Drivers 1815

The drivers were the men who rode harnessed horses pulling the guns, limbers and wagons. They were not actually part of the Royal Horse Artillery or the RA but were a separate corps with dilettante officers who were not trained artillerymen. Morale among the drivers was low because of their lack of unit pride and because their uniforms were not as showy as the RHA. This Hamilton Smith print published in June 1815 shows the NCO in the foreground, mounted separately from the harnessed horses. His uniform is different from the other men because of his rank. The privates have buttons but no braid or lace framing the front of the jacket. The back of the NCO’s jacket has decorative braiding, and this is hinted at by the trefoil of braid under his arm. He is armed with a sword slung from a waist-belt, and pistols. The dress uniform has the Tarleton helmet while the undress forage cap is blue with a yellow cap-band.
The uniforms are discussed at greater length on a very fine website: This Re-illuminated school of Mars

Regimental Details | Uniforms