Uniform

Epaulettes, green with
yellow crests.

Aspects of the 69eme Voltigeur uniform - updated August 2009

69eme was nicknamed “the black regiment” because their coat was in 1802 a deep brown almost black with red
collar, white piping and tight red trousers, short boots and a chapeau with a tall tricolour plume.

New information has been found that according to a letter from a returning 'Egyptian', the dark brown coat
sported dark blue facings when red cloth was in short supply in 1802. The 69eme took receipt of new 'national'
uniforms and were wearing these when depoted shortly after in Besancon.
This information updates previous thinking that the dark blue facings were on the 'national' uniform. (confirmed
by regimental history. (see image below).

They also for a period of time in 1815 had a dark blue habit court with sky blue turn-backs, white piping, red
collar, white piping. Not clear yet whether this was worn at Ligny.

Illustrations are seen of the Egyptian campaign with brown coat, red collar, cuffs and turn-backs all piped white,
white trousers, waistcoat and short gaiters. On all accounts its recorded that they went through several uniform
changes from 1799 on. Another source states in Egypt coat brown, collar scarlet, piped blue, cuffs white, turn-
backs white, piping white, yellow over white plume. Also at some stage scarlet facings piped white.

The 69eme habits had vertical pockets, and started with white metal buttons. It is not clear when they switched
to brass as all buttons found in Spain, Portugal and Leipzig are brass.

White breeches, white gaitors, blue overalls
Fusiliers had red collar, blue ‘heart’ shape motif on rear of turn-backs.
Voltigeurs had chamois coloured collar, green with yellow crescent epaulettes. Green and yellow plumes, and
green cords.