British Napoleonic Uniforms

Product Information

One in twenty (5%) of the officers from regular battalions had been raised from the ranks, and less than 20% of first commissions were by purchase.

Six women per company were officially "on the strength" and could accompany their husbands on active service, receiving rations and places on troop transports. There were also ad-hoc units, such as the Michigan Fencibles and the Mississippi Volunteer Artillery which served in a specific theatre, such as the west around Prairie du Chien and Credit Island. It is traditionally fastened with a set of leather straps and buckles on the wearer's left-hand side (in some units to their front), but may alternatively have a metal locket arrangement, or a plate at the front bearing regimental, or formation insignia. This was not entirely rigid, and most regiments had a significant proportion of English, Irish, Scots and Welsh together, except for certain deliberately exclusive regiments. The Home Service Helmet was introduced in 1879 and the Foreign Service pith helmet was used in hot climates.

Infantry Warrant Officers Class Two and SNCOs wear a scarlet (for WOs) or crimson (for SNCOs) sash over the right shoulder to the hip. Many of the troops and British soldiers discharged in Canada received land grants and became settlers.

It consisted of three companies and between 1796 and 1803 served in the West Indies to man guns in forts there. Guadeloupe was recaptured in 1796 by Victor Hugues, who subsequently executed 865 French Royalists and other prisoners. New for 2018, a new style of flap - with side tabs and a waistband, which makes them more period correct. In December 1752, the wings were reserved for grenadier companies only, followed by the light infantry in 1770. The Intelligence Corps, SAS and SRR have never had a design of full dress, and the SAS nor SRR had a design for mess dress.They were armed with the Pattern 1796 light cavalry sabre, which was very sharply curved and generally used for cutting only. This "Personal Clothing System (Combat Uniform)" has been developed for use across the British Armed Services, making use of the latest in clothing technology. They were expected to be literate, but otherwise came from varied educational and social backgrounds. Another item of headwear authorized (but not provided) for optional wear on informal parades in Nos 2 or 6 dress is the side cap; it may also optionally be worn with Nos 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13 and 14 dress. The London Regiment and existing Yeomanry regiments have a variety of colours for their various sub-units.

In 1831, this distinction was extended to the other two regiments of foot guards ( Coldstream and Scots) in existence at that date. The heavy cavalry (excepting the Household Cavalry who adopted a helmet with a prominent woolen comb and the Scots Greys, who retained their bearskins) adopted a helmet with a horsetail crest like those of French dragoons or cuirassiers, while the light dragoons adopted a jacket and shako similar to those of French chasseurs a cheval. but with the shirt sleeves rolled up to above elbow level or the issued short sleeve barrack dress shirt.

In 1803, Sir John Moore converted two regiments (the 43rd Foot and his own regiment, the 52nd Foot), to light infantry at Shorncliffe Camp, the new specialised training camp for light infantry. Close-fitting white pantaloons, tucked into tall Hessian or riding boots were worn, often covered with grey wool and leather overalls on campaign, in addition to a dark blue, later grey, double-breasted greatcoat. Out of 89,000 British soldiers who served in the West Indies, 43,747 died of yellow fever or other tropical diseases. Troops from other services, regiments or corps on attachment to units with distinctive coloured berets often wear the latter with their own cap badge. The tunic is supplied with the Sergeants chevrons but not the Crossed flag insignia that is illustrated.