Regimental Sergeant-Major Alfred C. Batchelor

 

 

Regimental Sergeant-Major Alfred C. Batchelor

 Walking Out Dress, c. 1911

 

 Batchelor enlisted in the Imperial Yeomanry on the 15th of November, 1895. He joined the 1st County of London Imperial Yeomanry (Rough Riders) when the regiment was formed in July of 1901. In 1902 the Lord Mayor of London and other influential City people successfully petitioned for the regiment's name to be changed to City of London Imperial Yeomanry (Rough Riders). Batchelor had risen to Acting Sergeant-Major by 1911 (the position this tunic is an example of). When the rank of warrant officer was introduced across the Regular Army in 1881, it was not extended to the Volunteer Force. As Regimental Sergeant-Majors were afforded the rank of warrant officer in the Regular Army, those in the Territorial Force were given the rank of Acting Sergeant-Major. Batchelor remained with the regiment as the Great War began. In 1915 warrant officers were permitted in the Territorial Force and Batchelor was then elevated. He was discharged from the army on the 3rd of September, 1918.