What Regiment is this?

[ctbuchanan]

A friend has asked my help in identifying the regiment represented by the uniform being worn by this man. It is a relative of his but they don't know what regiment he belonged to. I offered this forum as a good place to start.

[Taskr]

I don't know the site URL for UK military records, but a friend of mine tracked his grandfather's Regiment of the UK by entering the name at that site. He received a wealth of information.

[Mike S]

The badges on his glengarry, sporran, plaid broach etc. do no look regimental in origin and design. I suspect this might have been a civilian or police etc. pipeband member. He also lacks any regimental devise on his collar, nor does it appear to have any on his buttons, which is not typical for military dress.

[Tobus]

OC Richard will chime in shortly, I'm sure. But this looks to me like one of those "play dress up" photos that were common back then. It doesn't look military to me either. Best case, he was a civilian piper (though you'd think he'd have his pipes in the photo). But more likely, it's just a portrait for tourists. The cheesy grin on his face was not common at that time for actual real-life photos, and sort of gives it away as a joke... in my opinion, anyway.

[ctbuchanan]

I tend to agree that this looks posed, although I'm no authority. But the painted backdrop seems to add to the evidence that this is a set up photo.

The only additional information I just received was that this is circa 1941/42. He is Scottish and the photo was taken in Glasgow.

[bwat]

But this looks to me like one of those "play dress up" photos that were common back then.

Don't you think his clothing fits too well for such a photo?

[plaid preacher]

I was reluctant to wade in when I first saw this post, my old eyes sometimes struggle to see things as clearly as perhaps they once did, but returning to it, I agree with the above that it is probably not military at all; for the following:

- the cap badge with the belt around it strikes me as more clan than military;
- the badging on the cap and sporran do not match. The Sporran badge appears to have a St. Andrew's cross.
- there are not collar dogs
- there is no rank, no markings, no unit designation on sleeve or epaulettes.

[guardsman]

Looks too happy to be a soldier !

[kiltedtom]

I have no idea as to the military or not quality of the uniform. However, as far as the grin, the young man looks like he is trying to impress either his family or, better yet, a young woman. I have seen numerous photos of young civilian and military age men --WWI, WWII, Korean, Vietnam on down the line-- smiling like crazy when posing for a picture to send home to the sweetheart. And, perhaps, he is just trying to impress a nice looking tourist. Who knows?

[Tarheel]

Looks too happy to be a soldier !

Certainly not an active duty soldier. Unless his is on leave near a pub.