A close-up view of the private’s uniform in this print drawn by Edward Dayes shows the pattern of lace worn by the rank-and-file of the 9th Regiment. It is white with two black lines, unchanged since 1768. Privates had worn buttons on this style of coat for many years while officers had them added to their uniform more recently. The collar differs from the officer’s coat in that it is still the turn-down type, with the lapels terminating underneath the collar. The shoulder strap also has lace, with a button concealed under the collar. Lace is placed in pairs on the lapels and this is repeated on the cuffs and the red pocket flap on each hip.
The shirt is worn in a similar way to the officers, although of poorer quality. A black stock is tied at the neck showing a light of collar, and the ruff is exposed at the throat. The ends of the coat sleeves also show ruffed shirt cuffs. The close detail shows the rank-and-file brass belt-plate which has Britannia with a crown above. The side view gives us an opportunity to see the way soldiers’ hair was tied at this stage.
The 9th Regiment served in the West Indies from 1788 to 1796, so the artist probably studied men at the depot in Norwich.
Regimental Details | Uniforms
