Post
by Meic123 » Fri Mar 09, 2018 10:13 am
Found some information in 'That Astonishing Infantry' The History of the Royal Welch Fusiliers 1689-2006, Michael Glover and Jonathon Rile, 2008 Pen & Sword Military, states that the white hackle was worn when the 23rd Foot were designated a fusilier regiment. it is also noted that the only exception were the light companies whose headdress followed the same pattern as the grenadiers of the line. Interestingly it is also stated that "...around 1709 officers began to adopt the wearing of feathers in their hats..."
The book also comments that due to seeing themselves as an elite regiment, similar to the grenadiers a low mitre was adopted, though the date for this isn't given; but mentions that 50 years later this was changed when the grenadiers adopted the bearskin, to a lower version. It is however stated that they had their own grenadier companies.
Also reference to in 1707 that officers of the Scots Fusiliers were ordered to carry short pikes, in the style of the Welch Fusiliers.
There is also mention in the text to the first instance of the regiment being referred to as "Royal" being in 1712, though no further explanation, expect that this in 1714 became the title referred to in my previous post.
I can find no further information as yet to facing colour.
So, I'd probably go for Officers carrying half pike, (with feathers in their hats c.1709). I'd go for white facings, until 1712/14, and Grenadier company in tall mitre, then not sure whether the rest in low mitre or just the light companies, or hats and the white hackle (maybe as a white feather like the Perry AWI models?) for the War of Spanish Succession.
Hope that helps.