Sergeant, Light Company 1842

The artist who painted the private in 1841 was asked to paint the sergeant after they had been posted to the Ionian Islands in that year. The background differs from the other painting, 'the landscape being more Mediterranean. No concession has been made to adapt the uniform to a warmer climate.' The feather bonnet is still being worn, as is the tight-fitting jacket.' In contrast to the private's white-laced chest, the sergeant has a plain fronted jacket, but double-breasted. It conforms exactly to the museum exhibit Sergeant's Jacket 1836, with its large tufted shoulders and white rank chevrons on both sleeves. Unlike other non-Highland regiments there was no difference in the plume; all ranks in the regiment had a red plume while the other Highland regiments had white.' The grenadier and light company officers had badges on their shoulders and the men had either bugles or grenade badges on the turn-backs of their coat tails. The sergeant has a more obvious sign that he is in the light company; a gilt whistle attached to his sword belt with chains. Over his left shoulder is his sergeant's sash which is half red and half green.' Sergeants used to be distinguished by having a red sash with a stripe of the facing colour, but this does not seem to be such a sash. On his stockings he has elaborate red ribbons which have bows extending far down his calf.'

Regimental Details | Uniforms