rorkesdriftvc.com Forum Index


rorkesdriftvc.com
Discussions related to the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879
Reply to topic
Greatcoat or just a good blanket?
Sawubona


Joined: 09 Nov 2005
Posts: 1179
Reply with quote
What exactly is that thing confined to the kit by the "greatcoat straps"? Turner in Soldiers' Accoutrements of the British Army pictures it more like a rolled up blanket . Was it a blanket or a coat? Am I missing something in British Victorian slang? Is a blanket called a "greatcoat" as in "Wanna check out my great coats?" (Nudge, nudge, wink, wink)
View user's profileSend private message
Adrian Whiting


Joined: 31 Aug 2005
Posts: 76
Location: Dorset, England
Reply with quote
Sawubona,

The straps are for carrying the great coat in certain orders of dress. They can be used to carry a blanket of course but the Instructions for Fitting Valise Equipment do not describe them for that purpose.

The Instructions are very precise on how to roll the greatcoat for carrying, with all the buttons, openings etc inside to limit snagging. I expect that is why Pierre Turner's illustration looks as it does. The greatcoat was different (thinner) from present day British military ones, such as the Foot Guards Greatcoat.

Horace Wyndham in "Soldiers of The Queen", London 1899, describes the process of soldiers in barracks rolling the greatcoat, which involves four men per coat to hold it tightly enough to fold and then roll it correctly!

_________________
Hope this assists,
Adrian
View user's profileSend private message
Greatcoat or just a good blanket?
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
All times are GMT  
Page 1 of 1  

  
  
 Reply to topic