Private Soldier

Soldiers were issued ‘necessaries’ when they joined the army, which was their basic uniform and kit. The uniform red coat during the period of the War of 1812, was made of a heavy wool dyed with red madder. Different regiments were distinguished by the colour of the ‘facings’ on the cuffs, the shoulder tabs and the collars. A further distinguishing feature was the shape and design of the Regimental lace on the cuffs, the front of the coat, the pockets, the shoulder tabs and the collar. In the case of the Forty First Regiment, the facings at this time were red, and the lacings were in the "Jew's Harp" bastion loop design. The lace itself for all private soldiers and junior NCOs was a half-inch white strip with a black line (“worm”) in the middle. Finally the buttons, made of pewter, also carried a Regimental device. In the case of the 41st Regiment, it was the figure “41” in the centre of a starburst.      The picture on the left is of a Private Soldier in battle kit and carrying his Brown Bess musket. The white cross belts carry his black leather cartridge pouch on his right hip, and his scabbard and bayonet on his left hip. The bayonet cross belt also has the Regimental badge on it - "41" under the Royal Hanoverian crown. Also, across his right shoulder the soldier carries his canteen and his haversack, designed for necessary water and food in the field.      On his head he wears the "stovepipe" shako which was standard issue from 1802 until 1812. Many regiments, including the 41st probably wore them for some time after the issue of the newer design. They were issued for two years and the leather peak and universal plate for longer. On the top and front of the shako he wears the Regimental cockade and a hackle (plume) indicating that he is part of a line battalion of infantry. Regulations demand that the shako was to be worn straight and over the eyes, as seen in the picture.      The trowsers he wears are called "summer issue overall" which was standard issue for the 41st in North America. They are made of light canvas with a front flap. It is possible, though unsure that the Regiment received grey woolen winter trowsers.      On his feet he wears "half boots" which were straight lasted, that is, there was neither a left nor a right. Over these he wears black, calf-length, woolen gaiters, which buttoned up the outside. The 41st Regiment was one of the few in the British army to have Regimental buttons on their gaiters.

See a Sergeant | See a Pioneer | See the 41st uniform through time (1793 - 1852)