Figure 1.--This CDV was taken of G.B. Simson as a Royal Navy Cadet. The CDV is undated, but was probably taken in the 1870s. He was assigned to the "HMS Britannia".

This boy is G.B. Simson aged 14 in the uniform of a Royal Navy Cadet. The portrait was taken in Millport, probably during the 1870's. He was assigned to the HMS Britannia which was a training ship for the Royal Navy moored in the River Dart at Darmouth, Devon The cadet wears a dark peaked military cap with a badge. I'm not sure about the badge, but it probably is a badge for a Royal Navy cadet corps, we note the same badge being worn in the 1900s. He wears a jacket without a collar or lapels. There are brass buttons down the front and on the sleeve cuffs. The jacket was not won buttoned all the way. Notice the decorations at he collar. These were the same decorations that were being worn on lapels during the 1900s. I am not sure what they represent.

Identity

This boy is G.B. Simson. We know nothing furthr about him, except that he may be from Milport.

Portrait

Simson was 14 years old when he had his portrait taken in the uniform of a Royal Navy Cadet. The portrait was taken in Millport, probably during the 1870's.

Cadet

Simpson was assigned to the HMS Britannia which was a training ship for the Royal Navy moored in the River Dart at Darmouth, Devon.

Uniform

The cadet wears a dark peaked military cap with a badge and lapelless military jacket.

Badge

Note the badge on the cap. It is the standard Royal Navy badge. Note its use on susequent cadet caps. It is in fact still in use today.

Jacket

He wears a jacket without a collar or lapels. There are brass buttons down the front and on the sleeve cuffs. The jacket was not won buttoned all the way.

Decorations

Notice the decorations at he collar. These were the same decorations that were being worn on lapels during the 1900s. The decorations on the lapels of the cadets is the Officers rank distinction for a Cadet/Midshipman. It dates back to 1795 at least. The three buttons on the sleeve are another distinguishing mark.

Description

one author descries the cadet uniform, "Midshipmen had worn uniform since it had been introduced in 1748. Since then, and until the present day, the distinguishing feature of the midshipman's uniform has been the white collar patch. He wore a long single breasted coat which was unchanged by the regulations of 1795 and 1812. However, there were slow unofficial changes, and by 1812 his coat tended to be cut shorter in front becoming more like a jacket than a coat. The uniform regulations allowed plenty of scope to the individual, both in the cut of his coat and in the accessories." Brian Lavery, Nelsons Navy.

Created: May 2, 2002
Last updated: May 2, 2002