Yorktown, 1781
In early 1781, the Light Infantry Company of the Royal Fuziliers arrived in the Chesapeake Bay as part of the 1st Light Infantry Battalion, under the command of Lt Col. Abercrombie. The 1st LI Battalion participated in several raids in Virginia's Tidewater region as well as the battle of Green Spring. Eventually, Cornwallis anchored his army at Yorktown.
The uniform of the Light Infantry was largely unchanged, save for the gaitored trousers. Trousers of this style began to be adopted by the British Army starting in 1776. When constructed of flax linen or Russia drill (hemp), as seen here, they were much cooler than the standard issue wool breeches and stockings.
The uniform of the Light Infantry was largely unchanged, save for the gaitored trousers. Trousers of this style began to be adopted by the British Army starting in 1776. When constructed of flax linen or Russia drill (hemp), as seen here, they were much cooler than the standard issue wool breeches and stockings.
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