British Soliders Kit Zulu War.

Posts : 2308 Join date : 2010-07-02 Age : 41

Not sure if this has been covered before.

Doe’s anyone know what a British Soldiers kit consisted if during the Zulu War. And if possible the weight of what he was expected to carry with him.

Posts : 1858 Join date : 2009-03-25

Neil would be the best one to answer this. Idea

Posts : 552 Join date : 2009-10-14 Location : Loughborough

It depends on what you class as Kit, each man would carry the obvious items of comfort, shaving was not mandatory on campaign, and a man was not expected to turn out on parade order, but in terms of "basics"

So

Helmet & glengarry
Italia (oliver) Water bottle
breadbag/haversack
P1871 Valise, consisting of 2 x Ammo pouch, expense pouch, p53/74 or p76 bayonet and frog. Braces (marching order), valise kept on regimental transport.
Greatcoat
Jag & oiler
Martini
Gaiters

Posts : 2308 Join date : 2010-07-02 Age : 41

Hi Neil. Thanks for your response.
So can I take it the modern day infantry Solider carries more kit than the soldier back in 1879. The reason I ask. When you see images on T.V of our troops in Afghanistan, they seem to be so laden down with kit. It this because of the modern day technology.
Are you able to tell me the weight of the kit in 1879.

Sorry I'm new to this.

glengarry ???
Jag & oiler ???

Posts : 3182 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

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glengarry

Posts : 2308 Join date : 2010-07-02 Age : 41

Don't know what happen there. Got kit off for some reason.

Anyway thanks for the photo 1879Graves. Now I know. Idea

Posts : 629 Join date : 2009-01-20 Age : 43

impi. They had it easy back then, Idea

Posts : 552 Join date : 2009-10-14 Location : Loughborough

Impi
Jag, screws on rifles clearing rod to clean, standard issue, brass or brass/pewter oiler is a small bottle with a steel dibber to apply gun oil to rifle.

Other essential items of comfort ,Clay pipe!