The University and Public Schools Brigade Royal Fusiliers WW1 Silver topped Bamboo Swagger Stick (dated 1914)

 Here we have a rare WW1 era silver topped bamboo swagger stick.

Fully hallmarked for Birmingham 1914 and we believe the maker is J Howell & Co Ltd, though the makers marks are rubbed and hard to read.

The top of the silver finial is embossed with the interwound initials "U.P.S" which is the monogram for The University and Public Schools Brigade Royal Fusiliers . 

Formed in September 1914 at the direct outbreak of the First World War, the University and Public Schools (U.P.S.) Brigade comprised the 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st Service Battalions of the Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment).

It stands as one of the most unique and elite "Pals" units in British military history.

The "Gentleman Rankers": The brigade was raised exclusively from volunteer university students, recent graduates, and elite public school alumni who rushed to enlist together as private soldiers.

The Officer Nursery: Because of their high level of education, the War Office used the brigade as a massive reservoir for leadership.

Over 3,000 U.P.S. men were rapidly commissioned as officers into other regiments before ever leaving England.

Western Front Service: In late 1915, the remaining core of the brigade deployed to France as part of the 33rd Division, enduring brutal trench warfare in the La Bassée and Béthune sectors.

The Somme & High Wood: The brigade fought with immense bravery during the 1916 Somme Offensive, suffering catastrophic casualties during the infamous, bloody assaults on High Wood.

Disbandment: Due to severe combat losses and the continuous draining of its men for officer commissions, the brigade was officially disbanded in France in mid-1916 to reinforce other units.

The bamboo cane measures 71cms and, in itself, is in a good condition. It is tipped with a white metal tip.

 The photographs are of the actual item and form part of the description. 

 Please examine the photographs carefully and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Full history of the Brigade can be download from here: