Tuesday, November 13, 2012

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:


As always, visit www.knuckleduster.com to see what's new!

All the Best,
Forrest Harris
Knuckleduster

6 comments:

  1. These are splendid and I'm really going to have to get some I think!

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  2. Hi There,

    A great addition to your comprehensive range - nice.

    Can you please check your website for Contact details accessibility or provide an email address. I have tried sending you an email via your website, even after being registered, but you pre-formatted email page continually says my email address is incorrect...when it is not adn I cannot send you an email.

    Not sure how to contact you for a figure order with this page not allowing contact?

    ...can you help please?

    Cheers

    Rolf

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Rolf,
    E-mail me directly at knuckledusterharris@gmail.com
    Sorry the website didn't make this easier for you! I'll be getting a new shopping cart system this year; the old software is getting long in the tooth. Thanks for your comment about the figures, and keep your eyes open for Caldwell Rangers, coming soon (after the first of the year). All the best, Forrest

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  4. After 7 months of painting over 300+ Knuckleduster 1812s, I finally got to play a Black powder game with them. What I really need is casualty figs for markers. Please consider making some.

    Tim

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    Replies
    1. HiTim,
      I will definitely put it on the list of items to sculpt. Do you have any photos up of painted units? I'd love to see them.

      Delete
    2. I'll email you some photos this weekend and my 'What if?' scenario The Battle of St. Davids 1814.

      Delete