When I first put this uniform on

Wed, Jul 28th 2021 at 1:00 am - 2:15 pm

A brief history of military uniform, combined with a look at Martin Passmore's personal uniform collection.

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The Club’s newest member, Martin Passmore, chose ‘When first I put this uniform on’ as the title of his talk. He began with a brief history of the evolution of British military uniforms and showed how what were once important battlefield features, such as the red coat or the gorget, have survived in the form of ceremonial dress. Martin started collecting military uniforms as a schoolboy when he chanced to see one for sale in Maidstone market and surprised schoolfriends and parents alike by spending all his pocket money to buy it. By the time of his 21^st birthday he was already a serious collector, as acknowledged by his parents with the gift of a splendid Ambassador’s costume. The collection continues to grow, through gifts as well as from private sales and auction. Medals are usually missing from uniforms that are put up for sale, as they have always been highly collectable. Military records regarding medal awards are not public information, so Martin has first to find a photograph of the wearer before searching for the right medals, a challenge that may take years to complete. One of his photographs showed the uniform’s owner at the signing of the Armistice that ended WWI. Despite the title of his talk - which reflected another of Martin’s interests since it is a Gilbert and Sullivan song - Martin said, in answer to a question, that the only uniforms he actually puts on himself are those to which he is entitled as a Colonel in the Army Cadet Force. This was just one of a great many questions, proving, as noted by John Peacock in his vote of thanks, what a fascinating talk it had been.

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