Subteniente (2nd Lieutenant) Ernesto Alvarez of the Ecuadorian army posed for his portrait at the Pacific port city of Portoviejo, Ecuador in December 1916.

 

He wears a tropical service uniform in what appears to be either white or very light khaki cotton. Although he carries a saber and wears spurred riding boots these may have been emblems of his officer rank not necessarily marks of him being attached to a cavalry unit. His tropical service helmet appears to be of French manufacture. He is additionally armed with a small frame semi-automatic pistol and carries a fabric-covered water bottle.

Since Ecuador was at peace with its neighbors in 1916 he was in all likelihood a member of the Portoviejo garrison, perhaps performing police duties. One additional mention of Alvarez has been found in the 28 June 1933 issue of Republica del Ecuador Resitro Oficial which shows him still stationed at Portoviejo but having been promoted capitan (captain) by that date.


Cabinet Photograph
Unknown - Photographer
Portoviejo, Ecuador
4 December 1916