by Rudy Scott Nelson
Uniform Notes A. The uniform notes on the Grenadier Battalion Linsignen refer to the dress of the two attached companies of the Hessian Guard. This and the other Grenadier battalions were converged units. As such, the attached companies continued to wear the facing colors and cap cloth colors of their parent unit. B. Upon arrival to North America most Hesse-Casel Musketeer and Fusilier regiments were issued overalls in place of trousers for campaign duty. These came in a variety of colors including brown, canvas (tan), and red or blue stripped. Since they fought in firing platoons rather than companies, it is likely that a mix of patterns could be found in a single unit. For garrison duty, the men wore their white or straw-colored trousers. C. On the Hat note column the following abbreviations are used :
LD = Light Dragoon black leather cap G= A Grenadier tall Mitre cap with an additional letter indicating metal color and cloth color. F= A short Fusilier cap with an additional letter indicating metal color and cloth color. S= Silver metal; B = Brass or Gold metal Cloth Color : Y = Yellow ; R= Red; W = White; C = Crimson; X = Blue; Z = Black; R =Rose D. The color Straw is close to buff. A dull yellow-brown. E. Unless noted otherwise, Musketeer and Grenadier crossbelts are white. Bruns Chasseur crossbelts are . H-C Jager crossbelts are tan. Fusilier crossbelts are F. Small clothes on miniatures is the vest area between the lapels. G. Trousers tended to be the same color as smallclothes. H. The troops wore various items on their legs such as high boots, gaiters and overalls. Gaiters on miniatures is the area between the ankle and knees. Gaiters are not worn with overalls which extend to the ankles. I. Unless otherwise noted the cuff and collars were the same color. J. The Hesse-Casel Garrison Regiments had Blue small clothes and trousers in 1776 but changed to Straw-colored when they arrived in North America. K. Anspach and Waldeck Grenadier companies wore Bearskin hats with facing color bags L. Brunswich Grenadier battalion facings has been reported as Black, Yellow and Regimental. M. Drummer uniforms: Hesse-casel: Dark Blue Coats; Red Lapels, turnbacks, sleeve chevrons, collars and cuffs; White Pants, belts and Small clothes; White hat trim. Drum was brass with red and white stiped top and bottom bands. Brunswick : Yellow coats with Regimental facings. Ludwig Drgn, Fredrich and Riedsel- Lgt Blue, Barner-Black, Rhetz-White, Specht- Red. All turnbacks/linings were red except for Ludwig Drgn Rgt which was Lgt Blue. Back to Time Portal Passages Table of Contents Back to Time Portal Passages List of Issues Back to MagWeb Master Magazine List © Copyright 1999 by Rudy Scott Nelson This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com |