Photograph. Naval Shore Forces. (Likely Nicaragua 1912-1915)

[world war I nerd]

Another recent pick-up of a (presumably) pre-WW I Navy shore party possibly in the tropics or maybe Central America?

 

I think it's probably the Philippines … What do you 'all think?

 

Also, who's the guy wearing the campaign hat … Army … Constabulary ... other?

 

His hat has some sort of a badge or insignia on it. Does anybody know what it is?

 

I appreciate the help, & thanks for looking,

 

World War I Nerd ...

 

 

[world war I nerd]

Closer view of the shore party & the mysterious campaign hat wearing man.

[world war I nerd]

And an even closer view of the mysterious campaign hat insignia.

 

What is it?

[cwnorma]

Well, lets see. They have 1903 rifles and 1906 bayonets so the photo at least post-dates the introduction of those.

 

It looks like the man in the campaign hat has taken a USN officer's mohair braid and embroidered officers device from a peaked cap and affixed it to his campaign hat. At least thats how it looks to me.

 

I've never seen that done before, but who knows what was done in far-flung ports of call?

 

Chris

[RustyCanteen]

Off the top of my head, the USN did not adopt the M1903 until 1910-1911. Interesting image!

[Dirk]

Agreed. An Navy officers device added to a campaign hat. I will vote Nicaragua 1912

[world war I nerd]

Chris & Dirk, the badge does appear to be a U.S. Navy officers' cap badge on the campaign hat.

 

Thanks for the quick ID!

 

Now if we can just pin a date on this thing ...

[mjerickson]

can we determine anything from the version of the American flag?? the stars seem pretty big. by 1912 it would be a 48 star flag.

[MastersMate]

The crew appears to be in the 'undress' white uniform. Was there not a change to USN uniform regs in 1913 or so authorizing the use of khaki dye on those landing party uniforms.

 

The petty officer sitting on the flatbed has a rating badge on the right sleeve. Could indicate either seamans branch or a watch mark (stbd or port)

 

A couple of the sailors have a left arm watch mark/branch mark.

 

That also changed around 1913 to seamans branch on the right arm and engineroom force on the left arm..

[MastersMate]

USN General Order 132 of Jan 1915 authorized the issue of khaki dye for uniforms used by the landing party..

[world war I nerd]

Masters Mate, thanks for your insight into Navy regs and uniform details.

 

Here's a close-up of the rating badge for possible ID ...

[MastersMate]

There appears to be a crossed specialty make. That would make him either a boatswain's mate or gunner's mate. Both would be available for landing party. The sailor just to the left of the officer is wearing a blue flat hat.. Any possibility of making out the ships name across the front of the cap ???

[world war I nerd]

No luck with the hat tally. It looks like the hat (or the tally) is turned and the tally is just beginning over his left shoulder.

[MastersMate]

Good enlargement, too bad Popeye there could not wear his blue cap squared away. Would have been able to make out the ships name..