Sergeant’s tunic in Undress, Drill Order, dating to 1894
Unlike Full Dress with elaborate facings and embellishments, Undress uniforms were simpler, intended for routine duties, drill, and parades without full ceremonial formality. The tunic shown is a white shell jacket, fastened with brass buttons, and worn with either trousers or a kilt in the Davidson tartan.
The red sash was worn by all senior non-commissioned officers (sergeants and above). The sash, worn over the right shoulder and tied at the left hip, was an important symbol of authority and tradition within Highland regiments. In Drill Order, it was combined with the white buff leather belt and regimental clasp buckle.
This undress ensemble balanced practicality with regimental identity. While simpler than Full Dress, it still retained distinctive features such as the Davidson tartan, regimental buttons, and the sash that set senior NCOs apart. Such uniforms were commonly seen on parade grounds and during training exercises throughout the late 19th century.
Pte. Full Dress – Musketry Order 1893
This is a private soldier’s Full Dress uniform in Musketry Order, dated 1893. “Full Dress” refers to the most formal and complete version of the uniform, worn on ceremonial occasions, parades, inspections, and when appearing before the public. The bright scarlet tunic with dark blue collar and cuffs, decorated with brass regimental buttons, was the hallmark of the British and Canadian forces of the period.
“Musketry Order” describes the specific way the equipment was arranged for live-fire training and marksmanship practice. In this order, the soldier wore the white buff leather waist belt fitted with a clasp buckle, the cartridge box or pouch slung on the right hip for ready access to ammunition, and the white buff cross belt over the left shoulder to support additional equipment, such as the bayonet frog or ball bag. This configuration ensured that the soldier could carry cartridges securely and reload efficiently while firing on the range.
The uniform shown would have been completed with trousers or kilt in Davidson tartan, depending on the occasion, and a headdress such as a glengarry or feather bonnet for parade. The combination of brilliant scarlet cloth, polished brass, and white leather presented an impressive and disciplined appearance while maintaining the practicality needed for musketry training.