Arms, Armor and Militaria Online

Nominally 11" long by 10" wide at the widest point, roughly trapezoidal in shape with scalloped bottom edge. Three suspension rings are present along the top edge. An infantry hunting horn is attached to the face of the pouch. Marked H.E. Harbin Maj./2nd V.B. Somtt. Lt. Infty. in period ink on the inside. An image that is supposedly Harbin is inside one of the inner pockets and is signed on the back WM Crockett/3 Cleveland St/Taunton. Hand written notes that accompany the photo on a separate sheet indicate that the image which shows Harbin in full uniform and with a sabretache was a captain and instructor of musketry when the image was taken in July of 1881. At that time Harbin was in the 1st Battalion Somersetshire Light Infantry. Research in the British Army Lists indicate that Harbin was made a captain in the 3rd battalion of the Somersetshire Light Infantry on March 26, 1873. Additional research indicates that Harbin was then promoted to Major as of August 18, 1880 in the 2nd battalion, suggesting that some of the accompanying notes may not be quite accurate. The Army Lists indicate that he became the 2nd battalion's Lt. Colonel on January 22, 1887. Additional notes indicate that on June 12, 1892 he was awarded the "V.D." (Volunteer Officer's Decoration) as Lt. Colonel of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion of the Somersetshire Light Infantry. The 2nd Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry was raised in 1858. It saw service during the Third Burmese War (1885-1887) and the Boer War of 1899-1902, including fighting at the Relief of Ladysmith. During WWI the 2nd battalion saw service in India. Further research regarding Harbin and his service could prove fruitful.