Uniform, Kit, and Decorations

Victorian 1882-1885 Uniform & Equipment

Getting started is easy and new members are encouraged to consult others in the group before making purchases to be sure they are getting the proper kit. Soldiers in the Royal Sussex Regiment are expected to acquire, in time, two separate, distinct uniforms.

Garrison Uniform -
The garrison uniform consists of a greyback shirt, navy blue trousers with a 1/4" red stripe, ammo boots, and scarlet frock with five buttons, royal blue collar and cuffs. Headgear is either the glengarry or white foreign service pith helmet. The white leather waistbelt with universal pattern brass buckle is to be worn along with one ammo pouch. Brass helmet spike is optional, but suggested to have. This uniform is worn for non-combat living histories, parties, and functions. It is also appropriate for portraying the Egyptian Campaign of 1882. If a member is entitled to wear the Egyptian campaign medal and Khedive Star, he may wear it on this uniform. If a member is entitled to wear a L.S.G.C. stripe, he may wear it on this uniform as well.

Service Uniform -
This uniform is to be worn for combat reenactments which are post 1882. It consists of a greyback shirt, khaki drill frock, khaki trousers, tan puttees, and ammo boots. The leather equipment is the P1882 Valise, which consists of a white leather waistbelt with universal buckle, suspender straps, two ammo pouches for Martini Henry rounds, and a bayonet frog. The soldier is also to have an Oliver-pattern canteen and leather carriage. On his head, the soldier is to have his white foreign service pith helmet to complete the ensemble. Neck curtains in khaki cloth are optional. Period or period-looking goggles are also recommended as these were issued to soldiers who fought in the Sudan. Campaign medal and/or Khedive Star may not be worn on the service uniform. A pattern 1882 Mounted Infantry Bandolier (not shown) of brown leather to carry an extra 50 Martini rounds may also be worn with the combat service uniform.

Martini Henry Rifle -
The Martini-Henry is more readily available than the Lee-Metford or Lee-Enfield Mk.I. The easiest place to get one is from Atlanta Cutlery, Inc. or IMA-USA, they are the same Nepalese imports and are generally in good shape. Invest in a bayonet as well! A reproduction P53 Enfield bayonet is shorter than the P76 Martini bayonet and the socket is slightly too wide. However, if you "bush" the socket and reduce the diameter to fit, that is also acceptable. This was done with a great number of surplus Enfield bayonets and it would not have been uncommon in the 1880's. Be sure to get a white leather sling for your Martini.

See Atlanta Cutlery 1880's Short Lever Martini-Henry
or IMA-USA 1880's Short Lever Martini-Henry

P82 Valise - Made of white leather, perfect for 1880's.

P71 Haversack - White cotton canvas for carrying your food and related effects. Easily made or purchased. Stan Dolan, the Regimental Quartermaster, makes the best one. IMA sells an acceptable version as well.

Oliver Pattern/Italian Waterbottle - A wooden canteen that looks rather lot like a small keg. You can get one from either Stan Dolan or IMA.

Mess Tin - Available either from John Van Vliet, the unit commander, or Stan Dolan. Do NOT get the flimsy Civil War British mess tin out there on the market. A mess tin cover is made of black canvas or you can buy one from Stan.

Medals and Decorations

No one today is alive who earned a medal in the 1880's. Members of the Royal Sussex Society, too, have not actually served in Queen Victoria's army, and thus are not to be considered valid recipients of any period decoration. However, since the vast majority of the Royal Sussex Regiment received the Egyptian Campaign medal and the Khedive Star in 1883, an accurate portrayal can include them on the garrison (scarlet) uniform. The following decorations will be considered on a case-by-case based upon meritorious service to the Society as a way of recognizing those who have put in extra effort for the advancement of our purposes. No decoration is to be worn without authorization, or, in our own fashion, earned. If the Society votes to approve, the President of the Society will present the recipient of a decoration at an appropriate time and place. The Society will recognize constructive contributions by members in the following fields: Initiative, Knowledge, Membership, and Proficiency.

Indian Mutiny: First issued in 1858 to those who had fought the mutineers. In 1868 it was extended to all those who served Britain under fire, even some in the civil service. About 290,000 were created. The Indian Mutiny was Britain's greatest threat to the empire since the fall of Napoleon and the 35th Regiment played a very active part in its suppression. For the Society, these may be worn by those soldiers 42 years of age or older who have demonstrated excellent attendance and initiative for the unit's Victorian events and projects, after at least two years of membership. Initiative

Egypt 1882-1885: These were issued to the 1st Batt. Royal Sussex Regiment on 22 Feb. 1883 for officers and rank & file who served in the Egyptian Campaign of 1882. "The Nile 1884-1885" clasp was awarded to those who had served on the Khartoum Expedition to relieve General Gordon. "Abu Klea 1885" was also awarded to those who had served in the battle against the Dervishes, such as the Royal Sussex. Egypt medal may be awarded to those Victorian soldiers who demonstrate a keen and thorough understanding of the history of the time period as well as carry themselves with a deportment and bearing becoming of a soldier before the public and his peers. Knowledge

Khedive Star 1882-1885: The Khedive of Egypt issued a bronze star to the British soldiers who preserved his throne by taking part in the war of 1882. It was also re-issued for the years 1884, 1885-1886, 1886-1889, and 1890. Medal may be awarded to those soldiers who take the initiative in sponsoring a Victorian reenactment event. Medal may also be awarded to those who successfully recruit two or more soldiers of upstanding quality, following their completion of one full year of membership. Membership

Long Service and Good Conduct (2 Years): These stripes were worn on the lower left sleeve, pointing up. They were granted to privates and lance corporals for long service and good conduct. A stripe also entitled the soldier to a slight pay raise. One stripe was awarded for two years, an additional for five, twelve, sixteen, eighteen, twenty one, and twenty six years of service. Stripes could also be revoked for infractures of discipline. A soldier may be awarded one LSGC stripe after demonstrating excellent attendance, a keen understanding and handling of drill, plus two years of full membership. Proficiency

7 Sept. 2007

	Indian Mutiny: First issued in 1858 to those who had fought the mutineers. In 1868 it was extended to all those who served Britain under fire, even some in the civil service. About 290,000 were created. The Indian Mutiny was Britain's greatest threat to the empire since the fall of Napoleon and the 35th Regiment played a very active part in its suppression. For the Society, these may be worn by those soldiers 42 years of age or older who have demonstrated excellent attendance and initiative for the unit's Victorian events and projects, after at least two years of membership. Initiative
	Egypt 1882-1885: These were issued to the 1st Batt. Royal Sussex Regiment on 22 Feb. 1883 for officers and rank & file who served in the Egyptian Campaign of 1882. "The Nile 1884-1885" clasp was awarded to those who had served on the Khartoum Expedition to relieve General Gordon. "Abu Klea 1885" was also awarded to those who had served in the battle against the Dervishes, such as the Royal Sussex. Egypt medal may be awarded to those Victorian soldiers who demonstrate a keen and thorough understanding of the history of the time period as well as carry themselves with a deportment and bearing becoming of a soldier before the public and his peers. Knowledge
	Khedive Star 1882-1885: The Khedive of Egypt issued a bronze star to the British soldiers who preserved his throne by taking part in the war of 1882. It was also re-issued for the years 1884, 1885-1886, 1886-1889, and 1890. Medal may be awarded to those soldiers who take the initiative in sponsoring a Victorian reenactment event. Medal may also be awarded to those who successfully recruit two or more soldiers of upstanding quality, following their completion of one full year of membership. Membership
	Long Service and Good Conduct (2 Years): These stripes were worn on the lower left sleeve, pointing up. They were granted to privates and lance corporals for long service and good conduct. A stripe also entitled the soldier to a slight pay raise. One stripe was awarded for two years, an additional for five, twelve, sixteen, eighteen, twenty one, and twenty six years of service. Stripes could also be revoked for infractures of discipline. A soldier may be awarded one LSGC stripe after demonstrating excellent attendance, a keen understanding and handling of drill, plus two years of full membership. Proficiency