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We have spent four
years raising our group, and have undertaken considerable research
to reach our current impression; which is always under review.
At present the two guidon flags that were lost have been located,
and there are plans to have exact copies reproduced.
The early WYC was raised in 1794 during the Napoleonic Wars as a
back up to the regular army in case of invasion.
They were also used to prevent civil unrest up until 1827 at which
time they were disbanded. In 1831 they were re-formed with the later
pattern uniform and equipment.
The separate troops raised consisted of:
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Worcester
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Wolverley
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Kings Norton
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Kidderminster
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Stourbridge
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Bromsgrove
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Dudley
Manoeuvres were held at
Eastnor Castle, Bevere, Madresfield Court, Strensham Court, Kempsey,
Pitchcroft and Powick Hams.
Lt. Colonel John Somers Cocks commanded, and was also first Earl of
Eastnor. The Earl's son an ADC to Wellington, and a major in the
16th Light Dragoons was killed at Burgos during the Peninsular War.
An interesting point to note was that a WYC instructor, Edwin
Hughes, who lived in Birmingham until he was 96 years old, was also
one of the last survivors of the Charge of the Light Brigade, 25th
October 1854.
Our Tarleton helmets are exact copies of an original piece held by
Worcester City Museum.
The Officers' tarletons had bearskin crests with leopard turbans,
whilst the troopers used black sheepskin with a black silk turban.
Weaponry and leatherwear are standard dragoon items. Our jackets are
based on a generic yeomanry type, common throughout Britain ca.
1803. We also use first hand descriptions of a uniform still extant
at Wick House Pershore in 1914, and also a miniature watercolour of
a Captain J W Lavender of the 3rd troop, wearing the silver braid of
a mid-ranking officer.
Senior officer's braid is gold as was worn by Stourbridge, Kings
Norton, Bromsgrove and Dudley.
Our facings are black as per Kings Norton and Stourbridge (black
velvet was commonly worn by officers in other British units).
Troopers facings being wool.
The old 1914 record states black or blue facings. We chose black as
the unit, being made 'Royal' in 1839, was only then allowed to wear
the Royal Blue.
Our boots are the regular dragoon pattern. Hessian and 'butcher'
boots were also worn at the time.
Swords are the standard 1796 light cavalry pattern (our officers use
original pieces with blue and gilt blades) with sabretache.
Sabretache are worn by officers and men. Troopers carry Elliott
style carbines. (12 carbines per troop).
Pistols issued were Elliotts or the newer land pattern.
Our stable jackets are standard pattern single breasted with black
facings, and our forage caps are the high muffin type, based on
original examples we have seen.
Worn over the left shoulder, our white buff leather belt holds a
black leather cartridge pouch containing 28 charges in a drilled
wooden former.
For full dress, white woolen breeches or off white buckskins were
worn. Overalls with lace-up ankle boots and plug-in 'box' spurs
being worn for heavy duties/drills.
Officers' and troopers' greatcoats/capecoats were dark blue.
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