3rd East Kent Regiment of Foot (The Buffs)

Shako: On the head of the soldier we see an 1812 pattern "Belgic" shako. This has the distinctive light company Green plume and cords as well as having the Light infantry bugle horn over the Regiments number.

Jacket: Over the shirt is worn the Regimental Jacket, This Is Buttoned up all the way in front with ten regimental buttons in groups of two and are surrounded by Regimental Lace. The Buffs wear what is known as square ended lace with buff, black and red stripes on a white background.

Overalls: The Overalls worn were one of a number of different designs trialled during the disastrous expedition to Walcheren in July 1809 and introduced to the British army the same year.

Gaiters: A set of Grey gaiters shin high are worn underneath the trousers and over the boots, these have six pewter buttons on the outside flank of the gaiters.

Boots: Troops were issued with three square toed boots that could be worn on either foot, the idea being that troops would constantly rotate the three boots to reduce wear.

Bread Bag: The Bread bag or haversack is worn over the right shoulder on the left hip and as the name suggests was designed for the soldier to carry his rations in whilst on the march.

Cartridge Box: This is worn over the left should on the right hip crossing over the bread bag. The Cartridge box carried sixty rounds of ammunition.

Bayonet Belt: This is worn over the right shoulder with the bayonet resting on the left hip, on top of the bread bag. This belt is held in place by the Regimental Belt Plate, a brass oval plate decorated with the regimental number surmounted by a crown.

Canteen: On top of the Bayonet belt is worn the Canteen, this is a round half barrel type painted Board of Ordinance blue with the ‘Buffs Dragon’ painted on it.

Pack: Each soldier carried a pack containing his ‘essentials’ such as spare clothes, shoes shaving kit etc illustrated below are the earlier type prior to 1812 and the latter version