Elliot Metcalfe

The 1914 Star and Ribbon

Photographs of British soldiers during the Great War, often show medal ribbons being worn. One such ribbon appears frequently in late war photographs – The 1914 Star. The 1914 Star was a war medal, awarded to British troops who had served in France and Belgium during the early months of the war in 1914. TheContinue reading “The 1914 Star and Ribbon”

Great War Wolseley Helmet of the Denbighshire Hussars

The ‘Wolseley’ pattern helmet (its official designation being – Helmet, Universal, Khaki) was the standard issue headwear for British troops in hot climates during the Great War. It had become the standard issue sun helmet in the British Army from May 1904, replacing the previous Colonial / Foreign Service pattern. The Wolseley is instantly recognisableContinue reading “Great War Wolseley Helmet of the Denbighshire Hussars”

Photos of the Great War – Leslie Shock – Herefordshire Regiment

This is the second post in a series looking at named photographs of British soldiers during the Great War. Sadly, the majority of photos of serviceman from the period are now un-identifiable, but occasionally enough detail is written on the photo to identify the soldier. This particular photographic postcard had been annotated on the rearContinue reading “Photos of the Great War – Leslie Shock – Herefordshire Regiment”

Good Conduct Chevrons

In a continuation of posts regarding badges and insignia worn by the British Army in the Great War, this post will concentrate on Good Conduct Chevrons (also referred to as badges or stripes). Inverted chevrons on the left cuff are often seen being worn by British soldiers during the Great War period. These were awardedContinue reading “Good Conduct Chevrons”

Ludlow to La Jolla – Harold Vernon Lee

The British officer of the Great War was easily identified by the distinctive jacket with badges of rank worn on the cuff. This wasn’t an exact rule for all regiments, but the majority wore these jackets going into war in 1914. As war progressed, officers started to wear badges of rank on the shoulder strap,Continue reading “Ludlow to La Jolla – Harold Vernon Lee”

Service Dress Jacket in Canadian Service

The Service Dress jacket is iconic of the uniform that the British soldier fought the First World War in. As such, they now are highly prized amongst collectors and although not particularly scare, command premium prices. This particular jacket is a standard British wartime example, issued to a Canadian soldier, David Douglas Trotter. First introducedContinue reading “Service Dress Jacket in Canadian Service”

The “Benin Massacre” – Lieutenant Maling’s Undress Frock

As is often the case with named items of militaria, a little bit of digging can reveal quite a story. That’s certainly the case with this Victorian era Lancers Officer’s Undress Frock. The Frock was designed to be worn in the field and on campaign, as an alternative to the more elaborate tunics usually sportedContinue reading “The “Benin Massacre” – Lieutenant Maling’s Undress Frock”

Royal Marine Light Infantry Tunic – Post 1903

I recently came across another tunic from the Royal Marine Light Infantry (RMLI), which peaked my interest after having researched the tunic to Pte Robert Downing RMLI. This is the later version, introduced in November 1903 (but not to be implemented until April 1904) and worn until the amalgamation of the Royal Marine Light InfantryContinue reading “Royal Marine Light Infantry Tunic – Post 1903”

With Cavalry in 1914 – Introduction

“The horses must be the first thought of every cavalry soldier.“ Cavalry Division Standing Orders 1914 – Major General E H H Allenby C.B. Much had been learned from the failings of the British cavalry in South Africa during the Boer War. When the Great War broke out in 1914, they were highly trained, wellContinue reading “With Cavalry in 1914 – Introduction”

The Silver War Badge

During the Great War, all men of suitable age in Britain were expected to ‘do their bit’. Stories of non-uniformed men being handed white feathers and branded cowards are well-known. To prevent such occurrences, badges were handed out to munitions workers and those on war work to show that they were contributing despite not beingContinue reading “The Silver War Badge”