Danish-Norwegian Uniforms
Colors and Standards
The Great Northern War
1709-1720

1711-1715

by Dan Schorr

On 24 October 1711, Frederik IV ordered the Danish-Norwegian Army to adapt red as the coat color. The cut and appearance of the coat remained the same double breasted type as the previous grey model. The regulation of 1711 covered only those units present in Denmark at the time. Apporently, the units of the Auxiliary Corps in the service of the Maritime powers was unaffected. Facing colors for regiments were as follows:

NOTES

1. Breeches, kamisol/vest, and stockings for infantry were red, but a gaiter-like, over the knee stocking of white, grey or black, was worn for protection in the field.
2. Cavalry and dragoons had buff leather breeches and vests.
3. Schabraques were red and trimmed in the color of the lining.
4. Cavalry/Dragoon button colors unknown, but probably brass and pewter.
5. Tricorn lace probably in button color.
6. All cavalry wore a black cuirass, front and back plates. The term Kyrasser did not indicate any difference in equipment. It was purely an honorary title.
7. Neck cloth/stock was white.

Norwegian

NOTES

1. Tricorn lace was white in all cases.
2. As with the Danish infantry, the Norwegian infantry wore gaiter-like, over the knee stockings of white, grey, or black.
3. The Smalenske Regiment, and possibly others, may have had white button lace on coat, pocket flaps, and cuffs similar to cuff type C.
4. A replica of the uniform of the Vesterlenske Regiment in the museum at Fredriksten shows a single breasted uniform with red vest and breeches.
5. Neck cloth/stock was black.
6. Implementation proceded slowly in Norway. The Bergenhusiske Regiment did not receive its red uniforms until 1716, and the two Trondhjemske regiments were in red by the time of Charles XII's 1718 invasion.

Danish-Norwegian Uniforms: Colors and Standards of The Great Northern War 1709-1720


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