BRITISH INFANTRY IN WINTER GEAR

The War of 1812 was fought largely in Canada and the northern US, therefore winter gear was a necessity. At the Battle of Crysler's Farm (the correct spelling, although "Chrysler" is sometimes used by those more familiar with the cars), the American 3rd Brigade commander Covington mistook the British 49th Foot for militia because of their greatcoats.

 The British Army's winter gear included not only the greatcoat, but also various fur-covered shakos, fingerless gloves, and "beef boots," the design of which Renee Chartrand speculates to be similar to a "mukaluk," although no examples or documentation of their design survive today.

"Beef boots." 

 Shako with fur cover.

Officers took the field in a variety of gear, including custom-made fur hats, long fur stoles, leather-cuffed trousers, and boots of various types.

The straps were worn under the cape which covered the shoulders. The blanket is still rolled and strapped over the backpack, but should be painted the light tan color of British blankets rather than the grey of a greatcoat, since the greatcoat is being worn and not rolled over the blanket. Sashes are worn over the coats, but wings and epaulettes are not.

These figures are available in standard packs, or in a bulk pack containing a 24-man unit.

The spirit of a British army on the march in the winter is best portrayed by this photo from the Crimea, a war fought by the British in uniforms which were still very Napoleonic in appearance:

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All the Best,

Forrest Harris

Knuckleduster