Facing colours edit
Regiments of foot were distinguished by the facing colours on their red coats: according to the time period, a contrasting colour of cloth was used to "face" the collars, cuffs and lapels of the jackets.
Until 1751 the choice of facing colour had been at the discretion of the colonel. The warrant of 1751 listed the facings, differences and distinctions for each regiment for the first time. His successor, George III, issued a further warrant dated 19 December 1768.[1] Facing colours for regiments raised after 1768 were subject to approval by the War Office, and were given in the annual Army List.[2]
Dark blue facings were reserved for "royal" regiments. In a letter of 1795 the Adjutant-General stated:
..."According to the general practice of the army, on the subject of facings to regimentals, His Majesty's pleasure has always been taken, relative to the particular colour, which a Regiment shall be permitted to wear; and that of blue has usually been reserved for the clothing of the Horse, and Foot Guards, and other Household Troops; and for such particular Corps likewise, as may have obtained His Majesty's special permission to assume in addition to the natural title of the Regiment that of royal, or the name of some of the Royal Family; all such Corps therefore in His Majesty's service, as now wear blue facings to their uniforms, have founded that privilege of assuming that (call'd Royal) colour, upon these grounds...".[3]
Accordingly, a regiment of foot, if granted the title of "royal", would alter their facing colour to blue. For example, the 6th and 35th Foot exchanged their yellow and orange facings for blue in 1832.[4]
Facing colours listed in the 1751 warrant were (dark) blue, yellow, buff, white, green and red.[5] By 1768 the range of colours had increased, with black and purple facings allocated to some regiments raised since 1751.[1] The 97th Foot, raised in 1824, had facings of a unique sky blue colour.[6]
Royal warrants of 1751 and 1768 edit
Prior to 1751 British Army regiments were known by their colonel's name, who was also responsible for clothing them. On July 1, 1751, George II issued a royal warrant which contained "Regulations for the Colours, Cloathing &c., of our Marching Regiments of Foot, and for the Uniform Cloathing of our Cavalry..". Under the terms of the warrant regimental numbers were allocated in place of the colonel's name, and the facings, differences and distinctions for each regiment were listed. His successor, George III, issued a further warrant dated December 19, 1768.
Household troops edit
The uniforms of the foot guards and Household Cavalry were not covered by the warrants. The royal livery of scarlet and blue was adopted, with the regiments of foot guards and the 1st and 2nd Life Guards having red uniforms faced blue, and the Royal Horse Guards reversing the colours with blue uniforms and red facings.
Royal regiments edit
Dark blue facings were reserved for "royal" regiments. In a letter of 1795 the Adjutant-General stated ..."According to the general practice of the army, on the subject of facings to regimentals, His Majesty's pleasure has always been taken, relative to the particular colour, which a Regiment shall be permitted to wear; and that of blue has usually been reserved for the clothing of the Horse, and Foot Guards, and other Household Troops; and for such particular Corps likewise, as may have obtained His Majesty's special permission to assume in addition to the natural title of the Regiment that of royal, or the name of some of the Royal Family; all such Corps therefore in His Majesty's service, as now wear blue facings to their uniforms, have founded that privilege of assuming that (call'd Royal) colour, upon these grounds...".[7]
References edit
- ^ a b Cite error: The named reference
1768warrantwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^
A List of Officers of the Army and the Corps of Royal Marines (PDF). London: War Office. 1824. Retrieved 12 March 2010.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Adjutant-General to Sir James Sanderson (W.O.3/14), reprinted in Strachan (1975) p.29
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
lg1832was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Cite error: The named reference
1751warrantwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^
A List of Officers of the Army and the Corps of Royal Marines (PDF). London: War Office. 1827. Retrieved 12 March 2010.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Adjutant-General to Sir James Sanderson (Wo3/14), cited in Hew Strachan, British Military Uniforms 1768-1796: The dress of the British Army from official sources, London