Grenadier 1811

A series of prints published by Goddard and Booth covered the period of the second decade of the 19th century. They are mostly undated so we cannot be certain when this is supposed to be. The figures shown here from the left are; a grenadier of the 4th or King's Own, a dragoon of the 1st Regiment or Royals, and a sergeant of Highland Infantry
This print is certainly pre-1812 when the stovepipe shako, seen here, was replaced by the Waterloo shako. A grenadier would normally be depicted wearing the fur cap and having red wings on his shoulders. It is odd that the printmakers have titled this man as grenadier but pointedly made him look like a battalion man. The only indication of grenadier dress is the all white plume.
If the dating is correct then this man would be a veteran of the terrible Corunna retreat, shown here recounting his experiences. It is certainly true that the fur cap was not used on campaign, that the shako was worn instead. This man is in marching order as indicated by the pack on his back so it maybe that an attempt has been made to recreate how he looked in the Peninsula.
His jacket is decorated with white bastion button-hole loops down the front and on the cuffs. There is a white edge to the cuff which is incorrect. The lower part of his uniform consists of white breeches and black woollen gaiters which button up the outside of the leg. After 1812 breeches for the rank and file were replaced by white trousers.

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