MAJOR - ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS 1891

Full Dress Uniform (Review Order)

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This is the full ceremonial uniform that would have been worn on a state occasion or in the presence of the monarch. The tunic itself has already been described in the RWF Dress Uniform ((Marching Order) entry in this Ceremonial Uniform section For these special occasions the crimson silk sash normally worn by Infantry officers when on duty, was exchanged for a 2 in. wide crimson and gold striped sash on a morocco leather backing, with gold and crimson tassel ends, as shown here. The normal white leather waist belt and slings, was replaced with a red morocco leather belt and slings, faced with gold and crimson lace The clasp is the normal officer's gilded regimental clasp. The sword itself is the 1822 pattern infantry officers sword and the Royal Welsh Fusiliers had a special device in the hilt. It is carried in a brass scabbard by an officer of Field rank. The sword knot is a gold and crimson strap with a gold acorn The dark blue overalls carry a double stripe of gold with a central crimson line to match the sword belt lace Infantry officers wore the blue cloth helmet but officers in Fusilier regiments wore a bearskin cap very similar to a Guards officer. On the front of the RWF bearskin cap is a gilt flaming grenade with the Prince of Wales crest in silver. At the back of the collar can be seen the famous RWF "flash". In the days when soldiers wore pigtails (called the "queue") they were worn powdered and greased, and to protect their jackets pigtails were enclosed in a bag known as a "queue ba g". In 1808 the queue was abolished and hair ordered to be cut short. The ribbons that tied the pigtail were known as "the flash" and by a special decree from King William IV in 1834, the Royal Welch Fusiliers were allowed to retain the flash in the form of the black silk you see here. Until 1900 it was worn only by officers and senior NCO's. White leather gloves were worn with this uniform

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