Left Wing, School of Musketry, Hythe, August 1885

I picked up this photograph the other day on strength that there was King's Own officer in the group wearing what I assume his SA Medal ribbon.

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Left Wing, School of Musketry, Hythe, August 1885.
John Young Collection

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Close-up on the King's Own officer.

However, the seller had obscured the officer in the centre of the photograph with a watermark, so I couldn't see his forage cap badge until it arrived this morning.

I do hope Mr. Cooper is seating down...

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Close-up on the South Wales Borderers lieutenant wearing - what I presume is - a SA Medal ribbon.

Any offers on the identities of the two officers? I believe I might have an idea regarding the S.W.B. officer, but I'd like to see if anyone concurs.

John Y.

Posts : 405 Join date : 2013-05-07 Location : Brecon

John

A pure guess - Percy Armitage was awarded a 1st class certificate from Hythe in Oct 1885.

Kenny,

Thanks for the tip, do you know if there is a photograph of Percy Armitage I could compare it with?

Regards,

John Y.

John Y.

I thought that the swb used the Sphinx of the old 24th (2nd Warwickshire) regiment as the cap badge, the badge worn by the officer in the picture looks more like one worn by the Royal East Kent Regiment (The Buffs), or am I mistaken?

Posts : 2881 Join date : 2010-06-02

Hi Martin

The SWB sphinx badge was introduced in 1897. Before that a Welsh dragon - very much like the Buffs. From the Brecknock Battalion I think.

Steve

Hi Steve.

Ah! that explains it, they must have been very similar, in fact almost identical, maybe just the wording was different.

Thanks Steve.