| Newsletter,
- Issue No 21, April 2006
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Uniforms of the Green Howards,
1688 - 1914 This issue of the Newsletter was designed to show readers why the Museum in Richmond possesses the finest regimental uniform collection in the British Army. Much of this is due to Brigadier Tommy Collins CBE who spent over sixty years of his life developing the collection, scouring militaria auctions and rummaging in the attics of former Green Howards! Robert Latter (one of our Volunteers) who has a degree
in Military History from King's College, London, agreed to investigate
the provenance of many of the uniforms and headdress in the collection.
This is the result of his six months of research. We are deeply grateful
to him for his efforts and hope that what he has written will enlighten
you about the development of uniforms from scarlet to khaki between
1688 and 1914. |
CONTENTS
| Uniforms, 1688 - 1739 | When first raised in 1688, the
Green Howards wore blue and yellow coats and hats, but were reclothed
in 1689 in "English Scarlet". |
|
| Uniforms, 1740 - 1767 | In this period the Green Howards founght in
the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War. |
|
| Uniforms, 1768 - 1783 | This period included the time when the Green
Howards were involved in the American War of Independence. |
|
| Uniforms, 1784 - 1796 | Uniform changes in this period were relatively
minor. |
|
| Uniforms, 1797 - 1820 | Throughout this period the Green Howards were
statione din Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). In 1812 the "Wellington"
Shako (headgear) was introduced for both officers and men. |
|
| Uniforms, 1820 - 1853 | Prior to involvement in the Crimean War, the
regiment served in several overseas stations. An example is shown in the
Newsletter, from the Museum's collection, of a cocked hat worn by the
regimental Quartermaster. The "Prince Albert" Shako was adopted, and an example is shown. |
|
| Uniforms, 1854 - 1856 | The Museum has a unique example of the uniform
worn by Battalion Company soldiers when they proceeded to the Crimea in
1854. |
|
| Uniforms, 1857 - 1878 | The many changes of uniform following the
Crimean War are illustrated. |
|
| Headgear, 1844 - 1907 | The "Prince Albert" Shako was introduced
in 1844, but following the Crimean War headgear ranged from French style
Shakos, to spiked helmets, through to Glengarry bonnets. |
|
| Uniforms, 1879 - 1902 | Many changes to uniform happened in this period,
with regiments stationed throughout the British Empire adopting clothing
suitable to the climate. The Battle of Ginnis, 30 December 1885, was the last occasion on which British troops fought in their historic scarlet or red uniforms. |
|
| Uniforms, 1902 - 1914 | The big change in this period was the introduction of khaki service dress for use both home and abroad. |