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

In preparation for the New York Campaign, the British Army began a war-long process of adapting clothing and equipment to be more suitable for American field service.

General William Howe, the overall British commander, was a veteran of the British Light Infantry first formed during the French and Indian War to counter the agile tactics and woodcraft exhibited by the French and their Native American allies, and his experience on that service was reflected in in his willingness to allow his regiments to deviate from the established uniform regulations on active service in the name of pragmatism.

The first manifestations of this adaptability were carried out in Halifax in preparation for the Army’s decent on New York.

Firstly, many of the regiments put their knee breeches and half gaiters into storage, and adopted “gaitored trouzers”. These were full length trousers that incorporated both trousers and half gaiters in 1 convenient article of clothing. Usually made of either wool or Russia sheeting (hemp cloth, so called because hemp cloth was a major export of Russia in this period), these were much more practical and comfortable on active service.

Secondly, General Howe ordered his men to cut off their regulation hair queues and trim their hair to a uniform length of 1 inch. Amusingly, General Howe may have predicted that this particular change would not meet with the King’s approval, so he had the men cut their hair before receiving official Royal permission. By the time George III’s countermand of this order reached General Howe, the men’s hair had been clipped ensuring their comfort for the 2-3 years it would take for their hair to grow back to regulation length.

 

Lastly, cartridge boxes were likely left in stores; while the boxes provided extra ammunition if available, they were cumbersome and restricted fast-paced, prolonged movement. Cartridge boxes aside, the accouterments remained the same, having not yet received a new supply: 29-hole pouches, bayonets slung on a buff shoulder strap, tin canteen, and linen haversack.