Why 18th Century European Soldiers Dressed So Formally When Engaged in Battle

According to Adam Zamoyski's biography of Napoleon, battlefield paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries were often nothing more than propagandistic tools for nationalist purposes. This misconception paints a picture vastly different from reality; many soldiers of the Grande Armée, led by Napoleon, were clothed in tattered attire and lacked proper footwear. In fact, the immense casualties suffered in the Russian winter of 1812 can be attributed, in part, to the poor conditions these soldiers had to endure.

Custom-Tailored Uniforms and Well-Off Soldiers

One often overlooked aspect of these armed forces was the choice of attire. Officers and other affluent members of the army frequently commissioned custom-tailored uniforms. For instance, Sir Arthur Wellesley, later Duke of Wellington, is depicted casually at the Battle of Waterloo while wearing a simple dark cloak. It would be uncommon for him to be donning the formal British red uniforms that soldiers of the common ranks were expected to wear.

Uniform Wearing and Maintenance

So why would soldiers wear formal uniforms knowing the conditions they would face? Battlefield paintings of the first and second battles painted a picture of well-groomed, uniformly dressed troops. However, the reality of supply management during campaigns meant that replacement cloth was a low priority. Under these conditions, uniforms would soon degenerate into rags, with soldiers doing their best to mend them. Certain parts of the uniform, such as the hat and leather cartridge belt, were more durable and served as identifiers. Yet, any regiment that campaigned for any length of time resembled a collection of well-armed beggars, far from the militaristic splendors depicted in the paintings.

Color Drift and Uniform Wearer Practices

Uniforms were made with cheap, abundant dyes, a practice that persisted from the Middle Ages through the Second World War. Even when the cloth held up, the bright colors would fade over time, transforming red, blue, or white uniforms into shades of brown, grey, and occasionally blue. Mud, rain, and blood further deteriorated this coloration. Consequently, the uniform's appearance would often take on a washed-out, uniform-dull brownish-grey appearance.

The day-to-day activities of soldiers also contributed to the degradation of their uniforms. Equipment scavenging was a common practice, especially during and after battles. Boots, which were a critical item, were particularly desirable. Since soldiers usually only received two boots, which could be worn on either foot, the need for padding was evident. Soldiers would often exchange uniform components, including belts, cartridge boxes, and backpacks, to address these needs and improve their comfort and functionality.

Conclusion

The elaborate uniforms often depicted in 18th and 19th-century paintings served a propagandistic purpose rather than reflecting the actual conditions of the battlefield. While well-off soldiers and officers could afford custom-tailored uniforms, the reality on the ground was quite different. Frozen feet, uniformed rags, and fading colors all contributed to the miserable experience of many soldiers during their campaigns, including the fateful campaign in Russia in 1812.