"Indian Mutiny Flank Companies" Topic

Hello All,

I have a question as it relates to British uniforms in the Indian Mutiny. Essentially, did they still have flank companies and if so, were they distinguished from the center companies?

I know in the Sikh Wars and Crimean War of just prior, they did and were distinguished on their uniforms. However, I cannot find any figures for the Mutiny with flank company accoutrements. This may be because of the nature of the clothes worn (did they still exist but were not distinguished?).

Finally, could I use Crimean War figures and be correct for the Queens' regiments who later joined in the fight? How about the new Perry figures?

Thank you.

I think you could use Crimean War figures.

Flank companies were abolished in 1862. So yes, there were still flank companies in the Queen's Regiments and European Company Regiments during the Mutiny. In home service dress, flank companies were distinguished by different color tufts on their shakos: green for the light company and white for the grenadiers – white over red for the center companies. They also had different cap badges but not, I think, shako plates. During the period between the end of the Crimean War and 1862 it was becoming common for all companies to be trained in skirmishing and it was no longer considered an advantage to have the best men concentrated in two companies of each battalion.

Army uniforms changed in 1855 at the end of the Crimean War. Those uniforms would be appropriate for the Mutiny. But the older, fancier uniforms with lace and coat tails would be out of place. You could use the Perry What If? North American British in sack coats and forage caps, although the caps were generally covered in India.