Royal Artillery, Officer 1815

Head Dress,

The head dress worn by officers of the Royal Artillery was the 'Wellington' or 'Belgic' shako, introduced on 24 December 1811. The body and false front were of black beaver for officers and felt for other ranks. The false front was 8t in. high, the crown of the shako being about 6 in. high. The bottom of the shako was bound in black lace. A rosette was fitted on the left side of the shako, behind which a white cut feather plume was placed. Caplines were worn, fitted under the rosette on the left,looping down over the peak and hooking up on the opposite side. Two tassels hung at the end of the lines. The shako plate was a roughly oval ornamentally edged plate, surmounted by a crown. On the plate was a Garter with the words 'Royal. Regt, of Artillery' on it. Inside the Garter was the GRcipher. Below the Garter was a cannon or mortar. On each side, slightly above the cannon, were 2 flaming grenades, 1 each side of the bottom of the Garter.

 

 

Uniform,

A blue coat was worn with red collar, cuffs and lapels. This pattern was worn only for a short time. The collar was open at the front, reveal¬ing the stock and shirt frill. On each side of the collar was a pointed loop. of gold lace. The lapels as shown were buttoned back and the jacket fastened by hooks and eyes down the front. Each lapel had 10 bars of pointed-end lace extending nearly the full width of the lapel. On the outer end of each bar was a button of regimental pattern. The button was gilt with the design of a crowned Garter. On the Garter were the words 'Royal Regt, of Artillery'. Inside the Garter was the GR cipher. The cuffs were round and had 4 pointed-end button loops in gold lace and buttons. The turnbacks were red, as was the coat lining. The turnbacks were held by an em-broidered device and on each side of the back were 2 pocket flaps. At the waist were 2 buttons each side of the centre vent. A crimson waist-sash was worn, tied around the waist and knotting on the left side. White kerseymere breeches were worn with hessian boots.

 

 

Accoutrements.

A waist-belt was worn under the sash with 2 sword slings, 1 long and 1 short.

 

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