-1881.

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This is fantastic! We have a group shot, as well, where a piper can be seen with that flag. Thank you for sharing!

Subject: Re: Unidentified 91st Highlander Thu Sep 12, 2019 6:37 pm

Andy & Cattailrun,

Just for the sake of clarification the image of the Piper that Andy has posted is actually post-1881.

The Piper is wearing the double badged collar badge of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, prior to the amalgamation of two regiments the collar badge of the 91st was a boar’s head.

The other giveaway that the photograph is post-1881 is the Long Service & Good Conduct stripe is only worn on the right cuff, prior to 1881 Highlanders, Rifles, Fusiliers and Light Infantry wore them on both cuffs.

I actually near to The Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders’ Regimental Museum from next week. If it is a rainy day I might drop by and pick their brains for a possible identification.

JY

Subject: Re: Unidentified 91st Highlander Thu Sep 12, 2019 7:13 pm

Thanks so much for this information, John!

Posts : 3038 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

Hi John

Many thanks for the update. Lets hope it is raining next week for a day Joker

Andy

Posts : 3038 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

Hi Cattailrun

If John is correct about your man being a Pipe-Major, there is only one Pipe-Major listed on the Medal Roll. (Pipe-Major 1186 R. Campbell)

Here is the service record for 1186 Robert Campbell.
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Hopefully this could be your man.

Andy

Subject: Re: Unidentified 91st Highlander Mon Sep 16, 2019 5:48 pm

Just visited Stirling Castle only to discover that the Regimental Museum of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders is closed for a major refurbishment. Earliest re-opening date is given as the end of 2019, although a chat with one of the castle’s attendants revealed it might sometime in 2020.

JY

Subject: Re: Unidentified 91st Highlander Fri Sep 20, 2019 9:50 pm

Andy,
This is fantastic! We'll be judicious with our language, but having a possible (if not very likely) identification is wonderful. I'd like him not to be forgotten.

Any ideas why Robert Campbell doesn't seem to pop up in the Hart's Annual lists, etc.? Might be my own user error...

Thanks for the effort, John!

I can't say enough how much I've enjoyed working on this project and learning from you all. Thank you for being so willing to share your time and knowledge!

Subject: Re: Unidentified 91st Highlander Fri Sep 20, 2019 10:38 pm

The simple answer as to why he is not in Hart’s is that he is not a Commissioned Officer, he was a senior non-commissioned officer.

I hope that makes sense?

Regards,

JY

Subject: Re: Unidentified 91st Highlander Fri Sep 20, 2019 11:40 pm

Yes, absolutely! As you've all seen blatantly displayed, this is not my area of expertise. Thank you for the reminder!