Sergeant 1854


This watercolour by the French General Vanson, while the Guards were at Varna, shows the gold epaulettes, cuff lace and chevrons of a Grenadier Guards sergeant. The sword belt should carry a bayonet as well but it is a little unclear. The style of wearing the crimson waist-sash is interesting. The equipment includes a knapsack with greatcoat folded and strapped to it. On top of this is a rolled blanket and D shaped mess tins. The ammunition pouch attached to his other shoulder belt contained 60 rounds. Luckily they were not required to march great distances with full equipment according to the diary of Sergeant W McMillan, Coldstream Guards. He says that the knapsacks were carried for them on 16th August. When they landed in the Crimea the knapsacks were ordered to be left on the ship.


Uniforms | Regimental Details


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by Stephen Luscombe