Uniforms  

The information below represents a fairly comprehensive list of what a private soldier in the re-created 3rd Regiment carries; note that you don't need everything all at once. Some items may be available elsewhere, and some you may make yourself. (Check with us before you make or buy elsewhere so you don't waste your time and money. See also this advice from 18cNewEnglandLife.)

This list doesn't include a firearm. A Brown Bess will do, as will many early 19th century British rifles. It also doesn't include the many accoutrements you either already have or will enjoy purchasing from sutlers at events or from catalogs during those long dark months in winter quarters.

Regimental Coat  

Although we occasionally have a "loaner" coat available, the body-fitting style dictates that you make your own coat or have one made for you.

Click either of the photos for more information (officer's coat-L or enlisted man's coat-R).

 

1812 Pattern Cap (Belgic Shako)  

Some of our caps have been made by John Purdy at Ephriam Beeks & Co., Ltd. Some folks in the unit have made their own, and they look fine, but the consensus is that John's are the best. And the finished product won't cost much more than all the pieces by the time you add up all the shipping from multiple vendors.

Click the photo to the right for more information (© 2004 Historical Art Prints).

Trousers:  

You'll eventually need a pair of 1812 Period Straight Cuff Trousers (Light Gray Wool), such as those to right (shown in White by C&D Jarnagin Co., Inc.), but if you have a pair of late 18th or early 19th century off white or natural trousers (gaitered or straight), you can wear those while you assemble the rest of your kit (see Townsend and Son for an example).

Shirt:  

The shirt barely shows under your regimental coatee, so this is another area where you can wear something you may already have. You'll want a late 18th or early 19th century white workshirt, available from Townsend, Smoke & Fire, G. Gedney Godwin, C & D Jarnagin, Military Heritage, Sue's Old Fashions and elsewhere.

You'll also need a black neckstock (cloth or leather), available from many of the same vendors.

Cartridge Box:  

Most late 18th or early 19th century boxes are acceptable, such as the British Army Cartridge Box or Pouch c1768–1812, Cartridge Box, William Rawle Patent of 1777 or British Cartridge Pouch or Cartridge Box. Check with our company commander, Joshua Wingler, to make sure you have - or are getting - the correct box.

We haven't found a specific 3rd regiment badge, but plain leather is acceptable, as is a badge from another British regiment if you're already doing another impression.

 

Shoulder Crossbelts and Bayonet:  

You'll need a 2 ¼" wide, white leather Cartridge Box Strap and Bayonet Belt (available from Godwin and elsewhere).

A 2 x 2¾" Plain Oval Belt Plate (shown) is recommended.

Bayonets are available from many sources; be sure the one you buy fits your firearm (most important) and is appropriate for the early 19th century British Army.

 

Shoes:  

Although a broken-in pair of period shoes can be fairly comfortable, you can often find black buckled or laced shoes from discount outlets such as PayLess and Fayva for $25 or so. (Laced shoes with two pairs of holes had come into military use by 1812.) Shoes are available from many sources and in a range of prices, but here are two sources to get you started: 1812 Period Low Quarter Military Shoe and 18th Century Men's Shoes (buckles sold separately).

You'll also need a pair of Spatterdashes (aka half-gaiters), painted black with exterior latex to make them water resistant. These are available from many sources, and you can make your own.

 

Haversack:  

A British Army Haversack (available from Military Heritage, Godwin and elsewhere) is useful, but not required.

Canteen:  

This British Army Wooden Canteen 1793-1861 should be your first choice, but also acceptable is a Pine Canteen (painted sky blue and marked with the BO - British Ordnance - as on the Military Heritage model) or most 18th and early 19th century tin canteens. You'll also need a 68" long, 1" wide leather strap with buckle for adjustment.

Contact Joshua Wingler to make sure what you have is appropriate.

Knapsack:  

If you want to carry a knapsack, try one of these: British Army Painted Knapsack, 1760s - 1810 or Double Pouch Two-Strap Knapsack (you'll need to paint this one to match the reddish brown - check with Joshua Wingler for the exact colour).

You can also have our own John Purdy can make a later model knapsack with wooden boards along the sides.

Greatcoat:  

This item will be low on your list but one choice is a British Greatcoat Napoleonic Period.

 

Other Sources:  

Cross belts, cartridge boxes, knapsacks - Peter Eligh (613-923-5715)
Red wool, lace, buttons etc. - Brian Luscombe