Army Uniform Identification?

[Peter Goodey]

I'm hopeless at identiying uniforms. Can anyone help?

http://www.goodey.me.uk/misc/Alton_detail.jpg

They appear to be guests at a wedding. If it's of any interest, the full party is at http://www.goodey.me.uk/misc/Alton.jpg

I haven't any other clues except that it was taken in Alton, Hants which probably means that my Tomlin family is involved. Any thoughts on the state of sobriety of the groom ?

[busyglen]

I'm hopeless at identiying uniforms. Can anyone help?

Any thoughts on the state of sobriety of the groom ?

He looks as if he has collapsed with shock doesn't he Peter? Obviously had to be `dragged' there, three sheets to the wind!

I wonder why hardly anyone is smiling? Apart from the bride, granny and a couple of others, it looks more like a funeral.

It looks to be Victorian (cape granny is wearing) but unfortunately, I'm not too hot on uniforms either.

Glenys

[Mutley]

Peter, I am hopeless too but I think it is an Artillery Helmet.

"Spiked helmets were worn by infantry, while artillerymen had helmets whose spike terminated in a ball. This type was eventually adopted by all the German states prior to the establishment of the Empire in 1871, and spread to other armies, notably the British."

If you google "Royal Artillery Helmet Plate" there are quite a few commercial sites of helmet badges for sale. There are some very good pictures on them.

Though many of the badges look similar it may help to pin it down a little bit.

[Jan1954]

People often looked grim in early photographs, Glenys. It had something to do with the exposure time for the photograph to be taken. Much easier to have a "plain" face than hold a smile for several minutes

Mind you, if I had been dragged to the wedding, I would look grim too!

[keith9351]

Peter

I'm not that good with uniforms but some thoughts.

The helmet plate looks like the standard issued between 1881- 1901

Following the 1881 reforms which saw the introduction of regimental titles, a new design of helmet plate was needed. A standardised star shape backing plate with crown over was introduced, to which a detachable centre could be affixed. These centres were generally circular in form and of similar size to each other.

I was wondering if Infantry Sergeants carried swords or if they were Cavalry, also the cut of the bottom of the trousers I'm sure I've seen with spurs.

Keith

[busyglen]

I've been doing a bit of searching, and think like Mutley that it is Artillery with the ball on the top of the helmet rather than the spike. Which regiment though I can't make out.

Glenys

[Jan1954]

Okay, Peter, how about a curve-ball from left field?

Have you considered that it might be Police dress uniform?

Have a look at the helmets on britishpolicehelmet.co.uk

[pipsqueak]

My first thought was Policemen but the rest of it threw me off. However, perhaps they were mounted policemen or members of a Police band. Those helmets in the ink Jan gives do look a bit like it.

[Peter Goodey]

I'm just recording the resolution of my little puzzle. I've tracked down some experts who have identified the full dress uniform of senior NCOs of the Army Service Corps.

Having done some more digging I am now convinced that this is the wedding in 1900 in Alton, Hampshire, of Matilda Ellen TOMLIN and William John HONEY.

The 1901 census shows the groom as a Lance Sergeant in the Army Service Corps.

I'm only noting this here for the benefit of any future googlers who may be interested in these families.

[FROGSMILE]

Yes they are both Staff Serjeants (i.e. senior sergeants in specialised appointments) of the Army Service Corps, as identified by their white facings, double white stripe on the trousers and ball topped helmet. Their status as staff serjeants is also marked by the carriage of swords - together with warrant officer, they were the only grade of 'other ranks' (i.e. below officer) to do so at that time. The photo dates to around 1899-1901.