Walk through Nassau Infantry history - part 3, 1809-1813
Dated: September 12, 2008.
Hello,
Today part three....The 2nd Nassau Infantry Regiment was posted at the end of 1808 in Leval German Division and fought in Spain until 1813 when they went over to the British in July. The 1st Nassau Infantry Regiment took part in the Austrian campaign and was sent to Catalonia at the beginning of 1810. They were disarmed and interned after 2nd regiment defected.
Fusiliers
Single breasted short tailed coat in dark green cloth closed by a row of 9 buttons. Black collar piped yellow. Black shoulder straps piped yellow. Front of coat piped in yellow. Black rounded cuffs piped yellow. Dark green turnbacks piped yellow and vertical pockets simulated by a yellow piping. Brass buttons. Green vest piped yellow. Green cloth overalls with yellow Hungarian knots side bands over black or white gaiters. Service in Spain wore out uniforms radpidly and resupply could be slow. Consequently many regiments made up replacements from cloth procured locally by capture or requisition. Most of this was brown, and a legend therefore developed that it had been confiscated from Spanish monastries. Actually, brown cloth was plentiful throughout Spain and southern France. Shako as before here with cover. Equipment as before. Nassau troops did not „pipeclay" their belts, leaving them their natural buff/yellow color.
Grenadiers
Fusiliers' dress with scarlet fringed epaulets and turnbacks bearing scarlet grenade patch. Black fur (sunlighten to brown) colback with scarlet cloth bag. Scarlet plume, cords and flounders. Pouch bearing a brass grenade badge and infantry sabre with scarlet strap. Note the cut and braiding of the brown trousers, possibly recently some unlucky Spaniard´s cloak.
Voltigeurs
Fusiliers' dress with epaulets with yellow crescent and green fringes, turnbacks bearing yellow horn patch. Shako bearing a brass horn badge. Green plume with yellow top, yellow cords and flounders. Pouch bearing a brass horn badge and infantry sabre with green strap.
Musicians
Troopers' dress with black swallow nests laced yellow and six yellow lace chevrons on each sleeve. Five yellow buttonhole laces on front of coat.
So next time we will follow the period, when Nassau duchy joined the allies
(for more information www.histofig.com)
Regards
Peter Styk
Slovakia
Nassau Infantry
Many thanks to Mr. Peter Styk.