"Peninsular War British Trousers" Topic

I know this probably seems a dumb question but I have recently purchased my first Perry miniatures, and was wondering whether during the Peninsular War were all the British trousers white, or were the soldiers wearing their own trousers?

Initially they would have been wearing white uniform trousers, switching to grey later in the war. However, as equipment wore out I think it would have been replaced with what could be sourced locally so if you are going for a seasoned campaigner look then various shades of brown would also be possible.

You could also paint in some knee patches for a campaign look to the trousers.

Personally I do white trousers for the first unit in a facing colour, then grey for the next then a patched grey/brown mixed set, helps identifying who is who on the table.

According to the journal of "A Soldier Of The Seventy-first", their uniform was replaced once a year. Their old kit got a bit scruffy but they continued to wear uniform issue.

'Provided we brought our men into the field well appointed, and with 60 rounds of good ammunition each, he (the Duke) never looked to see whether their trousers were black, blue or grey…'

Gratton of the 88th Foot, quoted by Phillip Haythornthwaite in 'British Infantry of the Napoleonic Wars'

There you have it!

Kind Regards,

Sparker

Thanks to all of you, you've made my life so much easier. Looks like I'll be doing the 88th for ease of arguments.

Thank you again.