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Date	Original Topic
30th June 2003	How red was the redcoat ? By Chris N I know that in the early part of the 19th century the vegetable dyes used for the red British infantry uniforms would fade to a brick colour. However by 1879 I assume the later dyes would be derived from coal-tar. How 'fast' was the red dye for the undress red frock coats ? After a year's hard wear in the South African sun/dust/rain would they be red-brown or a faded pinkish red for example ? The "Zulu Dawn" film seems to show them as the latter and I assume they must have done some research.
Date	Replies
1st July 2003	Barry Iacoppi N.Z. I know nothing about dyes but I am sure that in Zulu Dawn some of the �Red Coats� appeared to be made of light nylon and looked more like shirts then tunics.