1879 Commander Field Uniform

I am trying to get a commander in the Naval Battalion impression going and I need to know what the uniform looked like in the field. I have already got the blue tunic and pants, but I was wondering if they would have the same buttons and belt buckle as the normal royal navy officers. I have seen some with a brownish color pith helmet, was this the white pith helmet dyed with tea? I have seen some painting with a blue cloth wrapped around the pith helmet, is this correct? Does anybody have a source for the Royal Naval officer regulations during this time?

Thank You
Mason Howse

Mason,

Welcome to the forum.

There are few photographs of naval officers from the Zulu War. The only Commander I have seen is Commander Campbell, HMS Active. There is one of him with the blue jacket, white pants, and officer cap. The second photo of him is right after he was promoted to Captain. He and the other officers are all wearing blue jacket and blue pants. Some officers have caps and others helmets. Campbell wears, or holds a cap in both of the photos. I have not seen him with a helmet. The belt buckle would be the same on the undress uniform for commanders and other officer ranks below admiral. I can’t remember if the buttons were the same, but I think they were.

I don’t know what uniform was worn by the other two commanders (Romilly, “Boadicea” and Brackenbury, “Shah”) since I cannot find a photo of either of them. Some of their lieutenants and surgeon were photographed with the blue jacket and pants, with dyed helmet.

I think there are some photographs somewhere on the forum, but I am not sure where, and I can’t post any photos myself.

Below is the” Uniform Regulation for Officers, Petty Officers and Seamen of the Fleet” from 1879

http://books.google.com/books?id=fV0BAAAAQAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=uniform+regulations+for+officers,+petty+officers+and+seaman+of+the+fleet&as_brr=1#v=onepage&q&f=false

I hope this is of some help to you.


Petty Officer Tom

Thank You, I am very grateful. I portray a Confederate Naval Captain during the American Civil War. I wanted to get an Infantry British Uniform for the Zulu Wars, but when I searched this forum and found a Naval Battalion, I had to get the uniform instead. You have helped me a lot. I have ordered a uniform to be made, and a pith helmet, which I will dye with tea. I think I can convert a Naval hat used in the 1860's by the US Navy and Merchant Navy. I was wondering if you know were to get a Victorian royal navy hat badge that does not cost a lot. The cheapest I found was $50.00. For the armament I have a British Bulldog. I think I can use my Civil War officer, gentleman shoes. I am the marketing and online director for a leather and canvas accouterments maker, and can get the leather goods. I will send you some photos via email when I obtain all the necessary items. Thank You for all your help


Thank You
Mason Howse

Hi Cmdr Howse.
This may interest you , I'm sure this is the type of buckle as used in 1879 .

http://www.arcticmedals.com/catalog/item/3730527/8318946.htm

Cheers 90th.

Mason,

Good luck with the uniform. You might consider contacting one of the Zulu War re-enactment groups to find out where they acquire their uniforms. I believe there are a couple of “sutler’s stores” that sell uniforms, etc.


Petty Officer Tom

Thank You 90th for the buckle information.

Mason Howse

Here are photos of my first attempt at creating a Zulu War Royal Navy Battalion Commanders Uniform. Thank You for all your help.

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Mason Howse