Seaford Highlander Stretcher Bearer Somme 1916

[megroot]

Painting this figure from Carl Reid at the moment (now and then I have to lay down the Lancer) between the work on the Red Lancer and I have some questions.
I cannot find it in my Tommy's Go to War book, and I only have some small reference from the figure Carl painted and some small reference from Osprey.
Question:
1: What is the color of the helmcover from this soldier.
2; What whas the color of the kilt.
3: What whas the color of the socks.
4: The color of the skirt

that's all for now

 

[housecarl]

I'll scan the Osprey illustration Marc.
Carl.

 

[megroot]

I'll scan the Osprey illustration Marc.
Carl.

Thanks Carl. I have this one to. But are these the real colors???

 

[Wings5797]

Hi Marc,
The tartan of the kilt is the same as the Black Watch but with white and red stripes....

Socks, kilt apron, helmet cover were varying khaki dependant on manufacturer, age/weathering etc,



Thanks to Chris MacDonald for this picture.
You can see another important feature, the red flashes on the socks. these are often overlooked but they are different for each regiment.
The Seaforth have one tab with three bells (3 loops).
I hope that this is of some use Mate.
Cheers,
Keith

 

[Don]

Mark As he is a Seaforth (not Seaford) Highlander his kilt would be a MacKenzie tartan but almost completely hidden by the kilt cover. The cover was often of leather and remained a sort of tan colour and was never changed they lasted a long time. If no leather was available it would be made of a heavy cloth and would be again a khaki colour. It was never known as a "skirt", just ask any Scottish soldier, later you can explain it to your nurse!
The socks (hose) would at that time be almost khaki or Lovat green with a red garter knot or flash.
Hope this is of some help

Don

Don

 

[Don]

Marc, I would have to disagree with Keith in that I am sure the McKenzie tartan had a yellow stripe not white.
This from memory so perhaps Keith is correct.

Don

 

[megroot]

Thanks to all. This is very helpfull.
As the kilt is hardly seen (just a small piece) I know what i must do know.
And know I must sculpt the red tab with three loops.
Sorry for the wrong th......

 

[Wings5797]

Marc, I would have to disagree with Keith in that I am sure the McKenzie tartan had a yellow stripe not white.
This from memory so perhaps Keith is correct.

Don

Hi Don and Marc,
You are right in that the tartan is MacKenzie Don but the colours are red and white. Yellow stripes only is Gordon, yellow and red stripes is MacLeod.
This maybe of help to you. This is a 1916 dated kilt

This is configured per the 1912 standing orders for the 2nd Bn. Seaforth Highlanders

Two leather straps at both ends.

The buttons are a later adaption for wear with braces and not part of the issue kilt.

Pleats should be boxed and the Seaforth's kilt was the only one on inventory (Pattern 8048/1914 24-Apr-14 which updated a 1906 pattern by changing the measurements)
that had elastic band (broken on this example) near the bottom of the pleats (the elastic band appears to have been introduced in 1906)

There would also be a silver safety pin 3 1/2" long fixed point down on the edge of the white stripe running perpendicularly near the edge of the apron and equidistant above and below the horizontal red stripe.
Cheers,
Keith
With kindest regards to my friend Joe Sweeny

 

[Don]

Thanks very much Keith, I never doubted you as I did say it was from memory. Thanks for the kilt photo and description, very informative. I assume the silver safetypin was in fact a kilt pin, a handy thing to have around.
Thanks again

Don

 

[Wings5797]

Thanks very much Keith, I never doubted you as I did say it was from memory. Thanks for the kilt photo and description, very informative. I assume the silver safetypin was in fact a kilt pin, a handy thing to have around.
Thanks again

Don

Hi Don,
No worries.
Yes you are right it is a kilt pin. I am not sure when it changed but in the standing orders 1906 and the 1914 up date is refered to as a safety pin. Probably some Sassenach in Horseguards typing up the regulations not knowing the terminology.
Cheers Don.
Keith

 

[Dan Morton]

These photos are mostly from the 1914-18 forum from a few years back. I hope they're helpful Marc.

All the best,
Dan

 

[megroot]

Thanks Dan, Very helpfull.
But I don't see the red sock not into the middel picture.
But I missed the overshoes....thanks, they are sculpted on the figure.

Marc

 

[Don]

Marc The overshoes called spats were not worn in the trenches, they are really only a ceremonial item with dress uniform.

Don

 

[megroot]

Thanks Don.

Marc

 

[carl reid]

Hi Marc,

I think between Carl, Don, and Kieth you should have all you require!
The service dress was faded, worn and dirty due to conditions on the front line. If you use the Osprey print by Mike Chappell as your primary source, you will be along the correct lines!

If you require any further info, just give me a shout and I'll help where I can!

Carl

 

[megroot]

Thanks Carl.
PM sent.
Marc

 

[carl reid]

 

[carl reid]

I'm not sure if this helps at all Marc. It's not a great picture but it may help!

 

[megroot]

If I see it right:
from left to right: green,red,blue,orange,blue,red,green,white,orange,?????
Hope somebody can help for the last...
Thanks for all the help Carl.

Marc

 

[Wings5797]

Hi Marc,
I used these medal ribons on my Gordond Highlanders Sgt bust from Carl and will sort out my details for you tomorow if you want?
Cheers,
Keith