Useful

**4(T)** · 18-12-2009, 17:52

Looks like "prepare to receive cavalry/fuzzy-wuzzies". I've no doubt that it is something like that - they're using same "feet at right angles" stance as you do in Taekwondo and other martial arts where you have to brace for impact.

**Gremlin** · 18-12-2009, 18:14

Originally Posted by Markintime

Originally Posted by Whiskybreath

Good snaps. I saw this one today from an even earlier period, which I rather liked:

They don't like it up 'em, you know.

(from http://freepages.misc.rootsweb.ances...heritage/work/)

I wonder if the strange stance is because fixed bayonets were a defensive stance in those days where the enemy would advance on the 'square'? No insider knowledge so would be interested if any infantiers or military historians can shed some light on this.

It's the 'En Garde' position.

**cdo_gunner** · 18-12-2009, 21:30

Or, Defensive position Nr.1 when confronted by an enemy armed with sharpened mangoes or pointy sticks.

**Gremlin** · 18-12-2009, 21:31

Guavas FFS, sharpened Guavas! :D

**Grownup_Rafbrat** · 19-12-2009, 15:17

Not the cherries, then?

**strut_jack** · 19-12-2009, 16:11

Originally Posted by Onetap

I think one of these officers (I think the 3rd from the right with the 'tache) is John Kipling, son of Rudyard. John went missing in the Battle of Loos and his remains were not identified in Kipling senior's life. See "My boy Jack".

Onetap, from what I've seen John Kipling's face wasn't quite so 'ruddy cheeked old lady'-ish as officer number 3 in the picture.

Here are a couple of pics for comparison:

Although given John's apparently acute myopia perhaps 4th from the right would be a candidate! :D

**Ruckerwocman** · 19-12-2009, 16:34

Are these troops wearing a back badge on their Home Service pattern lids?

**Kaye** · 19-12-2009, 16:47

Intense pictures, espcially since some of them seem to be normal barracks scenes for that time. Too bad about the sentimental comments the paper put next to them.

**Pteranadon** · 20-12-2009, 14:47

Originally Posted by Cutaway

Yes, very good find Dozy.
I find this one interesting.
Centre of picture, in front of third pile, tall ouen with eyes left.
This Doughboy looks like he's either black or Indian. (as in Injun.)

I didn't think the Septics mixed troops of 'other' colours until after the Second War.
Can anyone confirm or confute this ?

Not true. A recent book published in conjunction with the "Five continents in Flanders" exhibition in Ypres says the following:-

Over 13,000 Native Americans, nearly one in third of all Native American males served in the USA Army during the First World War. Around 3-4 k served in the AEF. Unlike afro caribbean soldiers, who were segregated into different units , Native Americans were barracked with white soldiers.

About 3k, 1/3 of all native Canadian young men fought in the Canadian Army. Chief Sitting Bull's grandson Joseph Standing Buffalo was killed in France as a Canadian soldier
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_...asualty=179537

The first Native Canadian to be killed on the Western Front is Mohawk Angus La-Force, killed in the gas attack on 22 April 1915

http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_...sualty=1593664

There was no bar on Native Canadians becoming officers. Lieutenant Cameron Donald Brant fell on 24 April 1915. He was the great grand son of Chief Joseph Brant, who fought for Britain in the Seven Years War and the American Revolutionary War. http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_...asualty=922380

There also seem to have been about 4-500 Aboriginal Australians serving in the AIF. These include Danial Cooper, Killed on 20 September 1917, the son of a prominent Aboriginal rights campaigner, William Cooper.
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_...asualty=103175