Grenadier Guards officer's cap

item details

NameGrenadier Guards officer's cap

ProductionEdward Smith; manufacturer(s); 1915; United Kingdom

Classificationmilitary uniforms, caps, hats

Materialswool, leather, plastic

DimensionsOverall: 260mm (width), 110mm (height), 270mm (length)

Registration NumberGH018077

Credit lineGift of Nicky Riddiford, 2016

Overview

This Grenadier Guards officer's cap belonged to Daniel Henry Strother Riddiford (1883-1971). Like several other New Zealanders with ties to Britain (the 'Mother Country'), he left New Zealand after the outbreak of the First World War (1914-19) in the hope of gaining a commission in a British regiment, which he received in late 1915.

Lieutenant Riddiford became a Transport Officer with the Grenadier Guards. He was awarded a Military Cross in 1917 for his courage under fire. The Evening Post reported: 'when in charge of pack animals bringing rations to the battalion, Lieutenant Daniel H. S. Riddiford, Grenadier Guards (Wellington) showed great coolness and skill in leading his convoy forward when it came under a heavy enemy barrage. It was due to this initiative that the battalion received its rations in time, and that lives were saved' (13 July 1918, p. 7).

His wife Jessie Meta Riddiford (nee Johnston) and their young children travelled to Britain in 1916 to be nearer to him. They all returned to New Zealand in 1920, and Daniel returned to farming in the Wairarapa. However, he retained his strong ties with Britain by sending his children to British secondary schools between the wars.