The Paraguayan War 1865-70

Argentinian Uniforms and Army

by David A. Stewart
Maps by Karasa
Illustrations by Archambault

THE ARGENTINE ARMY

The Argentine Army should have mustered about 30,000 men, but only a part of these were available for service at the front. This was due to the constant state of antagonism between Buenos Aires and the outlying provinces, sometimes erupting into open warfare. In the end it was the regulars and the National Guard of the city and province of Buenos Aires who carried the war effort. For the first part of the war about 15,000 men were maintained at the front, and the overall Allied commander was Argentina's President, General Bartolome Mitre. Argentine units contained a high proportion of European immigrants, and were usually considered steady and reliable. (Not because Europeans necessarily make better soldiers, but because a number of them would have been veterans of the numerous small wars of the 1850's.)

Argentine infantry battalions were organized in six company battalions, with a strength of around 500, though it was often less on campaign. Two companies were designated flank companies (grenadier and light), though there was probably no functional difference. Cavalry followed the Brazilian organization. Forthe most part troops were issued percussion rifled muskets. The regulars consisted of seven infantry battalions, nine cavalry regiments, four horse and twenty foot batteries, and various garrison and frontier troops. The city and province of Buenos Aires National Guards mustered between them 29 infantry battalions, and 21 cavalry regiments, one consisting of Paraguayan expatriots.

ARGENTINE UNIFORMS

Infantry: The Argentine infantry uniform was modeled very closely on the French Chasseur ~ Pied uniform. it consisted of a kepi, blue for the 2nd through 5th Battalions, the Volunteer Legion, and the ist Volunteer Legion. It was red for the 2nd Battalion, the Military Legion, and the 2nd

Volunteer Legion. The short coat was blue with red collar, cuffs, and epaulettes, and brass buttons; except for the ist Volunteer Legion who wore a red coat faced black. Normally, white trousers were worn, though sometime the blue with a red stripe were seen. Officers of the ist and 2nd Battalions and the Military Legion had red trousers. Gaiters were white. Belts and equipment were black. In summer a white coat was usually worn, sometimes with the epaulettes attached. A white kepi cover was also frequently used.

Cavalry: Knotel describes the Argentine cavalry as "French style". Generally, their uniform resembled the infantry's, with boots and cavalry equipment replacing the infantry gear.

Bodyguard Regiment: This unit served as General Mitre's escort. It wore the cavalry uniform with a white plastron on the coat, and a shako with a white falling plume.

National Guard: The National Guard wore a light blue-gray uniform with a white covered kepi.

Foot Artillery: The foot batteries wore the infantry dress.

Horse Artillery: The horse batteries wore a red kepi, green coat with red distinctions, and white trousers.

Left: Brazilian Cavalry in Gaucho Dress. Black hat, white "bombachas" (Gaucho pants).
Middle: Brazilian Infantry
Right: Argentinian Infantry (winter uniform)

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