#1 [url]

Jan 27 07 11:17 AM

French linen frocks or smocks

Simon

Hi. There’s a nice plate in Windrow and Embleton if you have it or can access it. Plate 12, 86e Ligne. I have been trying to find out where I read it again, but he cites British onlookers at Vimeiro who noticed the white (not blue) clad French advancing. The fusilier in the plate is depicted as wearing a “white” linen frock or smock coat. It is open at the front – but not unlike a great coat in appearance. From recollection, some great coats I've seen are a bit thick looking. But I do recall a nice Connoisseur figure (and Hinchcliffe, but they'd be a bit small for the rest of your troops) – and have seen these on one or two tables and they do look good although they have been mixed in with figures in habites etc. As the material would appear to have been natural linen I would guess they’d be off white. I do recall reading at least one eye witness mentioning the red distinctions, although I think he calls them shoulder knots as opposed to epaulettes, worn by the grenadiers in the final attack – but it is not clear from this account that they wore these over a smock. I’ll keep digging – I have other sources somewhere.

Ant

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