K&C 16th Light Dragoon figure AWI question (1 Viewer)

[Cornwallis]

The 16th Light Dragoons as a regiment saw no more service in America after the Battle of Monmouth in 1778, however the soldiers actually continued to serve with the 17th Light Dragoons.

My question is would they have continued to wear their 16th Light Dragoons uniforms or be issued with new 17th Light Dragoon uniforms as getting new uniforms for troops was difficult anyway back then.

I want to know whether this figure could be used in a diorama set in a Southern Campaign setting or whether it would be historically incorrect?

 

[trooper]

The 16th would have continued wearing their ow uniforms. Although operating with the 17th they would have retained their own individual identity, they weren't inducted into the 17th. Trooper

 

[theBaron]

The 16th would have continued wearing their ow uniforms. Although operating with the 17th they would have retained their own individual identity, they weren't inducted into the 17th. Trooper

You're correct, Trooper, in that they weren't amalgamated, as it were, but I do recall reading something about their uniforms, after they were "brigaded" with the 17th LD, that there was some issue with resupply, and that they might not have maintained their regimental distinctions to peacetime standards. It may have been in Mollo's "Uniforms of the American Revolution", but in any case, I'll look for it tonight when I get home. I post back what I can find.

Prost!
Brad

 

[Fusilier]

You're correct, Trooper, in that they weren't amalgamated, as it were, but I do recall reading something about their uniforms, after they were "brigaded" with the 17th LD, that there was some issue with resupply, and that they might not have maintained their regimental distinctions to peacetime standards. It may have been in Mollo's "Uniforms of the American Revolution", but in any case, I'll look for it tonight when I get home. I post back what I can find.

Prost!
Brad

Just my copy of the same book Brad, but I can't find any specific reference. The text from the 16th Dragoons color plate mentions the men were drafted into the 17th, but nothing specific about the uniform coat after that time frame. Same thing with Troiani's Soldiers of the American Revolution.

The 16th would have continued wearing their ow uniforms. Although operating with the 17th they would have retained their own individual identity, they weren't inducted into the 17th. Trooper

Trooper, that is a good point. It would seem logical, given the similiar situation the 17th was in a couple years later. I recall reading in a couple places where the men of the 17th were offered green coats while operating with Tarelton's Legion in 1781. They refused, preferring to retain their own thread-bare regimentals. It would seem likely then, that the men of the 16th would have done the same thing when combined with the 17th in 1778.

Noah

 

[theBaron]

Yes, Noah, I checked and saw the same paragraph accompanying the illustration of the dragoon from the 16th. I went to my Osprey, "The British Army in North America 1775-1783" and checked there, too. I think this is the reference I was thinking of, about supplies:

"The 16th transferred its effective horses and men to the 17th Light Dragoons and returned home after the British retreat from Philadelphia in 1778. No doubt those troopers continued to wear their blue-faced coats, at least until they wore out and could not be replaced"​

Unfortunately, though there are orders of battle printed in these two books, they're not specific enough to indicate whether any of the drafted 16th Light Dragoons were present in any of the battles in the southern campaign. I'm afraid some deeper digging is required, M'lud!

Prosit!
Brad

 

[Cornwallis]

Thanks for all your help, much appreciated. :salute::

I think there is a US based group of 16th LD reenactors, I am going to send an email and will post their reply back if I get one!

Cheers

 

[trooper]

According to the regimental history the 16th never integrated with the 17th. It states that after Monmouth the regiment was so reduced that it was ordered home. The horses were transferred to other corps, a dismounted detachment was sent to the West Indies and the rest of the regiment embarked for England. (The 16th The Queen's Light Dragoons (Lancers) 1759-1912 byColonel Henry Graham) Trooper

 

[Cornwallis]

I had a kind response from:-

Don Beale
CO 16th
GOIC British Brigade, Ret.

When we were drafted into the 17th it was impossible to get the men to change coats. Who would willingly give up a royal coat for a white faced one? From the histories I have read they wore then till they were very far gone.

I would expect in the Southern campaign, we would go to blanket rolls over the knapsack but as we use Hinde as our source for early war I am not sure.
We also adapted the idea proposed by Col Harcourt for small amount of rifles for the troop.

 

[Fusilier]

I had a kind response from:-

Don Beale
CO 16th
GOIC British Brigade, Ret.

When we were drafted into the 17th it was impossible to get the men to change coats. Who would willingly give up a royal coat for a white faced one? From the histories I have read they wore then till they were very far gone.

I would expect in the Southern campaign, we would go to blanket rolls over the knapsack but as we use Hinde as our source for early war I am not sure.
We also adapted the idea proposed by Col Harcourt for small amount of rifles for the troop.

It's cool that you got a reply so quick. So, I guess you can feel confident in using the figure for the Southern Campaign. It seems no one has any real evidence to support the idea that the 16th did receive new coats, at least, not that we have seen.

Noah