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| The year 1844 saw some changes in the uniform but as far as comfort and practicality were concerned, there was little improvement. 'The Albert shako was introduced in this year and remained until 1855. 'It was six and three quarter inches high and slightly tapered so that the diameter of the top was one quarter of an inch less than the base. 'The badge on the front was less ornate than the one worn on the bell-topped shako. The ball tuft on the top was retained in a gilt socket and represented a return to the white over red plume that was worn before 1830. 'The red and white was worn by all ranks in battalion companies as well as regimental field officers. 'Grenadier companies also wore the shako, since the fur cap was discontinued, and they were distinguished by a plain white tuft. 'Light companies continued to have a green tuft and a stringed bugle badge added to the badge. The coat was very similar to that worn in 1830, in which year the 24th changed from being a silver laced regiment, to gold. The epaulettes of field officers were plain gold on the top surface, with badges of rank. 'Majors had a star, lieut-colonels had a crown. 'Captains and below had no rank badges and the top surface was of gold and green silk stripes. The collar was green with gold lace and gilt buttons, and the cuffs were green with a red slash decorated with gold lace and buttons in pairs. 'Officers who were dismounted on parade wore the sword hung from a wide white leather strap on the right shoulder. 'A belt plate ornamented the belt. The trousers were very dark in colour, not blue, but almost black, called Oxford mixture. 'They had a thin red stripe down the side seam. 'These were worn in winter while for summer the white trousers worn previously were replaced by pale grey tweed trousers in 1845. The swords were the 1822 pattern with a gilt half-basket on the hilt. The filed officers had gilt scabbards, slung from a waist belt, while more junior officers has black leather scabbards with gilt fittings. 'Adjutants has steel scabbards in the field. |
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