NEWSFLASH - MHS DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS HAVE ARRIVED - ACT NOW

As a direct consequence of the relentless increase in postage costs and the recent introduction of customs duties, handling charges and, in some cases, tariffs on sending mail overseas, with effect from January 2027 all members will be able to access their quarterly Bulletins in digital form through the website. We will have in place appropriate anti-piracy measures to ensure our digitised publications are protected. All members will also continue to receive hard copy annual Special Numbers, which will not be digitised. For this digital membership there will be no increase in existing subscription rates.

If, for whatever reason, members wish to receive all Bulletins in hard copy it will be necessary to pay a new subscription, shown below, to better cover postage charges. We have cut this additional charge as fine as we can noting that it is likely that Royal Mail charges for 2nd class mail will increase in March 2027 when the existing two year OFCOM cap is lifted.

The following rates will apply with effect from January 2027:

UK Digital £20 Hard Copy £25

Europe Digital £25 Hard Copy £35

Rest of the World Digital £30 Hard Copy £40

USA Digital £30 Hard Copy £50

Concurrently would all UK Tax payers please consider signing up for Gift Aid - a simple email to Treasurer@militaryhistoricalsociety.co.uk is all that is required stating Military Historical Society, name, home address, date, membership number and state that they are UK taxpayers and their subscriptions to the charity until further notice are to be treated as Gift Aid donations. Forms are available to download from the website.

We do hope all members will wish to stay with us and continue to enjoy their membership,

Sincerely

Clive Elderton

Chairman

THE BULLETIN Issue 305 August 2026

The August Bulletin includes tributes to three long standing members of the Society including Colonel Denis Wood MBE to whom the MHS, and many other organisations not least the Gurkha Museum and The Fifth Fusiliers, owe so much for the remarkable contribution he has made for over half a century. On a brighter note a very new Special Operations arm badge is included in badge notes and David Knight turns his attention to the uniforms of The Queen’s Own West Kent Yeomanry, 1794-1900. The latest in our series of in depth articles by Tim Withey on the activities of the Army Dress Committee brings their story up to 1976 and, following his fascinating medical related articles in recent Bulletins, Stephen Durant this time reveals the little known story of the Anglo French Ambulance Corps and the British Volunteer Ambulance Corps. With short pieces on the Indian Army visit to Parliament in 1902, Bandmasters, Pipe Majors and Drum Majors on parade in 1993, the genesis of the Tank Corps arm badge and the buttons of the 25th Corps, Lancashire Volunteer Rifles, the Bulletin concludes with the usual book reviews which, in this edition, include news of a monumental work on the pre-1947 Indian Artillery which is hot off the press and others which have a very definite theme of the Second World War in the Far East.

Annual Exhibition 2026

The annual Society exhibition for members and specially invited guests will be held once again at The Waverley Abbey School, near Farnham, Surrey on Sunday 27th September 2026, opening at 10am. Requests for display space would be warmly welcomed now by the Secretary at enquiries@militaryhistoricalsociety.co.uk giving the number of 6' tables required, the title of your exhibit and your email and phone contact details please. Please put the date in your diary now!

THE BULLETIN Issue 304 May 2026

The May Bulletin includes a tribute to the well known authority on cloth badges, and long standing member of the MHS, Les Cable. Part Three of Tim Withey's masterful analysis of the work of the War Office/Army Dress Committee continues the story from 1960 to 1967. There appears to be no end to the frequent changes in British Army unit titles and in this edition of The Bulletin we introduce the new insignia adopted by the 3rd Deep Reconnaissance Strike Brigade (DRS Bde) . Gary Gibbs explains the background to The Skinner’s Medal displayed in the Guards Museum and David Knight provides a superbly illustrated article on the uniforms and insignia of the Shropshire Yeomanry 1795-1900. Stephen Durant shares the fascinating and little known story of an American nurse in the service of Britain and France during the First World War and Jim Tanner adds to his earlier article on the restoration of facing colours in the British Regular Infantry post-1881. Sushil Talwar writes from New Delhi on Air Raid Precautions in Calcutta during World War Two, Tony McClenaghan on the buttons of Bengal European Regiments and Nick Beswick on early members of the Cambridge University Rifles. Finally, there are our carefully selected book reviews which range from five mavericks in the Caucasus in 1918 to the first volume in a study of various aspects of the Territorial soldiering in London from 1908 to 1921. Other titles provide a fascinating if harrowing insight into the pioneering work of Major (later Sir) Harold Gillies in treating those suffering severe facial wounds during the First World War and last, but not least, a superb new Osprey title on The Indian Army at War 1947 - 1999.

THE BULLETIN Issue 303 February 2026

The February Bulletin announces new contact email addresses for officers of the Society and encourages the prompt renewal of subscriptions. There are tributes to long serving members Keith Hook and David Strong who passed away recently and, with the exception of Part Two of Tim Withey's analysis of the work of the War Office Dress Committee between 1953 and 1959, the Bulletin has a distinct Yeomanry and medical flavour. With David Knight's usual, superbly illustrated, contribution on uniforms and insignia of the Yeomanry, this time focussed on The Queen's Own Oxfordshire Hussars, and updates on his previous articles on The Northumberland Hussars and Suffolk Yeomanry, and Stephen Durant who writes on the award of the Serbian Cross of Mercy to RAMC personnel during the First World War and, with the help of members, sheds light on the fascinating War of Miss Mabel Astley Campbell who received the Florence Nightingale Medal for her work as Matron of the "Ocean Ambulance" in Brussels during World War One. Jim Tanner writes on attempts to re-introduce a Shako into the British Army in the late 1920's and Richard Doherty shares the story of the friction between the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers over the pattern of their post-1881 cap badges. Finally, there are the usual book reviews and Gary Gibbs treats us to an interesting selection of new British Army cloth formation badges - is there no end to the number of new and curiously titled units being added to the current order of battle?

THE BULLETIN Issue 302 November 2025

The November Bulletin announces that the Society subscription rates will be held for a remarkable thirteenth successive year and goes on to inform members of improvements to our website. Articles on the Germantown Medal, a relic from the 30th (Cambridgeshire) Regiment, and the 1st Yemen Infantry follow. The author of our regular articles on British Yeomanry uniforms turns his attention in this edition to the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry Cavalry, 1828-1900, and a thorough and fascinating analysis of the work and decisions of the War Office Dress Committee from 1947-1953 follows. The Bulletin also carries a comprehensive article on the restoration of facing colours in the British Infantry post-1881 which is accompanied by a series of very clear charts which illustrate the bewildering number of changes made to facings to the present day, mostly as a consequence of various amalgamations. Finally, the Bulletin includes the usual book reviews and correspondence.

SPECIAL NUMBER 2025

This Military Historical Society Special Number 2025, circulated to all members together with the November issue of The Bulletin, is Yeomanry Headdress by Gary Gibbs and David Knight. The authors bring together, illustrate and describe one hundred examples of yeomanry headdress that are widely dispersed in museums and private collections in order to provide a reference source for the future. The Special is focused on the more unusual yeomanry headdress which were generally introduced before the introduction of the busby, which has been excluded from this study. After 1900 very few yeomanry regiments retained busbies or helmets for all members. More often, they were reserved for officers attending levee and for special occasions, such as escorts and guards of honour, for which a small regimental stock would be held. At this time a preference for the lance cap also emerged and this was adopted by the officers of five corps. The Special Number is 64 pages long and is lavishly illustrated with examples in full colour. It provides an excellent comprehensive review of the subject.

THE BULLETIN Issue 301 August 2025

The August Bulletin includes news of the latest batch of British Army regimental and rank badges which carry the Tudor Crown, some of which appear to be of relatively poor quality in terms of both design and manufacture; notes on the uniforms of The Northumberland Hussars Yeomanry 1819-1900 and short articles highlighting the unusual coloured headdress worn by the 11th Hussars (Prince Albert’s Own) and undress buttons of The 5th Dragoon Guards. The theme of WW2 Special Forces is continued with a detailed article on the formation, insignia, operational successes and prominent personalities of Jedburgh then, on military medical matters, we have a fascinating article on the military massage services of WW1 and, finally, the usual book reviews and correspondence.

Our President

His Majesty the King has exercised his will and pleasure in appointing General The Lord David Richards, Baron Richards of Herstmonceux, to the honorary rank of Field Marshal in the British Army, with effect from Saturday 14th June 2025. This appointment is made in sincere recognition of his most distinguished service and continued support to the United Kingdom, realms and territories. On behalf of the Committee, and all members of the Military Historical Society, the Chairman has conveyed our most sincere congratulations to our President on his richly deserved and prestigious appointment.

THE BULLETIN Issue 300 May 2025

The May Bulletin marks an important milestone for the MHS in that it is the 300th quarterly edition that we have published since Number 1 in August 1950. All credit is due to the past and present members of the General Committee, to the authors and to all who have contributed to the Society throughout the past 75 years. Principal articles in the May Bulletin include: Tributes to Colonel Peter Walton and Martin Windrow; badge notes; a short article on the new Cayman Islands Regiment; a comprehensive article on the uniforms of the Montgomery Yeomanry; short articles on the military artists Ernest Howell and the insignia worn by Honorary Physicians and Surgeons to the Sovereign; two articles on Jewish RAFVR and RN veterans of WW2 and a ground breaking account of the formation and work of the little known Special Allied Airborne Reconnaissance Force (SAARF); a short summary of the campaign in Greece during WW2; book reviews and correspondence which includes even more information on the Iroquois Ambulance Corps and definitive information on South African police gallantry badges.

THE BULLETIN Issue 299 February 2025

The February Bulletin covers tributes to Colonels Tim Wright and Robin McDowell; a note on the proposed new cap badge for the RAChD and notes on new badges being introduced into the British Army to reflect the formation of the RAMS and the accession of King Charles III; a short article on the Claro Rifles; an article on the return of the Guards from the Crimean War and their Band music; Uniforms of The Royal Midlothian Yeomanry, 1797-1872; a comprehensive overview of the British Indian Army and the contribution of the Punjab; a short article on the little known Royal East India Volunteers; the fascinating saga of the Special Air Service Parachute Badge (wings) being worn on the left breast above medal ribbons; short articles on Lt Col Dr Ernest Wool Lewis VD – Surgeon, Soldier & Tennis Champion; additional information on the Iroquois Ambulance Corps and a piece on Herbert Timbrell McClellan From Trooper to Lt Col. As usual the Bulletin includes short reviews on recently published military books and a correspondence section which includes a query about what appear to be scarce South African police gallantry badges.

THE BULLETIN Issue 298 November 2024

The November Bulletin principal articles cover: The Eversleigh Star; Beards Allowed!; Some Rare American Medical Unit Badges of World War Two and their British Connections; The Uniforms of the Middlesex Yeomanry (Duke of Cambridge’s Hussars), 1797-1900; and Brigadier John Bates Clements: Another Twentieth Century Warrior Par Excellence. There are also shorter articles on: The Society Exhibition; Badge Notes; Hull Golfers Volunteer Force; Army Rifle Association 100 and Army Reserve 50 Badges; together with the usual sections on Book Reviews and Correspondence.

SPECIAL NUMBER 2024

A Special Number entitled: Regimental and Drummers’ Lace, Button Spacing and Facing Colours of The British Army 1742-1871, by our editor, Gary Gibbs, was also circulated to all members together with the November issue of The Bulletin. This brings together all the known sources of information from General Order Books, Army Order Books, Clothing and Letter Books with a timeline of amendments and instructions.

The Special Number is 102 pages long and is lavishly illustrated with examples in full colour. It provides an excellent comprehensive review of the subject together with a complete reference to the design and colours of lace worn by each Regiment over a period of 130 years until lace the use of lace was discontinued in 1871.

CROWN IMPERIAL DIGITISATION PROJECT

The Society has managed to source a complete run of the now defunct Crown Imperial, with the exception of Issue Number 8 (Summer 1976). This issue will probably not be numbered and presented as a slightly larger than A5 stapled booklet of about 36 pages in the style of the Issue No 2 illustrated here.

The Society plans to digitise the archive of Crown Imperial and make it available to Members as a searchable database on the website.

If any member has a copy of any of issue 8, we would be very grateful if we could borrow it to scan (non-destructively!!).

A NEW ADDRESS FOR THE SOCIETY

The correspondence address for the Society has changed with immediate effect to: MH Society, P.O. Box 363, Alton, GU34 9LT.

ANNUAL EXHIBITION 2024

The Annual Exhibition was held jointly with the Aldershot Militaria Society at Waverley Abbey School, Farnham, on Sunday, 29th September, 2024 and was a great success. Entry to the exhibition is restricted to pre-registered members and invited guests and this format results in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

THE BULLETIN Issue 297 August 2024

The August issue of “The Bulletin” principal articles cover the Capture of Centuripe, Sicily in 1943;The Uniforms of the Lancashire Hussars, 1848-1900;The 1922 Disbandment of the Southern Irish Regiments; and Major Richard Scamander Clarke. Shorter articles include: The Inspection of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment 2024 ; and the Cavalry Memorial Parade 2024; together with the regular Badge Note, Book Reviews and Correspondence.

THE BULLETIN Issue 296 May 2024

The May issue of “The Bulletin” principal articles cover: Bands by Numbers; Uniforms of the Lanarkshire Yeomanry 1819-1900; Canada’s Mobile Command Flag 1987-1991; Insignia of the Hampshire Yeomanry and Carabiniers. There are also shorter articles on: Badge Notes; Trial Uniforms; Lt Col Montagu Albert Ormsby; Infantry Glengarry Badges of the 76th Regiment of Foot; Bandmasters’ Promotions, Pay and Additional Incomes 1855-1920; The Green Cross Corps; together with the usual sections on Book Reviews and Correspondence.

MHS SPECIAL NUMBER 2023: The British Infantry Tunic 1855-1914 by Bryan Fosten

The 2023 Special Number entitled “The British Infantry Tunic 1855-1914” was circulated with the November Bulletin. It was written by the late Bryan Fosten and we are indebted to his family for allowing us to publish his unpublished manuscript and to our Editor, Gary Gibbs, a very close friend of the Fosten brothers, who has facilitated the publication. Readers will be very familiar with Bryan’s magnificent illustrations for the popular Osprey series of military titles and his own Thin Red Line publication. A full tribute is carried in the Special Number but, suffice it to say that, as a long-standing supporter of the MHS, it is hoped that this Special Number will serve as a lasting tribute to one of the finest military uniform researchers and illustrators of recent times.

THE REVIEW, DURBAR & THE BULLETIN

We are delighted to announce that we have been able to digitise the complete run of “The Review”, the Journal of The Naval Historical Collectors & Research Association. This is now fully searchable on the MHS website alongside the complete runs of “The Bulletin” and “Durbar”. Members are able to search both titles and text and can view the entire articles. Non-Members can also search on key words to find the titles of relevant articles, but are not able to view the text without becoming a Member of the Society. Go to the Search button on the top menu of the website.

MHS SPECIAL NUMBER 2022: RECONSTITUTION – The formation of the Armies of India and Pakistan – August 1947

The ground breaking and superbly illustrated Special Number for 2022 by Tony McClenaghan entitled "Reconstitution - The Formation of the Armies of India and Pakistan - August 1947" was circulated to all Members of the Society with the November issue of The Bulletin. With the cooperation of our own Member, Sqn Ldr Rana Chhina in Delhi, and Ian Maine and his team at the National Army Museum, who worked magnificently to provide information and illustrations from the Field Marshal Chapple Collection of Indian Army badges which they now hold, this Special Number is set to provide a definitive and enduring guide to the subject. The publication starts with a 20-page essay on the background to and the process of Reconstitution and is followed by 76 pages illustrating and describing the pre- and post-1947 badges of the various Regiments and Corps. The issue concludes with a 5-page bibliography. The work is complemented by a newly drawn Map of the Indian Army Regimental Centres (excluding Gurkhas) in August 1947 which is folded in a pocket on the inside back cover.

Further copies are available to both Members and the public at £12 plus postage through the Society Shop on the website.

SOCIETY SHOP

Back numbers of The Bulletin, Durbar and Special Numbers can be ordered from the shop. However, please note that the back numbers of Durbar are held in a separate location. Combined orders for MHS & IMHS publications will therefore be despatched by different people and incur two postal charges.

It is also worth reminding potential customers that Members of the Society can search, read and download the entire run of ‘The Bulletin’ (from 1950 until today) and of ‘Durbar’ (1984-2020) and ‘The Review’ (1988-2015) on the website. For a very reasonable membership fee, now might be a good time to join the Society to obtain access to this historical archive, as well as receiving all the current publications as soon as they are issued. Go to “Membership” on the top menu of this site.