Types c1865


The Black Watch remained in India after the Mutiny until 1868. This photo was taken in Bareilly c1865 and is very useful in that so many different orders of dress are shown. The red doublet has the blue slash flap on the blue cuff, and remained so until the gauntlet cuff soon after 1868. The ammunition pouch is carried at the back, hung from the white leather belt worn over the left shoulder. In 1871 the ammunition was carried in pouches attached to the front of the waistbelt. The sergeant on the left has a small pouch for percussion caps fixed to the front of his crossbelt. He holds a slightly shorter rifle than the private standing at the foot of the steps, who is in marching order with a pack on his back. He has a good conduct stripe on his right forearm. Between these two men is a piper who has a green doublet and colourful Stewart tartan kilt and scarf.

At the top of the steps are two men who are veterans of the Crimea and the Mutiny. The one on the left is a pioneer, with a shovel handle visible, and a black belt on his left shoulder. He is also in marching order and has two good conduct stripes. The men in white jackets and undress caps show that these garments could be worn with the kilt or with trews. This white jacket became a distinction of Highland and Guards regiments after the rest of the infantry adopted the red shell jacket around the 1820s. The cap is the Kilmarnock undress cap worn by the infantry before the glengarry became standard wear a few years later. Most Scottish regiments had a diced band but the Black Watch retained the plain black version. The badge on the front is unclear in this photo but must be the star of the Order of the Thistle with St Andrew in the middle. The young man on the right is a drummer, wearing the special pattern red doublet with red crown-patterned white tape along the sleeves etc. He has a broadsword slung from his waistbelt. The white drum carriage over his right shoulder has the drumsticks strapped on. He holds a bugle in his right hand. All ranks wear the same pattern sporan with five black brushes.


Regimental Details | Uniforms


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by Stephen Luscombe