The Sylhet Battalion was raised in 1824, and for only 3 years until 1827 they were dressed in red uniforms, similar to those worn by other Native Infantry units. But from 1827, having been re-designated as Light Infantry, they wore rifle green with black facings. This Simkin illustration is an interpretation of how the dress uniforms of British officers may have looked. The figure on the left wears a red coatee and white summer trousers. He has a light infantry badge on his shako and a green plume. The chain and whistle on his shoulder belt was also a symbol of light infantry. The next figure, dated 1827, wears rifle uniform based on the Rifle Brigade pattern. It is a waist-length braided jacket with black braid and cording. The third figure is wearing the long tunic (called a jacket in rifle regiments) adopted around 1857, the basis for the final pattern that was worn up until WW1. The white Wolesley helmet with red hackle was adopted by the 2 battalions of the 8th Gurkhas in the early years of the 20th century.
