His Majesty's 4th "King's Own" Regiment of Foot

On April 19th, 1775 the Light Infantry were dressed much as they were when the company was first raised in 1771. Rather than a full length madder red coat, the Light Infantry wore a coatee, cut with short skirts, and small laced wings on the shoulder seam. The coatee is laced in the same manner as the full length coats. Rather than wear a white cloth waistcoat, the waistcoat is made of the same cloth as the coat, has laced button holes, welted pockets, and ends at the waist without tails. The white cloth breeches remain the same as those of the battalion companies, with metal buckles at the knees, and white metal buttons matching the coat and waistcoat. The shirt is standard white linen, closing at the wrist with metal sleeve buttons, and adorned with ruffles at the chest that could be removed to avoid harm during laundering. Alternatively, a shirt of a uniform check pattern could be worn. A horsehair neckstock, wool stockings, and painted linen gaiters complete the ensemble.

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The leather cap differed from the 1771 Regulations, having a waved top, and a white metal"4," and lion attached to the shield. While the Light Infantry were issued cocked hats like the rest of the Regiment, they likely sat in storage as they had no use for them at the time.

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The Light Infantry received new accouterments prior to leaving for North America. These consisted of a 29 hole cartridge pouch hanging on the right side, and a bayonet hanging on the left. Both are slung by whitened-buff leather belts. The recreated Company wears a pouch badge and belt buckle based on originals found in Concord. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Light Company also carried 18 round cartridge boxes from the Government issued accouterments, leaving the matching bayonet frog in storage.

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While it appears the Light Company carried powder horns and ball bags in the months leading up to April,1775, none were lost during the action, indicating that the Company did not carry them that day. New 2nd Land pattern firelocks completed the arms and accouterments.