Having already covered the turncoat Protestants (Saxony and Denmark), I now discuss the remaining Protestant protagonists. Protestants tended to dress more soberly than their Catholic opponants and tended to be more uniformly dressed. The Protestants recognized the morale value and espre de corp that uniforms impart sooner than the Catholics. It also helped reduce desertion. The comments on Saxon miltia apply to many Protestant militas', if not their main army. The following list is known uniform colors for the lessor armies.

Protestant Union forces may have worn ruffs and dressed in bloomers and wambus. Early war Protestants also used the older style Birkheim helmets, Burgonets, and crested helmets. No specific colors are mentioned but blue seems to be the Protestant color of choice. For, example, the only color mentioned for both Brandenberg and Brunswick Wolfenbuttel (The Mad Halberstadters troops) is blue. Of course, three regiments of Brandenbergers sent to join the Poles in the 1630s ' defected to the Swedes, these troops are mentioned wearing 'Dark ' blue. So, Swedes could have some dark blue. What I find interesting is that the Brandenberg troops taken were raised as part of the Ducal Prussia contingent for the Polish Army, and as such should have been uniformed in black and yellow, Ducal Prussias ' colors. The problem with black is that it fades to green and you end up with green and faded yellow/brown, so maybe George William was trying to improve the long term look of his armies uniforms.

Palantine Guardsmen wore white uniforms with light blue trim, a possible reversal of the typical uniforms of the rank and file? It was common with drummers. Palantine was a major member of the Protestant Union, so blue is possible. English volunteers played a major role in the Lower Palantine battles against the Spanish and wore blue with yellow lining and white braiding, possibly Palantine forces wore this in general.

Mansfield had regiments named Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow but probably only were named after their flags ' colors and not their coats.

Hanoverian troops had red coats with grey stockings. Possibly blue shirts and brown pants complete the uniform.These troops were raised in 1630 to fight with Sweden. Hesse Cassel Some uniforms were dark blue with red stockings and possibly red or silver cuffs, (cuff colors for late war). Red or grey coats with grey pants were also used. Silver, blue and red from the coat of arms were used as trim. Mounted Jaegers were raised in 1631, 300 man company, and probably in blue.

Hanseatic League. Three regiments went over to the Swedes and were called the black Regiment. another source says Hansards wore white coats. Perhaps both are right and either would be correct.

Wurtemberg. sources in the early 1700's state that Wurtembergers traditionally wore white. Whether this tradition reaches back to the war is unproven, but likely. Yellow and black were the livery colors and would make a nice contrast to white uniforms, but I have no direct evidence to support.

Volunteers from Great Britian. The ECW provides plenty of examples of the type of clothing worn by individuals serving on the continent. Scots usually served the Protestant, the Irish served the Catholic. English volunteers served in both. The Scots had entire regiments in Danish, Swedish and French Armies. The English and Irish had Regiments in the Army of Flanders. English troops serving the Palantine, Mansfield, or the Duke of Hamilton are always mentioned in blue coats, and usually grey stockings.

Scottish troops did not wear tartan. for that matter what is known as tartan was not worn anywhere during this period. They did however, wear 'hodden grey' as did the English and the Irish.

HODDEN GREY was described as " motley or other sad green color, or russet" (p. 385 Oman). Anything from grey to red brown or dark green would suffice. I believe that tweed would be appropriate for these homespun articles of clothing. The English in the Osprey book on swedish Infantry are a good example of this type of cloth. If you must, feel free to use tartans on your Scottish and Irish troops, just don't use black watch. (I admit it, I must.) So, if you need a new challange, just try to paint tweed.

Holland

Holland wore grey, black and brown. Rembrant's painting 'The Night Watch' is a good source for ideas. For those less cultured, (sniff, sniff), a box of Dutch Masters cigars is a good reference. Paint troops like pilgims in grade school plays and you can't go far wrong. The sea beggars, (the first dutch troops), wore grey and was the first uniform by default. The dutch paid regular and trained regularly, but were more concerned with results and less concerned with looks. Dutch troops almost always wore a orange,blue and white cocade to identify states troops. Saxon 1620's militia uniforms would be good for most and Dutch guards wore blue. Stripped shirts and pants were worn by cavalry and stripped pants were sometimes worn by infantry. Blue and yellow uniforms are also possible.

More Uniforms of the 30 Years War

General Introduction
France and Savoy
Denmark and Saxony
Imperial Armies
Protestant
Sweden
Bibliography