3 replies to this topic

[TRAJAN]

A printed list of effects filled in when granddad - of Irish/Lancashire origin and at the time serving with the Herefordshire Regiment - entered hospital at Alexandria in 1917 has a tick next to the line 'Dirk with sheath'. Any ideas as to what this was? It seems to be a regulation issue weapon if its is on the form...

Trajan

[khaki]

I would guess at it being a trench knife, either a modified bayonet or more likely a private purchase knife. The use of the term 'dirk' suggests to me that it is outside of the parameters of military issue, it is possible but I think unlikely that it was of Scottish origin unless there is a family or regimental connection.

khaki

[TRAJAN]

I also thought probably a trench knife. I'll copy thepage and post it, the thing being that this was listed in the pro-forma sheet as if it was a regular piece of equipment as with a bayonet or a regular personal effect as with underpants!

Trajan

[Joe Sweeney]

Trajan,

Dirks with scabbards and loops were issued by WO (Pattern sealed and recorded in the LoC unlike Skein Dhu's) to pipers and meant to be worn on active service with SD/KD.  I've not seen any issue beyond pipers and ypur relation being in the Herefords seems issue of a Dirk unlikely(??)

Joe Sweeney