The Volunteer, 1859-1908

102 manly colour plates taken from various contemporary sources, illustrating the many and varied uniforms of The British Volunteer Force 1859-1908. This part-time military force which came into being to meet the mid-nineteenth century fear of French invasion. It survived and grew for fifty years until in 1908 it was renamed and remodelled as the Territorial Force. Composed initially of middle-class and often middle-aged gentlemen who elected their own officers and paid for their own uniform and equipment, the Volunteer Force soon became youthful and working-class,with appointed middle-class officers, with a a Government subsidy, and a minor military role as an adjunct to the Regular Army. Lively commentary from expert Ray Westlake on each plate enhances their usefulness for the modern uniformologist.