1902-1909 Tidworth

2nd Bn Lancashire Fusiliers
Tidworth
1902-1909

Both the pre & post 1908 pattern greatcoat is being worn in this photograph.

The pre-08 coat was grey but was changed to khaki in that year. (which pretty accurately dates the photo)

The photo is interesting in that it shows the red & white cloth title that was worn on the earlier grey greatcoat.

In this case 'LF' above 2 ; LF had four regular battalions until circa.1906.

The new 1908 khaki greatcoat has the famous brass shoulder title on the new shoulder straps.

The red & white cloth title being transferred to the new 1908 pattern 'European' service dress.

Which over the course of the next 50 years evolved into the battledress of 1960.

The colour of the new 'European' service dress (and greatcoat) was to match the 'unpolished brass' of the buttons.

The bugle cords of the duty bugler would be green as representing a 'non-Royal' regiment.

(Royal regiments being permitted bugle cords in the 'Royal livery' colours of royal blue, gold and red)

At this time moustaches were compulsory for the British soldier. This means that some of the soldiers on the photo are probably younger than they appear.

The 'well fed' young duty bugler is probably a 16 or 17 year old.

Also note that medals weren't/aren't worn on the top or greatcoat.

This photo was taken only 6 years after the Boer War had ended

This can be seen today on our 'well wrap up' Royal Family when attending State occasions.

"After the Crimean war, regulations were introduced that prevented serving soldiers from shaving above their top lip, in essence making moustaches compulsory for those who could grow them.
This remained in place until 1916, when the changing nature of warfare, in particular the need for a smooth seal for the wearing of a gas mask, meant that the regulation was abolished by an Army Order dated 6 October 1916."

Sent in by Bill Duggan.

"Have recently purchased these Standing Orderts for the 2nd Bn XX Lancashire Fusiliers dated 1909.
The book was advertised as belonging to "B" Company, but when I received it - the doc had even more details - the previous owner was "Cpl. J.Le Huray, B Company, 2 Lancashire Fusiliers,Assaye Barracks, Tidworth." This was of great interest since - 616 R.S.M. J.T.Le Huray was awarded the D.C.M. [London Gazette 26/11/17] when serving with the 2/8th LF at Passchendaele in October 1917. The officer who recommended him for the award was Captain Robert Busby, whose medals I am fortunate to have in my collection.
Incidentally I am attaching a page from the London gazette 1995, in which Major( QM)J.T.Le Huray DCM, TD [deceased] is awarded a clasp to the TD. Assuming he was born circa 1890 , this would make him over a hundred when he died.
Ken Marsh."

Editors note 2nd July 2016 we have just had this e mail with more information about John from his Great Grandson see below Thank you David

I am the great grandson of John Thomas Le Huray who was in the Lancashire Fusiliers. I see on your website that a Ken Marsh has acquired the Standing Orders For 2LF with the name of my great grandfather as a cpl J Le Huray. I have some more details about my ggf, he was born in1884 Dec 29th in St.Sampsons Guernsey, married Doris Edith Brown 1914/15 and had five children. My ggf was a regular soldier holding the rank of RSM at the depot of LF at Wellington Barracks, when he retired from the regular army after 24 years in 1929 he was appointed the Quartermaster with a comission in the 7th Battalion of the LF, a territorial unit where he served untill the end of the second world war in 1945 , when he retired with the rank of Major. He died in the sixties.

I hope this information is of help to Ken, please feel free to pass on my email address onto Ken.

Kind Regards

David Le Huray

The Standing Orders For 2LF