On Caps and the Rifle Corps
Or more precisely, a concise guide to the Caps used by the 95th Rifles during the period of their existence, 1800-15.
By Ben Townsend
It is my intention here to list only the caps issued to private soldiers through regimental purchase. The focus is on private soldiers as Officers were required by regulation to equip themselves with a cap or caps, similar (so not necessarily identical) to those of the men.[i] In practice this meant that Officer’s headwear was prone to be more fashion-led, tailored to individual taste or Colonel’s vagaries, and naturally of a higher quality. Crucially, although each Colonel Commandant of battalion suggested a cap maker to his officers, they were not absolutely required to follow his recommendation, so Officer’s caps cannot be considered strictly regulated in the way that the men’s were.
The Experimental Rifle Corps that was to become the 95th Rifle Regiment was formed at the time (1800) that the British infantry was converting from a cocked hat to a cap. From their first issue of clothing, they were equipped with the cap.
Models of Cap
In 1800 the first infantry cap of felt was issued. It was lacquered[ii] or shellac’d. [iii]
In 1806 [iv] a similar pattern of felt cap without the lacquer was introduced.[v]
In 1811, a third pattern was instituted[vi], perhaps as a result of Wellington’s desire to create a distinctive silhouette for his forces in Spain.[vii]
In 1815 the final cap of the 95th was issued. This last pattern, the so-called bell top would survive the transition to the Rifle Brigade and was the first infantry cap to be described as a shako.[viii]
Regulation changes to Pattern Cap
These were the four regulation caps used during the period. Three other important regulations detail changes that occurred to alter the caps of the 95th:
From the outset, the cap badge for the Light Infantry and Rifle regiments was intended to be a bugle-horn, rather than a plate of the universal pattern[ix]
In 1809 the peak of the cap was altered from a round shape to a square cornered one[x].
In 1814 a regulation was issued confirming the use of the bugle-horn cap badge on the 1811 cap[xi] and requiring numerals to be applied to identify the LI regiment.[xii]
Non-regulation changes to Cap
After regulation, occasional minor changes to the cap are described as happening within theatre. For instance the adoption of chin tapes when performing amphibious landings.[xiii] Or sometimes an additional cockade to support a local cause,[xiv] or as a regimental internal distinction.[xv] At some point a worsted band or tape may have been added to the 1806 caps for the sergeants at least.[xvi] On the whole, alterations to standard pattern were discouraged by Horse Guards.[xvii]
Regular re-supplies of Cap
Regulation caps were considered part of the clothing of a battalion[xviii] and in common with the rest of the regimental clothing were supposed to be issued annually on 25th December.[xix] In practice there is some evidence that some battalions issued their clothing in April instead.[xx] The perishable felt body of the cap was supposed to be re-issued every year, until the introduction of the 1811 model that was supposed to be more durable and to last for two years.[xxi]
It sometimes happened that a battalion had ordered new caps to be prepared before receiving a new regulation requiring a new pattern.[xxii] In these circumstances, Horse Guards could permit a battalion to continue in the old pattern clothing for a period not exceeding one year. This was the case in The Peninsula generally in 1812, and the rifles also intended to use up clothing in store at Lisbon in lieu of their 1811 and 1812 issue.[xxiii] But in early 1813 the regiments were expected to be up to date, and the 95th were no exception. Colonel Barnard records that in April 1813 the 95th were re-equipped, with only the 1st battalion being maintained in the old 1806 pattern caps. [xxiv] The 1st battalion could be expected to continue in these old caps as long as, but not longer than one year, so to April 1814, by which time they had arrived in England and experienced another re-issue.[xxv]
[i] From 'GENERAL REGULATIONS AND ORDERS FOR THE ARMY'
Adjutants General's Office,
Horse Guards,
12th August, 1811
(the updated, with "Addenda", to 1815 copy)
General Order.
Horse-Guards,
24th December, 1811
Respecting the Dress of Regimental Officers p376.
'...Officers of Infantry to Wear a Cap of a pattern similar to that established for the Line...’
By Command of His Royal Highness
The Commander-in-Chief,
HARRY CALVERT,
Adjutant-General.
Point to note in the 1811 regs, they state that the officers are to wear, "a cap of a pattern similar to that established for the line" .
I would assert that the word similar allows for a deal of latitude. Further, a well equipped officer might have several caps, some for best and some for hard service. The expensive investment in these pieces might make him less likely to change his caps, or his best cap, with much frequency. This could account for some of the more extravagantly non-regulation items worn by officers in the occupation prints?
[ii] WO26/39 Warrant for compensation, dated 1803, for lacquered felt caps.
[iii] "...each Sergeant, Corporal, Drummer (bugler), and Private Man shall have..
A Cap, cockade and tuft as above specified (viz., A Cap made of Felt and Leather with Brass plates Cockade and Tuft conformable to a pattern approved by Us, the felt crown of the cap and Tuft to be supplied annualy, the leather part and Brass plate and the leather cockade every two years.)"
Clothing Warrant 1801 from Book of Entries, Military and Martial Affairs, 1801 i.e.3.59. Record Office. Dublin. Reproduced in History of The Rifle Brigade, Verner, vol1 p.42
[iv] Official letter of approval for the prior adoption of the felt cap throughout the infantry, 2 July 1807
[v] See for instance, WO7/34 2 July 1807 Page 85
[vi] WO7/56, 95 Board of officers recommendations for changes , 29 June 1811
"... the cap at present worn by the infantry is objectionable as to its form, which renders it unsteady on the head, and of little use in defending the head from the weather _ much less from sword wounds; and the board, conceiving that, without making any material alteration as to the quality, or any difference whatever in the expense, a cap may be constructed, which would not be liable to the above objections, but might combine the advantages of comfort, durability and utility in point of defence."
[vii] General Order.
Horse-Guards,
10th August, 1815.
His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, in the Name and on the
Behalf of His Majesty, has been pleased to direct that the Cap now in use
by the Infantry of the Army shall be discontinued, and an approved Pattern
of the Cap to be adopted, has, by direction of the Commander-in-Chief,
been sealed and lodged at the Office for Boards of General Officers at
Whitehall.
A Cover of prepared Linen to be worn in wet weather. is to be
added according to Pattern.
The Cap, Cockade, Feather or Tuft, Plate, and Cap Cover, are to be
supplied, once in every Two Years; it is presumed that the Brass Scales
will last longer, and will generally not require to be furnished more than
once in every four Years.
The Price of the Cap, Cover, &c., complete, does not exceed that
of the present Cap, viz., Eight Shillings.
Regiments which have been supplied with Caps of the pattern
heretofore in use, are to be permitted to wear them, until the expiration of
the, period for which they have been furnished.
By Command of His Royal Highness
The Commander-in-Chief,.
HARRY CALVERT,
Adjutant-General.
Circular Letter addressed by the Adjutant-General
p395 General regulations and orders for the Army 1811 onwards.
[viii] General Order.
Horse-Guards,
10th August, 1815.
His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, in the Name and on the
Behalf of His Majesty, has been pleased to direct that the Cap now in use
by the Infantry of the Army shall be discontinued, and an approved Pattern
of the Cap to be adopted, has, by direction of the Commander-in-Chief,
been sealed and lodged at the Office for Boards of General Officers at
Whitehall.
A Cover of prepared Linen to be worn in wet weather. is to be
added according to Pattern.
The Cap, Cockade, Feather or Tuft, Plate, and Cap Cover, are to be
supplied, once in every Two Years; it is presumed that the Brass Scales
will last longer, and will generally not require to be furnished more than
once in every four Years.
The Price of the Cap, Cover, &c., complete, does not exceed that
of the present Cap, viz., Eight Shillings.
Regiments which have been supplied with Caps of the pattern
heretofore in use, are to be permitted to wear them, until the expiration of
the, period for which they have been furnished.
By Command of His Royal Highness
The Commander-in-Chief,.
HARRY CALVERT,
Adjutant-General.
Circular Letter addressed by the Adjutant-General
p395 General regulations and orders for the Army 1811 onwards.
[ix] A soldier of the 68th confirms that there was no difference between the regular and light infantry cap in 1808 except the plate. Christmas 1808, in the 68th.
"When at Hull, our regiment was made a Light Infantry regiment: here we had our regimental clothing altered, and learnt to manoeuvre by the sound of the bugle, instead of the word of command; and, in conjunction with the 85th, were taught the light infantry exercise and evolutions under the command or direction of General Baron Derottenburgh. (sic)
At Christmas our new clothing was ready. It was completely altered, having, instead of shoulderknots, wings, green tufts in place of white ones, and bugles in the front of our caps instead of plates. We also gave in our arms and accoutrements, and received in return japanned muskets, with double sights, and a complete set of new accoutrements."
p.17 The viccisitudes of a soldier's life; or, a series of occurences from 1806 to 1815
[x] 17th April 1809, Clothing regs for Riflemen
"...alteration in the Peaks of the caps of the Rifle Corps has been approved, and that they are in future to be square instead of round, as has hitherto been the case."
(WO3/47, 474-5; 17 April. 1809, Adj General to?)
[xi] It appears that this difference in cap badge was already intended. See, Royal warrant for the provision of clothing etc to the Infantry, 15th July, 1812. Two pages reproduced from PWR GEN p.233-5 (Ben 741-2)
Note that the provision for cap and cover is identical throughout all units, the rifles are also provided with a cap cover, which was kit issued only with the 1811 belgic cap. The Rifles are not issued a brass plate however, and this is confirmed in 1814 by another GO stating that they will continue with a buglehorn.
In the following pages, the scale of compensation for these articles is given, and the cost for the rifles cap and cover is precisely the same as that for the rest of the line.
[xii] General Order.
Horse-Guards,
28th December, 1814.
HIS Royal Highness the Prince Regent having been pleased to
command, that the Caps of the Rifle and Light-Infantry Corps, and the
Rifle and Light-Infantry Companies of Regiments, shall have a Bugle-
Horn with the Number of the Regiment below it, instead of the Brass Plate
worn by the rest of the Infantry, The Commander-in-Chief has directed,
that the same shall be established throughout the several Companies and
Corps of Riflemen and Light Infantry in His Majesty's Service.
By Command of His Royal Highness
The Commander-in-Chief,
HARRY CALVERT,
Adjutant-General.
p380, from, General regulations and orders for the Army 1811 onwards.
[xiii] 859. WALCHEREN EXPEDITION, I80g : AN OFFICER'S BAGGAGE
(Vol. XXVI, p. I66).-It may be of interest to compare the Adjutant-General's list with the amount allowed for regimental officers. An A.-G. Horse' Guards letter of 22nd June, quoted in a company order book of the Ist Bn. 42nd (now in the regimental museum), states : "Personal baggage of officers not to exceed what may be contained in one portmanteau." This was repeated in General Orders, Horse Guards, London, 9th July, for the constitution of the force under Chatham's command, quoted in the same order book.
As far as the men were concerned, District Orders of 2Ist June for the Ist/42nd and 2nd/95th to be held in readiness for embarkation on shortest notice, with the lightest possible equipment, leaving the whole of the heavy baggage behind, gave the following: "Schedule of necessaries to be carried in the Pack: 1 shirt, 1 pair shoes, 1 pair stockings, 1 pair trousers, 1 forage cap, 1 brush, 2 combs, large and small tooth, 1 sponge for 2 men, 1 razor and strap; the greatcoat to be carried in the fold of the pack. N .B .-As every man has a comrade and each carries a brush, one may carry a cloth brush and the other a shoe brush. The straps for carrying the greatcoat when folded also to be put in the pack."
General Orders of 9th July, referred to above, gave a slightly different scale : "2 shirts, 2 pairs of shoes, 3 pairs of stockings, 1 pair of trousers (if in possession), 1 forage-cap, brush, razor, strap, two combs and sponge:' This list, which does not mention the pack, probably included the shirt, shoes and stockings worn on the man, leaving only one pair of stockings additional. It was added : "Lieut.- Generals of Divisions will immediately give orders that proper means are taken for securing the soldiers' caps by fixing tapes so that they may be tied under the chin to prevent them falling off:'
R.F.H. Wallace, Colonel
Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research VOL 27
[xiv] 1808, Sir John Moore's army.
"The first troops, urged by their commander to cherish the goodwill that the brave and high-spirited Spanish people entertained towards the British nation, and wearing in their hats a red cloth cockade stamped with the initials of Viva Fernando Settimo in token of this sentiment...."
General Graham, Brett-James, NY 1959, p.149
[xv] The 95th used green and white sub-cockades to indicate marksmanship. See The Green Book, or Standing Orders of the Rifle Regiment, 1801.
[xvi] WO7/35 Pages 131 and 132, dated Dec 1811
[xvii] WO3/39 11 June 1805, Page 202, Coote Manningham’s request for unspecified alteration to cap refused.
[xviii] 1810, letter requesting that regimental headwear be always sent out at the same time as the clothing.
WO3/50, 115
[xix] 24th January 1810, Horse Guards take an interest in the late delivery and fitting of clothing. They side with the colonel against the supplier, but observe that clothing need be on the men's backs by 25th Dec, in case they are ordered on active service.
WO3/50, 17
[xx] The Guards for example, and perhaps also the Rifle Regiment, see Barnard above, and PWR Footguards Inspection Report 1812. "The clothing is ready but it is not customary to the Guards to issue til St George's Day, the 23rd April."
[xxi] WO123/148 Horse Guards Circular dated 18 March 1812
[xxii] See WO3/203, 404, for the 63rd or, WO3/42, 1 for the 82nd for instance.
[xxiii] WO3/360 Page 213 25 June 1812
Letter from Horse Guards to Colonel Beckwith 95th Regt
'... I am directed to acquaint you that it will be unnecessary to order clothing to be sent for the six companies of the 95th regiment serving in Portugal, as it appears there is a large supply now in store at Lisbon, which may be appropriated for the ensuing year.'
[xxiv] The headgear situation is described by Barnard in a letter to Alexander Cameron of 1st April 1813 and included in the Rifle Brigade Chronicle, 1931.
The letter in the Rifle Brigade Chronicle is from Barnard at St. Simon, April 1, 1813, to Alexander Cameron, and says,
" I have had caps enough in store to help the appearance of the 1st Batt. as it used to be but the 2nd and 3rd sport bang ups as the soldiers of the 52nd who were the first in the Division that put them on have christened them.."
[xxv] Costello in early 1815 (pre-May)
"Safely returned to England... ....and supplied with new clothing."
p.209 Rifleman Costello, Leonaur 2005