Need help identifying a uniform

p15574

I have a photo that I'd like to identify the uniform of the wearer. I don't have the original, but I am trying to source a higher resolution version to be able to zoom in better on insignia etc - apologies for the low resolution of this one. In the meantime, perhaps it's obvious to someone else what the uniform is.

Here is the information I have. It was apparently taken in the early 1920s, and the photo filename suggests it was taken in Cahirciveen in Kerry. Originally, I was told it's a prison officer's uniform. However, he seems to have a gun, which I would imagine wasn't worn even then, and I don't think there would have been a prison in the area. I've also been told elsewhere that the person was in 'the army' for a period during the Civil War (presumably the Free State army), posted in Kerry, which would tie in with the Cahirciveen link. Perhaps it's an army uniform so?

Someone else suggests it may be an RIC uniform. I would have thought, though, that the early 20s would have been an ill-advised time to join the RIC...

Thanks for any help.

R.Dub.Fusilier

IMO it looks like an RIC uniform. You can see the batton on his left.

Jellybaby1

I think the RIC were armed all right. Also, have you considered that he may not have joined in the 20's but a lot earlier? Check Jim Herlihy's book which gives the history and records, from there you can see the enlistment dates and then check out their service records in the National Archives (assuming you know his name)

p15574

Jellybaby1 wrote: »

I think the RIC were armed all right. Also, have you considered that he may not have joined in the 20's but a lot earlier? Check Jim Herlihy's book which gives the history and records, from there you can see the enlistment dates and then check out their service records in the National Archives.

Yes, I've done that before and it was my next step, but I didn't want to make the trek to check the book without being pretty sure it was an RIC uniform, thanks.

Jellybaby1

Local libraries would have a copy of Herlihy's book so you wouldn't have to go into the Nat Archives. Good luck with the search.

A Country Voice

Hiya,
It looks like an R.I.C. uniform alright.
If you compare the uniform with the one in the pic in this link from the garda museum. http://thedailyedge.thejournal.ie/from-the-archives-policing-in-ireland-438702-May2012/#slide-slideshow9
The belt, tunic pockets, collar badges look similar.

I'd check out the book referred to by others to confirm though.

ACV

Waitsian

I'm not sure we've had a uniform thread yet so might I post one and maybe seek advice?

We believe this might be a picture of my great-great grand uncle, who was in the 18th Regt. of Foot 1849-1871. The photograph was in the possession of his direct descendants. He fought in the Crimean War, and served in Burma and India as well. I've yet to have it expertly examined by uniform specialists but thought I'd post it up here to see what everyone here thought, if anyone had any ideas.

I'll add a link which shows a forage cap from the era he served which I believe he's wearing. I've also seen photos from the era of British soldiers wearing such a style of uniforms. Sorry for the quality of the photo. He was born in 1830 btw.

http://www.nam.ac.uk/online-collection/detail.php?q=searchType%3Dsimple%26acc%3D1963-11-20&pos=0&total=1&page=1&acc=1963-11-20-3

Jellybaby1

A Country Voice wrote: »

Hiya,
It looks like an R.I.C. uniform alright.
If you compare the uniform with the one in the pic in this link from the garda museum. http://thedailyedge.thejournal.ie/from-the-archives-policing-in-ireland-438702-May2012/#slide-slideshow9
The belt, tunic pockets, collar badges look similar.

I'd check out the book referred to by others to confirm though.

ACV

Interesting slideshow, thanks for linking. Am a little curious to see the RIC officer mentioned as being in the Phoenix Park. I thought the RIC were only stationed outside Dublin and the DMP officers served in Dublin. Can anyone clarify that for me.

P. Breathnach

The RIC had a training depot in the park. It later became the Garda Depot.

Jellybaby1

P. Breathnach wrote: »

The RIC had a training depot in the park. It later became the Garda Depot.

Didn't know that. Thank you.