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Date	Original Topic
11th March 2004	greatcoats By JIm Hi there, just wondered if it was a blanket or greatcoat that was carried on the back of the infantrymen. Would the greatcoat have been similar to the type worn by the Guards today? and were they widely used during the Zulu war? Many Thanks Jim
Date	Replies
11th March 2004	Martin Everett Dear Jim, There were blankets and there were greatcoats - like the Foot Guards wear today. However, blackets were easier to carry. One of the problems of the Zulu campaign and agian in the Boer War was that baggage train, after decamping in the morning never reached the forward marching tropps at their stop for following night. So often soldiers had to sleep with no tent and no greatcoat. For illustrations of the greatcoat - see 'A Soldier's Like' by W W Lloyd Lt 1/24th published in 1890s. Some of these illustrations have been recently included in David Rattray's battlefield guide.
12th March 2004	Mike McCabe In some cases, greatcoats were also carried inside the blanket roll for short periods of time - though more often in less temperate climates. MC McC
13th March 2004	John Young Jim, I reached for my copy of 'On Active Service' by W.W. Lloyd, in one illustration the men are wearing their greatcoats with their rolled blankets worn over their shoulder. Just to add to the above comments. John Y.
14th March 2004	jim Thanks for the information Jim