Rifleman, 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles, Mesopotamia, 1916.jpg

During the Great War British forces fought in the snows of western Europe and the malarial heat of central Africa. But they also endured the discomfort of campaigning in the deserts of Mesopotamia in an attempt to defeat the Ottoman Empire.

This soldier has, most likely, come to the Middle East from service in India. His uniform is much different to that worn in India and indeed by the first forces to operate in what was to become Iraq. Gone are the sun helmet and drill or serge jacket, He wears the practical felt hat with drill puggaree. Whether this had a badge attached to the left brim, I don’t know. Instead of a jacket he wears the greyback shirt worn by soldiers under the tunic or jacket. This had a low stand collar, which is worn open here. The sleeves are rolled up, slightly, in the heat. The shirt is tucked into serge breeches worn with putties and boots. His equipment is the 1908 webbing pattern, to support his SMLE rifle and bayonet.