Article about: Shoulder titles were worn by Other Ranks on the Service Dress uniform on each shoulder strap. These were made of brass. On 1 July 1899, the Royal Artillery was divided into three groups: the
Shoulder titles were worn by Other Ranks on the Service Dress uniform on each shoulder strap. These were made of brass.
On 1 July 1899, the Royal Artillery was divided into three groups: the Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery comprised one group, while the coastal defence, mountain, siege and heavy batteries were split off into another group named the Royal Garrison Artillery. The third group continued to be titled simply Royal Artillery, and was responsible for ammunition storage and supply. Which section a gunner belonged to was indicated by the shoulder titles (R.A., R.F.A., R.H.A., or R.G.A.). The RFA and RHA also dressed as mounted men, whereas the RGA dressed like foot soldiers. These three sections effectively functioned as separate corps. This arrangement lasted until 1924, when the three were amalgamated once more to became one Regiment.
Collecting these items offers the collector an opportunity to create a large collection at still reasonable prices. These kind of items are still fairly safe to buy without too much fear of reproductions. Another interesting aspect about shoulder titles is that some Regt's had these made at Regimental expence after they were officially abolished. So it is possible to find these, made of brass, but dating from the more modern era.
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