The back and side view of a pioneer of the 79th Regiment reveals a complicated method of carrying tools on the back. Pioneers were employed in the regiment for labouring and demolition tasks as well as skilled carpentry and building tasks. They were armed with a musket so also fought with the rest of the regiment. The belts were black, crossing on the chest with a belt-plate in the centre. They did not have the usual white shoulder-belts to carry ammunition and a bayonet, nor were they encumbered with a valise and greatcoat. The bayonet was suspended from a black waist-belt and an ammunition pouch positioned on the front of the belt. The white gloves do not seem very practical for heavy work, and the white gaiters were more for show than for manoeuvres and campaign when black gaiters would be worn. The feather bonnet is covered with an oilskin waterproof cover. These paintings are copies made by CCP Lawson from Raffet originals sketched in 1847.
