"Major General Coote Manningham (Col of 95th Rifles)" Topic

Hi,
This gentleman commanded an infantry brigade in the reinforcements of Baird in 1808 in the Peninsular. My question pertains to his likely uniform. Would he have worn the regimental of the 95th but with perhaps a bicorne or a red coat faced with ?
Any suggestions would be appreciated,
Nigel

As colonel of the 95th he was entitled to wear their uniform on that basis alone. At the time you could be colonel of a regiment while holding general's rank much like an honourary colonel today. Coote-Manningham would not have been a major general for long so there is a distict possibility that he might have maintained the uniform of the 95th, the formation and evolution of which he would have been immensely proud. I think it likely that he would have maintained his 'Sweeps' uniform as all the portraits I have found of him (none as a general) suggest that he liked the more 'spectacular' uniforms. He may have added a bicorne but would be just as likely have worn a shako or Tarleton. In short, unless someone can provide a reference saying he wore the regulation uniform the choice is yours.

Yes, thanks. I will search for a suitable figure. I am unsure of his name – you suggest it is hyphenated but Coote may well be his first name.

I know of no mounted officers in 25/28mm of the 95th so I may have to use an officer in a greatcoat with a great coat underneath.

I like the idea of him commanding one of Baird's brigades.

Perry's produce three mounted light infantry colonels of which one would be suitable as a mounted 95th colonel/MG Coote Manningham.

I was going to post a scanned portrait of him in redcoat and Tarleton, but that is the first thing comes up on a Google search, which I imagine you have done already, so I did not bother.

It looks to me much earlier than you are seeking

When Mannigham died, he was replaced as Colonel in Chief of the 95th by Sir David Dundas. I've never seen a picture of "old Pivot" in rifle green and this suggests, at least to me, that the scarlet with blue facings is more likely. Also, he may have worn the uniform of the 81st, of which he was Lt. Col. before going to the Experimental Corps of Riflemen where Wilson was the Lt. Col.

He was also an Equerry to the King which, as it certainly did later but not today, may have had its own order of uniform at the time. If so, this was almost certainly scarlet with blue facings, probably with an elaborate, aiguillette.

Dundas was already a general with operational experience when he received the position of colonel of the 95th. This post was more one of patronage and direction than tactical command. He would most likely only have worn Rifles uniform when being with them on a formal occasion. Coote Manningham came up to colonel and then general.

He was Sir Eyre Coote Manningham. Not to be confused with Eyre Coote – a different chap entirely. I doubt Manningham ever wore green.

When Manningham died, he was replaced as Colonel in Chief of the 95th by Sir David Dundas.
Well that's new – had no idea – thanks for that 22nd. I think Old Pivot is due an investigation.

what do you say about the print deadhead is mentioning, a light infantry uniform?? In Egypt??

In this 1808 painting he appears to be wearing a Major General's red coat (the print is coloured but not colour) with blue facings with a light infantry sword and Tarleton helmet.

link

I'd go with a standard British senior officer in bicorne or do a headswap with the Perry plastic light dragoon officer if I was feeling ambitious.

Their text seems to suggest that they feel he is wearing early rifle uniform however and the lace does suggest that.

Again there is that colour portrait that comes up on Google as the first image, where he is indeed in red coat and the topper style hat

Well, well. Thanks Gents. What a large choice. Plus the fact that British Generals often seem to have worn what they wanted. I am not sure what I will do but whatever I do will go on the blog

nigbilpainter.blogspot.fr

so thanks for your help.