Grenadier 1751


Infantry battalions were made up of 9 to 13 companies, one of which was a grenadier company that was considered to be the elite of the regiment. Grenadiers were picked for their height and strength since they were required to lead assaults in battle. They stood on the right of the line which made them a flank company. They were easily distinguishable because of their tall mitre caps which were embroidered with the royal cypher in white on a buff ground. The white horse of Hanover was embroidered on the red turned up flap at the front. Officers' caps were of velvet with silver and coloured silk embroidery. Hair was plaited and tucked up beneath the cap. The coat was red with buff facings and white lace around the buttons and edges. Each regiment had it's own type of lace, the 31st had a green stripe down the middle. The waistcoat and breeches were red, and the sword and bayonet were hung from a waist-belt worn under the coat when it was open and over the coat when buttoned up. On the front of the belt was a black cartridge pouch. The shoulder belt was of buff leather like the waist-belt and carried a larger black leather pouch for grenades. There was a brass match case attached to the front of the belt with a chained stopper. This housed the lighted taper for igniting the grenade fuse. This illustration is a detail from a contemporary painting by Morier depicting the 31st, 32nd and 33rd regiments, based on the uniforms worn in 1751.


Uniforms | Regimental Details


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by Stephen Luscombe