Kilted Leftenant in North Africa, circa 1942

[macwilkin]

Jim, excellent point! British officers as well as Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) tended to carry swagger or pace sticks as symbols of authority.

The swagger stick became somewhat popular with some American officers (Patton and MacArthur, for example) during the First World War; The "China Marines" (American Marines stationed in China until the beginning of the Second World War) became very enamored with them after serving with British forces "on China Station" -- some historians believe that the American adoption of the officer's mess or "dining in" came from this experience as well.

By the way, I can't see the OP's photo. I'd love to see it.