Decipher Family Photographs: Photograph of an officer

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Photograph of an officer

This is 2nd Lieutenant Wilfred Owen - the poet - looking well-groomed and smart. Although by no means the richest of officers Owen's uniform has been tailored to fit him. His cap badge and his lapel badges denote his regiment (the Manchester's), and his rank badges can be seen on the cuff of his sleeve. Some uniforms have these badges of rank attached to the shoulder straps to make them a less conspicuous target for the enemy. The officers' Service Dress tunic features an open collar - to be worn with shirt and tie. Breeches, riding-boots or laced 'trench-boots', and caps were also bought by officers leading to a variety of styles.