![]() In 1938, summer and winter service breeches were eliminated except for soldiers engaged in mounted duties. (American manufacturers could not match the German formula for the olive drab color.) Army Uniforms: Mid-20th Century (1926-56) Most notable was the color change to the wool service uniform because of the non-availability of German dyed wool. World War I broke out in August 1914 and almost immediately had an impact on Army uniforms. Army Uniforms: Early 20th Century (1902-26)įrom 1902-04, the Army introduced a staggering variety of rank, branch and specialist insignia in either bright colors for full dress and drab or bronze colors for the field, far more than we can deal with in this study. This coat was despised almost universally by the average soldier, particularly those serving on the western frontier, and the concept of layering would not be revived by the Quartermaster Department until World War II. The coat was loose enough that it could be worn with up to three wool shirts and a waistcoat in cold weather and still allow for freedom of movement. The purpose of the pleats was quite revolutionary, introducing the concept of layering. The distinctive feature of this garment was four pleats running down each side in front from the shoulders to the bottom of the skirt. For field service, the Army adopted the "Swiss blouse" recommended by Assistant Surgeon Alexander Woodhull. Army Uniforms: Late 19th Century (1872-1902)ĭuring this period, the Army made significant changes based upon field experience and recommendations. In addition, a four-button, blue wool sack coat and a forage cap (sometimes referred to as a "kepi") were authorized for fatigue and field wear. The regulations of 1858 and '60 established the uniform that defined the Union soldier in the American Civil War: the Army hat in black felt with appropriate branch insignia the frock coat with branch piping for foot troops uniform jackets with branch-colored lace for mounted troops and sky-blue trousers. A system of branch colors was introduced: Prussian blue for infantry, scarlet for artillery, orange for dragoons, green for mounted rifles and black for staff. The frock coat was introduced as the service uniform for all soldiers, thus eliminating the coatee. The uniforms introduced under the regulations of 1851 were relatively short-lived, but the changes that were made were significant for the Army. Army Uniforms: Mid-19th Century (1851-72) The regiment of light dragoons received a bi-metal insignia consisting of a yellow federal eagle on a white metal sunburst. The new branch insignia authorized in 1833 included an eagle with a hunting horn for infantry and an eagle with crossed gun tubes for artillery. The new regiment of dragoons also received yellow lace.īranch insignia was introduced although the metal color continued to be yellow for mounted soldiers and white for foot troops. The wool lace continued to be white for infantry and yellow for artillery. The buttons were of a new pattern, and worsted epaulettes replaced the shoulder wings used previously. It was single-breasted for privates with nine buttons in front and lace on the collar. The uniform coatee introduced by the regulations of 1833 was not much different than its predecessors. Army Uniforms: Mid-19th Century (1833-50)Ĭhanges to the Army structure prompted changes to the uniform regulations. This uniform remained in service with only minor alterations into the 1820s. The regulations also introduced a new cap or shako copied directly from the Belgic-type cap worn by the British Infantry. The red collar and cuffs were eliminated, and lace binding was to be on the collar only in either white for infantry or yellow for artillery. The new uniform coatee was single-breasted with a 10-button closure in front. In May 1813, uniform regulations were revised again. (The 25th through 28th Infantry Regiments received blue coatees with red cuffs and collar, but with white binding lace on the collar only.) In February 1813, the white binding was dropped altogether. ![]() These were made in the same manner as the regulation coatee with red cuffs and collar - and, in most cases, with the white binding. Because of a shortage of blue cloth, coatees made of drab, black, brown or gray cloth were issued to various Regular Army infantry regiments during the winter of 1812-13. The year 1812 was a very confusing one in regard to uniforms.
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