Mounted Driver 1816

There is some question about the jacket worn by this driver. The image is by Carle Vernet reproduced in an old edition of Tradition magazine. The caption was: Driver, Royal Horse Artillery, 1816. The bastion shaped button loops on the front are normally associated with foot artillery but on the basis of this painting, and the Dismounted Driver 1816, an article on the Royal Horse Artillery was written by Bryan Fosten in Military Modelling magazine in March 1977, illustrated with a drawing of a similar jacket to this. The article mentions the contradictory jacket worn by Hamilton Smith’s driver of 1815 but is unable to explain the difference. There are several modern copies of jackets based on Fosten’s illustration to be found on the internet. This picture is included because it shows so much detail that must be inspired by observation. However, it seems odd to depict a driver without placing the man on a harnessed horse.

Regimental Details | Uniforms