NAM.1962-09-15-20

Cross-hilt sword, 71st (Highland Light Infantry), 1890 (c); belonging to Maj T L Jowitt, killed at Gallipoli, 1915; regulation broadsword blade with decoration including, the retailers name, Leaky, Graham [and] Co, and Queen Victoria’s cypher; interchangeable hilt pattern, at present fitted with the Undress Regimental cross-guard, with langets; the basket hilt, although providing good protection for the hand and wrist, restricted movement when thrusting, for which the modern blade was suited; in 1883 the Dress Regulations first authorised this hilt for Scottish Regiments on all occasions, except Levees and other full dress functions, when a removable basket hilt was worn; the 71st Regiment possibly adopted the cross hilt for all purposes at an the earlier date, 1858 (c).

World War One, Gallipoli (1915-1916)