Uniforms in the Crimea 1855

Orlando Norie painted this scene for Liddell’s history of the 10th Hussars, to illustrate how the regiment looked on campaign in the Crimean War. They had served in India since 1846 and were ordered to the Crimea in December 1854. Their voyage to the Black Sea via Egypt lasted until April 1855, and their arrival at Balaklava was greeted enthusiastically. Liddell wrote: ‘Crowds of officers of all ranks and men came down from the front to witness the disembarkation. The beautiful Arab horses were objects of special admiration, and the smart and soldierlike appearance of the men seemed to meet with much approval. It may be mentioned here that the the moment final orders were received for the regiment to proceed to the Crimea, Colonel Parlby abolished razors and pipeclay, so that the men by this time, with their well grown beards, buff belts, slings, and gloves, looked more like old campaigners than men newly arrived in the field.’
The Indian shako was retained but usually worn with a black oilskin waterproof cover and no plume. In this picture pelisses are worn buttoned up and trousers are tucked into knee boots. This is mentioned in the history, the men being issued with untanned leather boots and the officers presumably purchasing smarter black boots. The men have a white pouch-belt crossed with a white canvas strap for their haversack.

Regimental Details | Uniforms