Major, 1795

The first uniform worn by the 20th Jamaica Light Dragoons was the blue uniform introduced for light dragoons in 1784. The yellow facings were worn on this, and the more closely braided hussar style jacket that replaced it at the turn of the century. The crossed belts supported the sword and bayonet on the left hip and a white pouch for carbine ammunition on the right. This illustration by Paul Chappell shows the private soldier with unpowdered hair. The practice of powdering hair was discontinued in 1795. The helmet for light dragoons serving in hot climates was the tin helmet type with a neo-classical crest and, it is generally accepted, a red horsehair main. There was no feather plume on the side as was worn on the Tarleton helmet.

Regimental Details | Uniforms