68th (Durham) Regiment
of Light Infantry 1814

Part 1: Clothing and Necessities

by Keith Raynor


In the late spring of 1814, that "most complete machine", as Wellington was to describe his former Peninsula Army, was dispersed, its presence no longer required. After nearly three years service in the 7th Division of that army, the 68th Light Infantry was ordered to return to Ireland and Home Service.

The 175th Anniversary of Waterloo, 1990. The 68th Display in action with the Canadian Brigade in the background. Photograph: R. Jobling

The 68th's service had been arduous and it was a weak battalion which landed on Erins shores in the autumn of 1814, having seen action at Salamanca, Vittoria, Pyrennes, Nivelle, Orthes and many minor Skirmishes.

The following article will describe the Uniform and equipment which developed into that used and worn by a private soldier of the 68th at the close of the Peninsula campaign in 1814. Also included in the article will be a short account of the 68th Display Team; and a description of the Light Infantry loading and firing drill, as practised by the recreated regiment.

To understand the Uniform of the Light Infantry of 1814 it is important to comprehend the system of supply and issue of clothing and equipment to the soldier. There were several ways by which the army clothed and armed itself. Each one having a slightly different means of procurement, issue, account and receipt. These methods can be classified as follows:

Clothing

A regimental suit or the basic full dress clothing was provided at the 68th's Colonel's expense, which was reimbursed by the government. The clothing was issued once a year on the 25th of December. If it required replacement before the next issue, or if that issue was late, there was no alternative available. On the other hand, if the recipient transferred or was discharged he would take his clothing with him.

After it was issued the clothing would sometimes be totally taken apart, fitted and remade by hand by the regimental tailors. As appearance far outweighed any other considerations the clothing would be very tight fitting and smart, although extremely uncomfortable. The clothing would include:

    1 Cap : Stovepipe (felt part once a year, leather part once every two years)
    1 Tuft (supplied annually for stovepipe shako)
    1 Leather Cockade (supplied every two years)
    1 Plate (Bugle Horn in Light Infantry, supplied every two years)
    1 Jacket
    1 Waistcoat (also called a sleeved waistcoat or Fatigue Jacket)
    1 pair Grey Pantaloons (if on foreign service from 1811)
    1 pair of Breeches (if on Home service)
    1 pair of Military Shoes.

NOTE : If the 68th had been issued with the Belgic Shako then the following would have applied:

    Cap : Belgic ( one in every two years
    1 Cap Case (Oil skin cover made of prepared linen)

Necessaries

Necessaries were items deemed vital by Horse Guards to the soldier discharging his duties. Expanded at the discretion of the Regiments Commanding Officer the items required as necessaries were purchased by the soldier when he joined his unit. They were periodically inspected and if in bad repair or deficient, replaced, again at his expense. Necessaries would include the following:

    1 pair of breeches ( if on Home Service)
    1 pair Grey Pantaloons ( if on foreign service from 1812
    2 Shirts
    3 pairs of Stockings ( made of worsted or yarn ) if on Home service.
    1 pair of Long Black Gaiters ( if on Home service
    3 pair of Ankle socks ( made of worsted or yarn ) if on foreign service.
    1 pair of short Grey Gaiters ( if on foreign service from 1811
    1 Black Stock
    1 Stock Clasp
    1 pair of Breeches slings ( i.e. braces
    1 pair of Overalls ( for fatigues
    1 Foraging Cap
    2 Brushes
    1 Comb with small teeth on one side.
    1 Razor
    1 Sponge
    Soap and Shaving brush, without box.
    Turnscrew, brush and worm.
    1 pair of worsted or yarn mittens, when required by the climate.
    1 pair of shoes
    1 Greatcoat ( regarded as a necessary but provided at the public expense )
    1 Set of Greatcoat straps.
    1 Knapsack and slings.
    Brickdust, Emery and Oil for cleaning (at the public expense)
    Pipeclay
    Blackball

In addition to Horse Guards recommended list above, the Soldier could also have to purchase the following:

    2 False frills
    1 Shaving box
    1 buffstick
    1 buttonstick
    2 Towels
    1 Knife
    1 Oil-tin or bottle
    1 Muzzle-stopper
    1 Knee-pad ( for light infantry
    1 Set of Soles and Heels for shoes.
    1 Small articles case
    1 Hammer cap
    1 sight cap
    1 Handvice

Infantry Appointments

From Ordnance stores the soldier received his appointments at the government's expense. Being more durable, expensive and ,to an extent of a universal pattern throughout the army, these items were accountable and would be reissued on the soldiers discharge or transfer. Because they were likely to be in circulation far longer than other items, they would be listed in a separate account from uniform clothing and necessaries, etc. within the regiment. The appointments would include:

    1 Ammunition Pouch
    1 Pouch Belt
    1 Bayonet Belt
    1 Breast Plate
    1 Firelock Sling

Arms

Issued from the Tower of London, these would include not only the soldiers weapons, but also such items as would have been issued with them.

    1 Firelock (The 68th being issued with the New Land Pattern Light Infantry Musket with a "Lock and Butt Cover")
    1 Rammer
    1 Bayonet
    1 Bayonet Scabbard

Campaign Equipment

These items were deemed necessary for the soldier to carry out his duties in the " field ". They were not an everyday article to be found on Home Service or in barracks, but issued from government stores at the commencement of a campaign, or to replace equipment lost during one.

    1 Blanket
    1 Canteen (3 pint)
    1 Canteen Strap
    1 Haversack
    1 Camp Kettle (to every six men), or 1 Mess tin and strap (each man
    1 Billhook (to every six men)
    2 Tent Pegs (when tentage issued

The above lists have been compiled from those contained in Regimental Standing Orders and Clothing Warrants. The items listed could have been issued to a soldier of the 68th, though as can be seen, all the above equipment and clothing could not be carried by any individual soldier at once. Whilst it is true that there were a few depots where possessions could be left when on campaign, the soldier did have some logistical support.

Period prints such as Pynes depicting the army on the march, show a quantity of baggage wagons loaded with chests, cases and bundles. A large proportion of these would hold the soldiers spare clothing. Baggage wagons, carts and pack mules loaded with these essentials continually followed the armys footsteps trying to ~keep it supplied with clothing and camp equipage. The soldier himself only carried items necessary for his immediate survival in the field.

68th (Durham) Regiment of Light Infantry 1814

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