"Russian Jagers 1812" Topic

Please may I ask for some help and information?

I'm aware of the uniforms of Russian Jager regiments, c.1812-13, but what about the Jager / skirmisher platoons of ordinary Musketeer regiments ~ how were they distinguished from the centre companies? Did they, for example, have black leather equipment, like the Jager regiments themselves?

Many thanks in advance.

The skirmishers in a musketeer regiment were provided by the Strelki Platoon (who wore the same white belting as everyone else). This was one half of the grenadier company and therefore shared some of the distinctions. The Strelki had the same tall black plume and the same grenadier badge of three grenades on their shako and ammunition pouch. Where they differed was in the cockade and sword knot. In the first battalion the cockade was all yellow as was the 'knot' of the sword knot (the straps and tassle being white). In the second (depot) battalion the cockade was green with a yellow centre and the knot was green with a yellow stripe in the centre. In the third battalion the green was replaced by light blue. Also, the Strelki tended to take the plume off their shako in the field. When the battalion formed up, the grenadier 'proper' platoon formed up on the right and the Strelki platoon on the left.

Hope that helps.

Thanks, Artilleryman, that's more than helpful.

Note that while the 4 February 1811 regulation has plumes for all members of Grenadier Regiments (ie including the strelki platoon and Fusiliers), that from 22 February 1811 this changes that for all Musketeer and Jager regiments, plumes were authorized for Grenadiers alone. This specifically excluded the strelki.

That's useful to know, Scott. Cheers.