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I've wondered about the use of stocks, stiff high collars, as part of British military uniforms in the 18th & 19th centuries. I've read that stocks, initially of leather, were used to protect the neck from sword slashes. I've also read that this is a misconception and they were more ornamental, giving troops a more upright "heads-up appearance. I know the US Marines adopted them and got the name "leathernecks" as a result. In reading an old diary I saw "Watch mounting without stocks" and later, "watch to resume the use of stocks". The watch referred to was a night time one aboard a convict ship. The guards were in the habit of making a comfy nest for themselves on top of the chicken coop and having a "kip" until the butcher, peeved at having his hay messed up, discouraged them with buckets of cold water. Could stocks have been a device to keep soldiers alert? Its a bit hard to nod off with something hard cutting into your chin and neck. Can anyone contribute information?