Uniform of the 91st Reg. on St. Helena

[Regorian]

Try this:-

www.britishbattles.com/first-afghan-war/kabul-1842.htm.

Although this image is of the 8th Regiment, not the 91st, it is typical British line infantry c1840. The Link works, scroll down to 4th image, including map, and that is the 8th Regiment with blue collars and cuffs. The 91st had yellow. 

[iwccc]

Thanks Regorian,   Do you mean the photo with the drummer in it?  I am still having trouble identifying the actual uniform.  I relative I am researching was from Edinburgh and served part of his time (around 1840) on Saint Helena - probably would have seen Napoleon Bonaparte's body exhumed.  Some are saying the 91st was mainly Scottish men - some say he wore the kilt, others say he wore tartan trews, etc.etc.  some say he had a shako hat others say a later version.   Very confusing.  What to do next!?!? Surely there must be an accurate drawing of the 91st Reg. around the 1840's?  Thanks again

[Regorian]

I share your frustration. Because the bulk of the Regiment was in South Africa at the time (I think) perhaps that's why there's a lack of pictures. Even so, I would have thought the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders museum now would have many pictures/photographs of them. I believe you have been in contact with them.

Yes, the image with the drummer. Did you look at the other Link I gave you, they were 91st. That shako was introduced in 1830 I think. It was replaced by the 'Albert pot' in 1844. If your ancestor served after 1844, he may well have worn the new shako.

Your ancestor would certainly have seen Napoleon's coffin taken down to the ship that took him back to France. All the military would have lined the way and presented arms.   

I will persevere, 

[Tyrannosaurus]

An old lithograph of Napoleon's remains being escorted in 1840. You can zoom right in.
https://repository.library.brown.edu/studio/item/bdr:238875/

A description of the proceedings. (p.491)
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=S4tHAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA491

Rex

[iwccc]

Hi Tyrannosaurus,  Thank you, thank you thank you.  At last I can see what the 91st Reg. uniform was on St. Helena.  I very much appreciate your input to my search.  The details of the procession is also most helpful.
No doubt some other information I have received is of the 91st also - but of different years and different compaigns. Thank you

[iwccc]

Thanks Regorian,  I very much appreciate your search.  It's quite a buzz to realise that a relative was there when Napoleon's  body went by.  Cheers

[Regorian]

Very glad that you now have what you wanted. Not only there but 91st (up to 3 companies) leading the procession with reversed arms. I notice they were wearing the white linen summer trousers although it was October. Presumably because St Helena is Tropics.

Just to correct, I earlier repeated another source that said 91st kilted regiment from 1864. Not so, found quite a few illustrations between 1846 and 1878, including a super photograph of the regiment drawn up on parade in 1872. Short Scottish jackets, trews and the small French style shakos with a tartan band around the base. Pioneers in front then a line of pipers in full highland dress. 

[iwccc]

Thanks Regorian,  I will include the 'white linen summer trousers' when I write up my research. Thanks for pointing that out.
Obviously the 91st (and other Regs.) changed uniform over the years.  Glad I now have the one for 1840's on St. Helena - I now press onwards to life in Edinburgh in the 1770's.
It's been such an interesting and exciting topic to research.  Thanks for your input.  Cheers