GEAR & EQUIPMENT

Clothing & Accoutrements
A Drummer beneath the age of fourteen, unless extremely stout, would be unable to burden the weight of a full drum while on the march. In the search of a fifer, any of the finest children can be an extremely good choices; for this duty, since a fifer has little or no laborious duties.
The following is an extract from the Warrant dated 1st of July 1751:

“The Drummers of all Royal Regiments are allowed to wear the Royal Livery, viz. Red, lined faced and lapelled on the Breast with Blue and laced with a Royal lace. The Drummers of all the other Regiments are to be clothed with the colour of the Facings of their Regiments line, faced and lapelled on the breasts with Red, and laced in such manner as the Colonel shall think fit for distinction sake, the Lace however, being of the Colours of that on the Soldiers’ Coat.”

In 1751, as a part of the clothing warrant, an amendment was added to state, Drummers are to have caps, “the front of the cap was to be colour of the facings but the little flap was to be red ( as was the back of the cap). The front was embroidered with the badge of the regiment or a trophy of flags and drums, while the little red flap had the white Horse of Hanover and the motto ‘Nec Aspera Terrent’. On the back of the turn-up of the cap was embroidered a drum and the number of the regiment.” Cutherbertson says a painted linen-cover should be given to each drummer to be worn over the caps while on the march, while the weather is wet, or during any other time in which the cap could take damage.
The wings to a Drummers coat should be of an oval shape instead of the square, which is dictated in many photos. The Drum carriages should be made of a white leather, and sling around the neck. Also, Cutherbertson mentions that Drummers are to carry swords, of the same design of a non-commissioned officers sword; however, the musician’s sword should be slightly shorter.
The Drum-Major’s uniform was more elaborate and ornate than the uniforms of the ordinary drummer or fifer. The Drum-Major’s uniform could cost the same as two months pay for a Private Soldier.
1802 Clothing Regulations. and the The Royal Clothing Warrant, 1768
The Coats for Drummers and Fifers of the Guards and of all Royal Regiments or Royal Corps of Infantry serving in Europe, N. American are to be of Red Cloth similar in Quality and Colour as for the Rank and File.
The coats of the drummers and fifers of all the royal regiments are to be red, faced and lappelled with blue, and laced with royal lace.
The Cuffs, Collar, Wings, and Shoulder-Straps for the Guards and for all Royal Regiments or Corps to be of Dark Blue Cloth.
The Seams of the Coats to be laced, but the Bars of Lace on the Sleeves to be in the Option of the Colonel.
The Whole of the other Lace on the Coats for the Drummers of the Guards and for the Drummers of Royal Regiments or Royal Corps comes under the Denomination of Royal Lace, and consists of Blue and White, or Blue White and Yellow Worsted, considerably raised above the common Lace.
To be laced in such manner as the Colonel shall think fit. The lace to be of the colour of that on the soldiers' coats.
The Cuffs of the Drummer of the Guards to be indented, for all other Regiments or Corps to be Round and without Slits.
Para 58.) A. Drummers and Fifers Caps. Z. B. [Same as D before alteration.] (D.—[“No alteration,” C.] \The Drummers and Fifers to have Black Bear Skin Caps, on the Front the King’s Crest of68 brass on a Black Ground, with Trophies of Colours and Drums. The number of the Regiment on the back part as also the Badge if entitled to any as ordered for the Grenadiers.)69 Z/
*(69 In D was here written: “N.B. The Drummers Caps of the Coldstream Regt of Guards Have a Drum on the back part of the cap and the whole wear their Feathers with the Bearskin Caps” (the last phrase is underlined). This paragraph is crossed out in pencil and in E appears a note in pencil: “I do not understandthis.” It does not appear in Z.)
The drummers and fifers to have black bear-skin caps. On the front, the King's crest, of silver plated metal, on a black ground, with trophies of colours and drums. The number of the regiment on the back part; as also the badge, if entitled to any, as ordered for the grenadiers.
(Para 66.) A. Drummers Swords. Z.B. All the Drummers & Fifers to have a short Sword with a Scimetar Blade.
All the drummers and fifers to have a short sword with a scimitar blade.
(D.—[“Supposed to be at the present time,” C.] The Swords for Drummers to have a Straight Blade 24 Inches in length, with the Hilt, Gripe, and Mounting similar to Serjeants.76 N.B. Patterns of the Serjeants and Drummers Swords Belts etc. to be left at the Controller’s Office of Army Account.) Z.
The equipment of the soldier:
A brief introduction

Editor's note: The information for this article was taken largely from The Infantryman's Handbook: An Interpretational Guide. It was
compiled by Michael Brown and given to members of the 41st Regiment of Foot re-enactment unit in the early 1990s. The text
quoted below was found in Parks Canada training manuals.

The standard uniform of the British soldier was the redcoat, which was issued by the colonel and often adorned with
regimental lace, a regimental facing colour and specific regimental buttons.

For those unfamiliar with what regimental lace and facings are, here's a brief explanation. Regimental lace is a cotton tape with a specific design woven into it. It was sewn around both the collar and the buttonholes of the uniform in one of a number of patterns, depending on the regiment. Coats belonging to the 41st had lace which featured a single black line through the middle, and was arranged in a "Jew's Harp" pattern.

Different regiments had different facing colours, which appeared most notably on the collar and cuff of the tunic. The facing colour of the 41st was red.

One coat was expected to last an entire year, although on frontier outposts it often had to last longer, which meant a lot of patching for soldiers on the frontier. Also given by the colonel were the trousers (in Upper Canada, the trousers were often of heavy white cotton), a pair of shoes, a great coat and a shako. A shako is the black felt contraption worn as a hat by soldiers of the period. On the shako went a brass plate as well as a plume and cockade. The plume varied in colour, depending upon the type of soldier who wore it. Members of regular battalion companies wore plumes which were white and red, while light infantrymen wore green and grenadiers wore white.

A soldier would also be issued a barracks jacket, which was similar to a regimental tunic (redcoat) except it was made in white wool with no lace and no tail at the back. This was designed to be worn when off-duty or when drilling. The barracks jacket is also known as a forage coat or a white coat.

Unfortunately for the soldier of the period, some required articles had to be paid for by himself, most usually out of the bounty he received when enlisting. These included black woollen gaiters, which were worn on the feet in order to keep pebbles and stones out of one's shoes while marching. The recruit would also have to provide a forage cap (to be worn with the barracks jacket) and a knapsack and a neck stock. When needed, however, the government would supply blue wooden canteens as well as haversacks to carry rations.
All of this equipment had its purpose, however, and was worn for specific events. The list below illustrates some of these occasions:

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	SHAKO In 1800, the shako was introduced, ousting the traditional hats of the centre companies and the light leather helmet of the light, the company that stood on the left of the line on parade and acted as the battalions skirmishers, the grenadier companies wore their fur caps on great occasions, but the shako on service in the field. It could be that the drummers gave up their bearskin caps in the years after waterloo, although there are prints showing drummers wearing both. Murray David, MUSIC OF THE SCOTTISH REGIMENTS, The Pentland Press, Bishop Auckland Durham 1994.(P135) * There is an example of a Shako plate in the Sherwood Foresters Museum that was cut down to fit a smaller boys Shako. 24 Feb. 1801, C.] Caps made of Felt and Leather with a Brass Plates, Cockade and Tuft (conformable to a Pattern left at the Controller Office for Army Accounts) to be Worn, instead of Hats, by the Non-Commissioned Officers, Drummers, Fifers and Privates of the Guards and be every Description of Corps of Infantry, excepting the Highland Corps, who are, when in Europe, N. America, to continue to wear the Highland Bonnet, but when in the East and West Indies, are to wear the Felt Caps similar to other Regiments. They are to be made of sufficient Size to come completely on the Head. To be worn Straight and Even and brought well forward over the Eyes. The Felt Cap and the Tuft is to be supplied annually. The Leather Part, Brass Plate & Leather Cockade once in every two years. It is permitted to Engrave the number of the Regiment on each side of the Lion, on the lower part of the Brass Fronting and those Regiments that are entitled to Badges are permitted to bear them in the Centre of their Garter. 69 In D was here written: “N.B. The Drummers Caps of the Coldstream Regt of Guards Have a Drum on the back part of the cap and the whole wear their Feathers with the Bearskin Caps” * Regiment specific
	BEARSKIN The Bearskin of the 1800s was one in transition, it originally started out made of the bears hide alone and was collapsible. The period 1800 onwards saw the Bearskin develop into a different shape which often had a wicker or rattan frame inside which was to become the Guards style and shape we know today. 1802 Clothing Regulations- Para 58.) A. Drummers and Fifers Caps. \The Drummers and Fifers to have Black Bear Skin Caps, on the Front the King’s Crest of68 brass on a Black Ground, with Trophies of Colours and Drums. The number of the Regiment on the back part as also the Badge if entitled to any as ordered for the Grenadiers.)69 Z/ 69 In D was here written: “N.B. The Drummers Caps of the Coldstream Regt of Guards Have a Drum on the back part of the cap and the whole wear their Feathers with the Bearskin Caps”
	FORAGE CAP The are two different styles of Forage cap for Infantry, one a copy of the french Stocking style (bonnet de police) and another the Wedge style. * Regiment specific
	HEADRESS PLATES There are two main plates used on Drummers Bearskins, one that dates up to 1800 and one that dates around 1806. The shako plate for drummers is as per privates. There are also specific plates for specific regiments, as can be seen in the Bearskin images, one of the Marines dated 1802.
	DRUMSTICKS The Drum Sticks of the period are a heavier and larger stick compared to todays modern stick. Some sticks are blackend and others are natual wood colour, some have brass endcaps others do not, it would seen this may be regiment specific.
	CAT O NINE TAILS There was no regulation cat-o'-nine-tails, but most conformed to the dimensions of one belonging to the Coldstream Guards. Its complete weight was 1.5 kg; the length of the handle was 48 cm, attached to which were nine 61-cm lengths of tarred hemp whipcord. To ensure maximum laceration the end of each lash was either plaited or knotted so that in the latter case from 3 to 9 weights were propelled against the flesh. The more knots, the greater the injury. It was charged that some officers steeped the lash in brine before as well as during its application in order to increase the pain. Short whips called cats o’ nine tails were already on hand in green Baize bags, in of the drum major (for infantry units) or the farrier major (for the cavalry), * I would surmise here that in the absence of a drum major or farrier major the senior unit drummer would also have one at hand or in his possession.There was a bucket of water and a chair, a hospital orderly, and the regimental surgeon stood close by to monitor the prisoners condition.When arrangements were complete, the adjutant reported to the colonel, who ordered:’proceed.’ The first cat was removed from its bag, and a farrier or drummer struck the prisoner with it, with the sergeant major calling out each stroke.The punishment went on, with the floggers being replaced as they grew tired, and the cats being exchanged for fresh ones as they became worn or clogged with blood and tissue. Holmes Richard, ‘Redcoat, The British Soldier in the age of Horse and Musket’, HarperCollins Publishers London, 2001.(P322). The lash was administered by the drummer. The adjutant commanded: "Drummer, do your duty." and the drum major counted to three between each stroke while the drummer stripped to the waist in order to be able to apply the whip "with force and vigour," inflicted 25 of his best, after which he was spelled by another drummer. "Failure to 'lay it on' resulted in the drummer taking the lash as well. When not in use the 'Cat' was carried in a red silk bag or green baize bag and the Drum Major would hold it.
	SWORD - SWORD CARRAGE - SWORD KNOT Society of Army Historical Research outlining the changes in the 1802 Clothing Regulations. It was contributed by W.Y Carman. (Para 66.) A. Drummers Swords. Z. B. All the Drummers & Fifers to have a short Sword with a Scimetar Blade. (D.—[“Supposed to be at the present time,” C.] The Swords for Drummers to have a Straight Blade 24 Inches in length, with the Hilt, Gripe, and Mounting similar to Serjeants.76
	NECK STOCK 1802 Clothing Regulations- (Para 59.) Black Leather Stocks. Z. B. “No Regulation inserted.” (D.—[8 July 1791, C.] Black Leather Stocks to be worn by the Non- Commissioned Officers, Drummers, Fifers and Privates of the Guards and by every other description of Regiments or Corps of Infantry.) Z.
	DRUM BADGE 1802 Clothing Regulations- The number of the Regiment on the back part as also the Badge if entitled to any as ordered for the Grenadiers.)69 Z/ * Regiment specific
	FIFE CASE Fife cases in the british army were made of brass and usually did not have rope keepers on the lid (there are exceptions). A tassled rope was passed through the keepers and joined so as to be a sling to wear around the neck. the tasled rope could also be coloured to match the facing colours of the regiment. Fife cases could also be embellished with the regiments cipher or badge etc. * Regiment specific
	KNIFE & FORK
	KNAPSACK Inside the two main storage pockets are closed by three black horn buttons and all the finishing is done by hand. Robert Henderson http://www.militaryheritage.com/knapsack.htm * Regiment specific
	SHOES Shoes were leather made and made so that either shoe could fit either foot. Both a buckle or laces would be used to fasten the shoe.
	BREECHES (Para 49.) A. Corporals & Private Men’s Breeches, etc. Z. B. “No regulation inserted.” (D.—[“Similar dates as stated for the Serjeants,” C.] The Breeches for Corporals and Private Men of the Guards and Regiments of Crops of Infantry serving in Europe, N. American are in like Manner as the Serjeants to made of Cloth in quality equal to their coats, and of the same colour and formation, etc., as the Serjeants of their respective Corps.59 1802 Clothing Regulations- (Para 53.) A. Waistcoats and Breeches for Drummers & Fifers. Z. B. The Waistcoats & Breeches of the Drummers & Fifers of all the Royal Regiments are to be of the same Colour as that which is ordered for their respective Regiments.—Those of Regts. faced with Red, Buff or White to have Red Waistcoats & Breaches, and Those of all other Regiments, are to be of the same Colour as the Men. 1800; 23 April 1801; 21 May 1801, C.] The Breeches for Serjeants of the Guards and of Regiments or Corps on Infantry servicing in Europe, N. America excepting the R. Staff Corps, are to be of54 Cloth similar to their Coats and of the same Colour as the Lining. They are to be made to come well up on the Hips, and below the Knees as far as the Calf of the Leg, unlined except the Waistbands, and the Seams covered, on the Inside, on the Fork, with one Pocket on the right Side. One Small Regimental Button, and white Tape strings at each Knee and another Button behind, set on above the Knee Band, to keep up the Garters. At the opening of the Napoleonic Wars, part of the formal dress of the British infantrymen[1] included a pair of white woollen breeches with tall black wool gaiters that ended just below the knee and covered the shoe.PRO WO 26/39 pp.186-187, Clothing Regulations for Cavalry and Infantry, 1803.
	OVERALLS To preserve the life of the dress breeches on the march, each soldier began to supply himself with a pair of white hemp linen overalls starting in 1791[15] however it appears this was at the discretion of the Commanding officer. As the term 'overalls' implies, they were trousers worn over the breeches and gaiters. PRO, WO 26/34 p. 209. H. M.’s Warrant for establishing certain Regulations relative to Clothing, 31 May 1791 . In 1807, a pair of loose coarse canvas trousers was finally authorized as a standard item of the soldier’s necessaries for all regiments, but were to be worn only on marches, at night and on fatigues.[General Order 15 June 1807] .
	STOCKINGS Stockings of the period were usually knitted and made of wool, the stocking had to be long enough to come over the knee.
	DRESS COAT 1802 Clothing Regulations- (Para 50A.) A. Drummers Coats of the Guards and of Royal Regts. and Regts. of the Line when in Europe, N. America or at the Cape of Good Hope. Z. B. The Coats of Drummers & Fifers of all the Royal Regiments are to be Red, faced and Lapelled with Blue and laced with Royal Lace. Those for the Drummers and Fifers of the Regts. which are faced with Red, are to be White, faced, Lappelled & lined with Red. Those of all other Regiments are to be of the Colour of the Facings of their Regts. faced and Lapelled with Red.—To be laced in such Manner as the Colonel shall think fit. The Lace to be of the Colour of that on the Soldiers Coats. Society of Army Historical Research outlining the changes in the 1802 Clothing Regulations. It was contributed by W.Y Carman.
	GREAT COAT 1802 Clothing Regulations- (Para 54.) A. Great Coats. Z. B. “No Regulation inserted.” (D.—[28 Oct 1797; 23 April 1801, C.] The N.C.Os, Drummers, Fifers and Private Men in the Guards and Regiments or Corps of Infantry serving at home or abroad (excepting those in the East Indies and in Regts. of People of Colour) are from 25 December 1802 to be constantly supplied with Great Coats. They are to be of a dark Grey Woollen Stuff Kersey wove, loose made, to come well up about the Neck, have a large Falling Cape to cover the Shoulders, and they are to reach down to (or below) the Calf of the Leg, as per Pattern Great Coat left at the Controllers Officer for Army Accounts.
	BARRACK COAT The Barracks coat, made of wool was a coat that was worn as undress, worn when on fatigue duty or out of hours dress, usually white with the color and cuff the facing colour of the regiment. A soldier would also be issued a barracks jacket, which was similar to a regimental tunic (redcoat) except it was made in white wool with no lace and no tail at the back. This was designed to be worn when off-duty or when drilling. The barracks jacket is also known as a forage coat or a white coat. The Infantryman's Handbook: An Interpretational Guide. It was compiled by Michael Brown
	SHIRT Shirts were linen or cotton, frilled or not and usually made with a gusset under the arm.
	GLOVES White gloves, worn when on drill or ceremonial duties.
	DRUM CARRAGE ‘We are accustomed to see the side drum carried hooked to a belt or slung over the drummers right shoulder. This method of carrying the drum was only arrived at after decades of argument. For centuries, it had been the practice for the drum carriage to be slung around the neck, like a necklace, making in the opinion of many, the drum easier to play. With the drum carriage in that position, it was possible for the shoulder belt supporting the broadsword (Highland regiments had broadswords) to be worn over the right shoulder, with the hilt pushed well to the rear, so that the broadsword lay across the drummers back, where it did not interfere with the free movement of his arms as he played.’ Murray David, MUSIC OF THE SCOTTISH REGIMENTS, The Pentland Press, Bishop Auckland Durham 1994.(P135) * Regiment or individual specific
	DRUM CASE 'ten side drums, ten flutes, and ten bugles'. The drums came complete with ticken covers (A strong, closely woven linen or cotton fabric, of which ticks for beds are made. It is usually twilled, and woven in stripes of different colors, as white and blue; -- called also ticken.). Return of Camp Equipage remaining in Store at Quebec. October 3rd 1811- Drum Cases Ninety nine.
	GAITERS 1802 Clothing Regulations- (D.—[21 July, 1784, C.] Black Woollen Cloth Long Gaiters to be worn by Non- Commissioned Officers, Drummers, Fifers and Private Men of the Guards and Regiments or Corps of Infantry serving in Europe, N. America (excepting by the Highland Corps, the Rifle Corps, and the Royal Staff Corps). They are to come up over the Breeches to the Edge of the Cap of the Knee and to be rounded off so as to cover the Knee Band of the Breeches behind, without appearing to have Crease or a Wrinkle and be fastened behind to a Regimental Button set on sufficiently high above the Knee Band to prevent any Opening from appearing between the Gaiters and the Breeches. The Gaiter Buttons to be small, of White Metal and set on at Equal Distances.) Z. The idea of the gaiters was “to prevent the dirt and gravel from getting into the shoes, thereby galling the soldier’s feet upon a march”.These gaiters had a back seam that was adjusted by the regimental tailor to achieve the tightest fit. They were sometimes lined with linen in around the shoe area,[4] and had a tongue piece that covered the shoe so the laces could not be seen.The gaiter had a black calf skin strap that went under the shoe to keep the gaiter in place. Bennett Cuthbertson, A System for the Compleat Interior Management and Oeconomy of a Battalion of Infantry ( London , 1779)
	WAISTCOAT 1802 Clothing Regulations- (Para 53.) A. Waistcoats and Breeches for Drummers & Fifers. Z. B. The Waistcoats & Breeches of the Drummers & Fifers of all the Royal Regiments are to be of the same Colour as that which is ordered for their respective Regiments.—Those of Regts. faced with Red, Buff or White to have Red Waistcoats & Breaches, and Those of all other Regiments, are to be of the same Colour as the Men.