Lives of the First World War

John, in his uniform of the South Wales Borderers

From 1903 to 1908 or thereabouts, this would have been how a British infantryman in marching order would look like. In due course, the 1908 pattern Mills webbing and the 1905 Service Dress cap would supersede these items. 9230 enlisted on 18-Jun-1906 & 9259 enlisted on 03-jul-1906. so 9243 Sewell can be deduced to have enlisted late June 1906, and presumably had his photo taken in Bethnal Green in the following 12 months. 'The ensemble in Marching Order can not be put on by one man, in one go and it requires two men to assemble. Wearing the Equipment makes one very grateful and aware of just how fantastic, comfortable and utterly superior the 1908 Web Equipment is.' Brodrick cap mentioned in Hansard 16 December 1908 vol 198 c18461846 §MR. COURTENAY WARNER I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he will consider the desirability of withdrawing from issue the remainder of the obsolete-pattern cap with canvas, cover for infantry Special Reserves, improperly called the "Brodrick

'A Private of the Coldstream Guards, August 1914. He wears standard Service Dress and the early version of the 1908 webbing, including large pack. He is armed with the 1903 SMLE with 'long range sights' and a 1907 Pattern bayonet with the hook quillon; this had largely been removed from such bayonets by 1914, but some remained in issue.'

The khaki uniform and sun helmet was very similar to the uniform worn by the Germans. To distinguish themselves from the Germans, the distinctive Japanese Army raincoats were issued to some men.

This replaced the 1888 Slade Wallace pattern webbing in use up to the Anglo Boer War. In turn, it was replaced in the British Army by the 1908 pattern webbing, but continued to be used by the Indian Army.

This certificate was awarded to John Rowland Sewell for passing four examinations in Scriptural Knowledge.

The Soldier's Small Book contained a record of John's service and other day-to-day information about Army service that he would need and find useful

This is the inside front page of the Soldier's Small Book and shows that this edition was printed in 1905.

This extract records John's name and details of his attestation. (Next-of-kin details have been redacted.)

This page summarises John's service record, up to November 1913.

This page shows that John qualified for mounted infantry service.

This postmark shows that this card is dated 28 September 1907 and that it was posted in Aldershot.

This image is the 'picture side' of John's postcard to his mother dated 28 September 1907. The names of the soldiers are not given but it is possible that John is seated at the very front with the SWB cap.

John sent this postcard to his mother. The message on the reverse read "Just these few lines hoping you are well. I received your letter quite safe. I have postponed my visit till the first on account of the London draft. This is a photo of our Christmas dinner-my photo is marked with a black spot above my head."

John sent this picture postcard to his sister Eliza. Unfortunately he gave no description of the event and the postcard is undated so we do not know what the occasion was, where or when.

This is the message side of John's military marching band postcard to his sister. A pity that he did not elaborate on the picture!

One of a set of 6 picture postcards depicting various aspects of the South Wales Borderers.

This undated postcard was sent by John to Eddy Killenbeck. We do not, however, know who Eddy was. Most likely to have been a friend.

One of a set of 6 picture postcards depicting various aspects of the South Wales Borderers.

John sent this postcard to his sister Eliza (and my Grandmother) from Andover in 1906. He refers to Eliza working at Waterlows; I have a workplace photograph of Eliza and her work colleagues and my father has suggested on the reverse that it might be at 'Waterlows'. I have also noted that John's Soldier's Small Book was printed by Waterlow & Sons, London. Possibly the same company.

One of a set of 6 picture postcards despicting various aspects of the South Wales Borderers. The reverse (message) side is blank.

One of a set of 6 picture postcards depicting various aspects of the South Wales Borderers. The reverse (message) side is blank.

One of a set of 6 picture postcards depicting various aspects of the South Wales Borderers. The reverse (message) side is blank.

One of a set of 6 picture postcards depicting various aspects of the South Wales Borderers. The reverse (message) side is blank.

This photograph is understood by the family to be of John Sewell. It is not, however, marked as such and confirmation is subject to further verification.

He enlisted in June 1906. At a guess, this is taken later in the year, when he was with the 2nd Battalion in Aldershot, after his 3 months basic training at Brecon.