Middlesex Duke of Cambridge’s Hussars, Yeomanry Cavalry

Officers 1856

A change was made to the uniform in 1855 which was a reflection of the general improvement made to uniforms throughout the army. The coatee was replaced by a dark green tunic, double-breasted and long skirted so that to some it resembled a ‘clergyman’s coat’. The collar and cuffs were of black velvet, the cuffs having a decoration of black braid. The buttons were gilt, and gilt shoulder scales were worn. The officers had green trousers with a double gold lace stripe, while other ranks had dark blue trousers with a red stripe. The most striking change was the headdress. The unpopular shako was replaced by a green cloth-covered helmet that had a central spike to support a falling black feather plume. The gilt badge on the front was the first appearance of the regimental eight-pointed star with Victorian crown above. The peak was of black shiny leather with a gilt edge. The pouch-belt worn by officers was of black patent leather with gilt chain and pickers. The pouch itself was of light dragoon pattern, having a silver-fronted flap and gilt royal cypher. The sword was slung from a black leather waist belt and there was no sabretache. The bridles were of brown leather and the saddle-cloth was black sheepskin with a red scalloped edge. There is no shabraque in this illustration but a contemporary painting of a private shown on this page proves that all ranks had an embroidered shabraque.
The standing figure is an officer in undress, wearing a dark green stable jacket. There was broad black braid covering the collar, cuffs and edges of the jacket. The gilt buttons down the front were small and close together. The undress cap was of green cloth with a black band, and slim gold braid around the top. In the middle of the top of the cap was a gold netted button. The illustration was produced in 1890 by Sergeant A Roberson of A Troop.

Regimental Details | Uniforms