Coat

The red coat was identified with the British soldier for hundreds of years. Despite this, each Regiment’s coats were slightly different to distinguish them. The distinguishing features were the buttons, the lacing around the buttonholes of the coat, and the colour of his cuffs and collar. The Royal Scots, in the War of 1812, wore their lacing in single ‘bastion’ shaped loops. In addition, the lacing would have a blue thread or ‘worm’ running along both edges. As a symbol of his rank, however, the Sergeant wears white silk lace. As well, his uniform is of a higher quality wool than that of a private soldier. The cuffs and collar of this Sergeant’s coat are royal blue because of the Royal status of the Regiment. The coat, like the cap, also indicates that the Sergeant is of the Light Company. On his shoulders, he wears ‘wings,' as he is members of the Light Company, one of the two 'flank' companies. These are blue, a distinction shared only by the Royal Scots and the Foot Guards. The Sergeant, on the edge of his wings, wears tufts of wool which make him appear larger from a distance. Notice also the three stripes to indicate the rank of Sergeant insignia on both arms. In the line companies, stripes are only worn on the right arm.