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British Dragoon Grenadiers of 1704
UniformInfo - Military Modelling magazine
Q.
Sirs,
Could you please provide some details regarding the saddle and horse furniture of the British dragoon grenadiers of 1704? Also any uniform information, especially regimental facings.
Teddington, Middx. Thomas Keenes
A.
There is very little really detailed information on the grenadier troops which undoubtedly formed part of the British dragoon regiments in the early years of the eighteenth century. It is known that some, if not all, the regiments had these elite troops as indeed one would expect in regiments which, at this time, were always considered as mounted infantry.
It is to be expected that the dragoon grenadiers would have worn the special clothing and accoutrements which distinguished the infantry grenadiers from their fellows. These would have included special caps, probably fur head-dress with long night-cap type bags issuing from the crowns, special belts, pouches, axes and heavily frogged clothing.
However, as has been stated, the real detailed contemporary evidence is almost non-existant. What little we do know has been gleaned from odd comments in diaries and descriptions by travellers and historians together with a careful examination of the Blenheim Tapestries. We suggest you obtain a copy of Wace's beautiful book on these Tapestries which is still available in large bookshops. Examine the background of the photographs of many of the Tapestries with an eye glass you will find them very rewarding for the uniformologist. There are several examples of dragoons wearing fur caps with cloth bags and decorated coats with tasselled loops etc., and these are considered to be the troops you enquire about.
For details of saddlery and bridles of the period we would recommend you to Tylden's ʺHorses and Saddleryʺ. The question of the facing colours of the early dragoon uniforms is also a matter of some conjecture but the following table is compiled from several sources and is considered the probable correct listing: —
We would nevertheless welcome hearing from any reader having more information on facing colours of this period to add to the listing.
1st Royals Red lined blue 2nd Scots Greys Red lined blue 3rd Dragoons Red lined white 6th Dragoons Red lined yellow 7th Dragoons Red lined white 8th Dragoons Red lined yellow.