"1/28th North Gloucestershire Regt." Topic

Could someone please direct me to the references that talk about the 1/28th carrying captured French back packs in 1815 Campaign? Was the whole Regiment equipped this way or just a few veterans? Or is it just a myth?

Mate,

One reference is Osprey MAA107 British Inf Eqpts 1808-1908, pp.15-16.

According to the author of this worthy tome, the redoubtable Mike Chappel, former RSM of the late lamented Wessex Volunteers, and therefore to my mind an unimpeachable source:

"The final judgement on the knapsack equipment is probably best given by quoting the story of the 28th Regiment. On entering Alexandria in 1801 the 28th found a French store of fine calfskin knapsacks, They re-equipped themselves with these items, and clung to them tenaciously throughout the Peninsular and Waterloo campaigns. Only after Waterloo were they forced to adopt Mr Trotter's article."

Hope this helps,

Kind Regards,

Sparker

Other versions suggest only the 28th's grenadier company had them.

I've also seen an article – I think by Fosten – saying that only the Gren. Co. had the French style back-packs.

Back in the 1960's or 70's we had information that the 28th fought off a French mounted attack in front, and an infantry attack from the rear (or was it the other way round?) by having the rear rank face about and fire. They won the "back number" for this action.

They allegedly took packs from the French infantry to re-equip themselves. In retrospect, I don't see how they could have captured enough packs to do the whole battalion. With the new information about capturing stores, I can see the whole battalion being equipped.

I used this information to convert several Austrian Napoleonic fusiliers, with shako and French-like back pack, to men of the 28th. These were Willie 30mm figures, one of the most animated, and best-detailed figures he made. Filed the shako down to the stovepipe; filed the oak leaf to a pompom; filed the straps off the water bottle, and cut away the short sword, and had British, circa 1800-1808.

GdeP