British Infantry


These British soldiers have stacked their Snider rifles in a way that will allow them to quickly recover the guns in an emergency. The white belt over their left shoulder is for the ammunition pouch which is black leather and holds 70 rounds of ammunition. This equipment was replaced in 1871 by pouches worn on the front of the waistbelt. The 17 inch bayonet was carried on the waistbelt and is the last version of the socket type. Bayonets after this tended to be the sword type, 22 inches long. The strap over their right shoulder is for a canvas haversack. Some of the men have good conduct stripes on their right fore-arm. After 1881 these chevrons were placed on the left arm.


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by Stephen Luscombe