Major 1856


The first attempt in 1855 at modernising the uniform after the Crimean War involved a double breasted tunic which was changed after one year. The replacement was a single breasted tunic which was shorter in the skirt and generally smarter. For the 4th it was scarlet with blue collar and cuffs, laced with gold. Officers holding the rank of major and above had gold lace all around the collar, down the edge of the skirts behind, also on the edge of the skirt flaps. The cuffs also had a double row of lace round the edge of the blue part, and a row of lace along the edge of the red slash flap.

Captains, Lieutenants and Ensigns had gold lace along the top of the collar only and one row of lace around the top of the blue cuff. All officers had three gold loops of lace on the cuff flap and rear skirt flap. Because of the difference in lace between junior and senior officers they were able to double up on the rank badges. Thus Ensigns and Majors had a star, Lieutenants and Lt-Colonels had a crown, and Captains and Colonels had a star and a crown.

The major wears a wide crimson sash over his left shoulder. Up until the introduction of the tunic officers and sergeants had worn their sash round the waist. The sash is kept in place with one crimson silk cord and button. The other shoulder had no epaulette or cord, so the rank badges were shown on the collar. Swords were slung from a white leather waist-belt fastened with a regimental buckle. See Officer's Waist-Belt Clasps 1855 and 1864 .

The shako was a new style, based on the French kepi. The badge was simpler than before and the 4th were permitted to have the Lion badge as well as the number 4. All officers had a white over red ball tuft; there were no grenadier and light companies at this date. The major has a single line of gold lace around the top as did all other officers below that rank. Lt-Colonels and Colonels had two rows of gold lace.

Trousers were still Oxford mixture with a scarlet welt down the side for winter. The summer trousers were described as 'Oxford mixture tartan serge'. The sword, for field officers, was kept in a brass scabbard. Junior officers had a black leather scabbard with brass mounts. The adjutant and musketry instructors had a steel scabbard.


Uniforms | Regimental Details


Armed Forces | Art and Culture | Articles | Biographies | Colonies | Discussion | Glossary | Home | Library | Links | Map Room | Sources and Media | Science and Technology | Search | Student Zone | Timelines | TV & Film | Wargames


by Stephen Luscombe