- List of british army regiments uniforms. There are 13 cavalry regiments of the British Army each with its own unique cap badge, regimental traditions, and history. The British Army during the Victorian era served through a period of great technological and social change. The Earl of Peterborough's (later Queen's Bays): see fig. Three regiments also fought in the campaign in Mesopotamia, the only other theatre of the First World War where British cavalry served. The word ‘Regiment’ appears to date from Middle English, being derived from Old French for the word rule. [2] As part of the Household Division, one of its principal roles is the protection of the monarchy; due to this, it often participates in state ceremonial occasions. By the start of the Second World War, the British Army prohibited all identifying marks on its Battle Dress uniforms save for drab (black or white on khaki) regimental or corps (branch) slip-on titles, and even these were not to be worn in the field. Part 1. It is also regularly required to be worn by a short list of other units, senior staff British Napoleonic uniforms : the first complete illustrated guide to uniforms, facings and lace : a fully illustrated account of the uniforms and distinctions of each numbered regiment of cavalry and infantry in the British Napoleonic Army with a full and complete list of regimental facings, lace and distinctions including tartans of the highland regiments Other regiments served in six brigades of the two British Indian Army cavalry divisions that were formed for service on the Western Front. As of 1 January 2025, the British Army comprises 73,847 regular full-time personnel, 4,127 Gurkhas, 25,742 volunteer reserve personnel and 4,697 "other personnel", for a total of 108,413. With the many different military uniforms on display, to the untrained eye, it can be hard to tell them British infantry regiments of the line were supposed to carry a pair of colours—one, the first (or king's) colour, which was primarily meant to identify the carrying unit with the British nation, and the other, a second colour (usually referred to as a "regimental colour" today), which was primarily meant to identify the particular regiment carrying it. Full dress presents the most differentiation between units, and there are These records also include a list of successive colonels, with the uniforms allocated to each of their regiments, from the new order for clothing. The lacing could be square ended or ‘bastion’ ended. The escort of British infantry, with one troop of cavalry, beat off three times their number of enemy, who were accompanied by field artillery. The Guards Bands Each Regiment of Foot Guards has a Regimental Band, who are part of the Army Corps of Music. The formation of a professional army in the United Kingdom pre-dates the act of Union in 1707, originating from the days of the English Civil War. Because they are permanent organisations, each regiment has its own history, traditions and insignia. They are the largest permanent organisational units. Full dress presents the most differentiation between units, and there are fewer regimental distinctions between British foot regiments of the War of the Spanish Succession were organized as single battalions with nine line companies and one grenadier company, for a nominal effective strength of about 600 officers and men. Regiments of Foot, (Infantry of the Line) are line infantry regiments part of the army. Though the military history of Scotland dates back to the era of classical antiquity, the first organised Scottish military units were formed in the When a regiment is given as n + n battalions, the first number is regular army battalions, and the second is Army Reserve battalions. 1: Temperate Ceremonial Uniform See also: Dress uniform: British Army No. World Wars One & Two. The Irish people served in the British Armed Forces (including the British Army, the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force and other elements). Uniforms of the British Army Uniforms of the Royal Navy Uniforms of the Royal Marines Uniforms of the Royal Air Force The first true Highland regiment of the British Army was the 42nd Regiment of Foot (Black Watch) formed by amalgamation of the IHCs in 1739, and had its own consistent uniform tartan (known as Black Watch, 42nd, or Government tartan) by 1749 or 1757 at the latest. Normally only 1 battalion was sent on campaign, the other serving as a depot unit at home. Brown Collection, USA. In this work, created in 1894, the appearance of the British Army with all the arms and important regiments who participated in this famous Battle of Waterloo in 1815 are displayed on 75 panels. The Royal Berkshire Regiment were generally known as ‘ The Biscuit Boys ’ because the regimental depot, Brock Barracks’ was located at Reading, not far from the well known biscuit factory, Huntley and Palmers who were biscuit suppliers to the British Army for many years. It shows that members of British Army, past and present, view their regiments with extraordinary affection and respect. These were the 7th, 10th, 15th and 18th (the latter disbanded in 1821). The Royal Scots Greys and 92nd Regiment of Foot, two Scottish regiments of the British Army, at the Battle of Waterloo Scottish regiments are military units which at some point during their existence have had a form of connection with Scotland. Spanish Recruits in the British Army 1812 - 1813. The Regiment has consistently provided formations on deployments around the world and has fought in the majority of the major A number of infantry regiments were newly formed as, or converted into, dedicated regular light infantry regiments. Information about Army Lists, and how they can be used in your genealogical research. 6: 1694—buff facings. fandom. The use of regiments within the British Army apparently originates from the early 1600’s to mean a formed body of troops. Symbolic links Soldiers wear a badge on their uniform headdress as a way of identifying the regiment or corps to which they belong. The army was composed of two kinds of troops, those of the Household (troops of Life Guards, Horse Grenadier Guards, the Royal Regiment of Horse Guards and the three regiments of Foot Guards) and the regiments of the line. British Regiments in the Canadian Rebellions of 1837-1838 Compiled by Robert Henderson Uniforms for the Regiments serving in the Rebellions of the 1837-38 were in a state of transition. Foot was the contemporary term for infantry. Ultimately the KGL had eight line infantry battalions, two light infantry battalions, two regiments of light dragoons and three of hussars, four foot and two horse artillery batteries, and several engineer companies. The Household Cavalry (HCAV) is a corps of the Household Division that is made up of the two most senior regiments of the British Army – The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons). A look at the British Army at the start of the Era, to include a list of senior officers and the individual regiments. These might include links to a sovereign or royal dynasty, the regiment’s city or county origins, or a famous battle honour. British infantry, the redcoats, organization, tactics, uniforms, morale, commanders, fusiliers, welch fusiliers, the irish, the Foot Guards, highlanders, lowlanders BRITISH INFANTRY 1806-1812 The uniform coat for Line and Light infantry regiments was of red cloth, single breasted with small cuffs and turnbacks. The Royal Regiment Of Hor* (later Blues) 1684 Blue coats lined with red. British Poetry and the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. The Epic History and Heritage of the Irish. Uniforms of the British Army explained The uniforms of the British Army currently exist in twelve categories ranging from ceremonial uniforms to combat dress (with full dress uniform and frock coat s listed in addition). This charts shows all the British regiments serving in North America during the War of 1812, what battles they fought at, and their uniform details. No. British Napoleonic Uniforms : The First Complete Illustrated Guide To Uniforms, Facings And Lace : A Fully Illustrated Account Of The Uniforms And Distinctions Of Each Numbered Regiment Of Cavalry And Infantry In The British Napoleonic Army With A Full And Complete List Of Regimental Facings, Lace And Distinctions Including Tartans Of The Highland Regiments [PDF] [3def825324j0]. After the Crimean War (30 January 1855), the War Office ordered different rank badges for British general, staff officers and regimental officers. This paper won "Best Military Paper: Honorable Mention" in the 2003 Napoleon Series Writing Contest! Sep 22, 2017 · The Irish Guards The Irish Guards were formed on 1 April 1900 by Queen Victoria, to commemorate the Irish men who fought in the second Boer War for the British Empire. It is illustrated with more than two hundred full-colour plates of the uniforms and every aspect of their regimental distinctions. The The King's African Rifles (KAR) was a British Colonial Auxiliary Forces regiment raised from Britain's East African colonies in 1902. These lists cover all of the years from 1770 until 1779. The Earl of Plymouth's (later 3rd D. Originally, the colonel of a regiment could put whatever device he chose onto Each branch of the British Armed Forces has its own uniform regulations. During Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace the Bands provide musical support playing a selection of music that ranges from stirring military marches to popular tunes including theme music from films and TV shows. Apr 16, 2020 · Any discussion about Army regiments arouses passion and conviction out of all proportion to this topic’s importance relative to other military priorities, such as the acquisition of new equipment or new warfare doctrine. At the outbreak of the Britain's to be 12 year conflict with the soon to be French Emperor her Regiments of Foot ranged from the numbers 1st-96th List of equipment of the British ArmyThis is a list of equipment of the British Army currently in use. In late 1836 it was ordered that regimental lace was to be discontinued and replaced with white. The Victorian infantry consisted of: 3 Foot Guard Regiments His works can be found in the large collections of uniforms such as the Anne S. The Guards Division was an administrative unit of the British Army responsible for the training and administration of the regiments of Foot Guards and the London Guards reserve battalion. A historical background of the British conquest of India, from the Honourable East India Company to the Army of the Crown. In addition to their Regimental Band each battalion has, with the British Napoleonic Uniforms: The First Complete Illustrated Guide to Uniforms, Facings and Lace : a Fully Illustrated Account of the Uniforms and Distinctions of Each Numbered Regiment of Cavalry and Infantry in the British Napoleonic Army with a Full and Complete List of Regimental Facings, Lace and Distinctions Including Tartans of the This is a list of British fencible regiments. This list may not reflect recent changes. com Mar 22, 2022 · 377 pages : 31 cm British Army Uniforms identifies the uniforms of each regiment of cavalry and infantry from 1751 to 1783, including those worn during the Seven Years' War and the American War of Independence. The regiment or corps is the key administrative component of the British Army. Her Majesty The Queen's 7 Guards' Regiments in the British Army. The Life Guards were formed following the end of the English Civil War as troops of Life Guards between 1658 and 1659. 2 dress consists, for most corps and regiments, of a khaki jacket, shirt and tie with trousers or a skirt. The Special Air Service was a unit of the British Army during the Second World War that was formed in July 1941 by David Stirling and originally called "L" Detachment, Special Air Service Brigade – the "L" designation and Air Service name being a tie-in to a British disinformation campaign, trying to deceive the Axis into thinking there was a paratrooper regiment with numerous units British Infantry Organisation List of British Infantry Regts and Facing Colours Most British infantry regiments were composed of 2 battalions. Regiments of 1686 All wore red coats. The Seven Year War Website offers French and Indian War articles, French and Indian War links, uniform charts, French and Indian War reenactments, military replicas (swords uniforms), film props, consulting, Sutlers This is a list of British Army cavalry and infantry regiments that were created by Childers Reforms in 1881, a continuation of the Cardwell Reforms. Recognised as innovators, we are due to be one of the first strike In addition to our combat role, our ceremonial company has the special honour . Of the currently nine regular cavalry regiments, two serve as armoured regiments, three as armoured cavalry regiments, three as light cavalry, and one as a mounted ceremonial regiment. Many nicknames were used by successor regiments (following renaming or amalgamation). Media in category "British Army Cap badges" The following 18 files are in this category, out of 18 total. The Scots Guards are an infantry regiment steeped in history, with soldiers renowned for their discipline and courage in battle. [10][9][11] At the time of the changes, bands in regiments/corps of the British Army usually had four bands (attached to battalions). [2][3] 1st (Royal) Regiment of Foot - 4 Battalions from 1804-1816, then 3 until 1817 then 2 This is a list of nicknames of regiments of the British Army. However, due to the many reorganizations which occurred in the British Army since that time, it may be difficult to recognize the lineage of the regiments which exist today. The Coldstream Guards is the oldest continuously serving regular [b] regiment in the British Army. In all other cases an outline of Full Dress can be inferred from the unit's antecedents and functions and from Army history. It includes current equipment such as small arms, combat vehicles, explosives, missile systems, engineering vehicles, logistical vehicles, vision systems, communication systems, aircraft, watercraft, artillery, air defence, transport vehicles, as well as future equipment and equipment being This is a current list of regiments of the British Army (including the Army Reserve). Jun 14, 2024 · Yet uniforms were not always like that, in design or purpose. ALso includes reviews, a search of the current products, and other military records and information. However, things had not always been that way and the outcome had been reached via a number of influences. [1] Uniforms in the British Army are specific to the regiment (or corps) to which a soldier belongs. Field Marshal: Two rows of one inch wide oak-leaf designed lace on the collar with crossed baton above the wreath in silver. These varied greatly in detail according to the arm of service or in many cases the individual regiment. It was the first complete set of rank badges to be used by the British Army. These regiments are divided between the Household Cavalry Regiment stationed at Wing Barracks in Wiltshire, with an The Napoleon Series > Greenhill News > napoleon The uniforms of the British Army currently exist in twelve categories ranging from ceremonial uniforms to combat dress (with full dress uniform and frock coats listed in addition). Officers only wore these brilliant uniforms with other ranks wearing the frock with peaked cap. (See example on the Foot Artillery section). During the early war against the French, the British Army was bolstered by light infantry mercenaries from Germany and the Low Countries, but the British light infantry companies proved inadequate against the experienced and far more numerous French during the Flanders campaign The uniforms of the British Army currently exist in twelve categories ranging from ceremonial uniforms to combat dress (with full dress uniform and frock coats listed in addition). The Guards Division was responsible for providing two battalions for public duties to London District (plus three incremental companies); although the guards are most associated with ceremony, they are Information about Army Lists, and how they can be used in your genealogical research. Annexes : Ranks in the Indian Army - list of Governors General – list of Commanders in Chief – military personalities – wars and campaigns – Victoria Cross recipients Her Majesty The Queen's 7 Guards' Regiments in the British Army. Northern Ireland remains within the United Kingdom. Gs): green linings. 01. Many badges feature symbols that are important to the unit. The British Army underwent significant changes during the eighteenth century, mainly to ensure they would be able to perform well in the numerous wars that Great Britain participated in The uniforms of the British Army currently exist in twelve categories ranging from ceremonial uniforms to combat dress (with full dress uniform and frock coats listed in addition). The legionnaires were amongst the finest troops in the British Army. The Seven Year War Website offers French and Indian War articles, French and Indian War links, uniform charts, French and Indian War reenactments, military replicas (swords uniforms), film props, consulting, Sutlers This is a list of colours lost on the battlefield, or surrendered immediately afterwards, by infantry regiments of the British army since the 1747 reforms. Her long reign was marked by the steady expansion and consolidation of the British Empire, rapid industrialisation and the enactment of liberal reforms by both Liberal and Conservative governments within Britain. [7] The British Army traces back to 1707 and the formation of the united Kingdom of Great Britain which joined the Kingdoms of Jan 13, 2019 · The British Army’s guidebook contains a load of useful information on a variety of topics to help you along whilst you serve ROBLOX’s biggest and most active official British Army group; everything from our rules and ranks to passing basic training and joining the regiment that interests you most, whether its serving on the front line with our infantry and paratroopers, driving armoured Which brings us onto a rather obvious point - if regiments in the 18th century British Army are told apart through a rather long list of differentiation between facing colour, lace weave and colour and button spacings, isn’t identifying them at a glance pretty difficult. It also indicates the cavalry amalgamations that would take place forty years later as part of the Government cuts of the early 1920s. British Infantry Facing Colours : Regiments : Napoleonic Wars : Napoleonic Armies : This is a list of numbered regiments of foot of the British Army from the mid-18th century until 1881, when numbering was abandoned. Infantry uniforms of the British Army from 1750 to 1835 Until 1784 all regular regiments of the British cavalry wore red coats, with the notable exception of The Royal Horse Guards ("The Blues"). [1] Regiments were subsequently raised as part of the response to (i) the Monmouth Rebellion in 1685 (ii) the Jacobite rising Jun 16, 2010 · In British Napoleonic Uniforms, Carl Franklin's lavishly illustrated third volume for The History Press, these changes to the uniforms of all the numbered regiments of cavalry and infantry are discussed in detail. K. Queen Victoria ascended the throne in 1837, and died in 1901. Uniforms and colors were much the same as those of British regiments. This is a list of numbered Regiments of Cavalry of the British Army from the mid-18th century until 1922 when various amalgamations were implemented. The regiment's enlisted soldiers were drawn from the A series of army reviews were given in 1994, resulting in the reduction of the number of army military bands from 69 to 22 bands and with that, the number of personnel decreased from 2,000 to 1,100. Average battalion strengths while on campaign were as follows: - Line and Light - 500 to 600 men (50-60 men per coy) - Guard and Highland - 1000 men (100 men per A British soldier of the 29th Regiment of Foot in 1742 The experience of British soldiers in the eighteenth century would have depended on where they were stationed, the time period and who they were fighting. Lacing was applied across the chest in white or yellow. A brief guide to the Scottish regiments Quick guide to the Scottish regiments, Brief history of Scottish regiments, Quick history of scottish regiments, including badges and recruiting areas, map, Oct 4, 2022 · The British Army at Saratoga The British Army was a force serving two kingdoms—Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) and Ireland. Ireland - History Forum. By 1883 the uniforms and insignia of the Scottish Regiments in the British Army had evolved to become uniquely and distinctly different to all others. Its signature colour had become standardised as red for both infantry (foot) and cavalry (mounted) units by the end of the 17th century, except for the Royal Horse Guards and Royal Artillery who wore dark blue; then khaki (for everyday wear) and blue (for parade) in Pages in category "British military uniforms" The following 36 pages are in this category, out of 36 total. The division is responsible for delivering all state ceremonial and public duties and its troops played a key role in the King's coronation. As such, the British military recruited heavily from among the populations of both kingdoms, not only Britain. This is an outline of the British Army's light cavalry during the Napoleonic Wars, which consisted of the Light Dragoons and later Hussars, and from 1816 the lancers. We are Mechanised Infantry and train to use speed to cross the battlefield quickly and launch onto difficult objectives. Unit bands were being merged and branch bands began to be Loyalist Regiments Following is a list of all known Loyalist regiments that served in the American Revolution between 1775 and 1784. This article is a short The new regiments formed during or after the South African War followed the Yeomanry tradition of unique uniforms with many, for the first time, in lancer dress including four with the lancer cap. In addition there was the Royal Artillery Letters on British Politics Captured by the French in January 1804. The Household Division is a group of 7 Army Regiments who, in addition to their operational duties, provide Her Majesty The Queen s Household Troops and support military ceremonial duties and major public events in London. Along with the Royal Irish Regiment, it is one of only two Irish Regiments that are still part of the British Army. Soldier's kit locker containing general-issue uniform (Army Air Corps). go Regiments & Uniforms of the British Army STORMING PARTIES At the siege of Lisle (Lille), 1708, there was a French garrison of 15,000 and 50 allied battalions were detailed for the siege and covering Mar 5, 2023 · Date of last modification: 2023-03-05British Army Originally issued as a field uniform (see Service Dress (British Army)), this uniform is worn for most formal duties by all units. Jun 20, 2025 · Discover the history and style of British Military Uniforms, from classic WW1 designs to iconic regimental attire. In fact, where regiments of similar category amalgamate, it is mainly just a question of choosing insignia. Hussars had appeared in the British army around 1806 and there were four regiments at the end of the Napoleonic Wars. Of the British Army regiments raised during the war, primarily for military service in North America or the Caribbean, only three, the 23rd Light Dragoons and the 73rd and 78th Foot, survived the post-war reductions in the Army. From the iconic red coats of the British Army to the modern, technologically advanced attire of today, we examine how uniforms have reflected the nation's military prowess, social structure, and changing battlefield The British Army Uniform The British Army uniform developed along roughly the same lines as uniforms in other European armies. All of Ireland was part of the United Kingdom from January 1801 to December 1922, and during this time in particular many Irishmen fought in the British Army. Full dress presents the most See full list on military-history. Full dress presents the most differentiation between units, and there are fewer regimental distinctions between No. Many of these uniforms are also the template for those worn in the British cadet forces. The list is sorted alphabetically by regiment name and provides the dates of service and type of each regiment. It primarily carried out internal security duties within these colonies along with military service elsewhere during the world wars and other conflicts, such as the Malayan Emergency and the Mau Mau uprising. Uniforms: Wikipedia has an excellent list of British Army cavalry and infantry regiments for 1881. The uniforms of the British Army currently exist in twelve categories ranging from ceremonial uniforms to combat dress (with full dress uniform and frock coats listed in addition). Well, yes, but a couple of factors would’ve made things easier. 16. In that year light dragoons were issued with new uniforms which included dark blue coats. Full dress presents the most differentiation between units, and there are fewer regimental distinctions between The Royal Regiment of Artillery, commonly referred to as the Royal Artillery (RA) and colloquially known as " The Gunners ", is one of two [b] regiments that make up the artillery arm of the British Army. The British Army is the principal land warfare force of the United Kingdom. Jul 21, 2025 · Navigation: Main Page >> Armies >> British Army >> Regiments of the Line >> Current Page The British Regiments of Foot made up the vast majority of Britain's land fighting force heading into the tumultuous times known as the Napoleonic Wars. Imperial Nostalgia - by Vinay Lal. 1 Dress, sometimes referred to as "blues", is a universal ceremonial uniform which is almost consistent throughout the British Army. The jacket bore regimental facings on collar cuffs and shoulder straps. In the British Army, the line between light cavalry, such as Light Dragoons and heavy cavalry, for example, Household Cavalry was for shock effect on the battlefield was blurred, essentially as both branches employed similar mounts, which was better matched for the charge than long-standing solid service. As accoutrements, colours were the The Life Guards (LG) is the most senior regiment of the British Army and part of the Household Cavalry, along with The Blues and Royals. These regiments earned Battle Honours which are commemorated to this day. In 1777, British soldiers were volunteers; no one was drafted into the service. Regimental histories, class composition and uniforms. Oct 17, 2008 · Kings German Legion The Kings German Legion (KGL) was formed from Hanoverian citizens during 1803-1806, King George III being the Elector of Hanover (Haythornthwaite, 1995). Colours temporarily lost and recovered in the course of the battle are not listed. 1 Dress is only worn on ceremonial occasions, and, in some regiments, by the duty officer. As Allan Mallinson explains in The Making of The British Army, it was in the New Model Army, Britain’s first standing army formed in 1645, that British soldiers began to ‘wear a true uniform — red’. The fencibles (from the word defencible) were British Army regiments raised in Great Britain and in the colonies for defence against the threat of invasion during the Seven Years' War, the American War of Independence and French Revolutionary Wars in the late 18th century. The Colonial Legacy - Myths and Popular Beliefs. In many such instances the uniform has already been formally settled (for their Bands) in this way. The British May 6, 2023 · The Household Division forms part of the British Army's London District and is made up of five regiments of foot guards and the Household Cavalry. Also useful is D J Barnes, 'Identification and Dating: Military Uniforms', in Family History in Focus, edited by D J Steel and L Taylor (Guildford, 1984). Part 2. Ultimately it comprised eight infantry and two light infantry battalions, five cavalry regiments, and horse and foot artillery. Uniforms in the British Army are specific to the regiment (or corps) to which a soldier belongs. They have taken part in every major conflict since 1660. On active service up to six regiments were brigaded together, with the army as a whole usually being divided into a center and two wings. Above the regimental level, organisation is changed to meet day-to-day operational demands. This list will be updated through the ongoing implementation of Army 2020. Full dress presents the most differentiation between units, and there are Most of the remainder of the British Army, however, including the Royal Regiment of Artillery, hussars, all but one Lancer regiment, and various support elements wore dark blue uniforms. The latter encompassed variously 25 regiments of Horse, Dra-goon Guards, Dragoons and Light Dragoons with 70 regiments of infantry. The Queen's Regiment (later King's Dragoon Guards): yellow linings. [24] Red coats were also an exclusive feature of British regular infantry until the 1802 dress regulations This article delves into the rich and fascinating world of British military uniforms, exploring their historical development, significance, and evolving function over centuries. British Regiments in the Peninsular War 1808-1814 By Ron McGuigan The Peninsular War involved many of Britain's regiments. zr1c 8d16 vtzgd 0hnxi d9ex s7gyv 8g4m6xl pxvihkrc fy5gvq rpkh
