The chosen men
- Thread starter Jazz
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Tecumsea
PlanetFigure Supporter
Nice pairing John-Richard Almonds pieces really stand the test of time
FortunesOfWarModels
Active Member
i couldnt really see because of the angle of the photo, but did you give them the "silver cord of courage"?
I am not an expert of the 95th Rifles and I am not familier with the term you have used but there is a silver cord with a tassle that hangs from the belt and can be seen on the standing Sgt so I assume this is what you mean. Other than that I have painted all that was in the kit.
Looks a great piece John.
Carl.
Carl.
FortunesOfWarModels
Active Member
chosen men, were riflemen who had been promoted for performing feats of bravery and the like, and the silver cord of courage, was the mark of recognition of a "chosen man". Whilst not a recognised rank as such, it marked out chosen men as above average riflemen, and as such, was a great honour to hold.
The silver cord of courage was not so much a cord, than a silver band worn around the right upper arm, roughly about the same position rank markings would be.
Historically, chosen men would not necessarily be those who were bravest, but more often than not, those who were the best shots or those who had claimed the most kills or who had distinguished themselves in another way.
It could only be awarded by a brigade commander (or higher) after a recommendation of an officer who witnessed the act for which it was being awarded, and had to be warranted by the rifleman's commanding officer. Hence the chosen men tended to be professional soldiers as opposed to conscripts who had been "invited" to join by a magistrate, who were more often than not held in contempt by the "gentlemen" officers who made up the command structure of the regiments, most of whom had bought their commission and had little or no military training.
hope this helps!
The silver cord of courage was not so much a cord, than a silver band worn around the right upper arm, roughly about the same position rank markings would be.
Historically, chosen men would not necessarily be those who were bravest, but more often than not, those who were the best shots or those who had claimed the most kills or who had distinguished themselves in another way.
It could only be awarded by a brigade commander (or higher) after a recommendation of an officer who witnessed the act for which it was being awarded, and had to be warranted by the rifleman's commanding officer. Hence the chosen men tended to be professional soldiers as opposed to conscripts who had been "invited" to join by a magistrate, who were more often than not held in contempt by the "gentlemen" officers who made up the command structure of the regiments, most of whom had bought their commission and had little or no military training.
hope this helps!
