Glengarry Light Infantry - Their Second Tunic? Castoff 95th?
Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 1:40 pm
**The following is taken from:
A HISTORY OF THE UNIFORMS OF THE BRITISH ARMY, Cecil C. P. Lawson. A.S. Barnes and CO., Inc., 1967. pp.108 - 111.
" The Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles were raised in 1812 largely by the inspiration of Father Alexander Macdonell, Padre to a previous Highland unit in Scotland, and who in 1812 sent the fiery cross through the settlements of the Highlanders. Mostly old soldiers from former regiments, and Roman Catholics. The regiment was commanded by Col. George Macdonell, nicknamed ' The Red', who was a near relation to the priest. The regiment, although entitled Fencible, was taken on the Establishment of the British Line.
The jacket and waistcoat of an officer and that of a rifleman still exist. The uniform, closely based on that of the 95th Rifles, was dark green with black collar and cuffs. The portrait of an officer shows three rows of buttons and black braiding down the front. The same braid appears at the back of the neck in a series of pointed loops as well as on the seams at the back. The black shoulder belt carries a whistle and chains. It will be noticed that the sash is worn over the shoulder according to the custom of Highland regiments. The Glengarries, considering themselves a Highland Corps, wore it according to Regulations. The men's jacket is similar with three rows of buttons down the front, but without any braid, and it had cloth wings. Wide black braid appears to be laid over the seams at the back, but this part of the jacket is somewhat damaged. The breaches and trousers were green, but no doubt were at times replaced when worn out on service with any materials obtainable. There appears to be no evidence of the headdress, but as the whole uniform was based on that of the 95th they would likewise have worn the cylindrical 1800 pattern cap with green tuft and the same bugle horn badge, in Winter replaced by a fur cap. The regiment had a very distinguished career and took part in many of the engagements of the war, including Lundy's Lane, where they were on the right wing. They were disbanded in 1816."
A HISTORY OF THE UNIFORMS OF THE BRITISH ARMY, Cecil C. P. Lawson. A.S. Barnes and CO., Inc., 1967. pp.108 - 111.
" The Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles were raised in 1812 largely by the inspiration of Father Alexander Macdonell, Padre to a previous Highland unit in Scotland, and who in 1812 sent the fiery cross through the settlements of the Highlanders. Mostly old soldiers from former regiments, and Roman Catholics. The regiment was commanded by Col. George Macdonell, nicknamed ' The Red', who was a near relation to the priest. The regiment, although entitled Fencible, was taken on the Establishment of the British Line.
The jacket and waistcoat of an officer and that of a rifleman still exist. The uniform, closely based on that of the 95th Rifles, was dark green with black collar and cuffs. The portrait of an officer shows three rows of buttons and black braiding down the front. The same braid appears at the back of the neck in a series of pointed loops as well as on the seams at the back. The black shoulder belt carries a whistle and chains. It will be noticed that the sash is worn over the shoulder according to the custom of Highland regiments. The Glengarries, considering themselves a Highland Corps, wore it according to Regulations. The men's jacket is similar with three rows of buttons down the front, but without any braid, and it had cloth wings. Wide black braid appears to be laid over the seams at the back, but this part of the jacket is somewhat damaged. The breaches and trousers were green, but no doubt were at times replaced when worn out on service with any materials obtainable. There appears to be no evidence of the headdress, but as the whole uniform was based on that of the 95th they would likewise have worn the cylindrical 1800 pattern cap with green tuft and the same bugle horn badge, in Winter replaced by a fur cap. The regiment had a very distinguished career and took part in many of the engagements of the war, including Lundy's Lane, where they were on the right wing. They were disbanded in 1816."