Walk through Nassau Infantry history - part 2, 1808-1809
Dated: March 17, 2008.
Hi:
So part two....In June 1808, battalions were reorganized along the French system of one grenadier, one voltigeur and four fusilier companies and regrouped in two infantry regiments, the 1st Nassau Infantry Regiment receiving the two Usingen battalions and the 2nd one the Weilburg battalions. New uniform was issued in 1808, replacing one with red collar, cuffs, skirt turnbacks, and shoulder straps. The braid originally was orange, but yellow was substituted after 1809. The grenadiers reportedly wore still a crested helmet much like the Bavarian Raupenhelm.
Fusiliers
Single breasted coat in dark green cloth closed by a row of 7 buttons. Black collar laced light orange. Black shoulder straps trimmed light orange. Front of coat piped in light orange. Black rounded cuffs laced light orange. Black turnbacks piped light orange. Brass buttons.
White vest. Grey breeches bearing black Hungarian knots and black knee length gaiters. To protect their grey breeches they wore in campaign white overalls.
Black felt shako with black leather top and bottom bands, bearing a brass trophy of arm plate with dice cut regimental number. Company coloured (1st yellow, 2nd white, 3rd sky blue, 4th black) tufted pompon over black cockade. White cords and flounders. Yellow leatherwork and black leather cartridge pouch.
Grenadiers
1st battalion of both regiments : Fusiliers' dress with same buttonhole laces and helmet as former Leib-Bataillon. Scarlet fringed epaulets. Brass grenade badge on pouch and infantry sabre with scarlet sabre strap.
2nd battalion of both regiments : Fusiliers' dress with brass grenade badge on shako. Scarlet plume, cords, flounders and fringed epaulets Brass grenade badge on pouch and infantry sabre with scarlet sabre strap.
Voltigeurs
Fusiliers' dress with brass horn badge on shako. Green plume, cords, flounders and fringed epaulets Brass horn badge on pouch and infantry sabre with green sabre strap.
So next time we will follow the Infanry units through the 1809 Austrian and Spanish campaign till 1813.
(for more information www.histofig.com)
With Best Regards
Peter Styk
Slovakia
Nassau Infantry
Many thanks to Mr. Peter Styk.