This photograph of John O'Brien as a Master Gunner 3^rd Class was taken by ?? Avenell & Co. of 48 west Street in Brighton while he was with the Royal Garrison Artillery at Fort Rowner in Gosport. This location information along with his name has been written on the back of the photo. There is no photographers backmark on the photograph. John O'Brien held the rank of Master Gunner 3^rd Class from the 13^th of March 1894 to the 1^st of July 1899. This photograph would have been taken some time during this time period. [1]

The front of this photograph carries the label, "Uncle Jack". It is known that John O'Brien's eldest brother, William John O'Brien was also in the Royal Artillery with the 10^th Brigade. It is possible that this photo was owned by one of William's children thus the reference to "Uncle Jack".

During the period from 1881 to 1915 there were three classes of Master Gunner. The lowest class was 3^rd Class which was a non-commissioned officer rank (O'Brien in this photo). The 2^nd and 1^st Class Master Gunner rank was a warrant officer rank. All Master Gunners wore the cocked hat in full dress uniform. The 3^rd Class Master Gunner was the only other rank of the Royal Artillery that was wearing the cocked hat during this period.

The tunic (1891 pattern) was blue with a scarlet collar edged with Royal Gold cord. The collar badges are two gilt grenades. The shoulder straps are gold cord loops instead of straps. This reflects the 1891 change to this part of the uniform. The pouch belt is white buff leather. The tunic fastened down the front with nine gilt buttons. The sleeves are embellished with an Austrian knot of gold cord edged around with a narrow flat gold braid. Worn above the right sleeve ornament and below the elbow is the gun badge which distinguishes his rank as a Master Gunner 3^rd Class. The gun is always worn pointed forward.

He is wearing a Sergeant's 2^nd Pattern, Swords Staff Sergeants (the word order is correct). This pattern was worn after 1888 when this pattern was introduced. The sword has a slightly curved 32 1/2 inch blade, a gilt guard, and a metal scabbard and mounts. The sword knot and sword hangers are white buff leather.

The medals in this photograph are the 2^nd Afghan with the clasp "Kandahar" and the Kabul to Kandahar Star, both earned as a sixteen year old trumpeter, the 1854 India General Service medal with clasps for "Burma 1885-7" and "Sikkim 1888", and the Victorian Army Long Service and Good Conduct medal.