In 1871 changes were made to the uniform which are clearly demonstrated in this photo. The front of the dark blue tunic was covered with a scarlet plastron formed of the lapels turned back all the way from the shoulders to the waist, although the tunic was still double-breasted and buttoned to the right. In marching order it was buttoned to the left to hide the plastron. The trousers that had been worn for mounted duties were replaced in 1871 by blue breeches and knee boots. The breeches had double gold lace stripes and the boots had steel ‘crane-necked’ spurs. The other change at this time was the reintroduction of the sabretache, for officers, plain black patent leather, without a badge. Both sabretache and sword were suspended from a hidden webbing waist-belt. The slings were gold lace, of similar pattern to the gold pouch-belt.
This officer has rank badges on his collar; a crown and star, embroidered in silver and colours, to denote captain rank. Robert Stewart Cleland was promoted to captain on 9 August 1864. He rose to the rank of lieutenant-colonel, commanding the regiment in the 2nd Afghan War, from 27 June 1879, and led them in a charge at Kila Kazi on 11 Dec where he was mortally wounded and died after many months of severe suffering on 7 August 1880.
