Uniform - Natal Circa 1895?

Subject: Uniform - Natal Circa 1895? Sat Feb 19, 2022 3:37 am

Once again I find find myself appealing to your collective wisdom.

The photograph is of CJ Meares, son of Tpr. CH Meares, KIA Isandhlwana.

Sadly Charles John was also to die young, leaving a widow and orphans. This didn't help the tenuous family oral record much either. He looks quite young in the photo, and given he was born in 1871, I am assuming this undated photograph was taken 1895.

Does anyone perhaps recognise the uniform?
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Subject: Re: Uniform - Natal Circa 1895? Sat Feb 19, 2022 5:09 am

Meares,

Looks like a Sergeant Musician in the Natal Carbineers.

If you look closely between the Lyre badge and the chevrons you can see the crowned NC.

JY

Subject: Uniform - Natal c.1895 ? Sat Feb 19, 2022 11:57 pm

JY
I think you nailed it ! Salute

90th

Subject: Re: Uniform - Natal Circa 1895? Mon Feb 21, 2022 8:40 am

JY and 90th, thank you muchly!

You have jointly jolted the vaguest memory of his son, my late grandfather, telling that his father had played in a military band.

Much appreciated!

Subject: Re: Uniform - Natal Circa 1895? Sat Apr 23, 2022 10:08 am

The Meares family who served in the Natal Carbineers

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Subject: Re: Uniform - Natal Circa 1895? Sat Apr 23, 2022 11:35 am

Rory, that is fantastic! Thank you very much. I had no idea that Henry Meares had been involved in the Siege of Ladysmith. That certainly is news to our family.

If you don't mind mentioning, I’m fascinated to learn the source of this information on the three Meares brothers. I curious to see what instrument William Joseph is holding. I think I can make out the mouth piece of a brass instrument.

As it happens I have a photo of Henry in full uniform formerly posed on a horse. Apparently he was carried onto the horse as even the soles of his boots had been polished for the photo that was taken for some official regimental purpose. I would happily post the image if it was of interest to yourself or the someone else’s research.

Once again, thank you.

Subject: Re: Uniform - Natal Circa 1895? Sun Apr 24, 2022 11:44 am

The information comes from the Natal Carbineer muster rolls - I have a copy of the Word document that was created from them. Please do post the image of Henry.

I'm not sure of the source of the photo - it could have come from Stalker's history of the NC - written in the 1910's if memory serves - I have a copy so will look for you.

Rory

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