Trumpeter on Parade 1839


This Hayes watercolour is a poor reproduction but shows the difference between the trumpeter and other ranks in the Greys. The trumpeter is nearest us on the end of the front rank. His large white sheepskin covers the saddle and he has no red-ended valise on the back of the saddle. He also wears no pouch-belt but we can see the aiguillettes on his right shoulder. His trumpet hangs on a cord which is slung on the left shoulder but the colour of the cord is unclear. None of the men have plumes on their bearskins. The plumes were abolished between the years 1843 and 46 so putting the date of this picture into question. Plumes were not worn in marching order but the men are in parade order here. The trumpeter's bearskin shows a gilt or brass badge which is too large to be a grenade badge. The figure on the right of the picture is a sergeant or sergeant-major and he has a small badge on the front of his bearskin. The other figure, with his back to us on the left, is an officer wearing gold epaulettes and a white undress pouchbelt. He has a black sheepskin with a red edge.


Regimental Details | Band


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by Stephen Luscombe