It is with a regiment as with a wife, you espouse her for life and are one flesh with her. You must never permit the least reproach to be spoken against her, as you love your own honour.'

-Sergeant Lamb, 9th Regiment (Barnett, 54)

 

Private, Light Infantry Company, 38th Regiment of Foot c. 1775-1783

Members of the British infantry wear this tight-fitting scarlet 'greatcoat' over a sleeved 'waistcoat' designed both to dignify the common soldier, and intimidate less organized enemies. For this reason, soldiers are expected to order their uniforms carefully, and maintain an immaculate veneer during all exercises. (Barnett, 74-75)

Greatly influenced by contemporary Prussian uniforms, the common soldiers also wears pipeclayed breeches and long buttoned gaiters with tight belts and straps. Although uniforms are, of course, requisite for all military duties, their price of their purchase and maintenance will be docked from your normal pay-trust your commanding officer to secure your uniform. (Brereton, 39)

 

Although the design of the red coat and breeches are similar across different regiments, the design of buttons, lace trim, and other details are at the discretion of the commanding officer.

Consequently, the particular details of a man's uniform identifies his specific division. These details should be sources of pride for all regiments-an outward expression of their unconditional loyalty and solidarity. (Barnett, 75)

Infantrymen also wear a variety of hats across the course of the century, from the tricorn hats of the Seven-Year War, to the cocked dragoon helmets of the American Revolution.

Footwear is also variable, and although all soldiers are issued leather boots, the length, weight and style of these boots are dependent on the regimental division. (Barnett, 76)

Back to Arms and Equipment - Back to the Home Page

Enlist Today! - Salary and Benefits - Learn about Redcoat History
Bibliography - Eighteenth-century England Home