Charleston, 1780
The Light Company of the Royal Fuziliers had been assigned to the 1st Light Infantry Battalion in 1778. The 1st Light Infantry Battalion accompanied General Clinton's force to take Charleston, SC in 1779. The siege of Charleston lasted from March 29th until May 12th, 1780. The city's capitulation resulted in the largest American surrender until the April 1942 fall of Bataan.
While new accoutrements had been provided in 1777, a new style of Light Infantry cap was introduced in late 1778. This new style cap was constructed of black wool felt and was trimmed with black wool tape and tassles. The green ostrich feather had been adopted by most Light Infantry Companies early in the war. The 1st Light Infantry Battalion spent the winter of 1779/80 wearing their standard issue white wool breeches. To keep their legs warm and protected, they had been issued black wool leggings.
While new accoutrements had been provided in 1777, a new style of Light Infantry cap was introduced in late 1778. This new style cap was constructed of black wool felt and was trimmed with black wool tape and tassles. The green ostrich feather had been adopted by most Light Infantry Companies early in the war. The 1st Light Infantry Battalion spent the winter of 1779/80 wearing their standard issue white wool breeches. To keep their legs warm and protected, they had been issued black wool leggings.
