Original British WWI Officers Visor Parade Cap of Maj. C.D. Murton of the 5th Buffs, East Kent Regiment Original Items

Original Item: One of a Kind. Navy blue with red piping, this Officer’s Parade Visor Cap bears the Kent Cap badge of a winged Griffin, with a banner underneath reading THE BUFFS. The leather chin strap is held in place with matching regimental buttons. The peak is leather with a gilt bullion braid around the visor.

The maroon lining is marked on the crown with the maker’s name and address under the Royal Coat of arms with a King’s Crown:

F. W. FLIGHT
Army Tailor
HIGH STREET
WINCHESTER
& Aldershot

There is a label at the rear of the sweatband giving the name of the officer, size, and regiment:

Major. C. D. Murton
2I 7/8
5th Buffs

The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) first raised in 1572, and was the oldest regiments in the British Army, being third in order of precedence (ranked as the 3rd Regiment of the line). It went through various name changes over the years, and during WWI was known as the The Buffs (East Kent Regiment), under the command of Gen. Sir Arthur Henry Fitzroy Paget, GCB, KCVO. The Regiment raised numerous battalions which fought during WWI. The 5th (The Weald of Kent) Buffs served in England During WWI.

Research indicates that Major Charles Duncan Murton was born during 1866 in London, and Married Alice Hope Bradbury 1901 in Balham Hill. He was a member of The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) 5th Battalion. The major died suddenly on the 7th of September 1919 aged 53 years, and was buried in Cranbrook Cemetery, Cranbrook, Kent. He was Son of Sir Walter Murton, Kt., C.B., of Langton Green, Kent; husband of Alice H. Murton, of Cranbrook Lodge, Cranbrook, Kent.

We ere able to find a copy of his obituary:

Sevenoaks Chronicle and Kentish Advertiser – Friday 12 September 1919

SUDDEN DEATH OF MAJOR C.D. MURTON – The whole District was grieved on Sunday by the news that Major Charles Duncan Murton had suddenly expired at his residence at the age of 52 years. His health had not been good and he was receiving medical treatment, but his death took place with painful suddenness.

Major Murton was one of our most respected residents, and during over 30 years held the post of Clerk to The Justices. He was a member of the old-established firm of solicitors ‘ Messrs Murton, Clarke and Murton-Neale’. He was also Coroner for the District and Registrar of The County Court; Secretary of the Cranbrook Water Company; Clerk to the Parish Council, Clerk to the Income Tax Commissioners and Correspondent of the Governors of Queen Elizabeth’s School. Until compelled by the state of his health to retire, he commanded the Cranbrook Company of the Territorial Battalion of The Buffs, and on retirement he received the honorary rank of Major for his valuable services.

His loss will be deplored by all as an upright and conscientious professional man and a keen and able official. The deepest sympathy is felt for Mrs Murton in her bereavement. The funeral took place on Thursday at Cranbrook Cemetery amid many marks of respect. The service was conducted by the Rev. G. de Provis MA (the Vicar), assisted by the Rev D.W. Carmichael (Vicar of Kilndown) and the Rev A.B. Cole, the committed service at the cemetery being read by the Rev. D.W. Carmichael.

In splendid condition and well marked. Ready to display!