Hi the Volunteers
Ian Castle to write:
"The standard equipment of all Volunteer Corps included a shoulder belt with ammunition pouch attached, over-the worm left shoulder.
Theses differed in full dress and field service order: the former featured a white belt with black leather pouch, the second a brown leather belt and pouch . Pouches and belts Were Generally decorated with badges body. "
(What you just read, it s 'do not care, now is that things get complicated ...). Ian Castle continued by writing:
"However, it is mustering for all service in Zululand , Volunteers received two bandoliers of ammunitions; whether they retained their pouch belts is unclear."
(it is this last sentence bothers me: whether they retained their pouch belts is unclear.)
Some have not used their bandoliers?
They preferred the pouch?
Then he writes: "When wearing bandoliers both would be worn , one over the left shoulder, the other Around the waist. "
That we suspected ... But he continued :
" Volunteers carried Webley revolvers of the Royal Irish Contabulary pattern, in a brown leather holster was supported on a brown leather strap worn over the right shoulder "
was it really revolvers for everyone?
he concludes :
" A white haversack worn over the right shoulder completed the standard equipment. Officers Carried 1822 pattern light cavalry officers' swords, and revolversof the same pattern as the men . "
Have they really took their swords in Zululand?
Pascal