"2nd Afghan War" Topic

I am going to purchase some of the Blue Moon Northwest Frontier miniatures for the 2nd Afghan war project that I am undertaking.

I was wondering what colour to paint the khaki of British and Indian troops for this period. Any suggestion would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Early khaki was infamous for fading and discoloration. Google search 19th century khaki for the "regulation" colors, then paint the uniforms almost any shade but that. Mix and match different shades for pants and tunics freely. You can keep the shades close together for a more uniform look, or go for stronger variations of color for an unkempt, irregular look. Works especially well for any army in the field, or armies from the earlier periods. Also, remember that the term 'colorfast' wasn't even in use until the 20th century and that even modern dyes fade in sunlight and with washing.

But wasn't there a mix of khaki and old colourful uniforms in 1878/80? Some photos suggest the blue trousers or sometimes a red uniformcoat for Indian and British troops too.

It would be interesting if there is a listing which unit had which uniform in this war.

cheers
uwe

There was indeed a mix of khaki and old colourful uniforms in use at the start of the Second Afghan War in 1878, but by the end of the war in 1880, almost everyone was wearing khaki, and the khaki itself was just starting to become "standardised" throughout the British army.

Still, as corporalpat says above, throughout the war British and Indian troops served in a wide variety of shades of "khaki", many made from dying white uniforms with tea, dirt, etc. This was supposed to be done on a uniform basis throughout individual battalions, but as corporalpat also mentions above, wear-and-tear and replacement uniforms could produce a variety of shades even within the same battalion.

As far as specific regiments are concerned, there's a list of how the British infantry and cavalry regiments each were dressed when they went to war in Afghanistan in Michael Barthrop's Osprey book "The British Army on Campaign, 1816-1902 (3): 1856-1881.

A couple of specifics re: "old colourful" uniform items in use during the Afghan War include the 59th Regt. wearing red tunics and blue service trousers at the start of the war, and the 67th Regt. wearing blue service trousers with khaki jackets and puttees. Most regiments brought their "colourful" service dress with them, as it was warmer than the thinner whites-dyed-khaki, and so was useful during the Afghan Winter. Some units are recorded wearing khaki OVER their more colourful service dress, when it was cold.