Officer, Light Company 1811

In 1811 an infantry battalion at full strength comprised the HQ staff, 8 battalion companies and two flank companies; Grenadier Company on the right flank and Light Company on the left. Each company had 3 officers, two sergeants, 3 corporals, a drummer, a fifer, and up to 100 privates. This corporal of the Grenadier Company of the 31st has a red jacket which is single breasted and has short tails at the back. It is decorated with special regimental pattern lace, a sample of which is included here. This pattern of lace was established in 1768 and was used until around 1830 when it was changed to plain white. Collar and cuffs are buff, also decorated with regimental lace. Flank companies had buff shoulder straps with wings instead of tufts. Buff faced regiments had buff leather belts instead of white. Where the belts cross there is a brass belt-plate with 31 on it. His shako is the first pattern stovepipe type (1800-12) with a large brass badge and a grenadier's white plume. Battalion companies wore white over red, and light companies wore green plumes.

Uniforms | Regimental Details