UNIFORMS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION -- Private, 42nd Highlanders -- 1782

UNIFORMS OF
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

Raised in 1739 and designated the 42nd Foot in 1751, this British regiment was heavily engaged throughout the War of Independence. It arrived in New York in July, 1776 seeing action at Long Island, Harlem Heights, Brandywine, Monmouth Court House and the Siege of Charleston. It was sent to Halifax in 1783.

A true highland regiment normally uniformed in the kilt and plaid, the uniform proved unsuitable and the kilt, etc., was exchanged for white linen trousers and gaiters, or the "mosquito" or gaiter trousers, as depicted. The "hummel" bonnet was retained as the headdress and usually adorned with strips of fur or feathers. The broadsword normally carried by all ranks was replaced by a hatchet. Regimental facings, blue; officer's lace, gold; mens' lace, spear-point or "bastion" with a red line through.

[SOURCE: R. J. Marrion. Fellow of The Company of Military Historians of America. Uniforms of the American War of Independence. A series of 24 collector cards. Victoria Gallery, London, England. 1992.]

Private, 42nd Highlanders
1782

Private, 42nd Highlanders

[SOURCE: Uniforms of the American War of Independence. A series of 24 collector cards. Illustration by R. J. Marrion. Fellow of The Company of Military Historians of America. Victoria Gallery, London, England. 1992.]

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